A Quieter, Virtual 4th of July
July 2, 2020
There may not be fireworks displays in Denver and Aurora this Fourth of July, but that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty to do, both live and virtually! In keeping with a safer Independence Day celebration, the Colorado Symphony will continue its time-honored tradition of bringing the largest single-day free community event in Colorado to an even wider audience online! Catch the Independence Eve Concert when it livestreams on Friday night, or watch the replay in lieu of the fireworks display on Saturday night! For in-person activities, you can’t beat the super displays at the newly-opened Denver museums!
Thursday-Sunday, July 2-5
LEGOS AT THE MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE
We have plenty of reasons to celebrate the re-opening of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science—including the eagerly awaited-for LEGO® brick display! The Art of the Brick is the global sensation created by contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya that elevates the beloved LEGO toys to an artistic level you won’t believe.
You’ll see familiar masterpieces from art and culture, such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night and the Venus de Milo reimagined with LEGOs! There’s a life-sized Yellow Man with thousands of LEGO bricks cascading from his chest, and even a T. Rex skeleton made out of 80,000 LEGO bricks that rivals the real T. Rex down the hall!
Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver
Thurs./Sat./Sun., 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Fri., 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Timed-Entry Tickets: $14.95-$17.95
Phone: 303-370-6000
DRONES AT THE AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
Look to the skies this weekend, not for fireworks—but for drones! At the Air & Space Museum’s limited-time exhibition, you’ll “ooh and ahh” over this high-flying examination of the past, present, and future of remotely controlled pilotless aircraft. Developed by subject experts from the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York, Drones: Is The Sky The Limit? explores the modern phenomenon of drones, their uses throughout history, and the exciting possibilities of the future role that drones will play in our society.
Did you know drones have been around for 75 years? Since they were first developed as remote-controlled planes used for target practice, they’ve evolved into versatile and highly specialized aircraft, making us rethink everything about them from privacy to ethics to modern warfare.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver
Thurs./Fri./Sat., 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Sun., 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $9.95-$16.95
Phone: 303-360-5360
Friday, July 3
COUNTRY MUSIC 4TH OF JULY
If it just doesn’t feel like the 4th of July without a good ol’ fashioned country music concert, the Zac Brown Band hears you! They’re kicking off the long weekend with a livestream concert benefiting Camp Southern Ground, a non-profit organization that supports the mental health and well being of veterans. Tune in for the virtual live concert for a great time and a great cause!
Zac Brown Band YouTube Channel
6:00 p.m. Mountain Time
Cost: FREE
Friday-Saturday, July 3-4
CELEBRATE AMERICAN DIVERSITY
Yes, there IS a way to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend in a fun, family-friendly, socially-distanced environment—in person! This very special concert and picnic celebrates the diversity of our wonderful community in a brilliantly-planned outdoor event. The huge 48,000 square-foot field next to Stanley Marketplace will be divided into 10×10 private picnic areas, one for YOUR OWN group of guests, for non-stop live entertainment, as well as dinner and drinks, over Independence Day weekend.
You’ll be “alone” with your own safe group of up to 10 people on your private square, while “together” with all the other people celebrating in their private squares. Entertainment line-up includes local favorites such as The Beverly Belles & The Honey Taps and The reMINDers, as well as comedy by Heath Hyche, and much more! If you like, you can pre-order a picnic dinner and buy drinks on site. Masks will be required when you are outside of your private square.
The Field at Stanley, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
5:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $30
INDEPENDENCE EVE VIRTUAL CONCERT
See all of your favorite arts organizations as they perform in a very special Independence Eve concert. Since 2009, the Colorado Symphony and Civic Center Conservancy has put on an event that had grown to nearly 90,000 spectators at Civic Center Park with millions more tuning in via broadcast television.
This year, it will be all online and broadcast, streaming live on Denver7 and Colorado Symphony’s YouTube page. You’ll see stunning ensemble performances of the Symphony together with Colorado Ballet, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, and Opera Colorado. Current locations incorporated into the program are Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Civic Center Park, Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex, and the Colorado State Capital Rotunda.
You’ll also have the opportunity to support artists and individuals affected by COVID-19 including the Center for African American Health, The Center on Colfax, the Civic Center Conservancy, Food Bank of the Rockies, Food for Thought Denver, and the Rose Andom Center through event partner Community First Foundation at ColoradoGives.org/IndyEve.
Pre-Show Fundraising Event on Denver7, Fri., 7:00 p.m.
Colorado Symphony’s YouTube Channel, Fri., 8:00 p.m. (livestream); Sat., 7:00 p.m. (replay)
Cost: FREE
Saturday, July 4
FARMERS’ MARKET BBQ PREP
Get all the best ingredients for your backyard 4th of July BBQ at the Southlands Farmers’ Market! Fresh ears of corn and sweet peppers to roast on the grill, all kinds of tender young greens for the best salads ever, fresh-baked bread and sweets, as well as other specialty food items. This is the only stop you need to make for the ultimate BBQ!
Southlands, 6155 S. Main St., Aurora
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Phone: 303-627-5000
A UNITED FOURTH OF JULY
Prepare to be inspired by the patriotic sights and sounds of Fourth of July from our nation’s capitol! PBS’ A Capitol Fourth will be live-streamed with an exciting roster of legendary performers including Patti LaBelle, John Fogerty, Renée Fleming, The Temptations, Trace Adkins, Andy Grammer, Yolanda Adams, Brantley Gilbert, Lauren Alaina, Chrissy Metz, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Kelli O’Hara, Mandy Gonzalez and the National Symphony Orchestra. John Stamos and Vanessa Williams host this spectacular show, ending with Live Fireworks from Washington, D.C.!
PBS Livestream
6:00 p.m. Mountain Time
Cost: FREE
Saturday-Sunday, July 4-5
FETCH FLEA MARKET IS BACK
One of Aurora’s favorite summer pastimes is back—browsing the festive vintage flea market at Stanley Marketplace! There will be fewer vendors to accommodate social distancing, but that just means it’s the finest 40-50 local makers and displayers who will be on hand!
And you can always visit the permanent shops at Stanley Marketplace as well—or enjoy a drink at an open-air bar or brewery.
Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
Sat., 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Sun., 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
TAKE A TRAIL RIDE!
State Parks are open now, with limited numbers of people admitted to keep things safe, so if you’re looking for something special to do with the family this weekend, maybe a trip to the nearby Cherry Creek State Park is the answer!
To make it even more special, reserve a trail ride on horseback right inside the park! Beginners’ rides start at one hour, with more options for more experienced riders. Start a new Fourth of July tradition this year!
12 Mile Stables, 5547 S. Parker Rd., Aurora
11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
Reservations: Starting at $39/person
Phone: 888-61-HORSE
DOUBLE FEATURE AT THE DRIVE-IN
Catch not one, but two, sensational movies on the big screen at Denver’s favorite summer event—the Drive-In at Denver Mart! This weekend’s films include the brand-new comedy-adventure My Spy, an endearing cute-kid-takes-on-tough-guy movie that the entire family will love. When nine-year-old Sophie (Chloe Coleman) catches CIA operative JJ (Dave Bautista) spying on her family, she strikes a deal with him not to blow his cover as long as he teaches her how to become a spy. The second feature of the night is the live-action Jungle Book (2016). Buy your tickets in advance—they always sell out!
Denver Mart Drive-In, 451 E. 58th Ave., Denver
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$60
Sunday, July 5
LIVE CONCERT AT STANLEY MARKETPLACE
Since there’s plenty of room to spread out at the field next to Stanley, this is one of the few outdoor live concerts you will find this summer. Groove to the sounds of David Lawrence and the Spoonful, featuring fiddler Coleman Smith of Rapidgrass and Upright Bass extraordinaire Bob Songster, when they perform an acoustic outdoor set. Masks and social distancing are required!
Stanley Marketplace, The West Patio, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Beauty, Recreation and More Near Southshore!
Enjoy Life at the Lake in the master-planned community of Southshore—and find amazing neighbors, and plenty of amenities within easy access! Looking for a new home you can add your signature style to? Tour the beautiful model homes from Taylor Morrison, Richmond American Homes and Toll Brothers. Available in ranch and two-story designs, Southshore homes are priced between the upper $400s and the $700s.