When you think of the Fourth of July, what’s one of the first things that comes to mind? Fireworks! While many of the fireworks displays that were cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 crisis have returned, some major displays in Denver, Boulder, and other areas will still not be held in 2021, and many of those that are being held have restrictions on where you are allowed to gather to view the displays. Be sure to check the details of the events for up to date information on restrictions and event changes. Below, we’ve mapped out the currently scheduled fireworks displays in and around the Denver / Boulder Area. Again, PLEASE be sure to click on the event link for information on viewing restrictions and other event updates. Stay safe everyone and Happy Independence Day!
ARVADA
Sans the food trucks and live entertainment typically present, 4th of July fireworks are back at Stenger Sports Complex (entry at West 58th Avenue and Oak Street) on July 4! Gates open at 7 p.m. and West 58th Avenue will shut down to traffic beginning at 8 p.m. Handicapped parking is available in Stenger’s northeast lot. arvadafestivals.com
AURORA
City officials encourage residents to watch this year’s 30-minute display from their homes or nearby parks, since the Aurora Municipal Center’s Great Lawn will be off -limits to spectators. The city’s Fourth of July Spectacular display, will take place at 9:30 p.m. around Bicentennial Park, according to auroragov.org.
BERTHOUD (July 3rd)
For the second time in 130 years, the town of Berthoud is holding a formal Fourth of July fireworks celebration — this time on July 3, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. There are a number of activities at Bein Park Athletic Complex, at the corner of Spartan Avenue and 10th Street, including music, a kids’ zone, children’s parade, games and food trucks. Fireworks at 9 p.m. https://www.berthoud.org/departments/recreation/july-3rd-fireworks-event
BRIGHTON (July 3rd)
This year’s sixth Stars & Stripes fireworks display takes over Riverdale Regional Park, 9755 Henderson Road, with live music, a cornhole tournament, kids’ activities, drinks and food on July 3. The Stars & Stripes 5k begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by the cornhole tournament at 10 a.m., festival at 4 p.m., and fireworks around 9:30. adamscountyfair.com/starsandstripes
BROOMFIELD
Broomfield’s Great American Picnic kicks off at 5 p.m. July 4 in Broomfield County Commons Park, 13200 Sheridan Blvd., and includes a beer garden, children’s carnival ($10 for unlimited “inflatables” play) and an all-ages bike parade. (Note: Kids are required to wear a helmet, so be sure to bring one if you’re riding.) Live music starting at 6 p.m. will lead into 9:30 fireworks. Limited parking on-site and additional parking available at Legacy High School, with shuttles available from 5 to 11 p.m. broomfield.org/611/July-4th
CASTLE ROCK
Castle Rock’s 9:30 p.m. fireworks show is centered on the top of Santa Fe Quarry butte, above Red Hawk Golf Course, at an elevation of about 6,700 feet, which should make for great viewing nearly anywhere in town. All town parks will also be open until 11 p.m. on July 4. crgov.com/2658/fireworks-in-castle-rock
COMMERCE CITY
The Colorado Rapids are once again hosting fireworks on the Fourth of July, with the club’s 24th annual 4thFest Celebration at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Billed as the state’s largest display, the free, family-friendly event, outside of Burgundy Boulevard, offers live music, bounce houses, pedal carts, refreshments and more. The nearby soccer game costs money, but most events are free at 6000 Victory Way. Hours: 5-9 p.m. Parking lots are limited (RTD bus and rail travel is encouraged) and open at 4 p.m. coloradorapids.com/4thfest
DENVER (July 2nd, 3rd & 4th)
Civic Center‘s traditional Independence Eve will not return this year, but Elitch Gardens is offering its dusk fireworks display visible from the surrounding areas on July 4, preceded by free, downtown-visible displays at Coors Field on July 2 and 3 (following the Colorado Rockies games against the Cardinals).
ENGLEWOOD
The city’s family-friendly July 4 event, starting at 5 p.m., spans Belleview and Cornerstone parks in conjunction with the cities of Littleton and Sheridan, Arapahoe County and South Suburban Parks & Recreation. It will feature kids’ activities, food trucks and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. englewoodco.gov/fourthofjuly
ERIE (July 3rd)
This year’s fireworks display takes place at Erie Community Park (450 Powers St.) on July 3, with the fireworks launched from the rooftop of the Erie Community Center. Limited parking is also available there starting at 7 p.m. erieco.gov
GLENDALE (July 2nd)
This (slightly) early Independence Day celebration takes place on July 2 at Creekside Park, 4400 E. Virginia Ave. at 9:15 p.m. Street closures start around 7:30 p.m. and run until 10:30, including portions of East Virginia Avenue, South Birch Street, South Cherry Street, Exposition Avenue, South Forest Street, South Dahlia Street and Cherry Creek Drive. https://www.glendale.co.us/Calendar.aspx?EID=561
GOLDEN
Lions Park Ballfields are the site of Golden’s 9:30 p.m. fireworks display on July 4, with the best viewing at the park or along the creek. Lookout Mountain Road will be closed all day to everyone except residents. A festival, starting at noon, will lead up to the display — likely with rides, face painting, live music and food/drinks — but details are forthcoming. 1300 10th St. visitgolden.com/4th-of-july
HIGHLANDS RANCH
The celebration begins with an 8:30 a.m. family bike-and-pet parade, followed by a 9 a.m. community parade. See the city website for street closures and the parade route, which begins at 9285 Hepburn St. The 9:30 p.m.-10 fireworks display is viewable around the staging area at South Quebec Street and South University Boulevard, but the park and surrounding area is closed to the public this year. hrcaonline.org
LAKEWOOD (July 3rd)
Big Boom Bash returns as a fireworks-only display over Jeffco Stadium at 9:15 p.m. on July 3, rain or shine. While there are no attractions this year, the display will be choreographed to music by MIX 100. The show is visible from Lakewood parks and residences within a 1.5-mile radius, but the city’s website includes more suggested viewing areas. lakewood.org/bigboombash.
LONGMONT
The Longmont Skyline Kiwanis are hosting a private event at the Fox Hill Country Club on the evening of the 4th at approximately 9:45 pm. The event has been permitted by Boulder County and includes a fireworks show. This light display will be launched from the Fox Hill County Club Golf Course in unincorporated Boulder County and will likely be able to be seen from many areas of Longmont. https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-n-z/public-information/fourth-of-july
LOUSIVILLE
Coal Creek Golf Course at 585 W. Dillon Road will be closed to viewing this year, and Louisville will not offer pre-fireworks activities. The 9:45 p.m. display, however, will be staged from a higher elevation; the city’s website suggests designated viewing sites that open at 8:30 p.m. louisvilleco.gov
LOVELAND
In conjunction with Fort Collins, Loveland’s “drive-in” Fourth of July show at the Ranch Events Complex follows a similarly successful run in 2020. Parking for the free event opens at the south gate at 6 p.m., with nearly 4,000 parking spots available and light snacks (although that’s about it). Parking lots and other areas outside of the Ranch will be available for viewing the 9:15 p.m. show. lovgov.org
PARKER
Parker’s Stars and Stripes Celebration is on hold this year, but programming is still taking place at Salisbury Park, 11920 Motsenbocker Road, with parking packages running $10-$30. Only the highest tier allows visitors to see live music and have access to food trucks. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. The city will update details for the event soon, according to parkeronline.org
THORNTON
Family activities begin at 4 p.m. at Carpenter Park (11000 Colorado Blvd.) with food and drinks, live music, a presentation of colors and more. Paved and unpaved parking is available in the lots south of the Carpenter Park Fields and west of 108th Avenue. And don’t miss the annual tradition of the nighttime parachutists, who will herald the dusk fireworks. cityofthornton.net
WESTMINSTER
City festivities are on hold this year, minus the 9:15 p.m. fireworks display at Westminster City Park, 10455 N. Sheridan Blvd. Parking is limited, and organizers recommend using a free shuttle from various locations in Westminster and Hyland Hills. Nearby Northglenn will host Fourth of July events at a quartet of parks in conjunction with Westminster’s display. cityofwestminster.us and northglenn.org
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