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 deals, discounts and low-cost things to do on Independence Day, Friday, July 4, 2026. Start off at dawn with fun runs and pancake breakfasts; then, picnic and groove to tunes through the day, and finally, find a spot around 9 p.m. for a show that lights up the Colorado sky.
And you might be surprised to learn that many attractions and museums are open as well.
Plus, there are parties galore at restaurants, breweries and other fun spots.
If you know of any we’ve missed, email Laura@milehighonthecheap.com.
We’ve pulled together a list of everything we could find that’s free or cheap on the 4th in the metro area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fourth of July 2026 Deals, Discounts and More
Check back often, as the list is updated as more deals are confirmed.
We’re waiting for all of the Fourth of July 2026 deals to be ignited! Check back soon for big, sparkly savings.