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From symphonies to sports: Where to watch fireworks fly this Fourth of July

Across Colorado, stadiums, parks and amphitheaters are trading ordinary plans for firework finales, patriotic music and enough family fun to keep Uncle Sam busy all weekend.

By the time the first firework explodes over Colorado this Fourth of July, you could be cheering from the stands at a Colorado Springs Switchbacks match, singing along with the city’s philharmonic or watching baseball in downtown Denver.

While Independence Day celebrations come in all shapes and sizes, they all likely have one thing in common: A firework show waiting at the end of the night. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a symphony under the stars or a neighborhood celebration complete with food trucks and live music, there’s no shortage of ways to declare your independence from staying home this Saturday.

From Colorado Springs to Arvada and beyond, here are five ways to have a star-spangled celebration across the state. 

The sun sets as the Colorado Springs Philharmonic plays the Ford Amphitheater, the new venue in Colorado Springs Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. The concert was a private party.
The Colorado Springs Philharmonic plays at the Ford Amphitheater, the new venue in Colorado Springs. (The Gazette)

Star Spangled Symphony & Fourth of July Fireworks 

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic’s patriotic finale to its American Soundtrack Festival. With tickets starting at $18, the evening features music spanning generations, from Dolly Parton and Marvin Gaye to “Star Wars” and classics like “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and “1812 Overture.” The Ford Amphitheater’s concert will conclude with a fireworks show set against the Pikes Peak skyline. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., music begins at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks are scheduled for approximately 9 p.m. Saturday, 95 Spectrum Loop; fordamphitheater.live. 

The first ever Fourth of July fireworks were held at Switchbacks new Weidner Stadium in downtown. After the game, fans were invited to watch the fireworks. As an extra bonus, the Switchbacks defeated the Real Monarchs 3-1. (Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette)

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC and 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza 

Soccer and fireworks collide at Weidner Field this Saturday as the Colorado Springs Switchbacks take on Phoenix Rising FC. Before a postgame fireworks display lights up the downtown sky, fans can enjoy a night of soccer on the nation’s semiquincentennial. As one of Colorado Springs’ most anticipated Independence Day traditions, tickets start at $29. Military discounts are available, and the game starts at 7 p.m., 111 W. Cimarron St.; switchbacksfc.com. 

Grab a blanket, pack a picnic and head to Arvada’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display at Stenger Sports Complex this Saturday. (Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette)

Arvada’s Independence Day Fireworks 

Grab a blanket, pack a picnic and head to Arvada’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display. The family-friendly event offers free parking and a large viewing area at Stenger Sports Complex. Along with a sky full of fireworks and free parking, the price of admission is exactly what everyone likes to hear on a holiday weekend: free. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. Guests should note that personal fireworks, drones, pets and alcohol are allowed, 11200 W. 58th Ave., Arvada; arvadaco.gov.

Fireworks explode over Coors Field to cap off the Independence Day celebration after the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 9-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies in a baseball game in Denver on Friday, July 4, 2014. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants 

Few Fourth of July traditions are more American than baseball, and Coors Field is doubling down with fireworks after both its Friday and Saturday games against the San Francisco Giants. Expect a festive atmosphere, mountain views, big-league baseball and a fireworks finale in the heart of downtown Denver. Presented by Coca Cola and King Soopers, tickets start at $45, 2001 Blake St., Denver; mlb.com/rockies. 

4th of July fireworks.
Photo Credit: Corri Seizinger (iStock).

Aurora’s 4th of July Spectacular

Face painting, food trucks, live music and a 30-minute fireworks show make Aurora’s annual Independence Day celebration a one-stop shop for holiday fun. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and nonalcoholic beverages and spread out on the Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn while enjoying performances throughout the evening. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m., and a viewing map is available on the city’s website for those hoping to catch the best seats in the house. The free event lasts from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora; auroragov.org

Looking for even more ways to celebrate? Find a full roundup online of fairs, rodeos and Fourth of July events happening across Colorado. 



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