Guide To 4th Of July Festivities, Fireworks In Denver Metro Area

DENVER, CO — It's time to fire up that barbecue and celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and festivities. While Denver's largest fireworks show is held on July 3, there are still plenty of displays and events in the metro area on July 4.

If you're looking to head out to some fun local events, here's a roundup of shows, parades and festivities in the Denver Metro Area:

Denver:

4th of July Parade and Pancake Breakfast

Where: Founder's Green, 7601 29th Ave.
When: the breakfast will begin at 9 a.m. on July 4, and the parade will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Bring your decorated bicycles, tricycles, wagons or scooters to participate in the parade. Participants should line up along 29th Avenue, east of Syracuse St., and head east turning left on Valentia Street, then loop around back on 29th Avenue. There will be parade leaders at the start of the parade to guide participants through the course.

Park Hill 4th of July Parade

Where: along 23rd Avenue from Dexter St. to Krameria Street. Viewing areas are available along the entire route on both the north and south sides of 23rd Ave.
When: the parade begins at 1:30 p.m. on July 4

This year's Park Hill parade will include more than 50 groups, including floats, marching bands, costumed characters and classic cars.

Fireworks at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

Where: 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver
When: July 4 - fireworks begin at the park's closing time - 9 p.m.

The Elitch Gardens fireworks will light up the downtown Denver skyline after rides close.

Arvada:

Independence Day Celebration
When: July 4 - gates open at 7 p.m. and the event runs until 9 p.m.
Where: Stenger Sports Complex, 58th Avenue and Oak Street

Presented by the Arvada Festivals Commission, this free event is considered one of the best fireworks displays in Denver's metro area.

Lakewood:

Big Boom Bash

When: July 4 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Jeffco Stadium, 500 Kipling St., Lakewood

Big Boom Bash, hosted by the City of Lakewood, includes kids' activities, local food trucks, a beer garden and a 20-minute fireworks display choreographed to music provided by MIX 100. This event is free, with food and beverage available for purchase.

Events near Denver:

Boulder:

Fireworks at Folsom Field

When: doors open at 8 p.m. on July 4; fireworks begin just after sundown (generally around 9:30 p.m.)
Where: University of Colorado's football stadium - 2400 Colorado Ave, Boulder

For nearly eight decades, Ralphie's Independence Day Blast has been a tradition in Boulder. The event, which is named in honor of CU's mascot Ralphie, includes a stadium-wide sing-along and live music.

4th of July at the Boulder Reservoir

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 4 (incoming gate closes at 4 p.m.)
Where: 5565 51st St., Boulder

Families are invited to picnic and swim at the reservoir. Normal entry fees apply: $7 for adults and $4 for youth.

Broomfield:

Great American Picnic

When: activities begin at 5 p.m. on July 4, and entertainment begins at 6 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk, usually at about 9:30 p.m.
Where: Broomfield County Commons Park, 13200 Sheridan Boulevard, Broomfield

The picnic will include face painting, balloon twisting, a beer garden and food vendors. At 6 p.m., the band Spinphony will play, and Soul X will perform at 7:15 p.m. Open glass bottles and open fires are not allowed in the park.

Know of other events in the Denver metro area? Post them on the Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.