The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
No matter how you plan to celebrate the Fourth of July—whether it’s competing in an athletic competition, perusing an art festival, or simply watching some good ol’ fireworks—Colorado has the event for you. We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to enjoy the weekend, in Denver and beyond.
If You’re Staying in Denver…
Liberty Run 4 Mile
Burn calories, support the Fetal Health Foundation, and celebrate Independence Day at the annual Liberty Run 4 Mile Run/Walk. You’ll get a healthy dose of patriotic competition, too, as prizes will be awarded to the most brilliant red, white, and blue-attired competitors. Bring your kids for the free Kids Firecracker Fun Run. Volunteer at the event if the run isn’t for you. $25 to $35; Saturday, 8:30 a.m.; Washington Park, 1000 S. Downing St.
The Colorado Symphony’s Family Friendly Fourth of July
The sounds of Harry Potter, Frozen, Star Wars, and Pixar movies will erupt from the Colorado Symphony as fireworks explode overhead. Not only will the symphony play contemporary scores from your kids’ favorite movies, but it will also play patriotic favorites such as God Bless America. $15-$36.50. Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village
Fireworks at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Soar on roller coasters, beat the heat in the wave pool, and wrap up the day with a free fireworks show over the park. The display will start at dusk. Free with admission; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, 2000 Elitch Circle
If You’re Looking for a Day Trip…
Head to Boulder
Spend the day sipping on local brews, listening to various live entertainment acts, and perusing local arts and crafts at the free Boulder Art & JazzFest on Pearl Street. Then, jam to live music by the Delta Sonics, a Denver-based blues band; play backyard games such as corn hole; and enjoy food and refreshments at the St. Julien Hotel & Spa’s family-friendly, evening event. Finish out the day with free fireworks show at Folsom Field.
(Read more ways to enjoy summer in Boulder)
Visit Breckenridge
Get away for a patriotic day in this mountain town. Compete in the Independence Day 10K Trail Run or the Firecracker 50 Mountain Bike Race. Watch the Main Street parade. Bring your kids for a water fight with the Red, White & Blue Fire Department. Enjoy a concert by the National Repertory Orchestra. And, most importantly, ooh and ahh over a fireworks show at the end of the night.
Take a Tour of Fort Collins
Fort Collins has a lot to offer in the way of patriotic sports events: the FireKracker 5k in City Park, a golf tournament at the City Park Nine Golf Course, and an annual Old Timer’s Game of baseball at the City Park North field. The day also includes a parade; an Old-Fashioned celebration at the Avery House; live music by the 101st Army Dixieland Band, the 101st Army Rock Band, and the Colorado Symphony; and a fireworks display at City Park over Sheldon Lale.
If You Want to Get Away for the Weekend…
Check Out Colorado Springs
Get away to Colorado Springs, and kick off the weekend with a Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC soccer game Friday night. Spend Saturday at the Pikes Peak Art & Music Festival or at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, complete with in-park entertainment and a barbeque. Then, watch the Air Force Academy Band and Colorado Springs Philharmonic play before a thousand-dollar-a-minute fireworks show at Memorial Park.
Join the Festivities in Frisco
For a cozy, small-town celebration, Frisco is the perfect destination. Independence day is packed with activities: a pancake breakfast, a Kids Fishing Derby, various concerts, a parade, and fireworks over the marina. Plus, you can spend your free time on the lake, boating and fishing.
Escape to Steamboat
Steamboat has a holiday packed with events, starting with summer ski jumping on Howelsen Hill on Thursday that continues throughout the weekend. There are also various concerts throughout the weekend, the 112th annual Cowboys’ Roundup Days complete with rodeo events and the Pioneer Days Block Party, a parade, and a fireworks show at Howelsen Hill.
Discover more ways to enjoy summer in Denver at 5280.com/summerguide.
