4th of July 2019 – Fireworks, Festivals and Parades

It’s never too early to start making holidays plans. BOOM! BANG! CHEAP! Fourth of July festivities abound in the metro Denver/Boulder area. We’ve found some of the no-cost and low-cost festivals, feasts and parades to keep the family entertained. Events are listed alphabetically for easier review. We expect to add more events, as they’re announced closer to the holiday — so check back often. 

In case of bad weather or other circumstances, such as fire restrictions, some fireworks shows may be cancelled. However, celebrations usually go on as planned. Check back here and on event websites for updated information.

Here’s what’s bursting July 2, 3 & 4:

Tuesday, July 2

Denver

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.

Four Mile Historic Park’s Old Fashioned July 4 Celebration – From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., delight in old-fashioned games, historic demonstrations, live music, horse-drawn wagon rides and more. Food and drink will be available for purchase from food trucks and a beer garden. Bring a blanket and stay to watch the Glendale fireworks show. FREE entry. No pets, outside food or beverages, smoking or flammables. 715 S. Forest St., Denver; 720-865-0800.

Glendale

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.

Wednesday, July 3

Brighton

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

Civic Center Independence Eve Celebration — Denver’s Civic Center Park (Broadway & Colfax), 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. FREE concert featuring patriotic and contemporary favorites from Chris Daniels & The Kings and the Colorado Symphony, 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.

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

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

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.

Thursday, July 4

Arvada

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

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

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

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

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

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. Spinphony performs; 6:15 p.m. City Council gives away FREE summer treats; 7:15 p.m. concert by Soul X, 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.

Commerce City

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, live music and more. 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

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).

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.

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.

Observatory Park 4th of July Parade — University Park neighborhood celebrates the 4th of July at Observatory Park. Handmade non-motorized floats parade along Warren Street between Milwaukee and Fillmore. Parade rolls out in stages at 10 a.m. by age starting with Little Tykes, then young children (5 to 9) and older children (10 and up). Festivities run until noon. Music by the VFW Band and a fire truck is on hand. Refreshments for sale.

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.

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.

Wash Park 4th of July Parade — From 9 a.m. to 4 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

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

Estes Park 4th of July Celebration — Includes more than 100 vehicles on display in the “Steam-to-Electric” Coolest Car Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Estes Park Events Complex at the Fairgrounds at Stanley Park. (Admission $5, $2.50 for kids.) 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: 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

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

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

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.

Green Valley Ranch

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

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.

Lafayette

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

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

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.

Longmont

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. Longmont Symphony Orchestra performs at 11 a.m. in Thompson Park.

Louisville

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

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, Beer Garden and tons of food booths. Live music featuring The Burroughs starts at 4:30 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

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

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

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.

Superior

Superior “Let Freedom Ring” Parade & Festival — 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

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

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.