The day before the Continental Congress’ adoption of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife on July 3, 1776 about how he hoped succeeding generations would celebrate Independence Day.

“It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty,” the letter, on the Massachusetts Historical Society’s website, reads. “It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

Adams might be proud to see how the Denver metro area is following through on his exhortation, with fireworks lighting up the sky, sporting events, kid festivities and more.

Here is your guide to finding the perfect way to celebrate the Fourth of July. Unless otherwise mentioned, all festivities take place July 4.

4th of July Arvada Fireworks Display

Where: The Stenger Sports Complex, W. 58th Ave. and Oak St.

When: Gates open at 7 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m.

Cost: Free

The scoop: More information, and the city's illegal fireworks reporting hotline are available at https://arvada.org/explore/culture-and-community/fourth-of-july

4th of July Festival & Fireworks in Englewood

Where: Cornerstone Park at 5150 S. Windermere St. and Belleview Park at 5001 S. Inca Drive

When: The festival begins at 3 p.m.; fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Fireworks are visible from both parks, and the majority of the children activites take place at Cornerstone Park.

Cost: Free

The scoop: Food trucks, business vendors and children activities. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and blankets.

Fireworks in Castle Rock

Where: The fireworks can be seen from most places in Castle Rock.

When: 9 p.m. -10 p.m.

Cost: Free

The scoop: Castle Rock is planning on blasting off fireworks from the Santa Fe Quarry butte above Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course. There will not be a designated space to see the fireworks, and because of that, the city is encouraging people to be courteous of driveways if they park in neighborhoods.

Colorado Rockies

Where: Coors Field, 2001 Blake St.

When: July 2 and July 3 at 6:10 p.m.

Cost: Prices vary

The scoop: The Rockies will have the Fourth of July off this year, but that isn’t stopping the team from hosting fireworks after its July 2 and July 3 games against the Houston Astros. On July 2, the team will offer handheld USA flags to attendees. For more information, visit mlb.com/rockies.

Denver Outlaws

Where: Broncos Stadium at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St.

When: 7 p.m.

Cost: $15-$45 per ticket

The scoop: The Denver Outlaws lacrosse team is set to face off against the Chesapeake Bayhawks. Last year, the team won the Major League Lacrosse championship. Following the game, there will be a “close-proximity fireworks spectacular,” according to Grant Larson, the team’s coordinator of digital media, public relations and marketing.

Golden Lions Club’s annual Fourth of July Celebration

Where: Lions Park, 1300 10th St.

When:The event starts at noon. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.

Cost: Free, with Fourth of July celebration supplies, and barbecue food for sale.

The scoop: Free rides and bounce houses for children, face painting and live music. Read more about the event and the band lineup here.

Big Boom Bash! By Lakewood

Where: Jeffco Stadium, 500 Kipling St.

When: 5:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

The scoop: Kids’ activities, food trucks, a beer garden, music and more. Fireworks will last about 20 minutes, and the event is smoke-free. “This year, the fireworks will be visible for miles, with the highest display reaching 1,200 feet, or twice as high as the Statue of Liberty,” said Amber Wesner, the city’s public engagement and operations manager.

Parker Stars and Stripes Celebration

Where: Salisbury Park, 12010 N. Motsenbocker Road.

When: 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Cost: Admission is free, but parking is $10.

The scoop:The Six Million Dollar Band will play patriotic and ‘80s music. Many activities are free. “Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and set up for an evening jam-packed with family fun,” said Brooke Spain, the city’s special events and sponsorship coordinator.

Westminster’s 4th of July Celebration

Where: Westminster City Park, 10455 N. Sheridan Blvd.

When: Performances begin at 4 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.

Cost: Free

The scoop: Activities, food and beer vendors and performances, including a concert by Rockslide. The city will offer a free shuttle bus from numerous locations in Westminster. “Westminster is one of the few Front Range communities offering an expanded menu of family activities and entertainment spanning nearly the entirety of Independence Day,” said Rick Neumann, the city’s marketing supervisor.

Highlands Ranch July 4 Celebration and Fireworks

Where: Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec St.

When: 4 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.

Cost: Tickets cost $1 each and may be used for rides, games, drinks and more.

The scoop: Festivities include live music and face painting. A hot dog eating contest is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. The fireworks are slated to go off at 9:30 p.m.