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.arvadafestivals.com
Aurora
The Aurora Municipal Center’s Great Lawn will sit empty this year for the city’s Fourth of July Spectacular display, which takes place at 9:30 p.m. around Bicentennial Park. With the Aurora Municipal Center closed to spectators, city officials encourage residents to watch the 30-minute display from their homes or nearby parks, according toauroragov.org.
Berthoud
For the second time in 130 years, 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.berthoud.org
Brighton
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 5kbegins at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 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, 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.coloradorapids.com/4thfest
Denver
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 Fieldon July 2 and 3 (following the Colorado Rockies games against the Cardinals).mlb.com/rockies/schedule/2021-07
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
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
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.glendale.co.us
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
Big Boom Bashreturns as a fireworks-only display overJeffco Stadiumat 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.
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.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 toparkeronline.org
Thornton
Family activities begin at 4 p.m. atCarpenter 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.usandnorthglenn.org