Independence Day offers a wealth of options for those looking to see the night sky lit up with color and sound.
One of the biggest celebrations has been held at Denver’s Civic Center Park for the last eight years, and this year’s is shaping up to be bigger than ever. On July 3, the free event features Chris Daniels and the Kings along with the 101st Army Band of the Colorado National Guard. There will also be vendors, games and more.
Produced by nonprofit Civic Center Conservancy with many partners, the evening ends with the longest rooftop fireworks finale in the concert’s history. The Denver City and County Building adds to the entertainment with a synchronized light show.
“A National Historic Landmark, Denver’s Civic Center Park is the perfect place for a patriotic celebration that connects us as a community to both the past and present,” said Amanda Johnson, marketing coordinator with the Conservancy. “Having 100,000 people gathered together to take in the music, lights & fireworks in such an urban setting is truly unique, and it’s an awe-inspiring experience.”
Some of the biggest firework shows are also the longest running. Take Bandimere Speedway’s annual Fourth of July event, which has been around since its first “Family Festival” 20 years ago.
“After three years the Family Festival was combined with another existing event, the `Jet Car Nationals,’” said John “Sporty” Bandimere III, general manager of the speedway. “Combining the two events brought together the best from both events making July 4 one of the largest attended races on our schedule.”
This year’s event at the speedway in Morrison will feature 10 jet-powered dragsters and funny cars capable of running the quarter mile at over 280 mph, Ed the Outlaw Jones with his Jelly Belly wheel stander and more than 150 sportsman racers competing for event titles and MagnaFuel Super Series points. There will also be carnival games, rides, live music, pie/watermelon-eating contests, military salutes and a Wounded Warrior tribute.
And fireworks.
“This is a great family-friendly event for kids and families of all ages and as Bandimere Speedway celebrates its 60th Anniversary this year’s event is sure to be one of the best yet,” Bandimere said.
Those looking for a new experience can attend Lakewood’s very first Big Boom Bash, held on July 4 at Jeffco Stadium, which culminates in a 20-minute fireworks display at dark.
The event includes children’s activities, a community art project, vendor booths and local food trucks. There will be a beer garden, and MIX 100 radio station will be on-site with prizes and fun. The fireworks display will be choreographed to music simulcast by MIX 100, and spectators outside of the stadium are encouraged to tune in to 100.3 FM to enjoy.
“The last time we had fireworks in Lakewood was 2011, and we heard from our residents that they wanted to have an event again,” said Allison Scheck, public engagement and operations manager with Lakewood. “Our city council wanted to do something great for residents and give them an event they can be proud of.”
Denver Fourth of July celebrations
Independence Celebration
5 p.m. on Monday, July 2
Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St.
www.fourmilepark.org/events
Stars and Stripes Express Fest
1 p.m. Wednesday, July 3
Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop
www.unionstationindenver.com/news-events/events/
Independence Day Eve
8 p.m. Tuesday, July 3
Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave.
www.downtowndenver.com/event/independence-eve-civic-center-park/
Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants (fireworks games)
6:10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, July 3 and 4
Coors Field, 2001 Blake St.
www.mlb.com/rockies/tickets/specials/fireworks
Liberty 4 Mile Run
7:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 4
Washington Park, 1000 S. Downing St.
www.liberty4mile.com
Highland Parade and Picnic
8 a.m. Wednesday, July 4
32nd Avenue and Clay Street
www.facebook.com/Highland4thOfJulyParadeannualEvent/
Wellshire East Parade and Picnic
8:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 4
South Magnolia Street and East Eastman Avenue
www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/office-of-special-events/special-events-calendar/2017/wellshire-4th-of-july-parade-and-picnic1.html
University Park Parade
10 a.m. Wednesday, July 4
Observatory Park
2100 S Fillmore St.
www.upcc.us/events/4th-of-july-parade/
Outlaws vs. Boston Cannons (fireworks game)
7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4
Mile High Stadium, 1701 Bryant St.
www.sportsauthorityfieldatmilehigh.com/stadium-information/event-calendar
Fireworks at Elitch Gardens
10 p.m. Wednesday, July 4
2000 Elitch Circle
www.elitchgardens.com/entertainment/fireworks/
