4th of July 2020 – Fireworks, Festivals and Parades: What’s On and What’s Canceled

This just in…Valley Country Club JUST CANCELED! BOOM! BANG! CHEAP! The fireworks that typically light up the skies over Denver/Boulder for Fourth of July are few and far between this year. With restrictions on large gatherings and municipalities facing fiscal disaster, not to mention laid-off staff, we’ve found 7 fireworks show still scheduled. A handful of neighborhoods also plan to hold kids parades or “virtual” celebrations.

The list below reflects the fireworks displays that we have confirmed as of publication. Some are being run by cities or counties, others by private groups. In case of bad weather or other circumstances, such as fire restrictions, some shows may be canceled. Check back here and on event websites for updated information.

The rest of the list are all the canceled events held in 2019 so you can scan them for easy reference. If there’s something we missed or got wrong, please email laura@milehighonthecheap.com.

If you are looking for things to do specifically on Saturday, July 4, check out this list of attractions that are open, special events at restaurants & bars and Independence Day deals.

Fireworks on Friday, July 3

Berthoud

Berthoud Fireworks Celebration — Fireworks show starts at dusk (about 9:15 p.m.) to celebrate all that we have been through. For the show this year, fireworks will be launched higher into the sky so they can be seen from a greater distance. Grab your lawn chair as they light up the night with the best show on the Front Range. Fireworks staging will take place at Waggener Farm. No groups will be allowed to gather on or near the property.

Fireworks On Saturday, July 4

Brighton

Fourth of July Fireworks — A fireworks display starts at dusk (about 9 p.m.) and should be visible over most of the community. Look towards the water tower in East Brighton. You can watch it live on KBRI-8 (Comcast channels 8 and 881) and the City of Brighton’s Facebook page. All other Brighton festivals have been canceled.

Centennial

CANCELED!!! Valley Country Club 4th of July Fireworks — The is a private members-only event, but non-members can watch from areas surrounding the club. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. 14601 Country Club Dr., Centennial.

Firestone

4th at Firestone — This is a modified event (no parade or large group festivities) for 2020, but the show must go on! Fireworks are moving back to Saddleback Golf Course and will be shot-off just north of the 15th hole. The Town of Firestone will have parking available for an excellent view of the show at the property that surrounds Town Hall. Parking lot opens at 6:30 p.m.

Food Trucks will be open for orders starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall parking lot. All participating food vendors will have online ordering options for your health and safety. Information on participating Food Trucks will be available the week prior to the event their website. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. and will be visible from Miner’s Park (170 Grant Ave.)

Loveland & Fort Collins

Larimer County Drive-In Fireworks Show — Fireworks show begins at approximately 9:15 p.m. and runs about 20 minutes. Concludes at about 9:35 p.m. Patriotic music provided by 96.1 KISS FM beginning at 8:30 p.m. will accompany the show and provide full “drive-in” experience.

Held at The Ranch Complex. Gates open for vehicle-only entry at 7:30 p.m. at the south entrance of Ranch Events Complex (1,000 parking places available). Patrons are encouraged to visit the paved parking lots outside of the Ranch first, as wait times for entry and exit will be significantly less. Restroom facilities provided, but no food or other vendors on site.

Morrison

Bandimere Speedway: Jet Car Nationals & Family Festival — Family festival with drag racing, live music, troop salute, jet cars and more at the Speedway. Elimination rounds start at 12:30 p.m. Pre-race ceremony at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. and fireworks at about 9:45 p.m. Tickets run $18 to $30 in advance, $21 to $33 at the gate. Parking is $15. Discount coupons available at participating Brakes Plus & Chick-fil-a locations.

Those in the vicinity should be able to see the fireworks. Check the Speedway website for radio stations carrying simulcasts of the music.

Windsor

July 4th in Windsor — Instead of Boardwalk Park, this year’s fireworks display will be launched from a location situated between the Poudre River Trail to the north and New Liberty Rd. to the south and between 7th St. to the east and Colorado Blvd. to the west. This location is considered to be the highest point in town.

For many, the display will likely be viewable from the comfort of their yard. For those who won’t be able to see it from their home, residents are asked to disperse into green spaces, along sidewalks and on bike paths, adhering to physical distancing guidelines. On-site viewing will not be available.

Fireworks will launch at approximately 9:10 p.m.

Canceled Events: Thursday, July 2

Denver

CANCELED. Colorado Rockies Post-Game Fireworks — The Rockies play the Houston Astros at Coors Field at 6:10 p.m., followed by a huge fireworks display. Tickets start at $45.

CANCELED. Four Mile Historic Park’s Independence Day Celebration – From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., delight in live music, pioneer games, food trucks, face painting, a demonstration by the 1st Colorado Infantry and concert by That Damn Sasquatch. Watch the Glendale fireworks show at sunset. Tickets are $5/adults, $4 seniors/military with ID, $3/youth (7-17) free/6 and under. No pets, outside food or beverages, smoking or flammables. 715 S. Forest St., Denver; 720-865-0800.

Glendale

CANCELED. Glendale Fireworks Show – One of the largest and oldest in Denver. Starts at dusk (about 9 p.m.) Prime viewing spots at 600 and 650 Cherry Street, along Exposition Dr. (between S. Cherry & Four Mile House), north of Virginia Avenue, south of Cherry Creek Drive and west of Colorado Blvd. Many people gather in and around the parking lots at Whole Foods Colo. Blvd. and CitySet to watch.

Canceled Events: Friday, July 3

Brighton

CANCELED. Stars & Stripes Independence Day Celebration — Riverdale Regional Park (Adams County Fairgrounds) from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Family activities, Kid’s Fun Zone, food and beer for purchase. Music by Southern Fryed, Kory Brunson Band and Midnight Party Machine. Fireworks set to music start at 9:30 p.m. Bring blankets and chairs. 9755 Henderson Rd. 

Denver

CANCELED. Civic Center Independence Eve Celebration — Denver’s Civic Center Park (Broadway & Colfax), 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. FREE concert starts at 5 p.m. featuring eclectic folk band Alright Alright, Denver-based phenomenon Jen Korte and the Loss and the acclaimed Chris Daniels and the Kings. Then, the Colorado Symphony performs, accompanied by a light show display on the Denver City & County Building and dazzling fireworks finale. Enjoy food truck fare along with beer & wine gardens. Lawn seating available on first-come, first-served basis. Takes place rain or shine. Civic Center is easily accessible by light rail, bus, bicycle or 16th Street free MallRide so use public transportation. 303-861-4633.

CANCELED. Colorado Rockies Post-Game Fireworks — The Rockies play the Houston Astros at Coors Field at 6:10 p.m., followed by a huge fireworks display. Tickets start at $45.

Erie

CANCELED. Erie Fireworks Show — No frills, back-to-basics fireworks-only show produced by the Town of Erie. Bring a blanket, and perhaps a picnic, and find the perfect spot. After dusk a fireworks show will delight from Vista Ridge. Great viewing locations include: Columbine Mine Park, the Vista Ridge Clubhouse, and viewers are welcome on the driving range (after 5 p.m.).

Littleton

CANCELED. Littleton Red, White and You Celebration — 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Food, beer & wine garden, exhibits, bounces houses, FREE concert at 7 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Clement Park, 7306 W. Bowles Ave., 303-409-2100.

Canceled Events: Saturday, July 4

Arvada

CANCELED. Arvada Fireworks Display — Arvada’s Independence Day Celebration returns to its roots, focusing on the core of the holiday–fireworks! Gates at the Stengler Sports Complex open to vehicles at 7 p.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. No personal fireworks, alcohol, drones or pets allowed. The park is at 58th and Oak St.

Aurora

CANCELED. Aurora 4th of July Spectacular — FREE activities go from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Live music, delicious food and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Parking permitted at Town Center at Aurora, Community College of Aurora and Aurora City Place. Or take the RTD R-Line to Aurora Metro Station. Held at the Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy.

Black Hawk

CANCELED. Black Hawk Boom Town Fireworks — Calls itself the largest display in Colorado. Weather and fire restrictions permitting, the fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Boulder

CANCELED. Boulder: Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast — Gates to he University of Colorado’s Folsom Field open at 8 p.m. for entertainment followed by fireworks. Ride FREE HOP shuttles from downtown and Twenty Ninth Street Mall beginning at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 8 p.m. The program starts at 8:30 p.m. with Boy Scout Color Guard and everyone’s favorite, Ralphie. Fireworks cap off the event at about 9:45 p.m.

Brighton

CANCELED. Brighton Fourth of July — Carmichael Park is the site of festivities from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Activities for the whole family, music and food vendors. DJ Tidalwave kick off the musical entertainment at 5 p.m. with interactive activities, group dancing and more. Funkiphino performs at 7 p.m. After the concert watch one of the region’s largest firework displays. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, bug spray, sunscreen and water. The Park is just behind City Hall at 500 S. 4th Ave.

Broomfield

CANCELED. Broomfield Great American Picnic — Beginning at 5 p.m. in Broomfield County Commons Park with children’s carnival ($8 unlimited play on inflatables, and $3 pony rides), concessions; 5:45 p.m. bike parade (open to all ages); 6 p.m. 17th Avenue Allstars performs; 6:15 p.m. City Council gives away FREE summer treats; 7:15 p.m. concert by That Eighties Band, and 9:30 p.m. fireworks. Limited parking available at the Broomfield County Commons. Additional parking will be located at Legacy High School with shuttles provided from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., 303-464-5530.

Castle Rock

CANCELED. Fourth of July Fireworks — A 15-minute fireworks show will shoot off from the top of Santa Fe Quarry Mesa (from the butte located just south of The Meadows, above Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course) at sundown, about 9:30 p.m. There will be a three-shot salute to start the show. A similar salute will also end the show. At the conclusion of the show, The Star atop The Rock will turn off.

Fireworks should visible from most places in town. Stay tuned to their social media channels for updates.​ In the event of rain or severe weather, fireworks will be postponed to July 5. If stage 2 fire restrictions are in place on July 4, the event will be canceled.

Commerce City

CANCELED. Commerce City 4thFest — The annual 4thFest takes place at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Pre-match festival starts at 5 p.m. on Burgundy Boulevard is and FREE to all. Includes obstacle courses, trampoline, ropes course, human foosball, laser tag arena, mechanical bull, bounce houses, live music and more. Denver band Lola Rising will be performing Live on the main stage at Burgundy Boulevard from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Largest public fireworks show in Colorado at 9:30 p.m. Colorado Rapids vs. New England Revolution at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $29. Parking lots open at 4 p.m. Limited parking so RTD bus and rail system is encouraged. Route 62 bus stop is at the stadium’s front door.

Denver

CANCELED. Denver Outlaws Post-Game Fireworks — The Outlaws vs. the Chesapeake Bayhawks at 7 p.m. One of the coolest close-proximity extravaganzas you’ll ever see. Fireworks within the bowl at Mile High Stadium feature pyrotechnics paired with a show on the 220-foot wide Thundervision screen. Tickets start at $15 (plus fees).

CANCELED. Elitch Gardens — The amusement park lights up Denver skies with a fireworks extravaganza. Show starts at park closing time, about 10 p.m. Show is free with a day ticket or season pass.

CANCELED. Highland Neighborhood 4th of July — Parade, live music, bike decorating, field day games and community picnic. For the Grand Finale, Little Man Ice Cream will create a 200-foot-long sundae at 11:30 a.m. Kids can bring their decorated (non-motorized) bike and meet at 32nd Ave. & Clay St. Decorating starts at 8 a.m. with the parade starting at 9:30 a.m. down 32nd Ave. to Tejon, ending at Hershorn Park about 10 a.m. FREE hot dogs for all.

CANCELED. Park Hill 4th of July Parade — The northeast Denver tradition starts at 1:30 p.m. and runs on 23rd Ave. from Dexter St. to Krameria St. Includes floats, bicycles, costumed characters, classic cars, a marching band and more. The parade ends about 3 p.m. at the Kearney Street Fair on the 2200 block of Kearney with food, live music, kids’ activities and more.

CANCELED. Stapleton Pancake Breakfast & Parade — Start with a pancake breakfast at 9 a.m. ($5/adults, $3/children or family 4-pack for $12) at the Fountain Pavilion in Central Park, followed by an old-fashioned parade with bikes, trikes, wagons and scooters beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Fountain Pavilion.

CANCELED. Wash Park 4th of July Parade — From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the Boat House. Festivities include kids bike parade, patriotic music from Denver Municipal Band’s Brass Quintet, food, drinks and giveaways from local businesses.

Englewood

CANCELED. Englewood 4th of July Festival — From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Belleview & Cornerstone Parks. FREE event (small fee for some activities and attractions) includes face painting, bungee trampoline, bounce castle and live entertainment. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Also Pirates Cove, Miniature Train and Petting Farm open at 10 a.m. in Belleview Park. Both parks: Belleview and Cornerstone are located near the intersection of W. Belleview and S. Windermere).

Estes Park

CANCELED. Estes Park 4th of July Celebration — “Steam-to-Electric” Coolest Car Show canceled for 2020. Rest of events are a go. Estes Village Band gives a FREE concert at 7 p.m. at Performance Park Amphitheater. Fireworks over Lake Estes at 9:30 p.m. In addition (to be confirmed): The Big Bang Concert (cost $17/adults, $5/kids) offers a view of the fireworks along with music, food, local craft beer and wine at the Estes Park Fairgrounds in the Grandstands. Estes Park FREE shuttles have extended evening hours this day to take you to all activities.

Evergreen

CANCELED. Evergreen Music Festival — 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Buchanan Park. Musical performances throughout the day. Bounce house and kids activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with food & drink available for purchase. Rotary Club Classic Car Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wash Park Band headlines from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Admission: adults $15, teens 13 to 18 $5, kids under 12, active military and veterans are FREE. Parking is $5 at Buchanan Park and Rec Center and FREE at nearby lots. 1520 Evergreen Pkwy., Evergreen.

Fort Collins

CANCELED. Fort Collins July 4 Celebration — Parade at 10 a.m. along Mountain Ave. Starting at 4 p.m. enjoy music, food vendors and more at City Park. Fort Collins Symphony plays at 8:15 p.m. Fireworks showover Sheldon Lake at 9:35 p.m. FREE Transfort shuttle service to and from the park starting at 5:30 p.m. from the Downtown Transit Center (DTC) and the CSU Towers parking lot.

Golden

CANCELED. Golden 4th of July Festival — Annual festival in Lions Park from noon to 9:30 p.m. FREE rides and face painting. Thunder and Rain plays from noon to 3 p.m., followed by Kerry Pastine and the Crime Scene from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts take the stage at 6:30 p.m. Food and beer concessions. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. 1300 10th St.

Grand Lake

CANCELED. Independence Day Fireworks — Fireworks begin after it is fully dark outside, often closer to 10 p.m., so bring layers so you can be dressed accordingly. The fireworks are visible all over town. It takes an extended amount of time to exit Grand Lake after the fireworks. Many venues offer music and food after the show. Prepare to spend some time in town to wait out the traffic.

Green Valley Ranch

CANCELED. Green Valley Ranch Concert & Fireworks — Annual event from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Green Valley Golf Club. Free children’s activities from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Music from Dr. Kool and the Disco Divas starting at 6:15 p.m., with headliner Dotsero at 7:50 p.m., followed by a fireworks display choreographed to popular music. Food, beer, wine and other drink available for purchase from new restaurant Ebert’s Terrace. No outside food or beverage allowed on site (including no coolers, no grills, etc.) Free shuttle service from 10 locations from 6:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Check here for schedule and details. 4900 Himalaya Rd., Denver.

Highlands Ranch

CANCELED. Highlands Ranch July 4th Celebration — Celebration starts at 4 p.m. at Highland Heritage Regional Park with balloon twisters, face painters, games, inflatables, live music and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $1 each. Tickets are needed for rides and games, which cost between 1 – 7 tickets each. No refunds. Tickets may be exchanged for merchandise such as beer, pop, water,  kiddie rides, etc. Tickets are not accepted by food vendors. Shuttles run from Highlands Ranch High School and Rock Canyon High School to and from the park.

CANCELED. Highlands Ranch Fireworks — A 30-minute display will launch from Mountain Vista High School around 9:30 p.m. The high school property and streets in the area will be closed to discourage on-site viewing. There will be no organized gatherings or events. Officials ask that you watch from your home, online, or from your vehicle at a recommended viewing location in the vicinity. Locations will be posted here. The show will be broadcast live here.

Idaho Springs

CANCELED. Idaho Springs 4th of July — An afternoon complete with live music, beer garden and dancing in downtown at Citizens Park. Live Music and entertainment starts at 2 p.m. Fireworks Show will take place over Charlie Tayler Waterwheel at 9:15 p.m.

Lafayette

CANCELED. Lafayette 4th of July at Waneka Lake — Lafayette parties at the lake from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. with food, beer and wine concessions, face painting, balloon sculpting, bounce house and other kids’ activities (some for a fee). Chris Daniels & The Kings perform. Fireworks at dusk. No shuttle service provided. The Park is at 1600 Caria Dr., 303-666-9555.

Lakewood

CANCELED. Lakewood Big Boom Bash — FREE community Fourth of July celebration at Jeffco Stadium includes kid’s lawn games, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks and beer garden starting at 5:30 p.m. A 20-minute fireworks display choreographed to music from MIX 100 shoots off at dark, about 9:15 p.m. This year, there’s an improved parking plan with more spots and a designated zone for ride-hailing services like Uber  and Lyft.

Littleton

CANCELED. Littleton Fourth of July Festival — FREE fun, entertainment and games in Belleview and Cornerstone Parks starting at 3 p.m. Food concessions available. Fireworks show launches from the baseball fields at Cornerstone Park at about 9:30 p.m. No alcohol or personal fireworks (including sparklers) allowed. Please leave pets at home. 5150 S. Windermere St.

Lone Tree

CANCELED. Independence Day Celebration — For residents of Lone Tree and Acres Green only. Sweetwater Park from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wristbands are required to enter the Independence Day Celebration. Children ages 3 and under do not need to wear a wristband. You must be a Lone Tree or Acres Green resident. Quantities are limited due to park capacity and those that meet the requirements to obtain wristbands are not guaranteed. Wristbands will be available until supplies last.  Due to the popularity of the event, we will sell out and no wristbands will be available at the gate, so come and pick them up early!  Details and locations on their website.

Longmont

CANCELED. Longmont Fireworks Display — Launched from the Boulder County Fairgrounds at 9:30 p.m.. Viewers are encouraged to park at nearby shopping centers and walk to the fenced area in front of the fairgrounds or watch anywhere within a one-mile radius.

Louisville

CANCELED. Louisville Fourth of July Celebration — FREE family-friendly event at the Coal Creek Golf Course from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Face painting, jumpy castles, games, live music by the Boulder Concert Band and food trucks on site. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. No parking at the golf course so use the free shuttles from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. from Louisville Recreation Center or Home Depot.

Loveland

CANCELED. Loveland July 4th Celebration at North Lake Park – FREE activities and displays starting at 2 p.m. Enjoy a cornhole tournament, train rides (75¢ per ride), children’s bike parade, dedicated Kid Zone (face painting, July 4 swag, games from the Mobile Recreation Trailer and SNAG golf demos), Beer Garden and tons of food booths. Plus, kids are invited to decorate their bikes and scooters and enter the Bike Parade — strollers are welcome, too. Live music starts at 4:30 p.m. with Dale Cisek Band opening the show, followed by The Burroughs at 6 p.m. Loveland Concert Band takes to the Hammond Amphitheater stage at 8 p.m. A 30-minute fireworks show begins at 9:17 p.m. over Lake Loveland.

Niwot

CANCELED. Niwot’s July 4th Celebration — Pancake breakfast, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Niwot Market ($5 for adults and $3 for kids) for pancakes, sausages, eggs, green chiles, orange juice and coffee. At 9 a.m. concert by Niwot Semi-Marching Free Grange Band. Bicycle decorating starts at 8:30 a.m. and parade beginning at 11 a.m. with vintage cars, color guard, pets, decorated bikes, line dancers and citizens young and old. Parade runs from Cottonwood Square, across Niwot Road, along 2nd Avenue to Murray Street. Firehouse Museum open for tours before and after the parade.

Northglenn

CANCELED. Northglenn 4th of July Family Festival — 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. All day event including Pancake Breakfast, Pedals and Paws Patriot Parade, car show, bounce houses, pedal boats, Duck Derby, bake sale, live music, Beer Garden and concert by That Eighties Band at 8 p.m. Food & community booths open at noon. Fireworks display set to music after 9 p.m. (depending on weather conditions) over Webster Lake. E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park across from City Hall, 11801 Community Center Dr.

Parker

CANCELED. Parker Stars and Stripes Celebration — 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Salisbury Park. FREE bounce houses and inflatables. (Small fee for face painting and tot train.) Food and live music. Six Million Dollar Band performs at 6 p.m. Then fireworks at 9:30 p.m. set to patriotic music. New this year: the All American Experience Pass (2,000 available, must pre-purchase, no onsite sales) — includes early activity field access and exclusive access to All American Ball Fields for best fireworks views and other perks. Details on website. Parking for 2,500 cars available at the park for $10, cash only. No alcohol, tents or canopies. Coolers and picnic items are okay. ATMs on site. Salisbury Park, 12010 Motsenbocker Rd.

CANCELED. 4th of July Fireworks — Near the Pinery, a 30-minute display will launch at approximately 9:30 p.m. This property as well as streets in the area will be closed to discourage on-site viewing. There will be no organized gatherings or events. Officials ask that you watch from your home, online, or from your vehicle at a recommended viewing location in the vicinity. Locations will be posted here. The show will be broadcast live here.

Superior

GOING VIRTUAL. Superior Virtual 4th of July Celebration — Includes yard decoration contest and One-Mile Virtual Race. Community parade at 8:30 a.m. Pancake breakfast at 9 a.m. Both follow the Superior Downhill Mile race which starts at 7 a.m. Party in Superior Community Park after breakfast features music, games, vendor booths and more.

Thornton

CANCELED. Thornton 4th of July — 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Beer garden & food vendors, FREE Thornton Community Band performance at 5:15 p.m., presentation of colors, Kory Brunson Band at 7:30 p.m. Skydivers jump at 9:30 p.m. As soon as parachutists land, the fireworks start. Parking details here. Carpenter Park Fields, 11000 Colorado Blvd.

Westminster

CANCELED. Westminster 4th of July Celebration — Kids Activity Zone and food vendors open at 4 p.m. A FREE concert starts at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Have fun in the Activity Zone playing on jumping castles, slides and more. Parking is VERY limited. Use the FREE shuttle bus from many locations in Westminster and Hyland Hills. Grills, personal fireworks and glass containers are not allowed at the event. Westminster City Park, 10475 Sheridan Blvd.