Oh, say can you see? Independence Day is upon us and Denver is ready to celebrate with fireworks galore. Since it is illegal to have your own fireworks in the city (fire danger!), we have found some places where you can watch professionals do their thing while you enjoy a beverage or two. That sounds like a holiday win-win to us! Be safe out there while enjoying America’s birthday. Don’t drink and drive.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival  
This outdoor art show features a different kind of fireworks as some of the best artists and performers from around the country descend into Denver. Best of all, visitors can stroll the exhibits with a drink in hand through the tree-lined streets of Cherry Creek North. While perusing the art sip on beer, wine and cocktails from the strategically located drink tents. Blue Moon is sponsoring the festival’s Beer Garden located on Detroit Street next to the delicious food trucks of Culinary Avenue.Sponsor Glenfiddich will also have a special tent featuring Ambassador Jennifer Wren with samples, rare tastings, and cocktail demonstrations on the corner of 3rd and St. Paul. Entry is free, food and drinks are pay as you go, and the festival runs Saturday through Monday, July 1-3. (Second and Third Avenues and Clayton through Steel Streets)

Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park  
Up north the Colorado Rapids are doubling down on the fireworks with two shows Saturday, July 1, and Tuesday, July 4.  They play the Houston Dynamo and Seattle Sounders FC respectively. The July 4 game is also 4thfest at the park with live music, drink specials, and an afternoon of activities for all ages. After the fireworks at 4thfest, enjoy a concert by country music star Russell Dickerson. Games start at 7 PM. (6000 Victory Wy.; 303-727-3500)

Colorado Rockies vs Cincinnati Reds at Coors Field  
Beginning Monday, July 3, the Colorado Rockies will take on the Cincinnati Reds for a four-game series. The Rockies made it through the spring in second place in the National League standings, and third overall, so let’s cheer them on through the summer. Both Monday’s and Tuesday’s games will conclude with fireworks and game time for both is 6:10 PM. Start your gameday at The Sandlot with a craft beer or get a Purple Margarita at Rio on the Rocks. Go Rox! (2001 Blake St.)

Denver Outlaws vs Atlanta Blaze at Sports Authority Field at Mile High  
Not to be outdone, the Denver Outlaws Lacrosse team will have a fireworks spectacular on Tuesday, July 4. After the game enjoy a firework show paired with music and visual graphics on the 220-foot wide, HD stadium screen. While the official beer of the stadium is B-U-D, craft beers can be found at Tavern Mile High, Crafts & Drafts, River’s Edge and 50 Yard Bar. Game time is 7 PM. (1701 Bryant St.; 720-258-3623)

Elitch Gardens  
Are you a kid at heart? Then spend Independence Day at Elitch Gardens riding the rides and sliding the slides. The park will have fireworks that start at the park’s closing time. In between the rides enjoy adult beverages at these restaurants throughout the park:  53 Fourteen Burger and Tap, Bavarian Pretzels and Beer, J.M. Mulvihills Pub, and Tres Tacos on the amusement side of the park and Island Breeze Bar and Surfside Beer in the water park. Just remember to pace yourself before getting on all those rides. (2000 Elitch Cir.; 303-595-4386)

Firefall at Hudson Gardens  
Enjoy an outdoor concert by classic rock band Firefall with amazing views of the Front Range at Hudson Gardens in Littleton on Tuesday. After the Firefall concert there will be fireworks. Guests are allowed to bring in their own food for a picnic on the lawn, but the only drinks allowed from outside are plastic water bottles. A variety of beer and wine will be sold at the venue and food trucks will be on-site, if you don’t want to carry that much stuff. (6115 S. Santa Fe Dr.; 303-797-8565)

Independence Eve at Civic Center Park 
The City of Denver is hosting the eighth annual free fireworks celebration on Monday, July 3, at Civic Center Park. Independence Eve features live music, light show and fireworks beginning at 8 PM. Music is from Soul X and 101st Army Band of the Colorado National Guard. Park entry is free and food and drink are pay as you go or bring your own. Yes, you can BYOB, however, park rules apply. That means no glass containers, no BBQ grills, and use blankets or low rise chairs only. The streets around the park will be closed to traffic for this event so public transportation is encouraged. (Colfax and Broadway)

Jet Car Nationals and Family Festival at Bandimere Speedway
On Saturday, July 1, this special race day will feature drag racing’s most popular event, Jet Cars that travel up to 290 miles per hour. There will also be kiddie carnival rides, live music, military salute and fireworks in the evening. Adults will be able to enjoy beers from a large corporate beverage conglomerate and mixed drinks from the Drink Trailer. Gates open at 8 AM for the Time Trials and the family festivities begin at 3 PM. Jet Cars are at 7 PM and fireworks at 9:45 PM. Be sure to wear your ear plugs because the jet cars are loud. (3051 S. Rooney Rd.; 303-697-6001)

Red Rocks Amphitheatre Concerts  
OK, so there won’t be fireworks at the outdoor arena, however, due to the park’s location, a concert at Red Rocks will make it prime viewing for all the firework shows happening in southern Denver and beyond. Sunday, July 2, is Umphrey’s McGee, Monday, July 3, is Zeds Dead and the big show is Tuesday, July 4, with Blues Traveler. Blues Traveler has performed on the 4th of July at Red Rocks for the last 23 years and it’s always a spectacular show. Also on this star-studded bill are The Samples, Spin Doctors and Rusted Root. (18300 W. Alameda Pkwy.; 720-865-2494)

Photo via Flickr user grimmdude