Holiday fireworks light up Denver skies July 2-4

Denver definitely loves fireworks. Some escape to the mountains for Independence Day celebrations, but stay in town and sky's the limit. Coors Field, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and Invesco Field traditionally offer pro baseball, soccer and lacrosse post-game extravaganzas. You’ll hear many “biggest and best fireworks” claims, but shows are generally similar so you can factor in accompanying activities and costs...and the potential number of brake lights in front of you when exiting.

Whether you want to light up your holiday weekend in Denver or the surrounding suburbs, you can do it alongside a spectrum of activities—many are free. Most major 2010 celebrations are scheduled for Sunday, July 4.

ARVADA
Sunday, July 4: Arvada’s free, family-centered Spirit of America celebration begins at the Lutz/Stenger Sports Complex (58th Street at Ralston Road) at 3 p.m. Look for a classic car show, military display and kid activities all to the tune of DJs and a live band. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.—music is simulcast on LOOL 105 (105.5 FM). Free onsite parking opens at 2 p.m. No pets, personal alcohol or fireworks.

AURORA
Sunday, July 4: The holiday celebration originates at the Aurora Municipal Building (15151 E. Alameda Ave.), beginning at 4 p.m. Activities include free performances by U.S. Army bands from Fort Carson at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The 25-minute fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m. with music simulcast by KEZW Radio on 1430 AM. Parking is free at Town Center of Aurora (14200 E. Alameda Ave.). It’s estimated that 100,000 will view the show from the best vantage points: east of Potomac Street, south of 6th Avenue, north of Mississippi Avenue and west of Buckley Road.

BOULDER
Sunday, July 4: Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast kicks off with free entertainment and fireworks at Folsom Field beginning when gates open at 8:30 p.m. An hour later, almost 4,500 shells will rock the skies in a span of 30 minutes. Stadium parking is free and free HOP shuttles pick up from downtown and 29th Street stops.

COMMERCE CITY
Sunday, July 4: The Colorado Rapids host 4th Fest 2010, a free community celebration alongside the team's ticketed pro soccer match against the New York Red Bulls with post-game concert and fireworks. The family festival begins at 5 p.m. at Dick's Sporting Goods Park (6000 Victory Way) with live music and activities outside the stadium—no tickets are required.

The soccer match begins inside the stadium at 7 p.m., with tickets available at the stadium box office, all Dick’s Sporting Goods locations and TicketHorse.com. Admission includes a post-game, in-stadium concert by local Atlantic Records band Meese. After the concert, promoters bill the Zambelli-produced fireworks show as the biggest and loudest, free of shell-size and noise restrictions. For festival info, go to www.4thFestColorado.com.

DENVER
Friday, July 2 and Saturday, July 3: The Colorado Rockies baseball team takes on the San Francisco Giants at 6:10 p.m. Both nights feature post-game fireworks, and fans receive free hand-held American flags on July 2. For tickets, go to http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/ticketing/index.jsp?c_id=col.

Sunday, July 4: The Denver Outlaws lacrosse team takes on the Chesapeake Bayhawks at 7 p.m., followed by in-stadium and sky-high fireworks at Invesco Field. In 2009, more than 21,000 people converged on the stadium for the game and/or fireworks. All general-admission tickets for this game are $15, with reserved seating from $19-$40. For ticket information, go to http://www.denveroutlaws.com/tickets/single/.

 

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