One of the best times to experience summer in Denver is the 4^th of July. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m more than ready for my fair share of burgers off the grill (veggie burger, duh), fireworks, and Bomb Pops. If you need an excuse to take a trip out to Colorado, this is your sign. COME TO DENVER. The list of things to do here is endless, so here’s a few ideas to get you started. All that’s left is booking that flight!

Fireworks

• Colorado Rockies game, July 1-2: Head over to Coors Field to catch a Rockies game! They’ll have fireworks after the July 1 game to get you in the patriotic spirit. You’re telling me I can watch fireworks while eating ballpark food? Count me in.
• Englewood 4^th of July Festival, July 4: The City of Englewood will have local vendors and food trucks starting at 5 p.m. at both Belleview and Cornerstone Parks. Hang out and support local businesses before the fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
• Estes Park 4^th of July Celebration, July 4: Estes Park is home to Rocky Mountain National Park and their Fourth of July festivities don’t disappoint. You’ll find live music, food, local craft beer, wine, and cool cars across a couple different locations. Make sure to stick around for the fireworks over Lake Estes at 9 p.m.!
• Golden 4^th of July Festival, July 4: Alex and I love exploring Golden, and their annual festival has something for everyone! The fun starts at 11:30 a.m. with fireworks kicking off at 9:30 p.m.
• Idaho Springs 4^th of July, July 4 – This is another one of our favorite spots! Spend an afternoon listening to live music, drinking in the beer garden, and dancing in their downtown area before the fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

Parades

• Highland 4^th of July Parade, July 4 – Kick off your morning with some bike decorating before the parade starts its route. Afterward, there will be a fire truck to cool you down and Little Man Ice Cream. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m and travels down 32^nd Avenue, ending at Hirshorn Park.
• Park Hill 4^th of July Parade, July 4 – This parade in northeast Denver runs down 23rd Ave. from Dexter St. to Krameria St. It starts at 1:30 p.m. and has everything you’d expect from a parade – floats, costumes, classic cars, marching bands, and more. Once it’s over, you can enjoy food, live music, and fun activities for kiddos.

Concerts

• Zeds Dead, July 2-4 – You have three chances to catch this Canadian duo! Their music falls under the EDM and house genre, so you know it’s gonna be a party. They’re playing Red Rocks July 2 and 3, or you can see them downtown at the Backyard Jamboree in Civic Center Park.
• blink-182, July 3 – Bitch, you heard me. BLINK IS BACK! Alex and I will be there, and there are still tickets available to rock out at Ball Arena.

Activities

• Four Mile Historic Park’s Independence Day Celebration, July 1 – From 10 a.m.  to 4 p.m., check out the live music, prairie games, fun activities, and local food trucks! 
• Elitch Gardens, July 4 – This amusement park in downtown Denver has a huge fireworks show every year. The show starts at 9 p.m. and is free with a day ticket or season pass, so make a day of it and have some fun at the park beforehand.
• America’s Birthday Dash, July 4 – If you’re into running, this is Denver’s longest running 4^th of July run/walk. The course will take you around Washington Park and after you can enjoy some treats and a talent show. You won’t catch me running, but you do you boo.
• Colorado Rapids vs. Portland Timbers, July 4 – A lot of you know Alex is a soccer junkie, so I had to include our city’s MLS team. Grab some tickets, relax with a beer, and cheer on the Rapids. Go sports!