Independence Day has so much meaning in Denver. Since the holiday is on a Monday this year, we’ll get to enjoy a three-day weekend with parades and festivals taking place all over town. The simplest way to enjoy the holiday is to find your neighborhood fireworks show, grab a cooler full of beverages and a lawn chair at hit the city’s many beautiful parks. However, there are lots of big events happening that weekend too, so get out there! Here are some places to enjoy the holiday with a drink in hand.

Independence Eve 
The 7th annual Independence Eve at Civic Center Park is ready to rock, with Chris Daniels and the Kings and the 101st Army Band from Buckley Air Force Base. There will also be a light show and fireworks afterward on Sunday, July 3 beginning at 8 PM.  Lawn seating is first-come, first-served so get there early, and guests are encouraged to bring a picnic, including beverages. Denver Park rules will be in effect, so no bottles or BBQ grills. The event is free and will happen rain or shine. (Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave.)

Blues Traveler at Red Rocks
With only a few exceptions, the jam band Blues Traveler has been rocking Red Rocks on Independence Day since 1992. Be a part of the tradition by getting what few tickets are left and then heading over to Morrison for some tailgating in the parking lot with friends. Doors to the amphitheater open at 5 PM, and an opening act yet to be announced will begin around 5:45 PM. (Morrison, CO)

Cherry Creek Arts Festival
This free arts festival has been a holiday weekend traditional for 26 years now. Held from July 2-4, the streets of Cherry Creek North will close to traffic so guests can peruse beautiful works of art by some 250 artists from all over the world. There will also be live music, performance artists and art activities. All that walking means people will need sustenance. Head to food truck row on Fillmore Street between 2nd and 3rd for eats, and for those who get parched, visit the Blue Moon Beer Garden near the Janus Main Stage also on Fillmore. There will also be four Cherry Arts Bars strategically located throughout the festival. This event is 10 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday and 10 AM to 6 PM on Monday. (Cherry Creek North)

City Park Jazz 
City Park Jazz concerts are held every Sunday night all summer long. Guests bring picnics, usually including a box or cans of wine, and lawn chairs so they can relax and listen to live music for the last few hours of the weekend.  On Sunday, July 3, enjoy the music of Ritmo Jazz Latino from 6 to 8 PM rain or shine. For those who don’t bring their own picnic baskets, food trucks will be on hand for eats. Denver park rules apply so no bottles or BBQ grills. (City Park, the Pavilion at Ferril Lake, Colorado Blvd  17th Ave.)

Colorado Rapids vs. Portland Timbers and 4thfest
Tim Howard, USA goalie and former Everton player of the Premier League, will make his Colorado debut on July 4 with his new team, the Colorado Rapids. They host defending MLS champions the Portland Timbers. The Rapids will make a day out of this event with the 21st annual 4thfest at the park starting at 5 PM. Gain entry to this family-friendly festival with ticket purchase, which includes a kids section with a magic show, face painting and adventure games and an adult section that will include live music, a beer garden and karaoke along with access to the Centennial 38 Club tailgate. The evening concludes with a fireworks show and concert by 888 after the game. Tickets are almost gone, so get yours today. (Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City)

Denver Outlaws vs. Florida Launch (Sports Authority Field at Mile High)
The Denver Outlaws will face the Florida Launch at 6:30 PM, and after the game, enjoy a huge fireworks display inside the bowl at the stadium. Some 10,000 rounds of fireworks will light up the sky with a video music tribute on the stadium’s 220-ft wide Thundervision screens. This is the 11th year for this event, and tickets start $35 per person.

Fireworks at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park 
Spend the day at the amusement park and the evening with a fireworks show. Adults can enjoy the Blue Moon Beer Garden with 12 premiums beers on tap, and fireworks will happen at dusk. The theme park open from 10 AM to 10 PM. Purchase tickets for the day or season passes on the website. (2000 Elitch Circle, I-25 & Speer Blvd.)

Red, White & You 
Enjoy the evening outdoors at Clement Park in Littleton at the annual Red, White & You Festival, which will be held on Friday, July 1 starting at 5 PM. Kids will enjoy games, playground and a bounce house, while adults can enjoy a beer and wine garden. A variety of food concessions will be onsite. Enjoy live music by Wash Park Band beginning at 7 PM and fireworks at dusk.  The event is free to enter, but food, drink, and the bounce house are pay as you go. No dogs allowed. (7306 W. Bowles. Ave., Littleton)

Super Diamond at Hudson Gardens (6115 S. Sante Fe Dr., Littleton)
Once again, Super Diamond will rock the outdoor venue at Hudson Gardens in Littleton on Sunday, July 3. Sing along to Sweet Caroline and Cherry Cherry as you watch the foothills sunset behind the stage. As always, this popular show will end with fireworks. Tickets are $26 for adults. While you can bring your own food, the only outside beverages allowed are bottled water. Beer and wine can be purchased at special tents during the show. Gates open at 5:30 PM and show starts at 7:30 PM.

Photo via Flickr user grimmdude