If you are staying in town for the 4th of July, don’t fret, you don’t need a big backyard or lake house to have a lot of fun…there are festive, patriotic events going on all around Des Moines. Check out some of our favorite Independence Day celebrations below that come complete with parades, fun runs, antique car shows, and so much more than just fireworks!
If all of that isn’t enough for you (kids shout: more!), visit our event calendar, our action-packed Summer Fun Guide , plus the best of pools and aquatic centers in the area.
Here’s your guide to July 4th Fun in Des Moines:
Altoona
Prairie Meadows All American Extravaganza
July 3, 2024; Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
Prairie Meadows will once again host their annual family friendly Independence Day Celebration with live racing, live music and fireworks show! The horses will run throughout the 4th of July weekend. Live music and fireworks are scheduled for July 3, 2024. Admission is FREE and all ages are welcome.
Adventureland’s Fireworks
July 4, 2024; Adventureland
Adventureland Park annually presents a spectacular firework display for its guests and this year is no exception. The fireworks typically start at 9:00 pm. Visitors can enjoy a day at the park and then close out the evening with a blast!
Altoona 4th of July Parade
July 4, 2024; parade starts at the Altoona Public Library
The Altoona Historical Society is hosting a HUGE parade right down 8th Street! The parade starts at 10:00 am and will travel straight east on 8th Street ending at 3rd Avenue SE after turning north onto 3rd Avenue.
Ames
Independence Day Fireworks
July 3, 2024; Jack Trice Stadium
The Ames community fireworks show begins at approximately 9:30 pm. The best spots to watch the fireworks are around Jack Trice Stadium and Reiman Gardens, both located on University Boulevard.
Fourth of July Parade
July 4, 2024; Main Street Ames
Guests are encouraged to don their red, white, and blue to celebrate Independence Day at this family-friendly event. Ames’ Fourth of July parade will march down Main Street, beginning at 11:00 am.
Des Moines
Des Moines Symphony’s 30th annual Yankee Doodle Pops
July 3 2024; West Terrace Iowa State Capitol
The Des Moines Symphony’s 30th annual Yankee Doodle Pops, Iowa’s largest single-day concert event, is a 4th of July tradition. This family-friendly and patriotic concert starts at 8:30 pm and concludes with the area’s premier fireworks display over the downtown Des Moines skyline, and best of all, it’s FREE!
Fourth of July Slip n’ Slide
July 4, 2024; Nahas Aquatic Center
Celebrate the Fourth of July with some backyard fun. Des Moines Parks and Recreation will be creating a giant Slip N’ Slide on the north hill at Nahas Aquatic Center from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
Iowa Cubs Home Games
July 4-6, 2024; Principal Park
What could be more patriotic than enjoying America’s Pastime over the 4th of July holiday? The I-Cubs will take on the Omaha Storm Chasers and will end the July 4th and 5th evening games win or lose with fireworks, fireworks, and more fireworks.
Goodguys 33rd Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals
July 5-7, 2024; Iowa State Fairgrounds
Over 4,000 rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and trucks thru ’72 along with entertainment, live music, and a Saturday night fireworks extravaganza at approximately 9:30 pm. General admission at the gate is $28.00 for adults, $10.00 for kids (ages 7-12) and FREE for kids 6 and under.
Rendezvous on the Riverview Concert + Fireworks
Friday, July 5, 2024; Riverview Park Amphitheater
The Pork Tornadoes will open the evening with their rock’n set for Rendezvous on the Riverview followed by an evening finale of fireworks.
Grimes
Home Base Iowa Fireworks Show
July 4, 2024; Grimes South Sports Complex
Celebrate the anniversary of our nation’s independence at the Home Base Grimes Independence Day Fireworks Show! Fireworks will begin at 10:00 pm.
Urbandale
Urbandale’s Annual 4th of July Celebration
July 2-4, 2024; Various Locations in Urbandale
Urbandale has an array of family activities planned such as a parade, carnival, 5K fun run, car show, fireworks and other special events and yummy food. The parade starts at old City Hall at 10:00 am on July 4th. It heads north on 70th Street, west on Aurora to 82nd Street. The carnival and entertainment are at Lions Park. Fireworks will light up the sky on Independence Day from Walker-Johnston Park at 10:00 pm.
Old Fashioned Independence Day & Historic Baseball
July 4, 2024; Living History Farms
Enjoy an old-fashioned fourth with an iconic, historic Independence Day celebration in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill. 1876 marks the first centennial of the United States and Living History Farms’ Independence Day activities truly show what this day meant to those in the 19th century – a day of family fun. Be sure to arrive early to tour the historic farms, enjoy the town activities, and still have time to catch the Walnut Hill Bluestockings baseball game at 3:00 pm.
Waukee
4th of July Celebration
July 3-4, 2024; Centennial Park
Waukee’s 4th activities start on July 3rd this year, with food and beverage vendors in Centennial Park and a Movie in the Park showing at dusk. The parade will be on Tuesday, July 4th at 10:30 am and will make its way through the Historic Downtown and end in Centennial Park where the fun continues for the rest of the day and night. End your 4th of July celebration with an evening of live music and fireworks.
Waukee Freedom 5K
July 4, 2024; Lutheran Church of Hope – Waukee
Set for its 41st year, Waukee Boy Scout Troop 178 is hosting its 4th of July 5K Road Race and 1 Mile Kids Fun Run. Boy Scouts of all ages will line the course to cheer you on, keep you safe, and provide water stations to keep you hydrated. These will be timed events with awards given in multiple age categories.
West Des Moines
Independence Day Parade
July 3, 2024; West Des Moines
The West Des Moines Independence Day parade starts at 6:30 pm and winds through West Des Moines neighborhoods ending in Valley Junction.
Junction Street Party
July 3, 2024; Valley Junction
Revel in the spirit of independence with live music, savor a variety of culinary delights from local food trucks, and unwind in the refreshing beverage garden. Gather under the iconic arch on 5th Street in Valley Junction for an unforgettable block party experience. The festivities kick off during the West Des Moines July 3rd Parade and continue to light up the night with joy and community.
Community Band Concert
July 4, 2024; West Des Moines City Campus
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of patriotic favorites starting at 7:00 pm.
West Des Moines Fireworks
July 4, 2024; West Des Moines City Campus
The West Des Moines fireworks display will start at approximately 9:30 pm with viewing at the City/School Campus. Parking lots on the campus will be open to spectators at 7:30 pm.
Windsor Heights
Nights in the Heights Independence Day Celebration
July 2, 2024; Colby Park
Join the Windsor Heights Community Foundation for their annual Nights in the Heights Independence Day Celebration in Colby Park. Faculty Lounge will be play live on the park’s outdoor stage. Due to the construction in Colby Park there will NOT be any fireworks this year.
Winterset Cidery 4th of July POPUP
July 6, 2024; Winterset Cidery
Winterset Cidery is hosting a festive 4th of July POPUP event on Saturday, July 6th, from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Located at 1638 Hwy 169 in Winterset, Iowa, the celebration will feature live music by Sista and the Misters. Guests can enjoy delicious food served by Cattleman and end the night with a spectacular fireworks display. Admission is $25 per car, making it a great family-friendly outing to celebrate Independence Day.
How will your family celebrate the 4th of July this summer in Des Moines?
