Where to watch 4th of July fireworks across the Denver metro this weekend

The 4th of July falls on a Saturday this year — and it happens to be the nation’s 250th birthday… I feel like this is what we’ve been training for!

If you’re looking for a place to watch the sky light up across the Denver metro area, here’s a confirmed list of professional fireworks shows happening in the area.

A reminder: Colorado law prohibits all personal fireworks that explode or leave the ground, including bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles and M-80s. Fines can top $1,000 with possible jail time. Leave it to the pros.

Shows before the Fourth:

• Glendale — Thursday, July 2, Infinity Park. (Details at infinityparkatglendale.com)
• Erie — Thursday, July 3, 9:30 p.m. (Details at erieco.gov)
• Littleton — Thursday, July 3, Red White & You event at Cornerstone/Belleview Park. (Details at ifoothills.org)

July 4 shows across the Denver metro:

• Arvada — 9:15 p.m. at Stenger Sports Complex, 11200 W. 58th Ave. Gates open 6:30 p.m., vehicle access closes 8:15 p.m. First come, first served. Free.
• Aurora — 9:30 p.m. at the Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway. Festivities from 6–10 p.m. Free.
• Brighton — After concert at Carmichael Park, 650 E. Southern St. Free.
• Broomfield — 9:15 p.m. at Broomfield County Commons Park, 13200 Sheridan Blvd. Great American Picnic starts at 5 p.m. with inflatables, food vendors, beer garden and live music at 6 p.m. Free.
• Castle Rock — Approximately 9:30 p.m., 20-minute high-flying show. (Details at crgov.com)
• Englewood — Cornerstone Park and Belleview Park. Free.
• Lone Tree — 9:30 p.m. from Prairie Sky Park, 9381 Crossington Way. Free all-day celebration starting 9 a.m. with fun ride, games, inflatables and live entertainment.
• Longmont — 9:30 p.m. Drone show before fireworks. Viewable from many vantage points across the city.
• Northglenn — 9:15 p.m. at E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, 11701 Community Center Drive. Festival starts at noon with car show, duck derby and live bands. Free.
• Parker — 9:30 p.m. Launch northeast of Salisbury Park; viewable from many spots around town. Free.
• Thornton — 9:30 p.m. at Carpenter Park Fields, 11000 Colorado Blvd. “Red, White & BOOM!” celebration starts at noon with two band stages, beer garden, food vendors and parachutists. Free.
• Westminster — 9:15 p.m. at Westminster City Park, 10455 Sheridan Blvd. Kids Activity Zone and food vendors open at 4 p.m., free concert at 7 p.m. Free.

Note: Colorado’s ongoing drought and wildfire risk could force last-minute cancellations or postponements. Highlands Ranch has already announced it will not host fireworks this year but will hold its annual community parade. Check city websites or social media the day of for any weather-related updates.