Fireworks displays, so crucial to Fourth of July celebrations, were largely a home-bound affair last year. But many of us are looking to make up for lost time — or at least revisit a holiday that celebrates the founding of our turbulent country.
Also contributing to this year’s renewed burst of activity: Independence Day falls on a Sunday, ensuring a weekend-long series of celebrations. Details are still trickling in for some events, given the rapid return to public life. And some annual displays — such as those in Green Valley Ranch, Littleton, Lafayette, Longmont, Northglenn and Boulder — are canceled entirely.
Keep in mind that personal fireworks that explode or leave the ground are illegal everywhere in Colorado. Examples, according to the , include bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles, cherry bombs and M-80s. Those who use illegal fireworks are subject to fines of more than $2,500 and possible jail time, so be sure to check with individual city websites to see which smaller fireworks may be allowed.
All of the following events are free, all-ages, open to the public and weather-permitting, unless otherwise noted. As a rule of thumb, plan to leave your pets, booze, drones and weapons at home, and be sure to bring lawn chairs, blankets and bug spray. Also: Keep a mask handy for free shuttles, indoor bathrooms and other restricted areas.
Arvada
Independence Day fireworks continue their four-decade residency at Stenger Sports Complex (entry at West 58th Avenue and Oak Street) on July 4 — minus the food trucks and live entertainment that have marked past years. 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.
Aurora
The Aurora Municipal Center’s Great Lawn will host the city’s Fourth of July Spectacular display, which takes place around 9:30 p.m. from Bicentennial Park. With the Aurora Municipal Center will not offer other perks (food trucks, programming, etc.) residents are encouraged to bring their own chairs and picnics for the 30-minute display. .
Berthoud
, the town of Berthoud is holding a formal Fourth of July fireworks display — 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.
Brighton
The City of Brighton’s annual Fourth of July Festival returns to Carmichael Park (650 E. Southern Street) on July 4, city officials said. Live entertainment includes music from DJ Tidal Wave starting at 5 p.m., followed by a performance by headliner Anavrin’s Day, a ’90s tribute band, 7 p.m. Food trucks on-site, and fireworks begin at dusk.
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.
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.
Commerce City
The Colorado Rapids are once again hosting fireworks on the Fourth of July, The Denver Post reported in May, 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 is holding back on additional programming this year. The nearby soccer game costs money, but fireworks can be seen all around the stadium 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.
Denver
Civic Center‘s traditional Independence Eve will not return this year and Elitch Gardens‘ display was canceled but Coors Field will have fireworks on July 2 and 3 (following the Colorado Rockies games against the Cardinals).
Englewood
The city’s family-friendly July 3 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.
Erie
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.
Glendale
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.
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.
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.
Lakewood
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. .
Louisville
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.
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.
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
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.
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. and
Updated June 22 at 1:25 p.m.The following corrected information has been added to this article: Because of an error by the reporter, the date for the city of Englewood’s fireworks display was misreported. The correct date is Saturday, July 3.
