This year's 4th of July is a big one for Denver. The country turns 250, Colorado turns 150, and even with the traditional Civic Center Park celebration on pause for construction, the metro area is showing up with plenty to celebrate. Here's where to catch the best fireworks shows, what's actually legal to set off at home, and how to make parking painless.
Where to See Fireworks in Denver
Rockies vs San Francisco Giants
Dates: July 3rd & July 4th
Location: Coors Field
The Colorado Rockies host the San Francisco Giants July 3rd to the 5th. Postgame fireworks follow both the July 3rd and July 4th games, launching roughly 20 to 30 minutes after the final out. *Tickets required.
Empower Field 4th of July Celebration
Dates: July 4th
Location: Empower Field at Mile High
Family-friendly festival with live music from Yachty Got Back, food and drink vendors, face painting, axe throwing, and a grand finale fireworks show. *Free.
4thFEST
Dates: July 4th
Location: Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City
Free festival starting at 3 p.m. with a World Rugby Nations Cup doubleheader, Tonga vs Zimbabwe and USA vs Portugal. Fireworks follow the matches and rank among the state's largest displays. *Free festival, rugby tickets required for stadium seating.
Sunset Cinema: National Treasure
Dates: July 3rd
Location: Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Free outdoor screening in place of the usual Civic Center Park event, followed by a drone show. Doors at 5:30 p.m., film at 7 p.m. *Free.
Park Hill 4th of July Parade
Dates: July 4th
Location: 23rd Avenue, from Dexter Street to Krameria Street
Denver's largest Independence Day parade, now in its 16th year. Starts at 1:30 p.m. *Free.
A Note on Fire Risk
Colorado is dealing with drought and elevated wildfire risk again this year. Several mountain towns have cancelled or swapped fireworks for drone shows. Always confirm a show is still happening before you head out, conditions can change close to the date.
Personal Fireworks: What's Legal in Denver
This is the part that surprises a lot of people. All fireworks are illegal within the City and County of Denver, including sparklers, snakes, and anything that sparkles, smokes, or leaves the ground. Only professional displays permitted and supervised by the Denver Fire Department are allowed.
Violations can bring fines up to $999 and up to one year in jail.
To report illegal fireworks, call 720-913-2000 or visit DenverGov.org/311.
Only call 911 for an active fire or life-safety emergency.
If you are heading to a suburb for a family gathering, rules vary block by block. Arvada, Aurora, Lakewood, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs also ban all fireworks. A few cities like Broomfield and Englewood allow limited items such as sparklers or snappers. Always check the specific city or county before buying or lighting anything, and check current fire restrictions since those can override even a normally permissive local ordinance.
Parking and Getting There
Coors Field and Empower Field: Downtown parking fills up fast on game and event nights. RTD light rail is your best bet, both stadiums are a short walk from a station. Plan for a slow exit if driving, postgame traffic is heavy right after fireworks.
Dick's Sporting Goods Park: Parking is limited given the festival and doubleheader crowd. RTD bus and rail are encouraged, Route 62 stops right at the stadium's front door.
Park Hill Parade: Street parking in the neighborhood is tight. Arrive early or consider biking, especially with 23rd Avenue closed for the route.
Neighborhood viewing spots: If you are watching from a park or open space near any of these venues, be courteous with neighborhood parking and avoid blocking driveways.
Quick Tips for the Day
- Confirm show times and any last-minute cancellations on the event's official page before you leave home.
- If you're driving downtown, give yourself extra time and a backup parking plan.
- Keep pets inside during fireworks, even legal professional shows can be stressful for them.
- If you see illegal fireworks in progress, use the non-emergency line rather than 911.
Whatever you choose, from a stadium show to a neighborhood parade, Denver has a full slate of ways to celebrate the holiday this year. From all of us at The Denver Group, have fun and be safe!
