There’ll be a hot time in the Mile High City this week

Let’s get crackin’, Colorado!

The official national holiday is Friday, but the party starts early and carries through the weekend, so time to break out the red, white and blue.

Denver is one of the top destinations to celebrate the Fourth of July, according to the travel booking site Travelocity.com. From live music in one of the top outdoor venues in the world, and spectacular fireworks displays, to free arts festivals, thrilling pro sports and outdoor adventures, there are plenty of ways to celebrate your independence in The Mile High City this year.

Here’s a list of fabulous Fourth events as compiled by www.visitdenver.org.

* A free and fireworks-filled Independence Eve celebration, beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday at Civic Center Park. Get the long weekend started in star-spangled style. The concert will feature patriotic and pop favorites from MIX, CU Denver’s award-winning a capella group; the Hazel Miller Band and the Denver Municipal Band. Seating is first-come, first-served.

* Red Rocks concerts July 3 through 6 at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. Celebrate Independence Day Weekend at Red Rocks, the top outdoor amphitheater in the U.S., according to “Rolling Stone”. July 4 brings jam band favorites Blues Traveler back to the Rocks, and they’ve stacked the lineup with 1990s alt-rockers Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Uncle Kracker. July 5 sees the improvisatory, jam-band genius of Umphrey’s McGee arrive, and July 6 highlights the copious good vibes of the SoulShine Tour, with Michael Franti & Spearhead, Brett Dennen and Trevor Hall. The show begins with a mass yoga and acoustic music jam with Michael Franti & Friends at 4 p.m. ($15 drop-in fee for yoga; concert tickets sold separately).

* End the long weekend with a free concert, beginning at 6 p.m. in City Park. City Park Jazz takes place Sunday evenings in July. The July 6 show features soul singer SuCh, a powerful live performer. Dancing is encouraged.

* Since 1991, the July 4th holiday weekend has been centered around Colorado’s signature cultural event, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. This world-class and award-winning celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts enjoys an annual attendance of 350,000 visitors. Special exhibits and interactive family activities on Artivity Avenue are great for the whole family, while Culinary Avenue features tasty treats and live cooking demonstrations from some of Denver’s most popular eateries.

* Downtown Denver will be transformed into an immersive street arcade during Oh Heck Yeah, a one-of-a-kind event Thursdays and Saturdays through July on Champa Street from the 16th Street Mall to 14th Street. The arcade will be powered through a combination of Denver Theatre District’s LED screens, projections, street art, social media, local media and a website.

* “Frozen,” the latest Disney animated blockbuster will be shown for free July 5 at Skyline Park at the corner of Arapahoe and 16th .under the stars in the heart of downtown Denver. “Frozen” tells the story of Princesses Anna and Elsa and their adventures in the icy kingdom of Arendelle.

* With more than 53 rides, plus a splash-filled, 10-acre water park, musical stages, stunt shows and arcades, there’s something at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park for just about everyone. Plus, on July 4, the nations’ only downtown theme and water park will put on an unforgettable fireworks show.