Festivals, concerts, sports top Denver's 4th of July to do's

It’s about time for another mile high Fourth of July! Independence Day events and fireworks displays abound in and around Denver, from art festivals to live music to professional sports. Where are you going to be?

Get your culture fix at the 2009 Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver’s Cherry Creek North Shopping District, from 2nd to 3rd Avenues, on the six streets between Clayton and Steele. This event – held July 3, 4, and 5 – features visual, culinary, and performing arts and showcases an impressive array of artwork by both emerging and established artists. While no fireworks are planned for this event, there will be plenty to see, hear, and do. Stop by to chat up the talented artists; check out some live music on three different performance stages; and satisfy your palate with a wide variety of fine cuisine. Best of all, admission is free (and free samples of Heineken Premium Light will be available)! For more information, visit CherryArts.org or call 303-355-2787.

With outstanding acoustics and breathtaking scenery, visiting
Red Rocks will make this Fourth of July a memorable experience.
Photo source: www.daveamirault.com

For the concert-enthusiast, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, located in Red Rocks Park near Morrison, is the place to be on the Fourth. AEG Live presents a jam-packed show, featuring Blues Traveler – known best for their 1995 Grammy-winning hit “Run-Around.” And this headliner isn’t traveling alone: special guests Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, a blues band influenced by Howlin’ Wolf and James Brown, also will be performing, in addition to an appearance by stand-up comedian/author/The Daily Show with Jon Stewart political commentator, Lewis Black. The concert kicks off at 6 p.m. What's more, Red Rocks’ remarkable location provides an exceptional view of the fireworks show downtown. For more information, visit RedRocksOnline.com or call 1-800-745-3000 to charge tickets by phone.

Uncle Sam probably won't mind if you wear your
purple and black to this weekend's game.

To the die-hard sports fans: Get out your foam fingers! There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate America’s birthday in the stands. Head to Coors Field, located at 20th and Blake streets in lower downtown, to watch the Colorado Rockies wrangle the Arizona Diamondbacks. At Friday night’s series opener, fans will receive a hand-held United States flag. Stick around for an awesome post-game fireworks display. If you can’t make it to Friday’s game, no worries. The Rockies and D-Backs baseball showdown continues on Saturday, complete with another round of pyrotechnics that can’t be missed. Both games begin at 6:10 p.m. Visit ColoradoRockies.com or call 303-ROC-KIES for ticket information.

Meanwhile, Invesco Field at Mile High will host a July 4 Major League Lacrosse match and premier fireworks display of its own. Come see the Denver Outlaws face-off against the Boston Cannons. With Denver sitting pretty atop the MLL standings and Boston just two games back, this is sure to be a fiery match. To find out more, visit DenverOutlaws.com or call 303-OUT-LAWS for ticket information.

Have a safe and happy Fourth!