Among all of the vacations to take, mountains to conquer, and beers to drink comes summer’s favorite holiday: the Fourth of July. And while there are no shortage of celebrations throughout the Denver area, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites that have music, food, games and, of course, fireworks.

Four Mile Historic Park Independence Celebration
Details: July 1, 5 p.m.; Four Mile High Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St.
Cost: Free admission, with some activities and food for purchase
Fireworks Show: Watch the Glendale Fireworks Show from Four Mile Park, starting between 9 and 9:30 p.m.
Event Highlights: Enjoy a Dry Dock beer garden, food trucks, horse-drawn wagon rides, and historic games and demonstrations.

Independence Eve
Details: July 3, 8 p.m.; Civic Center Park, Colfax and Bannock streets (arrive early to claim your spot)
Cost: Free
Fireworks Show: After dark, against the backdrop of the Denver City and County Building
Event Highlights: Bring your picnic supplies and sprawl out at Civic Center Park for a concert from Taylor Rae, Soul X, and the 101st Army Band of the Colorado National Guard. There will also be a light show prior to the rooftop fireworks display.

Greeley Stampede 
Details: June 30 to July 4, times vary depending on day; 600 N. 14th Ave., Greeley
Cost: Under 6, free; 6–12, $2; 13–60, $5; 61+, $2
Fireworks Show: July 4, 9:30 p.m.
Event Highlights: Start your day with the Independence Day Parade along the University of Northern Colorado campus and then enjoy duck races, sheep stampedes, demolition derbies, cosplay, and concerts from country crooners Brooke Eden and Neal McCoy before the evening’s fireworks display.

Union Station’s Stars & Stripes Express Fest
Details: July 3–4, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Union Station, 
Cost: Free
Fireworks Show: While there is no show at Union Station, this downtown location and its proximity to rooftop bars make it the perfect spot to see multiple displays around town (like those at Civic Center, Sports Authority, and Coors Field, to name a few).
Event Highlights: The Terminal Bar patio will be expanded so visitors can watch live music and sip on beer from Avery Brewing Co. and other Colorado brewers.

Arvada Independence Day Celebration
Details: July 4, 4 pm.; Lutz/Stenger Sports Complex, 11200 W. 58th Ave., Arvada
Cost: Free
Fireworks Show: Around 10 p.m.
Event Highlights: Expect all the classics at this event—face painting, bouncy houses, games, human hamster balls, food and beverage from local vendors, and live music and entertainment.

Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast
Details: July 4, 8 p.m.; Folsom Field, 2400 Colorado Ave., Boulder (free public parking is available on the University of Colorado Boulder campus; shuttles will take you to the field)
Cost: Free
Fireworks Show: Starts around 9:40 p.m.
Event Highlights: Catch entertainment from The Mighty Twisters, a “Rockin’ Dance band,” and the Mad Hops jump rope team. The Boy Scouts Color Guard will present the National Anthem.

Thornton Fourth of July Celebration
Details: July 4, 4 p.m.; Carpenter Park Fields, 11000 Colorado Blvd., Thornton
Cost: Free
Fireworks Show: Starting after 9:30 p.m.
Event Highlights: In addition to beer gardens and food vendors, you’ll catch the winner of Thornton’s own Battle of the Bands, the Thornton Community Band, and the Kory Brunson Band. Don’t miss the nighttime parachutists before the fireworks show.

Parker Stars and Stripes Celebration
Details: July 4, 6 p.m.; Salisbury Equestrian Park, 11920 Motsenbocker Rd., Parker
Cost: Parking is $5, general admission is free
Fireworks Show: 9:30 p.m.
Event Highlights: Settle in for an afternoon of carnival food, bounce houses, slides, games, climbing walls, and more. Plus, don’t miss a presentation of the colors from the Parker Police Department Honor Guard and the Parker Chorale, and ’80s tunes from the Six Million Dollar Band.

The Great American Picnic
Details: July 4, 5:30 p.m.; Broomfield County Commons Park, 13200 Sheridan Blvd.
Cost: Free admission, some costs associated with games/activities
Fireworks Show: Starting at 9:30 p.m.
Event Highlights: You’ll enjoy the concessions and food, while your kids will love the pony rides and unlimited playtime on the inflatables. You can also participate in a bike parade and catch a capella and ’80s concerts.

Fourth of July Festival in Golden
Details: July 4, noon; Lions Park, 1300 10th St., Golden
Cost: Free
Fireworks Show: Starting around 9:30 p.m. 
Event Highlights: Claim a spot in Lions Park next to Clear Creek and enjoy a raffle, free rides, face painting, live music, and food and drink vendors while waiting for the fireworks to pop off. 

Bonus: You can’t go wrong by attending a Rockies (July 3 and 4), Outlaws (July 4) or Rapids (July 4) game and catching fireworks from their respective stadiums.