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πŸŽ† 4th of July Fireworks, Parades, and Celebrations In Douglas County

Celebrate Independence Day in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, and Parker β€” Updated for 2023

By Kyrie Collins, Macaroni KID Highlands Ranch-Parker-Castle Rock-Lone Tree Publisher June 8, 2023

Celebrate our nation's Independence Day with fireworks and fun at one of these great events! 

Want to add to the fun? Here are 14 Red, White, & Blue Crafts and Recipes

Remember that all fireworks displays are subject to weather conditions and fire restrictions. We will continue to update this article as we learn about changes, but be sure to visit the venue's website or Facebook page for last-minute changes or cancellations.

Looking for other local family fun and things to do in the Douglas County area? Check our Summer Fun Guide, Water Play Guide, Summer Concert Guide, and, of course, our daily event calendar

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Are we missing something? Please use our Submit an Event link to tell us all about it!

NOTE: Events are listed chronologically. 

IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

SATURDAY, JULY 1

Kids' Workshop: Fireworks Beanbag Toss
The Home Depot (participating locations)
9:00 AM–12:00 PM | FREE! but registration required
Set out on a building adventure with your child (ages 5-12)! Kids develop hands-on skills by gluing, hammering, and more. All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron, and pin. An adult must accompany workshop attendees at all times.

Castle Rock Band Family Concert
Festival Park, Castle Rock
7:00–8:30 PM | FREE!

The Castle Rock Band will celebrate the nation’s independence with a free all-American concert of patriotic and other music. The program will include John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” “Navy Hymn” by John B. Dykes, and “Strike Up the Band” by George and Ira Gershwin. Feel free to bring a chair or blanket to sit on.


MONDAY, JULY 3

Kids' Zone: Hooray for Independence Day
Parker Recreation Center
10:00–11:30 AM | $24-$26

Celebrate everything red, white, and blue. Make crafts, sing songs, and learn about the good old USA! Children (ages 3-7)participate in this class without a parent.


TUESDAY, JULY 4

Parker's July 4th 5K
PACE Center, Parker
7:00 AM | $25-$45
The annual Parker July 4th 5K is a fun race for everyone — from beginners to veteran runners and every level in between! This family-friendly event in historic downtown Parker benefits the Council of Arts, Science & Culture and the Legend High School Cross Country Team.

HRCA Independence Day 5K
Town Center, Highlands Ranch
7:30 AM | $40-$65
This fun run/walk is perfect for first-time 5K participants, elite runners, kids, parents with strollers, and everyone in between — even your furry friend! After the race, head to Highlands Ranch Parkway to catch the annual HRCA 4th of July Parade! A red, white, and blue kettlebell will be somewhere on the course worth $100 to whoever finds it and brings it back to the finish!

July 4th ROCK-IT Run
Douglas County Fairgrounds, Castle Rock
8:00 AM | $35-$55
This event has it all — a 5K or Half Marathon Relay (up to 3 people), a FREE 1K Little Rock-It RUN for ages 8 years and under, live music and music on the course, cash prizes, and a Back to Health Expo. After the race, enjoy free food and a free beer (ages 21+) from 105 West Brewing. This event aims to increase awareness and raise funds for organizations that help our veterans, first responders, and others break free from PTSD and mental illness.

July 4th Parade
Town Center, Highlands Ranch
8:30 AM | FREE!
HRCA's July 4th Parade brings the community together to celebrate our nation's birth. The 0.2-mile Bike and Pet Parade allows families to dress up and show their patriotic spirit! Families may then find a place to watch the Community Parade.

Castle Rockin' the Fourth
Philip S. Miller Park, Castle Rock
9:00 AM–10:00 PM

Kick off our nation's birthday with a free Independence Day 5K at 9:00 AM. Then, cool off on the Millhouse lawn and get covered in bubbles at a foam party. Throughout the day, there will be magic shows, patriotic movies, live music, kid's activities, food trucks, and cocktails and beer for purchase. At 8:00 PM, enjoy a free show by the much-loved Neil Diamond tribute band Super Diamond. The grand finale will be a spectacular drone show for all to enjoy.

Lone Tree Independence Day Celebration
Prairie Sky Park, Lone Tree
9:00 AM–10:00 PM | FREE!
The Lone Tree Independence Day Celebration will be a fun-filled day, packed with activities for everyone! 

  • 9:00 AM: 4th of July Family Fun Ride & Stroll from Lone Tree Elementary to Prairie Sky Park
  • 10:00 AM-11:30 AM OR 11:30 AM-1:00 PM: Family Fun Park awaits with inflatables, interactive activities, live entertainment, and food trucks! The event is free, but registration is required.
  • 6:00 PM-10:00 PM: Party in the Park will feature live music from Jenny Shawhan and Uptown Funk, followed by a huge fireworks display at 9:30 PM.

4th of July Family Parade & Celebration
Bison Park, Castle Rock
11:00 AM-1:00 PM | $0-$5
Participate in this year's family parade by decorating your bicycles, wagons, or strollers, and join Uncle Sam to parade around the park. The fun continues with music, concessions, inflatable rides, trackless trains, and activities for everyone to enjoy.

Fireworks in Parker
Salisbury Park, Parker
9:30 PM | FREE!
The Town of Parker will hold a remote-only fireworks display that can be viewed throughout the community in place of the traditional, day-long event in Salisbury Park. Salisbury Park will have up to 300 free paved parking spots for viewing the fireworks show, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking lots at other public parks are great viewing options too. 

Fireworks in Highlands Ranch
Highland Heritage Regional Park, Highlands Ranch
9:30 PM | FREE!
Bring your blanket, beverages, and snacks, and hang out to enjoy the fireworks. Food trucks will be on-site. The fireworks display begins at approximately 9:30 PM, pending weather and fire conditions.

AREA EVENTS OUTSIDE DOUGLAS COUNTY

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

Colorado Rockies Post-Game Fireworks
Coors Field, Denver
6:10 PM | Ticket prices vary
Root, root, root for the home team as the Colorado Rockies take on the Detroit Tigers. Handheld American flags will be distributed to attendees (while supplies last). A huge fireworks display will take place after the game.


SATURDAY, JULY 1

Independence Day Celebration
Four Mile Historic Park, Denver
10:00 AM-4:00 PM | $8-$10
Bring your family and experience the holiday in the spirit of the West with prairie games, crafts and activities, live music, blacksmith demonstrations, food trucks, and much more.

Jet Car Nationals & Family Festival
Bandimere Speedway, Morrison
6:00–10:00 PM | $20-$40 | Ages 5 & younger are FREE!
This family festival features 290mph Jet Cars, drag racing, troops salute, fireworks, and more.

July 4th on the 1st
Infinity Park, Glendale
6:30–10:00 PM | FREE!
Kick off the long holiday weekend with one of Denver's largest and oldest fireworks displays. The best viewing will be from Infinity Park Stadium (gates open at 6:30 PM) and Infinity Park South. The park will be open all day, and food trucks will be on-site. The fireworks display will begin at 9:40 PM.

Colorado Rockies Post-Game Fireworks
Coors Field, Denver
7:10 PM | Ticket prices vary
Root, root, root for the home team as the Colorado Rockies take on the Detroit Tigers. A huge fireworks display will take place after the game.


MONDAY, JULY 3

Independence Eve Celebration
Civic Center Park, Denver
4:00–10:00 PM | FREE!
Celebrate country, culture, and community! Music for the evening will feature local artists starting at 5:00 PM. The Colorado Symphony will perform at about 8:30 PM, followed by fireworks between 9:15 and 9:30 PM.

Red, White, & You
Clement Park, Littleton
5:00-10:00 PM | FREE!
This fun-filled patriotic community event for the entire family features kids' activities, live entertainment, food concessions, inflatable bounce houses, community business and nonprofit booths, a beer & wine garden, and a fireworks display. 

Independence Day Fireworks
Elitch Gardens, Denver
Don't miss this traditional spectacle as the park lights up the Downtown Denver skyline with a fireworks extravaganza. The park will display Independence Day Fireworks on July 3 at park closing time (approximately 9:00 PM).


TUESDAY, JULY 4

Colorado Rapids 4th Fest
DICK'S Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City
5:00–10:00 PM | Ticket prices vary
The Rapids' event of the summer is back! Don't miss the annual 4th Fest at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park on Independence Day for a day of games, block parties, and soccer, all topped off by Colorado's largest fireworks show! 

Independence Day Celebration
Cornerstone and Belleview Parks, Englewood
5:00–10:00 PM | FREE!
The City of Englewood is excited to present the annual Independence Day Celebration. Celebrate our National Holiday with friends and family at Belleview Park and Cornerstone Park. No personal fireworks will be allowed at the event. Please leave pets at home; service animals are permitted. 

4th of July Spectacular
Aurora Municipal Center's Great Lawn, Aurora
6:00–10:00 PM | FREE!
The city of Aurora's annual celebration will have food trucks, musical performances, and a 30-minute firework show launched from Bicentennial Park.