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 movies on Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4. You can 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 or 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 5 p.m. Must buy timed-entry tickets in advance.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Must buy timed-entry 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
Mirror Image Brewing — 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Annual Fourth of July BBQ serving wings, brisket, and pulled pork with all the fixings. Live music: Noon to 1:30 p.m. with Nick O’Connor, followed by the Nick Critchlow Duo from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Activities for kids will be provided as well as hot dogs. 5969 Iris Pkwy, Frederick.
Stanley Marketplace Beat The Heat — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Splash pads and mini pools on the West Patio. DJ Andy Gonzalez spins tunes. Grab some grub from eateries within the complex and bring it outside while the kiddos and pups cool off. 2501 Dallas St., Aurora.
Cornhole Tournament at Danico Brewing Company — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Doubles Cornhole Tournament. Sign ups are at 12:30 p.m. a the bar. Bags fly at 1 p.m. FREE to play! 1st & 2nd place get prizes. Bracket elimination. All ages/abilities welcome. 18490 E 66th Ave., Denver.
Calvary Bible Church – Thornton Campus 4th of July Celebration — 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Inflatables, BBQ, lawn games, and watch the Thornton fireworks. Bring a chair and enjoy the evening in a safe environment. Free parking. Restrooms open to the public. The event is FREE and all are welcome. 11989 Saint Paul St., Thornton.
Strange Craft Beer Co 4th of July BBQ Potluck — noon to 10 p.m. Bring your favorite BBQ potluck dish. Taproom will open at noon and food will be ready by 1 p.m. Need a grill? There will be one on site. The brewery has excellent viewing of the fireworks flying out of Mile High so stick around and catch a show. 1330 Zuni St., Denver.
Groβen Bart Brewery — starts at 1 p.m. BBQ and a DJ. 1025 Delaware Ave., Unit A, Longmont.
July 4th Deals on Food & More
7-Eleven
Slurp on a sweet freebie as part of 7-Eleven’s 96th birthday celebration. From July 1 to 11, customers have the opportunity to sip on up to three FREE Slurpees.
Also, from July 1 to 11, 7-Eleven is offering loyalty members $1 deals on a variety of treats, including a Big Bite Hot Dog, pizza slice, the STUFDCAKE and more.
AMC Theatres
While most Tuesday movie discounts are not available this Fourth of July (because it’s a holiday), AMC Theatres is still honoring its Discount Tuesdays on July 4, 2023. Tickets start at just $6.50!
Applebee’s
Kids (12 and under) eat FREE at Applebee’s on Independence Day, July 4. Find more details here.
Cheers! Applebee’s is serving its Summertime Sips for just $6 each — choose Blue Bahama Mama or Tropical Mana Magarita. Combine the drinks with the restaurant’s popular 2 For $25 meal deal for big savings over the holiday weekend.
In addition, you can earn a FREE ticket to see Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny just by dining in — from June 22 to July 19. Get more information here.
Arby’s
Arby’s is serving lots of meaty savings over the holiday weekend! From June 26 to July 2, get five (5) Classic Roast Beef Sandwiches for just $5. It’s one of the best deals the fast-food restaurant has ever offered. The deal is only available via the Arby’s app.
Freddy’s
In honor of Independence Day, Freddy’s is hosting a weeklong Giveback with charity partner Folds of Honor — from June 28 to July 4. Customers who donate $1 to Folds of Honor Foundation, when ordering in-restaurant or through the drive-thru will receive one FREEsingle cake cone or dish.
Elitch Gardens
Summer fun’s not over yet! Elitch Gardens is holding a July 4th Special with half-price tickets and discounted Season Passes. The sale runs from June 26 to July 4.
Krispy Kreme
Celebrate the Fourth by enjoying one of America’s favorite treats at Krispy Kreme. On July 4, the shop is offering a FREE Original Glazed doughnut to any customer wearing red, white and blue.
Marco’s Pizza
Whether you’re having a BBQ or picnic (or hosting a family gathering) for July 4th, you will definitely want to have pizza somewhere on the menu. And Marco’s Pizza is offering a delicious deal this Independence Day. From June 29 to July 2, enjoy 30% off any menu-priced pizza. Use promo code STAR23, when ordering via the pizza shop’s site or app.
Popeyes
Chicken is perfect for any July 4th picnic or gathering! Popeyes is offering a FREE chicken sandwich with the purchase of chicken sandwich combo — from June 29 to July 9.
Potbelly Sandwich Works
Shake up the holiday weekend! Potbelly Sandwich Works is offering 50% off shakes (with purchase) from June 30 to July 2. The sweet deal runs from Friday at 5 p.m. to closing on Sunday. Even better, the special runs every weekend through July 30.
Safeway
Spark big savings on everything you’ll need for a July 4th BBQ! Safeway is offering lots of Red, White & Blue Deals on hot dogs, condiments, soft drinks, watermelon and more.
Shake Shack
Sweeten your afternoons! Shake Shack is offering a buy-one-get-one FREE shake every day from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., when ordering via the restaurant’s site or app. Get promo code here. The sweet deal runs through July 31.
Sonic Drive-In
Celebrate the holiday by biting into an All-American favorite at SONIC. July 4th falls on a Tuesday this year. Every Tuesday, the popular restaurant offers half-price cheeseburgers from 5 p.m. to closing, when you order online or in the Sonic app.
Plus, cool off with the chain’s Happy Hour special and enjoy half-price drinks — daily from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. With the app, you can enjoy the bargain beverages all day.
Target
Get ready to make a Target run! Target is offering military, vets and their families 10% off two separate purchases — from June 25 to July 4.
Walgreens
Walgreens is honoring military and veterans with 20% off regular price items — from July 1 to 4. The offer requires a MyWalgreens membership and proof of service, in-store only. Exclusions apply.
Water World
Make a big splash on a budget! Water World is offering a Fourth of July 4-Pack Sale — from July 4 to 7. Save $30 on tickets for July 10 to 20 (Monday to Thursday only). Get more details here.