Independence Day is exploding onto the calendar, bringing about various events, closures and fireworks Thursday. 

The federal holiday — celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress — leads to a plethora of summertime events, but also numerous closures. 

Most government agencies and buildings will be closed on Thursday in observance of the Fourth of July. Mail services will also be postponed during the holiday. Most businesses and restaurants will remain open on Thursday — though some may operate with altered schedules. People should check specific business websites before traveling to them.

All 24-hour agencies — like emergency services and the Denver International Airport — will remain fully operational on Thursday.

Government and city buildings in Denver, Adams, Jefferson, Douglas and Boulder counties will be closed on Thursday in honor of the holiday. Denver libraries will also be closed.

Most buildings will reopen on Friday and continue a normal schedule, though some may be closed through the weekend. Check county websites for specific closures on Friday, if applicable.

As per every federal holiday, street parking will be free throughout the city of Denver and Boulder on Thursday, returning to normal prices on Friday.

The Regional Transportation District will be up and running, busing event-goers through the city, but will operate on the alternate holiday schedule. 

All state parks, county parks, campgrounds and boat ramps will remain open through the holiday.

Fourth of July Events

The real meat and potatoes of the Fourth of July holiday are the jaw-dropping firework displays held throughout the state. 

While Denver will still experience fireworks over Coors Field after both Rockies games on Thursday and Friday and at Elitch Gardens at 9 p.m. Friday, the City and County of Denver’s celebration will look a little different this year.

Denver will be holding its Indy Eve celebration at Civic Center Park from 5 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday. Included will be the Civic Center Night Market, music from DJs, a performance from the Colorado Symphony Brass & Percussion Ensemble and the largest ever drone show held in the city.

Denver's largest-ever drone show planned for July 3 event

Those who want to see fireworks on July 4 will have to head to one of the surrounding cities, though.

Aurora will be holding its celebration at the Aurora Municipal Center, located at 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday. Along with food trucks and music performances starting at 6 p.m., the firework display will begin at 9:30 p.m.

4thFEST presented by UCHealth will occur at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park Thursday prior to the Colorado Rapids soccer match. 

The free block party will begin at 5 p.m. and run until 7:30 p.m. when the match starts. Following the game, fans are invited onto the field to watch the “largest fireworks show in the state of Colorado,” according to organizers. 

The City of Lakewood will be celebrating in Belmar Park on Wednesday from 5 to 10 p.m. with music and food. The festivities will end with a drone show at 9:15 p.m.

Littleton will follow suit with a Wednesday celebration from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Clement Park with fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m.

The City of Englewood will hold its fireworks and celebration in both Cornerstone and Belleview park from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday.

Boulder, on the other hand, will not be holding a fireworks or drone show at Folsom Field during the holiday this year.

Most cities surrounding Denver will be holding their own fireworks. Information can be found directly on city websites.