4th of July 2022 – Fireworks, Festivals and Parades

BOOM! BANG! CHEAP! Fourth of July festivities abound in the metro Denver/Boulder area. We’ve found most 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 fire bans, 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 1, 2, 3 & 4:

The list below is confirmed for 2021. If there’s something we missed or got wrong, please email news@milehighonthecheap.com.

Here’s a list of food deals and specials for 4th of July weekend.

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

Friday, July 1

Denver

Colorado Rockies Post-Game Fireworks — The Rockies play the Arizona D-backs at Coors Field at 6:10 p.m., followed by a huge fireworks display. Ticket prices vary based on seat location. 2022

Cranmer Park Community Picnic — Starts at 6 p.m. and goes until the conclusion of the Glendale fireworks. Features a concert of patriotic and popular music performed by The Denver Municipal Band. Food trucks (sweet and savory) on site or bring your own picnic baskets and beverages, along with lawn chairs, blankets and games. Be sure to arrive early — around 6:30 p.m. — to meet the Denver Fire Department’s Fire Crew and see their fire engine up close.

Glendale

Glendale Fireworks Show – One of the largest and oldest in Denver. New format and location for 2022. Glendale will now host the fireworks show from Infinity Park. Guests are invited to sit inside the stadium, in the stands or on the field, or on the turf field to the south of the stadium — both will be great viewing locations.

The fireworks show will be preceded by movie shorts and videos on the jumbo in the stadium and food trucks will also be available for anyone who would like a little snack while waiting for the fireworks to begin. You may also bring food and beverages, no glass containers or grills. Fireworks start at dusk (about 9 p.m.). 2022

Littleton

Details for 2022 to come. Littleton Red, White and You Celebration

Saturday, July 2

Denver

Colorado Rockies Post-Game Fireworks — The Rockies play the Arizona D-backs at Coors Field at 6:10 p.m., followed by a huge fireworks display. Ticket prices vary based on seat location. 2022

Four Mile Historic Park’s Independence Day Celebration – From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Games, activities, crafts, food trucks and live music. Two 45-minute performances by the Denver Concert band at noon and 2 p.m. Tickets are $10/adults, $9 seniors/military with ID, $8/youth (7-17) free/6 and under. Free for FMHP members. Buy tickets here. 715 S. Forest St., Denver; 720-865-0800. 2022

Fort Collins

Fort Collins July 4 Celebration — Stars & Stripes Golf Tournament and Firecracker 5K start at 7:30 a.m. Independence Day parade at 10 a.m. along Mountain Ave. (Check website for route map.) Live music and food trucks at City Park starting at 3 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Fireworks around 9:35 p.m. over Sheldon Lake at City Park. 2022

Fort Morgan

I-76 Speedway Racing — Races start at 5 p.m. on the dirt, oval track. Post-race fireworks. Grandstand admission $12/adults, $4/youth (6 to 12). 16359 Road S, Fort Morgan. 2022

Lakewood

Lakewood Big Boom Bash — Fireworks only display at dark, approximately 9:15 p.m. choreographed to music by MIX 100. Tune in to 100.3 FM to listen along. The launch site will be on the grounds of Jeffco Stadium (500 Kipling St.) and will be visible from Lakewood parks, neighborhoods and residences within a 1.5 mile radius of the stadium.

If you can’t watch the show from your home or neighborhood, there are a variety of locations (see map) where the show can be seen that will have restrooms and food vendors. This includes Jeffco Stadium’s north parking lot, which will open for vehicles. There will be a designated viewing area in this lot where you will be able to exit your car and sit with family and friends. 2022

Sunday, July 3

Berthoud

Berthoud Fireworks Celebration — Festival at Berthoud Recreation Center from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. includes food trucks, inflatable slides, live music, Beer Garden, face painting, lawn games and more. Fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m. 2022

Brighton

Stars & Stripes Independence Day Celebration — Starts with the Stars & Stripes 5K at 7:30 a.m. Cornhole tournament is at 10 a.m. (To participate in 5K or cornhole, please register in advance.) Food and beverage vendors open at 4 p.m. Live entertainment from The Junebugs with special guest Caitlyn Ochsner starts at 6 p.m. Fireworks set to music at 9:30 p.m. Riverdale Regional Park (Adams County Fairgrounds), 9755 Henderson Rd. 2022

Denver

Party on the Square — Larimer Square hosts festivities starting at noon. Get a portrait by a caricature artist, grab a bite and explore retailers all while enjoying free live music. Entertainment by Dotsero, The Hot Lunch Band, DJ Al Ur Pal.

Erie

Erie Fireworks Show — The 2022 celebration will be at Erie Community Park (450 Powers St.) with fireworks launched from the roof of the Erie Community Center. Food vendors will be in the south parking lot. Limited public parking available at the Erie Community Center beginning at 6 p.m. Additional parking available at Boulder Community Health (101 Erie Pkwy). Alternate modes of transportation encouraged, bike racks available for use. Fireworks display starts at 9:30 p.m. 2022

Monday, 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. Patking is free, first-come, first-served. The park is at 58th and Oak St. 2022

Aurora

Aurora 4th of July Spectacular — Held on the Aurora Municipal Center’s Great Lawn. Starts at 6 p.m. Food trucks, musical performances and fun activities. Fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m. from Bicentennial Park (at Alameda & Potomac) and last about 30 minutes. Those wishing to view the fireworks outside of the Aurora Municipal Center’s Great Lawn can tune-in to Hit’s 95.7 to listen live to the fireworks show’s soundtrack. 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy. 2022

Boulder

July 4th Celebration with Boulder Symphony — Celebrate July 4th with Independence Day symphonic classics, from Copland to William Tell, and the 1812 Overture at the Boulder Bandshell. Also featured is the music from Star Wars by John Williams and Gregory T.S. Walker’s music for Rapper and Orchestra. Concert starts at 7 p.m. Tickets $16/adults, $5/children. Buy tickets here. No post-concert fireworks.

CANCELED for 2021. Boulder: Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast

Breckenridge

Breckenridge Independence Day Celebration — Kicks off at 7 a.m. with Independence Day 10K. Firecracker 50 mountain bike race begins at 9:30 a.m. Parade from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. along Main St. Chalk art, beach games, BINGO, live music and more along Washington St. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. National Repertory Orchestra concert (cost: $5 to $35) at 6 p.m. at Riverwalk Center. 2022

Brighton

Brighton Fourth of July — Carmichael Park is the site of festivities from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Live entertainment includes performance by headliner Sisters of Rock starting at 7 p.m. Fireworks at end of concert. Food trucks on-site. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, bug spray, sunscreen and water. The Park is just behind City Hall at 500 S. 4th Ave. 2022

Broomfield

Broomfield Great American Picnic — Beginning at 5 p.m. in Broomfield County Commons Park with children’s carnival ($12 unlimited play on inflatables), face painting and concessions. Beer Garden is back. Bring your ID (21+) and enjoy a brew for $5 (cash only). Bike parade (open to all ages) at 5:45 p.m. Spinphony performs at 6 p.m. At 7:15 p.m. concert by Soul X. Fireworks set off at 9:30 p.m.

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. 13200 Sheridan Blvd. 2022

Brush

Brush 4th of July — Parade starts at 11 a.m. This year’s theme is “Freedom to Ride.” The annual Brush Rodeo runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is one of the best around. Held at the Brush Fairgrounds. Fireworks show held after dark. 2022

Castle Rock

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 five minutes before the show and then another three-shot salute one minute to the start. Fireworks should visible from most places in town and throughout the I-25 corridor.

The Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course will host a small parking lot party and the 6202 Band will play from 6 to 9 p.m. Food and beverage will be available for purchase in the parking lot and the public can hang out in the parking lot, the Clubhouse lawn and the driving range to watch the fireworks show.

If you are visiting (not local) here are some suggested viewing sites: Castle Rock Service Center (4175 N. Castleton Court), Castle Rock Recreation Center – lower lot (2301 Woodlands Blvd.), Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course (2156 Red Hawk Ridge Dr.), Butterfield Crossing Park – south side (3952 W. Butterfield Crossing Dr.), Bison Park (1390 Clear Sky Way), Castle North Park (801 Canyon Dr.), Deputy Zack S. Parrish III Memorial Park (2020 Fiddle Rd.), Festival Park (300 Second St.), Metzler Ranch Community Park, 4175 Trail Boss Dr.) and Pedestrian bridge over Wolfensberger Road. 2022

Commerce City

4th of July Parade & Celebration — State House 38 hosts the festivities. Kids Bike Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. from Stuart Middle school and ends at the parking lot of State House. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy BBQ, games, raffles, giveaways, drinks and more. 15591 E. 104th Ave.

Commerce City 4thFest — The annual 4thFest takes place at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Pre-match festival starts at 4:30 p.m. on Burgundy Boulevard is and FREE to all. Food trucks, live music, outdoor games and more. Largest public fireworks show in Colorado after the game around 9:30 p.m. Colorado Rapids vs. Austin FC at 7 p.m. Soccer match tickets available here.

Following the game, fans in attendance are invited sit directly on the field and view the Fireworks Celebration. All fans unable to attend the game but interested in viewing the fireworks can park in the lots surrounding the stadium starting at 7 p.m. Tune in to 92.5 FM for the Firework Show Playlist. Due to limited parking, the RTD bus and rail system is encouraged. Route 62 bus stop is at the stadium’s front door. 2022

Denver

Central Park Pancake Breakfast & Parade — Start with a pancake breakfast at 9 a.m. Suggested donation of $5/adults, $3/children or family 4-pack for $12 (donations benefit the swim team) at the South Green (29th & Roslyn). This is followed by an old-fashioned parade with bikes, trikes, wagons and scooters beginning at 10:30 a.m.

CANCELED For 2021. Elitch Gardens

Five Points 4th of July Car Show — See all sorts of amazing cars from 10 a.m. to noon. Any money raised goes to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 501 28th St., Denver.

Highland 4th of July Parade — Bike decorating party starts at 8 a.m. at 32nd & Clay. Parade includes any and all non-motorized decorated rides. It begins at 9:30 a.m. and travels down 32nd to Tejon St., ending at Hirshorn Park.

Historic Montclair 4th of July Picnic — Festivities at Montclair Park from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. include bike parade, games, a fire truck, pet costume parade, food and music by Fat City Mardi Gras Band. Bring your own side dishes, beverages, blankets and umbrellas. HMCAI members get in free. Non-members asked to make a donation to HMCAI.

Mile High 4th of July at McGregor Square — 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy a community barbecue with classic American fare and family-friendly entertainment, including Rockies vs. Cardinals game watching on the stadium screen and a live band after the game. 1901 Wazee St.

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 50+ 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. 2022

Wash Park 4th of July — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. FREE concert by the Denver Municipal Band.

Dillon

4th on the Lake — Colorado Symphony Orchestra performs at Dillon Amphitheater with the backdrop of Lake Dillon. The program features favorite contemporary scores including the Armed Forces Salute, Stars and Stripes Forever, the Overture of 1812, God Bless America, and a slew of hits from stage and screen. Doors open at 3 p.m. Show starts at 4 p.m. Tickets are FREE, but you must get them in advance. Go here for tickets. 2022

Englewood

Englewood 4th of July Festival — In partnership with Littleton and Sheridan. Starts at 5 p.m. at Belleview & Cornerstone Parks. Enjoy local business vendors and food trucks. Bring a picnic dinner and blankets. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. Both parks — Belleview and Cornerstone — are located near the intersection of W. Belleview and S. Windermere. 2022

Estes Park

Estes Park 4th of July Celebration — “Steam-to-Electric” Coolest Car Show includes 100+ vehicles on display at the Estes Park Events Complex. Estes Village Band gives a FREE concert at 7 p.m. at Performance Park Amphitheater. Fireworks over Lake Estes at 9:30 p.m. Estes Park FREE shuttles have extended evening hours this day to take you to all activities. In addition (to be confirmed): The Big Bang Concert (fee for admission) offers a view of the fireworks along with music, food, local craft beer and wine at the Estes Park Fairgrounds in the Grandstands. 2022

Firestone

4th at Firestone — Parade with floats, decorated vehicle displays, marching bands, classic cars, motorcycles, and more runs from 10 a.m. to about noon. It starts at Thunder Valley K-8 and makes its way through Historic Firestone to Miners Park.

After the parade, head over to Miners Park (170 Grant Ave.) for tons of family-friendly activities. Booth vendors and food trucks will be onsite from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Return to Miner’s Park from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for live music. Enjoy a full meal or a festival dessert in the Food Truck area and grab a beverage in the beer garden. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. 2022

Fort Lupton

Fort Lupton Independence Day Celebration — Community Center Park at Fort Lupton Rec Center is filled with fun activities from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. including a huge ropes course, water slides, bounce houses, carnival rides and more. Food trucks on site. Country music concert with Kimi Most. Fireworks show set off at dark from the Coyote Creek Golf Course (new location for 2022). 2022

Georgetown

Georgetown 4th of July — Parade at 11 a.m. starting at The Alpine Restaurant and Bar (11th & Rose St) and going to 8th Street in downtown. BBQ at noon at Georgetown City Park with music by the Brass Band. More live music on the Library Stage at 3 p.m. Beer Garden set up off of 6th & Rose across from Guanella Pass Brewery. No fireworks in Georgetown. Head 15 minutes east to Idaho Springs for their show at 9:15 p.m.

Golden

Golden 4th of July Festival — Annual festival in Lions Park from noon to 9:30 p.m. Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts play from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Something Underground performs from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  Food and beer available for purchase. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. 1300 10th St.

Grand Lake

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 for 2021. Green Valley Ranch Concert & Fireworks

Highlands Ranch

Highlands Ranch July 4th Fireworks — A spectacular display of fireworks at Highland Heritage Regional Park. Bring your blanket, and beverage, and hang out to enjoy the fireworks. Food trucks to be announced. Bike, walk, and ride-share whenever possible, as no shuttles will be provided to the park.  Fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m. 9651 S. Quebec. St. 2022

Idaho Springs

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 at 9:15 p.m. over Charlie Tayler Waterwheel.

Idaho Springs Sports Complex (Frozen Fire Rink) — Open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy a bounce house, yard and lawn games, food vendors and the Frozen Fire Rink bumper cars (fee). Watch the City of Idaho Springs fireworks at 9:15 p.m. from the Ballfields. Free shuttles will run from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. between downtown Idaho Springs and the Ballfields. 101 E. Idaho Springs Rd.

Lafayette

CANCELED for 2021. Lafayette 4th of July at Waneka Lake

Littleton

Littleton Fourth of July Fireworks — In partnership with Englewood and Sheridan. Starts at 5 p.m. in  Belleview and Cornerstone Parks. Enjoy local business vendors and food trucks. Bring a picnic dinner and blankets. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. Both parks — Belleview and Cornerstone — are located near the intersection of W. Belleview and S. Windermere. (Need new URL) 2022

Lone Tree

Independence Day Celebration — Party at Prairie Sky Park starting around 7 p.m. Enjoy tunes from a DJ, roving entertainment and a live concert from Jakarta. Bring your blankets, camping chairs, coolers, outdoor games and mingle with your friends and neighbors. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. This year’s display will be launched from an open space on the corner of RidgeGate Parkway and Bellwether Lane.

Longmont

Fireworks in Longmont — Longmont Skyline Kiwanis are hosting a private event at the Fox Hill Country Club with a fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. Should be visible to many areas of Longmont. Residents will not be permitted on the Fox Hill Golf Course as spectators. Those in the immediate area may watch from home. Others may use the public parking lots at Steven Day Park, Clark Centennial and Sandstone Ranch. Union Reservoir will have expanded hours to accommodate parking (regular entrance fees apply). Parking is not available at the Boulder County Fairgrounds.

Louisville

Louisville Fourth of July Celebration — Fireworks start around 9:45 p.m. No festivities this year. Coal Creek Golf Course will not be open for viewing the fireworks. A special display will reach a higher elevation and accommodate more city-wide viewing. Residents are encouraged to view from home or one of the Designated Firework Viewing Sites: Police Department/Court Parking Lot (992 W. Via Appia Way) or Louisville Recreation & Senior Center (900 Via Appia Way). Designated viewing spots will open 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Loveland

Loveland July 4th Celebration at North Lake Park – Free activities and displays starting at 3 p.m. The Kids Zone Play Area and vendor booths will be in the west parking lot near the playground and include the Mobile Recreation Trailer games, giant building blocks from Everblock, face painter, balloon artists, climbing wall, the Buckhorn Train, food trucks and dozens of vendors.

Children’s Bike Parade at 4 p.m. Cornhole tournament at 4 p.m. next to the Beer Garden. Live music at the Hammond Amphitheater from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. including performances by Wood Belly, Creole Stomp and Loveland Concert Band. Fireworks launch at 9:17 p.m. over Lake Loveland. 2022

Niwot

Niwot’s July 4th Celebration — Pancake breakfast, 8 a.m. 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. During breakfast concert by Niwot Community Marching Band. Bicycle decorating starts at 8:30 a.m. and parade beginning at 11 a.m. with vintage cars, decorated bikes, bands and citizens young and old. Parade runs from Cottonwood Square and winds throughout the community.

Northglenn

Northglenn 4th of July Celebration — Noon to 10 p.m. All day event includes car show, bounce houses, pedal boats, Duck Derby, food vendors, beer garden, live music by Ron Ivory One on One Motown Review (4:30 p.m.), military recognition, concert by Thumpin’ at 7 p.m. Fireworks display starts between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Bring picnic baskets and blankets. Parking is available behind City Hall, at the Recreation Center, and in the Wagon Road RTD Lot 120th and North Melody Dr. Fees may be required at RTD. E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park across from City Hall, 11801 Community Center Dr. 2022

Parker

Parker Stars and Stripes Celebration — Held at Salisbury Park from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Free event activities include a concert by the 6 Million Dollar Band, walk-around entertainers and a carnival. Low-cost activities include a tot train, face painting, bungee jumping and light-up toy vendor, plus a variety of food vendors.

Instead of fireworks, this year’s celebration will conclude with a new and innovative 150-drone light show. The 12-minute aerial display will start at 9:30 p.m. and feature multiple designs and choreographed movements from a fleet of drones set to patriotic music. Drones will fly 400 feet into the air above Salisbury Park and be visible from up to two miles away.

The All American Pass is an event upgrade with extra perks such as seating on the ballfields, exclusive access to inflatables, dedicated portable restrooms and other bonus entertainment. It costs $5 to $10 depending on how far in advance you buy it and is available on the Celebration website.

Onsite parking fee of $10/vehicle that will be collected at park entry, cash only. Parking is first-come, first-served and is expected to fill to capacity. Salisbury Park, 12010 Motsenbocker Rd. 2022

Superior

Superior 4th of July Celebration — Downhill Mile Race begins at 8 a.m. Community parade at 9:30 a.m. Parade will follow Rock Creek Parkway and end at Community Park. Party in Superior Community Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food trucks, games, kid’s zone, vendor booths and more. Funk and soul band, The Burroughs, perform live on stage. Also walk across the street to check out the new Community Center between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Grab-and-go food bites and music by Francis and the Wolf.

Thornton

4th of July in Thornton — Everything gets going at 4 p.m. at Carpenter Park Fields. Food vendors, beer garden and yes, parachutists floating down onto the field. Thornton Community Band at 5:15 p.m. Kory Brunson Band at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. No RVs allowed. Carpooling strongly suggested. The park is at 11000 Colorado Blvd. (108th Ave., & Colorado Blvd.) 2022

Westminster

Westminster 4th of July Celebration — Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. at Westminster City Park. No pre-show entertainment or vendors in 2021. Shuttles run every 20 minutes starting at 7 p.m. and will be available after the fireworks show to get back to the shuttle stop locations: Front Range Community College (3705 W. 112th Ave.) and The MAC (3295 W. 72nd Ave.). Courtesy golf carts will be available at the event for those with mobility needs.

If parking at the event, please use 105th Ave. from Sheridan, or the Christopher Fields entrance from 104th Ave. Handicap parking is located near the Fitness Center. Let parking attendants or traffic officers know if you require a closer spot.

Windsor

Windsor Fireworks — Bring picnics, lawn chairs and blankets to Boardwalk Park to view the fireworks show at 9:10 p.m.

Winter Park

4th of July Celebration — Pack a picnic, and pick your spot to enjoy the evening at the Rendezvous Event Center from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Join a cornhole tournament, throw a bocce ball, or jump in the free photo booth. Free concert by Buckstein. Finish the evening with a jumbotron fireworks display and sing-along with Buckstein.