Celebrate July 4 On The Cheap — Food Deals, Activities, Concerts & Parties

Haul out the red, white and blue — it’s going to be a firecracker 4th of July. Not only are there parades, community festivals and fireworks, but also — surprise! — many popular attractions like the Denver Zoo and museums are open as well on Independence Day, Saturday, July 4, 2026. Plus, there are smaller (but just as fun) parties, BBQs and picnics across the Front Range. And deal-seekers will find dozens of special deals and discounts at area restaurants and retailers.

We’ve pulled together a list of everything we could find that’s free or cheap on the 4th in the metro area.

Whether you want to hang out with just family and friends at an intimate gathering or join thousands taking in spectacular salutes to America’s 250th, you’ll find it below.

If you know of any we’ve missed, email Laura@milehighonthecheap.com.

Click on each listing for more details.

And don’t forget this list of Festivals, Parades & Fireworks.

Have a great one!

INDEPENDENCE DAY

More 4th of July Fun

Denver Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Must buy timed-entry tickets in advance. SPECIAL DEAL! Child (3 to 15) tickets are just $2.50 (normally $19) from July 3 to 5. Buy on website or on-site inside the Welcome Center.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Best to buy tickets in advance.

Denver Botanic Gardens is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Must buy timed-entry tickets in advance.

Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Must buy timed-entry tickets in advance.

Denver Art Museum will be open regular hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Commerce City is open from sunrise to sunset. The Visitors Center will be closed.

Concerts, Parties & Other Fun 4th Events

Improper City Barbie-Q Beach Off

11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Live band, BBQ food truck and more. No cover. All ages welcome. 3201 Walnut St., Denver.

All American Birthday Bash

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Held at Avalanche Harley-Davidson. Patriotic Ride-In Bike Show – Show off your red, white & blue pride. FREE All-American lunch and refreshments, ice cream, live entertainment, Kids Corner and outdoor games. 18425 W. Colfax Ave., Golden.

Calvary Derby Hill 4th of July Festival

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Live bluegrass music from the Yost Family Band in the Calvary Derby Hill parking lot. Free burgers, hotdogs, snow cones, door prizes, bounce house and more. 207 19th St. SE, Loveland.

250th Fourth of July Celebration at American Legion Post 11-11 Westminster

12 p.m. An afternoon filled with patriotic fun, community spirit, and activities for all ages. Bubble station, kids’ crafts, games, Patriotic Outfit contest, food, prizes and giveaways. 9959 Old Wadsworth Blvd., Broomfield.

Fourth of July Party at VFW Post 9644

1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Celebrate Independence Day with friends and family. Games for all ages, raffle, food and more. Serving free hot dogs and hamburgers to everyone who stops by. Bring a side dish if you can — but no worries if you can’t. VFW Post 9644, 2680 W. Hampden Ave., Sheridan.

Dirty Dogs 4th of July Independence Hoedown

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hillbilly Demons perform at Dirty Dogs Roadhouse. They’ll be rockin’ the stage, filling the air with patriotic partyin’! 17999 W. Colfax Ave., Golden.

CSU Spur Fourth of July Party

5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The campus is open for a barbecue and rooftop fireworks viewing (they have an especially awesome view of Coors Field) party. Admission is $5 per person and includes barbecue from Meats N Sweets in the Hydro Backyard, a live DJ set, cash bar (and a free drink ticket!), kids crafts and lawn games.

When it gets dark, attendees can head to the Terra rooftop to see the various fireworks displays lighting up the sky across the city.

Get tickets here (click on the word “Register”).

Parking is FREE. 4777 National Western Dr.

4th of July at Calvary Thornton

6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. FREE BBQ, inflatables, yard games, and more! Bring a chair, watch the Thornton fireworks, and share the evening with us in a safe environment. Free parking. Restrooms open to the public. 11989 St. Paul St., Thornton.

Boulder Symphony’s July 4th Concert

7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Boulder Bandshell. Symphonic classics, cinematic hits and patriotic tunes.

Food and drink for sale. Tickets $15/adults, $7.50/children. 1212 Canyon Blvd., Boulder.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held at Grace Commons, 1820 15th Street, just a couple blocks away from the Boulder Bandshell.

4th of July Skydeck Party

7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Pindustry. DJ Broom will be spinning your favorites while you enjoy an expansive view of fireworks across the whole front range. No tickets needed. 7939 East Arapahoe Rd., Greenwood Village.

Fourth of July 2026 Deals, Discounts and More

Check back often, as the list is updated as more deals are confirmed. 

Applebee’s

Raise your glass over the July 4th weekend!

After two years, Applebee’s is bringing back its popular Dollarita margarita for the month of July — a house margarita for just $1. 

Plus, kids (12 and under) eat FREE at Applebee’s on Independence Day, July 4, 2026. Find more details here.

Burger King

Enjoy whopper savings on July 4th!

On July 4, 2026, Burger King is offering a Whopper Jr. for just $2.50 — in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. 

Cafe Rio

Cafe Rio offers big savings with its $25 Double Meal Deal — includes two entrées, two drinks and chips & dip. The deal offers savings of nearly 40% off regular prices. 

The deal runs through September 7, 2026. 

Capital One Café

Capital One Café is hosting its MLB Mondays giveaway this summer.

Through September 7, 2026, the bank’s two cafés in Colorado are pouring a FREE beverage for all every Monday (including on July 5, 2026) — Boulder and Denver. 

Find out how to get the digital coupon here. 

Carl’s Jr. 

You can’t celebrate the Fourth of July without burgers!

From July 3 to 5, 2026, Carl’s Jr. is offering a Double Cheeseburger for just $2.50 — in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. 

Chipotle

July is the second month for Chipotle’s Summer of Extras giveaway.

Chipotle Rewards members enjoy an opportunity to earn bonus points, exclusive offers and FREE entrées — after making each milestone purchase every month this summer. (August is the final month of the giveaway.)

Chuck E. Cheese

Say cheese! Chuck E. Cheese is offering a Summer Fun Pass for summer fun and savings. Celebrate the Fourth of July with the family and lots of pizza, games and prizes.

Learn more about the Summer Fun Pass here. 

Cobblestone Car Wash

Thank you for your service!

On July 4, 2026, Cobblestone Car Wash is offering all active and veteran military members a FREE Polish & Shine Exterior Wash at any of its Colorado locations. 

You must present a valid ID to for the complimentary wash.

Colorado Renaissance Festival

Celebrate the July 4th weekend in Larkspur!

On July 4 and 5, 2026, the Colorado Renaissance Festival is offering FREE admission for kids (12 and under) with the purchase of an adult ticket. Plus, expect lots of family-friendly activities for little lads and lasses over the weekend at the festival.

It’s also Military Appreciation Weekend with all active duty and veterans getting a buy-one-get-one FREE ticket.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen is celebrating America’s 250th with a sweet special!

From June 29 to July 5, 2026, DQ is offering a small Stars & Stripes Misty Slush Float for just $2.50 — with no limit. 

Dave & Buster’s

It’s game on this Fourth of July! 

On July 4, 2026, Dave & Buster’s is offering an unlimited game play pass for just $2.50. The pass is valid all day. However, you must purchase the pass before noon. 

Get more details here.

Denny’s

All good deals float to the top!

From July 4 to 7, 2026, Denny’s is offering 50% off a Red, White & Berry Float — exclusively for Denny’s Rewards members. 

The sweet treat is made with vanilla ice cream, strawberry sauce, blueberries and Sprite. 

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

Go wild over the holiday weekend! 

The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is offering a discount on for children (ages 3 to 15) — from July 3 to 5, 2026.

All kid’s tickets are discounted to $2.50 per child. Purchase the discounted tickets on the Zoo’s site or on-site inside the Welcome Center.

DZCA is also offering visitors who wear a World Cup jersey a FREE ride ticket upon check-in. The offer runs through July 19, 2026. 

88 Drive-In Theatre

Take a nostalgic adventure this holiday weekend!

Families can enjoy a double feature at 88 Drive-In Theatre every night this summer, including over the July 4th weekend. 

Best of all, tickets are just $10 per person. 

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

Enjoy a thrilling Fourth of July with friends and family!

From June 24 to July 5, 2026, Elitch Gardens is holding a July 4th Sale with savings of up to 40% on Season Passes and Day Tickets. 

Golden Corral

Inspired by America’s 250th anniversary, Golden Corral is launching  a new America’s $2.50 Value Deals. 

And, on July 4, 2026, the campaign kicks off with a $2.50 Kids Weekend Breakfast Buffet with the purchase of an adult or senior breakfast buffet. 

The deal is available Saturday and Sunday before 11 a.m. — through July 26, 2026. 

Good Times

Enjoy a good time on the Fourth of July!

On July 4, 2026, Good Times is offering a special $2.50 menu with five popular treats to celebrate the patriotic holiday. 

Find out what’s on the one-day-only menu here. 

Grocery Store Deals

Spark lots of big savings on many essentials for a Fourth of July celebration or family BBQ at King Soopers, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market and Whole Foods Market.

Check out our weekly round-up here.

Hallmark

Restock your greeting cards for the rest of the year!

From June 22 to July 5, 2026, Hallmark is hosting its semi-annual sale with buy-one-get-one 50% off greeting cards — priced at $2.99 or higher.

Jet’s Pizza

What a steal! 

Thanks to the Rockies stealing a base during Friday’s game, Jet’s Pizza is giving away a FREE slice of pizza on July 4, 2026. Choose from pepperoni or cheese. 

Be sure to wear your Rockies gear to snag the freebie!

Jimmy John’s 

Get sandwiched by savings this holiday weekend!

Jimmy John’s is offering a buy-one-get-one FREE Regular Toasted or Favorite Sandwich — from July 3 to 5, 2026. 

KFC

KFC has savings all boxed for the long holiday weekend!

For a limited time, KFC is offering a new Value Feast line-up with the introduction of three KFC Box Feasts — priced at $7, $9 and $11.

Each box includes fries and a medium drink. 

KFC also just introduced its new $10 “Bucket of the Day” deal, available Monday to Friday.

Krispy Kreme

Celebrate the Fourth by enjoying one of America’s all-time favorite treats at Krispy Kreme.

On July 4, 2026, the popular doughnut shop is offering a FREE Original Glazed doughnut to any customer wearing red, white and blue for the patriotic holiday.

Plus, from July 2 to 5, 2026, Krispy Kreme is offering a dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts for just $2.50 with the purchase of any dozen or 16-count minis at regular price.

Landmark Theatres

Go to the movies over the July 4th weekend!

On July 4 and 5, 2026, Landmark Theatres is hosting its Family Friendly Film Fest summer series with the pop culture classic Goonies showing on the big screen at 11 a.m. each day. Best of all, tickets are budget-friendly at just $2 each.

The series plays every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday through August 12, 2026.

Plus, from July 5 to 8, 2026, the theater chain is offering The Firework Bundle — a movie ticket and large popcorn for $17.76. 

Lowe’s

Get ready for summer fun at Lowe’s! 

Stop by the popular home improvement store on July 4, 2026 for a FREE Beach Bucket Toy Set — starting at 10 a.m. 

Get more details about the giveaway here.

MilkShake Factory

Shake up your Fourth of July with sweet savings!

On July 4, 2026, the MilkShake Factory is offering a buy-one-get-one FREE special on its limited-time American Classics Menu.

There are two locations in Colorado — Arvada and Colorado Springs. 

Movies at McGregor Square

This summer, families can enjoy Movies at McGregor Square with popular flicks showing at the outdoor plaza on a giant LED screen. Admission is FREE. The series kicks off with a special 4th of July screening of Project Hail Mary at 6:30 p.m.

Bring a blanket and find a spot on the lawn or choose a table in the plaza — both are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Popcorn, candy, soft drinks and bar selections available for purchase.

Popeyes

Mix-and-match for the perfect Memorial Day weekend feast at Popeyes!

Through August 31, 2026, the popular chicken restaurant is offering its $5 Faves Menu with three pieces of signature chicken, three chicken strips, two sides or a chicken sandwich as affordable options. A family of four could dine for $25.

Plus, through July 13, 2026, Popeyes is again offering its popular $6 Big Box with lots of menu favorites all in one box. 

Potbelly

Shake up the Fourth of July weekend with a sweet deal!

Potbelly is offering a half-price shake every Friday after 2 p.m. and all day on Saturday & Sunday. The “shaky” deal runs through August 2, 2026.

7-Eleven

Sip on sweet savings!

Through August 25, 2026, Slurpee fans can sip on a large Slurpee for just $1 every Monday to Friday at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes locations — from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The sweet deal is only available for 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members.

Smashburger

Homerun! 

Thanks to the Rockies hitting a home run, Smashburger is giving away a FREE Single All-American Smashburger or Americana Big Dog on July 3 and 4, 2026.

However, you must show proof that you attended the game on July 3rd to get the juicy freebie!

Sonic Drive-In

Celebrate July 4th at Sonic Drive-In!

From June 22 to July 12, 2026, the popular fast-food restaurant is offering a limited-time patriotic value menu at participating locations — the America $2.50 Menu.

Find out what’s on the limited-time menu here.

Taco Bell

Score! 

Thanks to the Rockies scoring 15 runs during Friday’s game, Taco Bell is offering four (4) Crunchy Tacos for just $3 on July 4, 2026 — from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Target

Right on target for savings!

Target is offering military, veterans and their families 20% off a storewide purchase — from June 21 to July 4, 2026.

Find out how to get the savings here.

BONUS: Target is also giving away a FREE exclusive LoveShackFancy x Target tote bag on July 5, 2026. Get more details here. 

U.S. National Parks

Celebrate July 4th will all the natural beauty America has to offer!

From July 3 to 5, 2026, U.S. National Park Service is waiving the entrance fee to all of its more than 400 parks, monuments and other sites, including Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Water World

The July 4th weekend is the perfect time to make a big splash!

Since opening in 1979 with the first two water slides in the state, the popular water park now boasts more than 50 water adventures, including a new area for 2026 — Summit Canyon! 

While a day in the sun can be expensive, find out how to save money on tickets here. 

Whole Foods Market

Ice cream, sundaes and banana splits are a must for any Fourth of July celebration!

From June 24 to July 7, 2026, Whole Foods Market is offering 50% off ice cream and frozen desserts — perfect for any summertime party, gathering or celebration. . 

The popular grocery store also offers Friday-only deals every week. On July 3, 2026, find big savings on sushi rolls, oysters, pizza, cake, wine and more!