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So, you’ve staked out a spot and a few lawn chairs for the Fourth of July parade—now what? If you’re in a last-minute scramble trying to make the most of the mid-week holiday, we’ve rounded up a few patriotic events in Denver. Whether you’re trying to have fun with the whole family or you’re looking for an adults-only celebration, here are a few fun options for a memorable Independence Day.
Independence Eve 2018 at Civic Center Park
When: July 3, 8 p.m. (food trucks arrive at 4 p.m.)
Where: Civic Center Park
Cost: Free
Kick off America’s birthday a little early with this celebration at Civic Center Park. Grab a seat and watch a featured light show or bop to a live music performance from blues band Chris Daniels and the Kings. Guests can also enjoy renditions from the 101st Army Band of the Colorado National Guard. Grab a bite from array of food trucks or sip a brew from one of two beer and wine gardens before enjoying a dazzling fireworks finale. Just make sure to grab a spot early— lawn seating is first-come first-served.
Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants
Date: July 3–4, 6:10 p.m. (both nights)
Where: Coors Field, 2001 Blake St.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
You can celebrate America’s birthday by enjoying one of our country’s favorite pastimes—by watching the Rockies take on (and hopefully beat) the division-rival San Francisco Giants on back-to-back nights at Coors Field. Stick around after the game for one of the city’s best fireworks shows. Try to stake a seat in sections 148–160 or in the Rockpile—guests seated in those areas will be the lucky few given the opportunity to watch the fireworks on the field. Tickets for both games are going quick, but there are still a few left on the Rockies website and on the resale market.
54thirty Fourth of July Rooftop Party
When: July 4, 4–11 p.m.
Where: 54thirty, 1475 California St.
Cost: Free
If you’re looking for an excuse to play giant Jenga and sip some patriotic cocktails, look no further than this Denver rooftop bar. Feeling social media savvy? You can try their #thatviewthough cocktail, mixed with Tito’s vodka and a Denver Beer Co. raspberry kölsch or a Free Fashioned, infused with Jack Daniels, cardamom, and orange. Nosh on beer brats and hot dogs while enjoying Instagram-worthy views of the fireworks. And if you’ve got a case of happy feet, bring your dancing shoes and enjoy some killer beats with DJ Manos.
Truck Stop Food Truck Rally
When: July 4, 1–8 p.m.
Where: Stanley Marketplace, Aurora
Cost: Free entry (pay for eat and drink)
Trying to avoid grill master responsibilities on the Fourth? This five-acre food truck paradise has got it all—from lobster rolls to chicken and waffles and a few craft booze pop-up bars. Bring the kiddos along to enjoy some live music from local artists like Americana band King Cardinal and soul band the Other Black. Guests will also get the chance to shop with local vendors and fashion trucks.
July 4th BrewLau
When: July 4, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Location: Declaration Brewing Company, 2030 S. Cherokee St.
Cost: Free
Want a Hawaiian take on a Fourth of July cookout? This luau is sure to make your taste buds melt as guests get the chance to munch on Kalua-style roast pig (read: traditional Hawaiian method of cooking meat using an underground oven) and sip on one of 23 Declaration Brewing beers on tap. Feeling up to a sweet-toothed challenge? Guests can also participate in a pie-eating contest later in the evening followed by live music from the Royal Aces Surf Rock Band.