Let Freedom Ring: Celebrating the Fourth in Denver

Emily Vanek - Denver
June 26, 2012

Our thoughts are with all of the families affected by the recent fires in the Front Range. With the heat in triple digits and dry conditions, this year won't be our typical Fourth of July fireworks spectacular. Families will have to enjoy the Fourth in different ways. There is more to the Fourth of July than just giant explosions though. Here are our top picks for fireworks free fun.

3rd Annual Park Hill Fourth of July Parade

The Park Hill 4th of July Parade is back! This community-friendly event will again be marching along 23rd Avenue on Independence Day. Stretching from Dexter St. to Krameria St., last year's parade included marchers, bikers, floats and classic cars. This year's parade should be even bigger, with marching bands, acrobats and...more floats!

Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration

Four Mile Park goes back in time, to the Civil War! There will be Civil War encampment and cannon firing (top of every hour), kettle corn, horse-drawn wagon rides, panning for gold and much more!

Fourth Fest Family Fun Zone

City of Commerce City and the Colorado Rapids team up to bring you a day of FREE, fun-filled family activities followed by the largest fireworks show in Colorado. Come out to Fourth Fest and enjoy live music, fly on the zip line, ride the mechanical bull, conquer the climbing wall, watch the tractor pull, play frisbee golf, get your face painted, and jump on the Rapids Soccer Inflatables.

The Meadows Fourth of July Celebration, Castle Rock

The Meadows will be celebrating the nation's birthday on Wednesday, July 4, at Bison Park in the Morningview Neighborhood by Clear Sky Elementary. Bring your children's decorated bicycles, wagons, or strollers because children kick off this event by riding around a loop, on parade for all to see! This fun, family-friendly event continues with music, concessions, games, bubble tower, crafts, and much more.

Independence Eve presented by Anadarko

Come see a free concert put on by the Colorado Symphony. A light show on Tuesday, July 3, 2012, in Denver's Civic Center Park, rain or shine. Lawn seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis; arriving early is greatly encouraged, as are blankets or low-rise concert/beach chairs. Everyone is welcome to bring their own picnics; concessions will also be available on site.