Jump Ahead:

Denver

Infinity Park Stadium, Glendale: A few days before the Fourth, head to this neighborhood stadium for a screening of Armageddon, food trucks, and, of course, fireworks. There are multiple viewing locations inside the stadium and in the adjacent Infinity Park turf field. July 2; gates open at 6:30 p.m., fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.; 4599 E. Tennessee Ave.

People celebrating Fourth of July at Civic Center Park in Denver
Photo courtesy of Visit Denver
A young girl watches a drone show in Denver for Fourth of July
Photo courtesy of Visit Denver
Someone takes a picture on their phone of a drone show in Denver
Photo courtesy of Visit Denver

Civic Center Park: Denver’s hallmark Indy Eve celebration is forgoing the fireworks again this year in favor of a dazzling drone show. Before 300 drones take to the skies over the Denver Art Museum and Denver Public Library, attendees can catch a performance by the Colorado Symphony’s brass and percussion ensemble, engage with roaming circus performers, and explore the family zone and artisan market. July 3; 5–10 p.m., show starts around 9:40 p.m.; 101 W. 14th Ave.

Coors Field: July 5 and 6 might be the brightest spot of the Rockies’ season this year. And that’s because, after the squad takes on the Chicago White Sox each afternoon, the stadium will erupt with fireworks. Purchase a ticket for the game or peep the lights from a vantage point in LoDo. July 5–6; after the game; 2001 Blake St.

Fireworks over Elitch Gardens in Denver
Photo courtesy of Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park

Elitch Gardens: Purchase tickets to this Denver institution, where you can brave the Brain Drain and cool off in Castaway Creek before settling in for a fireworks show after the park closes. July 5; around 9 p.m.; 2000 Elitch Circle

Arvada

Stenger Sports Complex: Grab grub from the slew of on-site food trucks, then secure a seat on the lawn for Arvada’s dazzling annual show. July 4; around 9:15 p.m.; 11200 W. 58th Ave.

Aurora

Aurora Municipal Center: Before the pyrotechnics, enjoy eats, get your face painted, and tackle some arts and crafts projects while you watch musical performances from Ninety Percent 90s and Groove ’n Motion. July 4; event begins at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

Avon

Fireworks over the city of Avon. Photo by Zach Mahone

Harry A. Nottingham Park: As if fireworks weren’t already a showstopper, this Independence Day celebration includes a concert by Grammy Award–nominated six-piece funk outfit Lettuce. Don’t miss the performers on stilts, balloon artists, magicians, and more. July 3; event begins at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9:45 p.m.; 414 W. Beaver Creek Blvd.

Berthoud

Waggener Farm Park: This patriotic day-before-the-Fourth bash includes attractions for the whole family—from a bouncy house for little ones to a beer garden for adults. Don’t skip the food trucks, DJ sets, and live performances. July 3; event begins at 5 p.m., fireworks at dusk; 1000 N. Berthoud Parkway

Boulder

Boulder will not have fireworks this year.

Brighton

Riverdale Regional Park: On July 3, musician Tayler Holder will provide country tunes, which pair well with a cold beer, local eats from the selection of food trucks, and a sky-alighting production. The next day, the locale will host a townwide parade (visit its Facebook page for more information), races, and kids activities. July 3; event begins 4 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; 9755 Henderson Road

Carmichael Park: Wear your dancing shoes: Ninety2K will be providing boogie-worthy beats for this Fourth fest. Bop around the grounds for free face painting and food-truck grub. After the musical set concludes, look to the sky for an impressive presentation. July 4; event starts at 5 p.m., fireworks after the concert; 650 E. Southern St.

Broomfield

Broomfield County Commons Park: What sets this function apart is its Bike Parade, which consists of dozens of red-, white-, and blue-bedecked bicycles pedaling throughout the park. Also expect a beer garden, music, lots of scrumptious bites, an aerial performance, and kids activities (hello, Nerf gun fights!). July 4; event begins at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9:15 p.m.; 13200 Sheridan Blvd.

Castle Rock

Prairie Hawk Drive: Castle Rock’s fireworks will be ignited from the town’s former Acme Brick factory—you’ll know they’re about to start thanks to a three-gun salute. Before the grand finale, head to downtown Castle Rock to take part in a free 5K, hear tunes from Ryan Chrys & the Rough Cuts, sip cocktails, and fill up on local food-truck fare. July 4; fireworks start around 9:30 p.m.; 401 Prairie Hawk Drive

Colorado Springs

Pikes Peak Center: Colorado Springs Philharmonic will provide the soundtrack for this patriotic affair. Tune into one of three radio stations streaming the event; the lights will also be visible from multiple open space areas (check here for more information). July 4; fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.; 190 S. Cascade Ave.

Commerce City

Dick’s Sporting Goods Park: A Major League Soccer match between the Colorado Rapids and the Sporting Kansas City will be bookended with a pregame festival and the state’s largest public fireworks show. Check out the rock climbing wall, bouncy house, alpine tubing slide, and mechanical bull at the fest. July 4; event starts at 5 p.m., game at 7:30 p.m., fireworks after the game; 6000 Victory Way (if not attending game, watch from parking lots)

Englewood

Cornerstone and Belleview Parks: Let freedom ring with citizens from all over the region at this massive fireworks show. Residents of Englewood, Sheridan, Littleton, and Arapahoe County are invited to participate in games, face painting, dancing, and more before the main event. July 4; event starts at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9:15 p.m.; 5150 S. Windermere St.

Erie

Erie Community Park: This locale choreographs its light show to music. Enjoy a chilly treat from Punch Buggy Shave Ice or a glizzy from Campfire Hotdog Grill while you watch. July 3; event starts at 6 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m.; 450 Powers St.

Estes Park

Photo courtesy of Visit Estes/John Berry

Lake Estes: Opt for a viewing location in the Estes Park Events Complex or around Lake Estes for this colorful display. The Complex will also host a preshow set by Eagles cover band the Long Run. Head to Avant Garde Aleworks for a special anniversary party all weekend long. July 4; fireworks around 9:30 p.m.; viewing locations vary

Firestone

Miners Park: Start the holiday peeping the parade that loops from Hart Park to Miners Park (check here for the parade route). Spend the rest of the day listening to live bands, including Pandas & People and Bevin Luna, shopping at a vendor market, and observing the brilliant light show. July 4; parade starts at 11 a.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; 170 Grant Ave.

Fort Collins

Sheldon Lake at City Park: Sign up for the FireKracker 5K to kick-start your day with a dose of endorphins. If running isn’t your sport, hitch a free trolley ride or just settle in for an afternoon of live tunes, a food truck rally, and an after-dark fireworks presentation. July 4; event starts at 7:30 a.m., fireworks at 9:35 p.m.; 1500 W. Mulberry St.

Frisco

Main Street: Though Frisco has opted to forgo fireworks over the Dillon Reservoir, the day’s encompassing schedule more than makes up for the lack of pyrotechnics. Fill your belly with pancakes at a townwide breakfast, then scope out the parade down Main Street with vintage cars, decorated floats, decked-out bikes, and more. In the afternoon, allow yourself to be serenaded by the melodies of Orgōne. July 4; event starts at 8 a.m.; Main St.

Golden

Lions Park: You won’t see fireworks at this fest, but you will have a chance to do a yoga class, hear a Bruce Springsteen cover band, boogie to ’70s tunes, and enjoy local eats and drinks (including Coors!). July 4; event starts at 10 a.m.; 1100 10th St.

Greeley

Island Grove Regional Park: Greeley Stampede is hosting the town’s anticipated Fourth of July parade—one of the largest in the state—and fireworks display. Watch from Island Grove Regional Park or up to 10 miles around it. July 4; parade starts at 9 a.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; 501 N. 14th Ave.

Highlands Ranch

Highland Heritage Regional Park: Bring your blanket and consider hailing an Uber to this freedom fete in Highlands Ranch—there isn’t much parking. Locally made food-truck fare will be available—or pack your own picnic—for noshing on while watching the luminous production. July 4; fireworks start at 9 p.m.; 9651 S. Quebec St.

Idaho Springs

Miner Street Market: Get down with an all-day music fest before one of the more epic light shows across the state: Fireworks explode over the famous water wheel and reverberate through the valley. Before the grand finale, enjoy free games, blow-up bull riding, axe throwing, water gun contests, and a bunch of carnival games. July 4; event starts at 11 a.m., fireworks after dark; Miner St.

Lafayette

Waneka Lake Park: Sneak in an extra Fourth bash with this pre-holiday celebration. Nurse a chilled beer or cider from Westbound & Down or Stem Ciders while you soak in the melodies of blues group Chris Daniels & the Kings. June 28; event starts at 4 p.m., fireworks at dusk; 1600 Caria Drive

Lakewood

Belmar Square Park: For this nighttime drone show, make sure to grab an optimal viewing spot (see the map here) and tune your phone to the soundtrack provided by MIX 100.3. Also make sure to stop by the vendor village, check out kids activities, and hear live performances from the likes of the Tracers. July 3; event starts at 5 p.m., drone show around 9:15 p.m.; 7337 W. Alaska Drive

Leadville

Harrison Avenue: Enjoy some all-American fare—including hot dogs, burgers, and root beer floats—before you settle in for fireworks set against some of Colorado’s most famous peaks. July 4; events start at 8:30 a.m., fireworks at dusk; Harrison Ave.

Littleton

Red fireworks on the Fourth of July in Littleton
Photo courtesy of Hudson Gardens

Clement Park: Early in the night, little ones can expend their energy inside the bouncy houses in the kids zone. Afterward, families should claim seats in the amphitheater for ’80s tribute ensemble That Eighties Band, then turn their attention to the sky for the explosive show. July 3; event starts at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; 7306 W. Bowles Ave.

Hudson Gardens: Coloradans might be landlocked, but that doesn’t mean we don’t get down to yacht rock. Hear tunes from Yachty Got Back, sip on cocktails and brews, and stick around for the fireworks after dark. July 3; event starts at 5 p.m., fireworks after concert; 6115 South Santa Fe Drive 

Lone Tree

Prairie Sky Park: From a family-friendly bike ride to a varied selection of inflatables, games, and activities to a tribute concert celebrating Fleetwood Mac, there is no excuse for boredom at this bash. Check out the town’s website for optimal fireworks-spectating locations. July 4; event starts at 9 a.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; 9381 Crossington Way

Longmont

Downtown Longmont: This celebration has the best of both worlds: pyrotechnics and a drone show. Both will be visible from the “street party” area, where visitors can also enjoy sounds from the likes of Jammy Buffet, check out carnival attractions, and score food and drink. (See here for other optimal fireworks viewing spots.) July 4; fireworks around 9:30 p.m.; Emery St., between 1st and 2nd Ave.

Louisville

Coal Creek Golf Course: Sweet Cow, Punch Buggy Shave Ice, and Frost & Dough Dessert Truck will dish out cold treats to help you beat the heat while you party like a patriot. Round out the day with face painting, bouncy houses, festive music from the Boulder Concert Band, and the hallmark lights arrangement. July 4; event starts at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; 585 W. Dillon Road

Loveland

Loveland will not have fireworks this year.

Northglenn

EB Rains Jr. Memorial Park: We’d venture to guess that this is the only Front Range Fourth of July celebration to have a duck derby, in which participants bet on which racing rubber duck crosses the finish line first. Gambling-averse partygoers can peruse the car show, concerts, and beer garden. July 4; event starts at noon, fireworks at 9:15 p.m.; 11800 Community Center Drive

Parker

Salisbury Park: Parker is opting for a “remote viewing” event again this year, so host an at-home gathering, claim a spot at Salisbury Park, or head to one of the city’s other suggested viewing spots. At dusk, turn your attention toward the sky for the fireworks. July 4; fireworks around 9:30 p.m.; 11920 N. Motsenbocker Road

Silverthorne

People watching Fourth of July festivities in Rainbow Park in Silverthorne
Photo courtesy of Town of Silverthorne

Rainbow Park: The most inventive fireworks alternative award has to go to Silverthorne—instead of the works this year, they’ll celebrate the Fourth with an art float. Denver-based artist Bree Angela designed the piece, which is a mobile stage that will have fireworks-themed monsters dancing onboard. While in town, catch shows by the National Repertory Orchestra and rock-blues pedal guitar player Robert Randolph. July 4; event starts at 10 a.m.; 590 Rainbow Drive

Thornton

Carpenter Park: Fireworks are only part of Thornton’s Independence Day extravaganza. Before the sky is illuminated, see trained parachutists jump from the sky, groove to a half-dozen bands on two stages, and sip a chilled beverage in the beer garden. July 4; event starts at noon, fireworks around 9:30 p.m.; 11000 Colorado Blvd.

Westminster

Westminster City Park: You won’t have to fight for a parking spot at this citywide celebration. Instead, take advantage of one of the city’s free shuttles, which stops at four different locations on its way to the event. Once there, grab a beer and catch Little Moses Jones and Face before the light show. July 4; event starts at 4 p.m., fireworks at 9:15 p.m.; 10455 N. Sheridan Blvd.