Celebrate Independence Day with Fireworks
Since setting off your own fireworks is either illegal or strictly controlled throughout Colorado, here are our suggestions for the best place to catch public Independence Day displays, by land or boat. (And if you’re boating by night, make sure all your lights work properly. Since fireworks are involved, it’s also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher aboard!)
Loveland was recognized as one of the top fireworks shows in the nation by USA Today, and the event draws a crowd of about 20,000 annually.
Frisco
Fireworks over Dillon Reservoir can be enjoyed by land or boat. They start around 9:30 p.m., and earlier, there’s music, a parade, bike decorating contest, and fishing derby.
Colorado Springs
Activities begin at Memorial Park at 5:30 p.m. and include a concert by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and fireworks at 9 p.m.
Manitou Springs
Fireworks will be set off from Higginbotham Flats at around 9 p.m. and should be visible throughout downtown.
Cripple Creek
Bands start at noon in the Brass Ass parking lot, and there will be a beer garden, food, and at 9:30 p.m., fireworks synced to music.
Woodland Park
There will be vendors, performers, and games at Memorial Park from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. Fireworks will be visible throughout the city at about 9:15 p.m.
Fort Collins
Enjoy a morning parade, followed by music in the afternoon, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. in City Park.
Grand Lake
Fireworks can be seen anywhere on or around the lake from 10-11 p.m.
Loveland
Loveland has been recognized for having one of the top fireworks shows in the nation by USA Today, and the event draws a crowd of about 20,000 annually. Everything begins at North Lake Park at 10 a.m., with vendors and performing arts, and culminates in a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. To watch the show from Lake Loveland, you must be accompanied by a homeowner, but most of the fireworks are also visible by boat from Boyd Lake.
Boulder
At the University of Colorado Boulder’s Folsom Field, doors open at 8 p.m. and live music crescendos into a grand fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. This display is a favorite of Travel & Leisure, which has mentioned it as a great Fourth of July option a few years in a row.
Pueblo
The largest fireworks show in Southern Colorado is at Pueblo’s AMR Confluence Plaza. Gates open at 5 p.m.
Denver
Elitch Gardens waterpark hosts a fireworks show over the Denver skyline at 9 p.m.
Updates and Cancellations
Unfortunately, due to dryness and fire dangers many communities are having to cancel their displays. Here’s a link to 9News’s updated list of firework displays that also includes cancellations.
Sources: https://www.visitcos.com/events-calendar/holidays/4th-of-july/
http://denverboatshow.com/boating-resources/best-firework-displays-for-colorado-boaters/