From Denver to the burbs to the high country, the Fourth of July brings an explosion of red, white, and blue fun for Colorado families. Wherever you choose to celebrate, there’s a plethora of star-spangled spirit to go around. Here are 23 family-friendly ways to celebrate in the Denver area.

» Aurora

4th of July Spectacular

July 4, 6-10 p.m.

Celebrate Independence Day with live music, food, and a fireworks display. Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy., Aurora.

» Boulder

Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast

July 4, 8 p.m.

Enjoy live entertainment, sing-along time with Jeff and Paige, and a fireworks show at dusk. The event features CU’s mascot Ralphie the Buffalo. Folsom Field, 2400 Colorado Ave., Boulder.

» Commerce City

Colorado Rapids 4th Fest

July 4, 7 p.m.

See the Rapids play the New England Revolution, then watch a fireworks show. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City.

» Denver

Colorado Rockies Fireworks

July 2 and 3, 6:30 p.m.

Watch the Colorado Rockies play against the Houston Astros, with a fireworks display following the game. Coors Field, 2001 Blake St., Denver. 

Independence Day Fireworks

July 4, 10-10:30 p.m.

See Denver’s skyline light up with fireworks right after the park closes for the day. Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, 2000 Elitch Cir., Denver.

Independence Eve

July 3, 5 p.m.

Celebrate a little early with live music, a light show, and fireworks. Bring a picnic or purchase from the available concessions. Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave., Denver.

Four Mile Independence Celebration

July 2, 5-10 p.m.

This year’s event features live music, pioneer games, food trucks, and fireworks at sundown, all included with general admission. New this year, Four Mile is partnering with Swallow Hill to present That Damn Sasquatch for a live performance. There will also be face painting for kids and a demonstration from the 1st Colorado Infantry. Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St., Denver.

Park Hill 4th of July Parade

July 4, 1:30 p.m.

Attend the traditional parade including marching bands, floats, classic cars, and costumed characters. Park Hill Neighborhood, 2300 Dexter St., Denver.

» Highlands Ranch

Highlands Ranch 4th of July Parade

July 4, 8:45-10:30 a.m.

Line the streets of Highlands Ranch to enjoy the Community Parade and a 5K race. Town Center North, 9285 Hepburn St., Highlands Ranch.

Highlands Ranch 4th of July Celebration

July 4, 4-9:30 p.m.

Join the party for balloon twisters, face painters, inflatables, live music, and a fireworks show. Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec St., Highlands Ranch.

» Lafayette

4th of July at Waneka Lake

July 4, 4:30-10 p.m.

Enjoy music from Chris Daniels and the Kings, along with food and a beer, cider, and wine garden. Kids activities include bungee trampoline, bounce house, and free face painting. Waneka Lake Park, 1600 Caria Dr., Lafayette.

» Littleton

Littleton Family Festival and Fireworks

July 4, 3-10 p.m.

Enjoy miniature golf, a bounce castle and slide, a children’s farm, food vendors, and live entertainment. Fireworks
start at 9:30 p.m. Cornerstone Park, 5150 S. Windermere St., Littleton.

Red, White & You

July 3, 5-10 p.m.

Celebrate Independence Day with community exhibitor booths, ticketed bounce houses, food concessions, and a beer/wine garden. A new Kids Zone area on the soccer fields will feature free entertainment, bounce houses and climbing wall, restrooms, and comfortable fireworks viewing. Clement Park, 7306 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton.

Super Diamond Concert and Fireworks

July 3, 5:30 p.m.

Celebrate Independence Day with a concert from the Neil Diamond Tribute Band and fireworks on the lawn. The Hudson Gardens & Event Center, 6115 S. Santa Fe, Littleton.

» Louisville

Louisville 4th of July Celebration

July 4, 6-10 p.m.

Celebrate with live music, jump castles, and food trucks. Coal Creek Golf Course, 585 W. Dillon Rd., Louisville.

» Mountain Towns

Note: Due to wildfire concerns some locations have opted out of fireworks this year. Check their websites in advance for up-to-date information.

Breckenridge Independence Day Celebration

July 4-7

Kick off the party with a 10K trail run, followed by the Firecracker 50 mountain bike race and the Main Street parade. Enjoy family activities, live music, and a performance by the National Repertory Orchestra. Don’t miss Breckenridge Creative Arts’ Street Arts Spangled Festival, which celebrates street, pavement and graffiti arts with outdoor murals, installations, workshops, and pop-up art. Main Street, Breckenridge.

Crested Butte 4th of July Celebration

July 4, 5:30 p.m.

Free concerts take place all evening in the Crested Butte Mountain Resort base area beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Butte 66, followed by the headlining performance at 7:30 p.m. on the Red Lady Stage. Drinks and barbecue will be available for purchase next to the live music to keep everyone fueled for the party. A fireworks displays starts around 9:15 p.m., lighting up the peak of Mt. Crested Butte (weather permitting). Town of Mt. Crested Butte.

Evergreen Music Festival

July 4, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the Fourth of July with some of Evergreen’s most popular bands. There will also be children’s activities and a bounce house. Buchanan Park, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen.

Granby Ranch 4th of July Celebration

July 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Celebrate the Fourth of July with inflatables, outdoor games, and live music from Pick & Howl. Base Lawn, 1000 Village Rd., Granby.

Steamboat 4th of July Pioneer Day Block Party & Community Concert

July 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Enjoy a free community concert, kids activities, “routt beer” floats, and free museum admission for all. Tread of Pioneers Museum, 800 Oak St., Steamboat Springs.

Snowmass July 4th Celebration

July 4, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Enjoy complimentary lawn games, music, sweet treats, and more in the Snowmass Base Village. The festive affair coincides with the Snowmass Free Concert Series featuring s’mores, a photo booth, patriotic giveaways, and free sweet treats. Fanny Hill, Snowmass Village.

Vail America Days

July 4, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Kick off the festivities with a pancake breakfast followed by Vail’s Fourth of July parade, a performance from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and a fireworks display (weather and regulations permitting). Golden Peak, Vail.

Winter Park 4th of July Celebration

July 4, 6-9 p.m.

Celebrate the Fourth of July with free inflatables, face painters, carnival games, and live music, followed by a fireworks display (weather and regulations permitting). Rendezvous Event Center, 78821 US Hwy 40, Winter Park.