Fourth of July Activities Around Denver This Week

Summer has arrived, and as those temperatures start to climb all over the Denver area, it’s time to start planning for the biggest event of the summer—Fourth of July!

This year, there are plenty of activities going on during the week leading up to the big day as well as the weekend to follow. Here’s a sampling of what’s on deck so that you can go ahead and make plans for you and your family:

1. Fireworks—The biggest and most traditional of these events is, of course, the local fireworks celebration. This year, the Independence Eve Celebration will take place on July 3 in Civic Center Park. Besides the fireworks finale, which is always spectacular, the program also features a patriotic concert and light show on the Denver City and County Building. If you are planning to attend, be sure to get there early to get a spot on the lawn as it is first-come, first-served and it tends to fill up fast. There are no reserved “seats” so bring your own lawn chair, beach blanket, and plenty of bottled water. Also, consider using public transportation as parking will be at a premium for this big event.
2. Sports—If you like a little bit of action with your entertainment, then there are two sports events to look forward to. The first is America’s favorite pastime—baseball. The Colorado Rockies will be hosting the Houston Astros on July 2^nd and 3^rd. On the 2^nd, the team will be giving out handheld American flags as a promotion, and both the 2^nd and 3^rd will feature post-game fireworks displays. This is a great option if you don’t want to have to fight for a spot at the public fireworks display. But if you want something a little different, now is the perfect time to check out the Denver professional lacrosse team, the Outlaws. They will be playing the Chesapeake Bayhawks at Broncos Stadium on July 4^th.
3. History and Literature—If you prefer your history less American Revolution and more War of the Roses, then you might want to check out the Colorado Renaissance Festival which will be running from June 15^th to August 4^th in Larkspur. Or, you can also enjoy a Shakespeare in the Park experience which will perform the bard’s comedy As You Like It on July 6^th and 7^th at the University of Colorado Boulder Theater.
4. Music—Every year, there are plenty of musical acts that come to the Denver area. For the week of the Fourth of July, Red Rocks will host Zeds Dead, Blues Traveler, and a three-night set from the Avett Brothers. Other concerts coming to the area include Shawn Mendes (July 2^nd), Santana and the Doobie Brothers (July 3^rd), Melissa Etheridge (July 7^th) and City Park Jazz (June 30^th and July 7^th). There’s definitely something for almost every musical taste in your family.

From traditional events like fireworks and baseball to some unusual choices like jousts and lacrosse, there’s definitely something for everyone this year during Fourth of July week in Denver.

**********