July 3rd, 2012 
In Denver for fourth of July and don’t know where to celebrate? Not a worry, we’ve got suggestions.
*With the widespread of Colorado wildfires, a fire ban has been in place which means certain firework shows may be cancelled. Click here to find out where you can watch fireworks in Denver.
photo credit: Denver CBS local
Old Fashioned July 4th Festival
Occupying 12 acres of land, Old Fashion 4th of July celebration has been one of the longest-running and most appreciated celebrations in Denver. Featuring all day activities such as Civil War Encampment & Firing demonstration, Craft Demonstrations, Children’s activities, Horse-drawn Wagon Rides and many more, this low cost event is perfect for families and anyone looking a good old fashion 4th of July celebration. If you decide to attend this great event, arrive early because all ticket sales end at 3:30 p.m.!
WHEN: July 4th, 2012 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHERE:
Four Mile Historic Park
715 South Forest St
Denver, CO 80246
TICKETS:
Adults: $7
Youth 7-17: $4
Seniors: $4
Children 6 & under: Free
Military w/ID: Free
Members of FMHP: Free
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
A world-class and award-winning celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival has been part of the July 4th weekend since 1991. As tradition, this talk-of-the-town will be kicking off on a Friday (6th) and ending on Saturday (8th). Art from all over the nation will take over the Cherry Creek North neighborhood along with wine demonstrations, live music, gourmet food and good times.
WHEN: July 6 – 8th, everyday at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Cherry Creek North District
TICKETS: FREE
photo credit: Perry and Co
Olde Town Arvada Spirit of America July 4th celebration
Make your way to Olde Town Arvada for the ultimate July 4th experience. Celebrating at the Lutz/ Stenger complex, Spirit of America July 4th celebration has drawn over 30,000 people each year for the past 30 years offering entertainment such as “live music all afternoon, kid’s fun activities, games, food concessions, display booths, a car show and a military display.”
WHEN: July 4, 2012 at 4 p.m.
WHERE: Stenger/Lutz Complex
W 58th Ave and Oak St
Arvada, Colorado 80005
TICKETS: FREE
Fireworks at Elitch Garden Theme and Water Park
Looking for an all-day event with the family? Take them to Elitch Gardens for live music, new rides such as the water tube a.k.a. Tube Top and wild performances by Cirque Innosta. Enjoy fireworks at dusk!
WHEN: July 4, 2012 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
WHERE: Elitch Gardens
2000 Elitch Circle
Denver, CO 80204
TICKETS: See prices and purchase tickets here.
Georgetown July 4th Parade
If you prefer to leave the city and celebrate July 4th in the mountains then head to Georgetown, CO. Just under an hour away from Denver, Georgetown is known for throwing special events such as their July 4th parade. Stay all day and enjoy the BBQ at City Park, bucket brigade races, bingo at the community center and many more.
WHERE: Center of Georgetown
Georgetown, CO 80444
WHEN: July 4th, 2012 (all day event)
TICKETS: FREE
photo credit: bluestraveler.com
Concerts Red Rocks Ampitheatre
Mix your love for the mountains and music together and celebrate independence day at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. On July 3rd, catch some good tunes with Foster the People. Then on July 4th, Blues Travelers will return to our very own Red Rocks Ampitheatre for their annual Independence Day performance. Each year, a variety of opening acts join their annual tradition and this year Fitz & The Tantrums, an L.A. indie band with a touch of soul, will be opening. Finally, if you’re looking to stay in the mountains throughout the weekend, String Cheese Incident will bring you three nights of live music and spreading the July 4th spirit throughout the mountains.
WHEN: July 3rd – 7th, 2012
WHERE: Red Rocks Amphitheater
Visitor Center
18300 W. Alameda Parkway
Morrison, CO 80465
TICKETS: Click here for more information ($36.75 – 45.50)
The Julius Show at Green Valley Ranch Amphitheater
On the other side of town, The Julius Show will echo the July 4th spirit with their jazz, funk and soul sound at Green Valley Ranch Amphitheater. As part of the summer concert series, this special live performance will begin just before the sun sets and is followed by a spectacular fireworks show over the lake which is choreographed to popular music.
WHERE:
Green Valley Ranch Amphitheater
4890 Argonne Way
Denver, CO 80249
photo credit: denver.org
WHEN: July 4th, 2012 at 8 p.m.
TICKETS: FREE
Independence Day Eve Celebration at Civic Center Parks
Join many Denverites at the third annual Independence Eve celebration at Civic Center Park. This free event will feature a grandiose performance by the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, innovative light show on the Denver City and County Building and a stunning fireworks finale. Seating is a first come, first serve basis where you are encouraged to bring your own picnic, lawn chairs, blankets and the like.
WHERE: Civic Center Park
101 W 14th Avenue Pkwy
WHEN: July 3, 2012 at 8 p.m.
TICKETS: FREE
Sports: The Rapids, The Outlaws and fireworks
As an active city, we’re avid fans of watching and participating in sports so it’s a treat that The Rapids and The Outlaws will be competing (not together, of course). If you’re into soccer, The Rapids are taking on the Vancouver Whitecaps at Dick’s Sporting Goods park and if Lacrosse strikes your fancy then The Outlaws are battling it out with Ohio Machine at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Fireworks will ensue after the games!
WHERE:
The Rapids @
Dick’s Sporting Goods park
6000 Victory Way
Commerce City, CO 80022
The Outlaws @
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
1701 Bryant Street
Denver, CO 80204
WHEN: July 4, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.(Rapids) or 7 p.m. (Outlaws)
TICKETS:
For the Rapids click here to purchase
For the Outlaws, click here to purchase
photo credit: hallucinationsports.com
Liberty Run at Washington Park
Speaking of Denver being an active city, put your active genes into action and come out with family and friends to one of Denver’s best and largest 4th of July runs at Washington Park. The Liberty Run includes a 4 Mile Run/Walk and the Firecracker Kids Fun Run. Awards will be given to the overall male and female, then to the top three males and top three females in the different age groups. Not running? Then dress in your best Red, White and Blue get up and prizes will be awarded for best kids and best adult display of USA.
WHERE: Washington Park
1000 S Downing St
Denver, CO 80209
WHEN: July 4th, 2012 from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
TICKETS: Race Day registration at 7:30 a.m.
Adults – $35
Seniors 60 and Over/Youth and 17 Under) – $25
4 for the 4th Pack (Four Pack Special) – $100
Firecracker Kids Fun Run – Free
Click here for more information about the event.
photo credit: Park Hill Parade.org
Park Hill July 4th Parade
It’s not a July 4th celebration if there is no neighborhood parade and this small but much anticipated event is the perfect day time celebration. A family-friendly event, the Parade will run along 23rd avenue between Dexter and Krameria street. Afterwards, join the neighborhood at the Kearny Street Fair on 22nd ave and Kearny street with games, food and entertainment.
WHERE: Park Hill neighborhood, on 23rd ave between Dexter street and Krameria street
WHEN: July 4th, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.
Big O Tires Jet Car Nationals/Family Festival at Bandimere Speedway
A perfect all day family event, Big O Tires Jet Car festival features jet cars, drag racing, troop salute, games for all ages, rides, contests, magicians, food, music and any more.
WHERE: Bandimere Speedway
3051 S. Rooney Road
Morrison, CO 80465
WHEN: July 4th, 2012 from 8 a.m. – 9:45 p.m.
TICKETS: For pricing information and to purchase tickets click here.
photo credit: Delonte's Inferno
Denver Cruiser Ride – Tribute to Team America
What a grand happenstance that July 4th lands on a Wednesday – the day of Denver Cruiser Ride! What started off as a couple of friends getting together for drinks, cruise and good times on a hump day turned into a cruise-palooza of costumed-riders from every corner of the city. As a tribute to Team America, join the fun on July 4th and put on your best fourth of July costume (whatever that means to you) and put the F back in freedom.
WHERE: Various meetup points
WHEN: July 4th, 2012 at 7 p.m.
TICKETS: Cash or credit for drinks
Lakewood on Parade
In support of neighborhood participation, anyone can be part of the Lakewood parade. There is no need to register your bike, float or team but to pick up a numbered plate at 9:15 a.m. and be ready to parade down the Lakewood neighborhood. Awards will be given to almost any catagorey you can think of such as Best Theme Costume, Best Two Wheeler, Best Musical Entry, Most Patriotic Float etc. Plus, if you’re looking for a low key setting, then the Lakewood parade is the perfect event for you.
WHERE: Lakewood Boulevard and Cambria St (starting point)
WHEN: July 4, 2012 at 10 a.m.
TICKETS: FREE
Red, White and True Blue: Dancing in the Streets
Due to the fire ban, there may not be enough fireworks to light up Colorado but you can light up your soul by coming down to Quixotes and dance your heart out for this beloved holiday. A one-of-a-kind Indepedence Day celebration and a two day dance fest, you’ll find a wide range of bands at three stages. Put your dance shoes on and enjoy the rhythms of July 4th.
WHEN: July 3, 2012 at 4pm and July 4, 2012 at 11am
WHERE: 2151 Lawrence St. Denver, CO 80202
