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Civic Center Park, photo courtesy of Steve Crecelius, PRNewsFoto/VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau |
It's fireworks season again—and what better way to spend it than in the Mile High City? Fresh out of snow season, Denver hosts the Imperial Shrine Parade, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, a taste of the Wild West, and of course, fireworks.
1. Imperial Shrine Parade
Downtown, on July 4th itself, tiny cars, horse patrols, brass bands, clowns, miniature vehicles and thousands of red fez hats fill the city for the Imperial Shrine. This celebrate will mark the world's largest Shriners parade in 2011.
For more information, visit www.shrinershq.org.
2. Civic Center Park with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra
In the heart of Civic Center Park, July 3 will welcome 20,000 people to this free concert event, in the form of blankets on the lawn, picnic dinners and the 1812 Overture. Topping off the night is Denver's fireworks display lighting up the City & County Building, as pictured right.
For more information, visit www.civiccenterconservancy.org.
3. Cherry Creek Arts Festival
From July 1 to 3, 300,000 people will gather at the juried arts festival throughout Cherry Creek Shopping District. Open to the public at free admission, food, music and artist booths will populate the area, alongside showcasing painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography and jewelry.
For more information, visit www.cherryarts.org.
4. Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
At Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park on July 4, live music and entertainment will fill the theme park. We hear the view from the rollercoasters are the ideal spot for fireworks viewing.
For more information, visit www.elitchgardens.com.
5. Historic Experience
Along Cherry Creek River, visitors to the Four Mile Historic Park will bear witness to the former stagecoach stop's celebration. Experience Old West Fourth with Civil War cannon firings, horse-drawn carriage rides, gold panning, and home-made snacks like kettle corn and ice cream.
For more information, visit www.fourmilepark.org.
6. For Love of the Game
Throughout the July 4th weekend, Denver takes to the field. Followed by fireworks Coors Field, Dick's Sporting Goods Park and INVESCO Field at Mile High will host The Colorado Rockies (July 1-3), Colorado Rapids (July 3) and Colorado Outlaws (July 3) respectively.
For more information, visit www.coloradorockies.com, www.coloradorapids.com and www.denveroutlaws.com.
7. Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Park
At the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Red Rocks Park, July 2-4, the open-air concert venue explodes with music. Glitch Mob (July 2) and Umphrey's McGee (July 3) take to the stage, followed by a triple bill of Blues Traveler, Matisyahu and Toad the Wet Sprocket (July 4).
For more information, visit www.redrocksonline.com.
8. Olde Town Arvada Spirit of America 4th of July Festival
Deep within Arvada, the Olde Town Arvada Spirit of America 4th of July Festival opens up to July 4 to hot rodders and revelers alike at the free event. A classic car show will be joined by fireworks, a Kids' Park with an obstacle course and face painting among other features.
For more information, visit www.arvadafestivals.com.
9. Fireworks aboard a historic locomotive through the Rocky Mountains
Aboard the historic Colorado Georgetown Loop Railroad, savor cowboy BBQ and the Georgetown fireworks across the Clear Creek Canyon July 4th. We recommend reserving early, as this train has sold out the last three years.
For more information, visit www.georgetownlooprr.com.
10. The Wild West
Just outside of Denver, 49 miles northeast, Greeley Stampede is featuring its 4th of July rodeo and western event, June 24-July 4. Pro rodeos, concerts, parades and fireworks accompany a western art show, a classic carnival and family-friendly events.
For more information, visit www.greeleystampede.org.
Visit www.visitdenver.com.