Weather-wise, July is probably Colorado’s most consistently sunny, get-outside-and-play month. Which is perfect, because we have plenty of great activities to enjoy, from Fourth of July fireworks and art festivals to starlit outdoor concerts. Closest to home, we’re excited to report that Stepping Stone’s Grand Opening of the Lantern House, with its six-lane competition pool and clubhouse, will take place later in the month.
Have a great month outdoors.
Let Freedom Sing – July 4, 6pm-10pm
Parker’s irresistible, small-town spirit shines brightly at its traditional Independence Day celebration. Before the world-class fireworks show set to patriotic music, families can relax, nosh on local fare, listen to live music, and enjoy complimentary bounce houses, slides, games, a climbing wall, and human hamster balls. Rocky Mountain Brassworks performs at 6pm, while Boogie Machine takes the stage at 7:20. Limited parking and handicap accessible parking available for $5, cash only. General event admission is free. Coolers and picnic items admitted, but no alcohol, tents or canopies. Held at Salisbury Park, 11920 Motsenbocker Rd. Learn more.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival – July 4-6
Where else can you meet and talk with internationally-known visual artists, listen to live music, sample fine cuisine, explore a full block of interactive family activities (ARTivity Avenue), and lend your own artistic touches to a huge “imagination collaboration” mural? Since 1991, Denver’s renowned Cherry Creek Arts Festival has been synonymous with Fourth of July weekend. Held in Denver’s Cherry Creek North Shopping District, from 2nd to 3rd Avenues, on the seven streets between Columbine and Steele Streets. Admission is free.
Learn more.
Wilderness Survival Training – July 12, 10am-2pm
How would you fare, lost or injured in the wilderness without necessities like Starbucks and Google? Seriously, if you’re a hunter, angler, or any outdoor enthusiast, you really should know how to survive should something go wrong. This one-day class at The Wildlife Experience will build your skills and put them to the test, with classroom discussions and presentations plus an in-the-field skills test. Each participant will walk away with a basic survival kit and know what’s in it and how to use it. Members, $23, Non-members $25. Learn more.
Chihuly Exhibit at Denver Botanic Gardens – Now through November 30.
Any July stroll among the DBC’s 24 acres of flowerbeds and ponds is an explosion of color, but artist Dale Chihuly’s current exhibit of blown glass artwork, Garden Cycle, takes the gardens’ vibrancy to an awe-inspiring level. Spread among 14 sites, Chihuly’s world-traveling (and original to DBC) exhibits range from delicate, floating spheres to a tower of 650 blue icicles. Think about going at night when exhibits are illuminated, or taking a guided tour or a Chihuly-inspired photography or painting class. Tickets $10. Learn more.
