Four Big Reasons to Celebrate the Fourth in Denver
DENVER, June 26, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Denver, Colorado is one of the top destinations to celebrate Fourth of July, according to travel booking site, Travelocity.com. From live music in one of the top outdoor venues in the world, and spectacular fireworks displays, to free arts festivals, thrilling pro sports and outdoor adventures, there are plenty of ways to celebrate your independence in The Mile High City this year.
1. Live Music
Celebrate independence at a concert under the stars!
A Free and Fireworks-Filled Independence Eve Celebration
WHEN: July 3, 8 p.m.
WHERE: Civic Center Park
Get the long weekend started in star-spangled style on Thursday night with the free Independence Eve Celebration in Civic Center Park. You'll ooh and ahh to a concert, light show and fireworks display in Denver's beautiful Civic Center Park beginning at 8 p.m. The concert will feature patriotic and pop favorites from MIX, CU Denver's award-winning a capella group; the Hazel Miller Band and the Denver Municipal Band. Seating is first-come, first-serve. New this year, the Civic Center Conservancy will be hosting its first-ever Independence Eve Balcony Party on the deck of The Denver Post Building. Tickets are $75 each, which includes food, beer/wine and an incredible view of the fireworks show.
Unforgettable Shows at the "Rocks"
WHEN: July 3-6
WHERE: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Celebrate Independence Day Weekend at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, the top outdoor amphitheater in the U.S., according to Rolling Stone. July 4 brings jam band favorites Blues Traveler back to the Rocks, and they've stacked the lineup with 1990s alt-rockers Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Uncle Kracker. July 5 sees the improvisatory, jam-band genius of Umphrey's McGee arrive at this one-of-a-kind venue, and July 6 highlights the copious good vibes of the SoulShine Tour, with Michael Franti & Spearhead, Brett Dennen and Trevor Hall. Get there early for that last one – the show begins with a mass yoga and acoustic music jam with Michael Franti & Friends at 4:00 p.m., led by some of today's most inspiring teachers from across North America ($15 drop-in fee for yoga; concert tickets sold separately).
A Soulfully Good Time at City Park Jazz
WHEN: July 6, 6 p.m.
WHERE: City Park Bandstand
There's no better way to end the long weekend than with a free concert in City Park. City Park Jazz takes place every Sunday evening in June and July. The July 6 show features soul singer SuCh, a powerful live performer. Dancing is encouraged!
2. Arts & Culture
Step into a real-life video game, see Dale Chihuly's masterful art works and experience the Cherry Creek Arts Festival!
Get Creative at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival (July 4-6)
WHEN: July 4-6
WHERE: Cherry Creek North Shopping District
Since 1991, the July 4th holiday weekend has been centered around Colorado's signature cultural event, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. This world-class and award-winning celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts enjoys an annual attendance of 350,000 visitors. Special exhibits and interactive family activities on Artivity Avenue are great for the whole family, while Culinary Avenue features tasty treats and live cooking demonstrations from some of Denver's most popular eateries.
Experience the Magic of Chihuly
WHEN: through November 14
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens (York Street)
COST: Non-member exhibition tours start at $15
See the vibrant artwork of the renowned Dale Chihuly in the incomparable setting of the Denver Botanic Gardens. Chihuly's sculptures – ranging from unique water features to a 30-foot neon tower – add bold colors and dramatic beauty to the Gardens' 24-acre urban oasis. Don't miss some great hotel packages with VIP, skip-the-lines tickets.
Indulge Your Inner Pac Man at Oh Heck Yeah
WHEN: Thursdays and Saturday's through July
WHERE: On Champa St., from the 16th Street Mall to 14th St.
Step into a real-life video game! Downtown Denver will be transformed into an immersive street arcade during Oh Heck Yeah, a one-of-a-kind event. The arcade will be powered through a combination of Denver Theatre District's LED screens, projections, street art, social media, local media and a website. It has to be seen to be believed!
Discover Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed
WHEN: Through August 24
WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd.
COST: Non-member tickets start at $22
Discover a hidden world at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The largest exhibition about the ancient Maya ever to be displayed in the United States, Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed includes never-before-seen artifacts, hands-on activities, and immersive walk-in environments.
See Frozen – for FREE – in Skyline Park
WHEN: July 5
WHERE: Skyline Park, at the corner of Arapahoe and 16th
Don't miss your chance to see the latest Disney animated blockbuster for FREE, under the stars in the heart of downtown Denver. Frozen tells the story of Princesses Anna and Elsa and their adventures in the icy kingdom of Arendelle.
3. Pro sports – and fireworks!
See pro baseball, soccer and lacrosse games … and then stick around for some serious fireworks.
The Rockies vs. The Dodgers
WHEN: July 3-6
WHERE: Coors Field, 2001 Blake St.
COST: Rockpile tickets start at $4
Catch the Colorado Rockies taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers during a four-game homestand. There will be a spectacular fireworks show following the July 3 and 4 games!
The Rapids vs. The Crew
WHEN: July 4
WHERE: Dick's Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City
COST: Tickets start at $29
Denver's hometown heroes the Colorado Rapids are taking on the Columbus Crew on July 4. Stick around for the fireworks display after the game.
The Outlaws vs. The Cannons
WHEN: July 4
WHERE: Sports Authority Field at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St.
COST: Tickets start at $26
Denver's professional lacrosse team the Denver Outlaws are battling it out with the Boston Cannons. After the game, enjoy fireworks within the bowl at Sports Authority Field at Mile High – pyrotechnics paired with visuals on a 220-foot wide, hi-definition screen. You'll never forget this kind of fireworks show.
4. Outdoor Adventure
Enjoy fresh air, sunshine, roller coasters and Rocky Mountain day trips.
Get Some Thrills – And Watch Fireworks – at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
With more than 53 thrilling rides, plus a splash-filled, 10-acre water park, musical stages, stunt shows and arcades, there's something at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park for just about everyone. Plus, on July 4, the nation's only downtown theme and water park will put on an unforgettable fireworks show!
Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
The awe-inspiring natural beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the top outdoor attractions in the world, is just an hour-and-a-half drive away, with hiking, wildlife, scenic drives and more.
Cruise Through Town On A Denver B-cycle
Denver's B-cycle is the first large-scale bike-sharing program in the nation. It's easy, cheap and fun, with more than 800 shiny, red bikes are available at 83 stations around town. Swipe a credit card for a $8 daily pass and hop on board to start exploring Denver's 850 miles of paved, off-street bike trails. All rides under 30 minutes are free; rides of one hour are just a dollar. Pick up a bike at one station and drop it at another – stations are conveniently located throughout the city near hotels and attractions.
Go to the Top of the Continent on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Not your ordinary drive. The 14-mile Mount Evans Scenic Byway, which leads to the 14,264-foot high summit of Mount Evans, is the highest paved road in North America, 154 feet higher than Pikes Peak. Drive to the top and your car will be higher than any other automobile on the continent.
Create your perfect summer getaway itinerary in The Mile High City and learn more about great hotel deals at VISITDENVER.com.
About VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau
Celebrating more than 100 years of promoting The Mile High City, VISIT DENVER is a nonprofit trade association that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination, increasing economic development in the city, creating jobs and generating taxes. A record 14 million visitors stayed overnight in Denver in 2013, generating $4 billion in spending, while supporting nearly 50,000 jobs, making Tourism the second largest industry in Denver. Learn more about Denver on the VISITDENVER website and at TOURISMPAYSDENVER or by phone at 800 2 Denver. Follow Denver's social media channels for up-to-the-minute updates at: Facebook.com/visitdenver; Twitter.com/iknowdenver; Instagram.com/visitdenver; and YouTube.com/visitdenver.
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SOURCE VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau