This year, The Mile High City is celebrating the 4th of July weekend with an abundance of free activities, including a patriotic Colorado Symphony Orchestra concert paired with fireworks display, the weekend-long Cherry Creek Arts festival showcasing culinary, visual and performing artists from around the world, a free family-friendly movie under the stars, and a multitude of parades around town. No matter what your style, there’s bound to be something to peak your interest during the holiday weekend.
July 1, Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield, Denver
If you’re a Colorado resident, then this is a free day especially for you. You’ll get to visit The Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield location absolutely free (non-members pay $5 per passenger vehicle). Facilities include nature trails, a wildlife observation area, display gardens, educational exhibits, a historical farm, a 19th century one-room schoolhouse, working beehives and picnic areas.
www.botanicgardens.org
First Friday Art Walks
July 1, Denver’s art districts
The Art District on Santa Fe includes a variety of galleries that stay open late every first Friday of the month. If you’re an art-lover or are just in the mood for a fun atmosphere, give it a stroll.
www.denver.org
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
July 2-4, Cherry Creek North, Denver
Denver’s signature cultural celebration of the visual, performing and culinary arts is a world-class and award-winning event with over 350,0000 annual visitors. This year the newly-renovated Fillmore Plaza will have its debut, featuring completely remodeled streetscapes, the new Janus Main Stage, exciting culinary and beverage options, new activities and more.
www.cherryarts.org
Denver Art Museum Free Day
July 2, Denver Art Museum, Denver
Get your art on at the Denver Art Museum. Experience an eclectic array of collections and the acclaimed exhibit Marvelous Mud featuring live artist demonstrations and hands-on programming. Free general admission tickets are available on-site starting at 10 am.
www.denverartmuseum.org
Mile High Movies in Skyline Park: How To Train Your Dragon
July 2, Skyline Park, Denver
For a fun night for the family, bring the kids to the park to watch the computer animated fantasy film How To Train Your Dragon. As always, entertainment will be kicking off the show, and free popcorn and cotton candy will be provided.
www.downtowndenver.com
CBS4 Independence Eve Celebration
July 3, Civic Center Park (Broadway and Colfax), Denver
Bring your blankets and concert chairs for this year’s second-annual Independence Eve Celebration featuring a free patriotic concert performed by The Colorado Symphony and fireworks finale. Event will be held on Sunday, July 3, 2011 beginning at 8 pm, rain or shine.
www.civiccenterconservancy.org
City Park Jazz: The Denver Municipal Band
July 3, City Park, Denver
Celebrate Independence Day Eve at the City Park Bandstand with the Denver Municipal Band, the oldest professional concert band in the continental United States. City Park Jazz is a free concert series that takes place every Sunday at 6pm in June and July.
www.cityparkjazz.org
Shriners Imperial Council Session Parade
July 4, Downtown Denver
The Shriners Parade is a signature event looked forward to by both adults and kids. Watch throughout the streets of downtown Denver the passing of miniature vehicles, brass bands, drum and bugle corps – and, of course, all their signature red hats! The parade begins at 1:30 pm in Civic Center Park.
www.shrinershq.org
Aurora's Fourth of July Spectacular
July 4, Aurora Municipal Center
Aurora’s 10th annual Independence Day Celebration features the largest fireworks display in the metro area, with live music by the Spin Band and a patriotic music simulcast on 1430, KEZW AM radio. Children's activities include face painting and balloon artists. Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm.
www.auroragov.org
Arvada's "Celebration of the Spirit of America"
July 4, Olde Town Arvada
Taking over 2,500 hours, four organizations and six months to plan and produce, Arvada’s annual spectacular 4th of July celebration of the Spirit of America attracts over 30,000 visitors each year. Festivities begin at 3pm with a military display, classic car show, live music, children's activities, booths and games, and refreshments. At about 9:00 pm, the colorful blast of fireworks will dance to the simulcast collection of great oldies and patriotic music from KOOL105.
www.arvadafestivals.com
Cheesman Park Fourth of July Kids' Parade
July 4, Cheesman Park, Denver
Round up your bikes, trikes or little red wagons and head over to Cheesman Park Pavilion for the fifth annual Cheesman Park Fourth of July Kids' Parade. Bike decorating materials are provided at 9am with the parade beginning at 10 am. Face painting, a caricaturist and a balloon artist will be performing until 11am. East Eighth Avenue and Franklin Street.
303-694-6721
Family Festival and Fireworks Show
July 4, Belleview, Progress and Cornerstone Parks, Littleton
The 16th annual Fourth of July Family Festival and Fireworks Show provides fun for the entire family. At varying times throughout the day, a large selection of events and activities will be held at each of the three parks, including bungee trampoline, games, face painting, miniature golf, live music with the Windjammers, a fishing derby, duck races, a watermelon eating contest, a bounce house and open batting cages. At 9:30 pm, the fireworks show will be launched from the baseball fields at Cornerstone Park. View the website for additional activities and times.
www.littletongov.org
Green Valley Ranch Amphitheater
July 4, Green Valley Ranch, Denver
Families are invited to bring a picnic dinner for a concert featuring contemporary rock and pop, R&B, funk and Motown with Soul School at 8 pm. Fireworks follow at about 9:30 pm. The concert is the first in the Summer Concert Series.
skylinetalent.com/concert_series.htm
Park Hill 4th of July Parade
July 4, Park Hill, Denver
The second-annual Fourth of July parade in Park Hill will be marching its way along 23rd Avenue from Dexter Street all the way to Kearney Street beginning at 2:30 pm with floats, cars, bikes, Civil War re-enactors and a Union Army color guard.
www.parkhillparade.org
Highlands Ranch
July 4, Highlands Ranch
The annual Family Pet and Bike Parade begins at 9 am. But arrive early and you’ll get to catch the start of the July 4th 5k Run taking off at 8:30 am. The Town Center will host various festivities including music, games, food, beer and a pet-adoption fair until 7pm when a concert with the Cruisin' Cats in Civic Green Park will get under way. Fireworks begin at 9:15 pm at the corner of Highlands Ranch Parkway and Blake Drive.
HRCAonline.org
If you’re still looking for a place to stay for the weekend, visit http://www.denver.org/hotels/specials/summer-hotel-packages for inexpensive places close to the action.
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