Ring in America's 247th birthday with this Front Range guide to Fourth of July parties

Jun. 30—As the summer heat fills the air and the spirit of patriotism threatens to engulf even those of us who forgot to vote in this year's local election, the Front Range is gearing up for a red, white and blue weekend full of festivities.

From a Fourth of July drone show at Folsom Field, a refreshing bash at the Boulder Reservoir and a melodic symphony concert in Longmont, this Independence Day promises to ring in America's 247th year in true Centennial State style.

Though the holiday falls on a Tuesday, making for an awkward mid-week burp for those who have to work on Monday, communities are still gearing up for a vibrant few days of celebrations filled with parades, fireworks, barbecues, music and gatherings with family and friends.

Whatever you choose to do this weekend, don't forget to check the weather — the forecast from Friday through Tuesday is projected to bounce back and forth from rain, sunshine, rain, sunshine and rain, respectively.

Events

Boulder Symphony concert: Join Boulder Symphony to celebrate July 4th with symphonic classics, from Copland to Bernstein to Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," at the historic Boulder Bandshell. Also featured is John Williams' music from "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones," as well as other fun cinematic classics. There will be drinks and wood-fired pizza available for purchase; 7 p.m. Tuesday, Boulder Bandshell, 1212 Canyon Blvd., Boulder; $5-$15; bouldersymphony.org.

4K on the Fourth: Don red, white and blue, and celebrate July 4th with a fun run on a flat and fast course, followed by Avery Brewing Company beer and breakfast burritos; 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Avery Brewing Company, 4910 Nautilus Court N, Boulder; $15-$35; teamboco.com/#/averybrewing4onthe4th4k.

Fourth of July drone show: Head to Folsom Field for Boulder's first night sky drone show in place of traditional fireworks. There will be live music performances by School of Rock, The Custom Shop-Band and Funkiphino, as well as concessions and food trucks available; 7 p.m. Tuesday, Folsom Field, 2150 Colorado Ave., Boulder; boulder4thofjuly.com.

Louisville Slugger Independence Day tournament: For more than two decades, this 80-team competitive girls softball tourney has been hosted in Boulder. Get out and cheer for your favorite team; Tuesday, Stazio Complex, 2445 Stazio Drive, Boulder; boulderidt.com.

Twang Fest and Barbeque: Enjoy live music from Bonnie & Taylor Sims Band, River Arkansas and Martin Gilmore Trio while eating marinated barbecue chicken with all the fixings; noon Tuesday, Gold Hill Inn Beer Garden, 401 Main St., Boulder; $13-41; goldhillinn.com/music.

Broomfield: Spend Fourth of July with family, friends and Broomfield neighbors at the 2023 Great American Picnic and Fireworks show. There will be fun for the whole family, with inflatables, concessions, food vendors and a beer garden for those over 21. Participate in the bike parade, and enjoy live music, starting at 6 p.m. The evening ends with a bang with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.; 5 p.m. Tuesday, Broomfield County Commons Park, 13200 Sheridan Blvd., Broomfield; free; broomfield.org/611/July-4th.

Independence Eve: Celebrate community, culture and country at Independence Eve presented by the City and County of Denver. This longtime Civic Center tradition is highlighted by a concert featuring the Colorado Symphony, a light show on the majestic City and County Building and a fireworks finale; 5 p.m. Monday, Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave., Denver; free; civiccenterpark.org/independenceeve.

Fourth of July breakfast and parade: The annual Fourth of July Breakfast begins at 9 a.m. There will be a suggested donation for the breakfast, with all proceeds going to Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America. There will also be a balloon artist and a face painter. Then, bring decorated bicycles, tricycles, wagons or scooters for the parade; 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, MCA South Green, 29th and Roslyn, Denver; mca80238.com/programs/signature-events/4th-of-july-pancake-breakfast-parade.

Park Hill Parade: The annual Park Hill Parade is Denver's largest Independence Day march and runs through the heart of Park Hill, one of Denver's oldest, most historic and diverse neighborhoods. The parade includes floats, marching bands, costumed performers and tons of red, white and blue fun; 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Park Hill, 23rd Avenue, Denver; free; parkhill parade.com.

Washington Park celebration: The 18th annual July 4th celebration at the Boathouse in Washington Park will be held again this year. Kids can decorate their bikes, scooters and strollers for a vehicle parade adjacent to the Recreation Center, followed by a free ice cream social; 11 a.m. Tuesday, Smith Lake Boat House, Washington Park, 701 S. Franklin St., Denver; free;denvergov.org/Home.

Erie: Celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks show and plenty of things to eat. Food vendors include Freshly Laid food truck, Infinitus Pie, Kona Ice, Old Tyme Kettle Korn, Pretzel Box, Ruby Ru's, The Slawpy Barn, The Snowy Churro and WeChef Kitchen; 6 p.m. Monday, Erie Community Park, 450 Powers St., Erie; free; erieco.gov/1560/Fireworks-Show.

Firestone: Begin the morning with a patriotic parade before heading to Miners Park, where the whole family will enjoy a full day of activities, live music and plenty of food, dessert and drinks. Close out the festivities with the largest fireworks show in Carbon Valley; 10 a.m. Tuesday, Miners Park, 150 Grant Ave., Firestone; firestoneco.gov/133/4th-at-Firestone.

Lafayette: Enjoy an old-fashioned Independence Day with a fireworks show at dusk, food and dessert, a beer, cider and wine garden, kids activities and live music by Chris Daniels and the Kings; 4 p.m. Saturday, Waneka Lake Park, 1600 Caria Drive, Lafayette; free; lafayettecolorado.com/special-events.

Longmont: Bring friends and family out to celebrate. Food trucks will open at 4 p.m., and there will be a live music performance by Eagles tribute band, Long Run Band, from 7-9 p.m. Be sure to pack blankets, folding chairs, bug spray and a light jacket for the fireworks show to end the night; 4 p.m. Tuesday, Fox Hill Country Club, 1400 State Highway 119, Longmont; free; longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-n-z/public-safety-department/public-safety-services/fireworks-in-longmont.

Fourth of July Summer Concert in the Park with Longmont Symphony: Check out a free patriotic show at Thompson Park, 420 Bross St., Longmont, that will have patriotic music, a picnic contest with prizes, kids conducting the orchestra and cannons for the "1812 Overture." Plus, music from the Longmont Chorale will fill the air at 12:30 p.m. before the symphony plays; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; longmontsymphony.squarespace.com/july4.

Louisville: Join the community for food trucks, bounce houses, face painting and patriotic music. Food truck options include sweet treats from Punch Buggy, Sweet Cow and the Snowy Churro. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the golf clubhouse. The fireworks show will begin around 9 p.m.; 6 p.m. Tuesday, Coal Creek Golf Course, 585 W. Dillon Road, Louisville; free; louisvilleco.gov/exploring-louisville/arts-events/events/july-4th-fireworks.

Niwot: Enjoy a pancake breakfast at Niwot Market followed by a parade with Grand Marshal, bands and music, fire engines, classic vehicles, decorations, flags and more; 8 a.m. Tuesday, Downtown Niwot, Second Avenue and Cottonwood Square, Niwot; free; niwot.com/events/4th-of-july-in-niwot.

Superior: Celebrate the Fourth with pancakes and kickball in this year's festivities. The festival will feature 30 exhibitor and vendor spaces; 7 a.m. Tuesday, Superior Community Park, 1350 Coalton Road, Superior; free; member.superiorchamber.com/events/details/2023-fourth-of-july-parade-pancake-festival-15044.