The Denver Foothills provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable Independence Day celebration. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the holiday, you’ll find a variety of events that capture the community spirit and natural beauty of the area. Here’s your complete guide to celebrating on July 4—and beyond—in Evergreen, Indian Hills, Golden, Idaho Springs, Conifer, and neighboring mountain towns.

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Freedom 5K & Fourth at Buchanan Park (Evergreen)

Start your morning with the Freedom 5K—a family-friendly run and walk benefiting Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice. The route winds through scenic neighborhoods, beginning at Evergreen Middle School at 8 a.m. Registration opens at 6:45 a.m., with on-site pick-up available. Afterward, enjoy a finish-line party with music, refreshments, and a costume contest near Evergreen Athletic Club.

Next, head to Buchanan Park for the Foothills Fourth, running from noon to 4:30 p.m. Expect carnival games, goat yoga, tethered hot‑air balloons, live music, a beer garden, crafts and tethered balloon rides—perfect for all ages.

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Drone Show at Hiwan Country Club (Evergreen)

Wrap up your day in Evergreen with a dazzling drone light show at Hiwan Country Club. The grounds open at 6 p.m., with food trucks, live music, and a kids’ zone keeping the whole family entertained. The show begins at around 9:30 p.m., lighting up the foothills sky in a unique, eco-friendly display. Shuttles run from Evergreen Middle School and Stagecoach Park for easy access.

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Indian Hills Celebration (Near Conifer)

About a half-hour south of Evergreen, Indian Hills lights up the morning of July 4 with small-town charm and high-energy fun. Hosted by Indian Hills Fire Rescue:

• 7–11 a.m. – Pancake breakfast at the Fire Station: $10 adults, $6 seniors and kids 4–12.
• 7–8 a.m. – 5K Fun Run at Arrowhead Park, with a kids’ fun run at 9:30 a.m.
• 9–9:45 a.m. – Auto-extrication demo by firefighters.
• 10–11 a.m. – Air Life helicopter fly-in at the helipad.
• 11 a.m.–1 p.m. – Traditional parade down Parmalee Gulch Road. The first half is parade-only; the second half becomes a playful water fight encouraging the crowd to splash the fire truck.

This flavorful, community-driven experience is a delightful way to start your celebration before heading back to Evergreen or continuing to Golden.

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Golden’s Fourth of July Festival (Lions Park)

Golden’s 53rd annual festival runs 10 a.m.–8:30 p.m. at Lions Park. Expect:

• Early-morning yoga and patriotic ceremony.
• Performances by local bands like Jeff Goodwin, Thunder Roads, and the Boogie Machine.
• A family fun zone, food trucks, crafts, lawn games, and a beer garden—ideal for a leisurely day in this charming mountain town.

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Idaho Springs Town Party & Fireworks

Historic Idaho Springs knows how to light up the night. Beginning around 11 a.m. on Miner Street, enjoy:

• Live music, carnival-style games, water-gun stations, caricatures, and even axe-throwing.
• Evening fireworks over the Charlie Tayler Waterwheel—a vibrant, valley-resonating finale to the day .

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Clear Creek County Parades & BBQs (Georgetown & Silver Plume)

For a slower-paced, traditional July 4, head into Clear Creek County:

• Georgetown: Old-fashioned parade at 11 a.m., followed by BBQ, beer garden, live music, hot-dog eating contest, and small-town charm.
• Silver Plume: Afternoon ice-cream social and community mingling in this historic mining village.

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Travel Tips & Highlights

• Timing Matters: Morning in Indian Hills is family-focused and calorie-burning; afternoons shift to Evergreen and Golden scenes.
• Shuttle Smart: Use Evergreen shuttles to Hiwan for easier parking.
• Bring Essentials: Sunscreen, water, folding chairs, and maybe extra layers for the evening chill.
• Extend the Fun: Consider staying nearby through ConiferFest (July 12) for live music, vendors, and local community spirit.

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Embrace the Foothills Spirit

From the mountain-top pancake breakfasts to eco-friendly drone shows against the Rockies, the Denver Foothills offer a July 4 celebration that’s both festive and heartfelt. Whether you’re racing through Evergreen, cheering in Indian Hills, dancing through Golden’s park, or watching fireworks in Idaho Springs, you’ll experience community spirit under a big Colorado sky.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!