DES MOINES, Iowa — It's almost the Fourth of July, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate in the Des Moines metro.
Don your most patriotic gear and gather your friends and family for these star-and-stripe studded events.
Have an event we're missing? Text us at 515-457-1026 or email us at news@weareiowa.com
Altoona
- When: Wednesday, July 3, 3-10 p.m.
- Where: Prairie Meadows Track Apron (1 Prairie Meadows Dr., Altoona)
Billed as "the most spectacular fireworks display in central Iowa", head out to Prairie Meadows for this free, family-friendly event that will feature food trucks, live racing, outdoor music and, of course, fireworks.
- When: Wednesday, July 3, 6 p.m.
- Where: ZA GA ZIG Shrine (1100 Shriners Parkway, Altoona)
This fireworks watch party will feature food trucks, games, a beer garden and a stellar view of the fireworks at Prairie Meadows.
- When: Thursday, July 4, 10-11 a.m.
- Where: Parade begins at Venbury Drive and travels on 8th Street SW before turning north to travel on 3rd Avenue to Haines Park
Celebrate Independence Day with a parade put on by the city of Altoona and the Altoona Area Historical Society.
- When: Thursday, July 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Where: Haines Park (3rd Ave. SE, Altoona)
After the parade, stick around at Haines Park for an ice cream social, food trucks, inflatables and live music.
- When: Thursday, July 4
- Fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
- Where: Adventureland Park (3200 Adventureland Dr., Altoona)
Head out to Adventureland this Fourth of July weekend to enjoy rides, live music and fireworks. On July 4, the park will put on a fireworks show.
Ames
- When: Wednesday, July 3, 9-10 p.m.
- Where: East of Jack Trice Stadium
Discover Ames is back for another fireworks show this year. Fireworks will begin when the sky is completely dark, likely around 9:50 p.m. Find parking information here.
- When: Thursday, July 4, 11 a.m.
- Where: Downtown Ames
- Click here for the parade route
This parade is one of the city’s largest events of the summer. Don your most patriotic apparel and help your neighbors celebrate at this community-oriented event.
- When: Thursday, July 4, 8-9 p.m.
- Where: Bandshell Park (125 E 5th St., Ames)
Listen to patriotic music and celebrate veterans at the Ames Municipal Band's concert. This free event features vocal soloist Aaron Lott. Make sure to bring your blanket or lawn chair!
Des Moines
- When: Tuesday, July 2, 7-8 p.m.
- Where: Central Library (1000 Grand Ave., Des Moines)
The Beaver Creek Jazz Ensemble will perform a mix of big band songs and some jazzed-up patriotic classics.
- When: Wednesday, July 3, 8:30 p.m.
- Where: West Terrace, Iowa State Capitol (1007 E Grand Ave., Des Moines)
Join the Des Moines Symphony for this family-friendly, patriotic concert that concludes with fireworks over the Des Moines skyline. This year, the Symphony will be joined by Hugh Panaro, who played the Phantom in "The Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway.
- When: Thursday, July 4, 12-6 p.m.
- Where: Union Park (2009 Saylor Road, Des Moines)
Ride on the Heritage Carousel, enjoy free face painting and bounce houses and watch an outdoor movie at this unforgettable family-friendly celebration. Plus, the first 500 attendees will receive a free lunch!
- When: Thursday, July 4, 7:08 p.m.
- Where: Principal Park (1 Line Dr., Des Moines)
What's more patriotic than watching America's national pastime? Catch an Iowa Cubs game and enjoy some special holiday fireworks after the last inning.
Grimes
- When: Thursday, July 4, 10 p.m.
- Where: Grimes South Sports Complex (501 S Maplewood Dr., Grimes)
The City of Grimes and Home Base Iowa have partnered up for a Fourth of July fireworks display. Celebrate the nation’s independence, as well as those who continue to fight for it, with your friends and family.
Newton
- When: Thursday, July 4, 7:30-10:30 a.m.
- Parade begins at 9:30 a.m.
- Where: Downtown Newton
Get outside and celebrate the Fourth in Newton with a classic parade and vendors on the square.
- When: Thursday, July 4, 5-10 p.m.
- Fireworks at dusk
- Where: Agnes Patterson Memorial Park (3000 N 4th Ave. E, Newton)
Get outside and celebrate the Fourth in Newton with inflatables, a free throw contest and more. Fireworks will take place at dusk. Food from Kaaswagen, Magoo's Pizza and the NGSA Concession Stand will be available for purchase.
Norwalk
- When: Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m.
- Where: Route begins at Norwalk High School
- Find the map here
- When: Thursday, July 4 at dusk
- Where: McAninch Park (200 Wright Road, Norwalk)
Perry
- When: Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Parade: 10 a.m.
- Fireworks: 9:30 p.m.
- Where: Pattee Park (West 3rd Street and Willis Avenue, Perry)
The Perry Fourth of July celebration is back again. With a parade, vendors in the park, live music at the bandshell and a fireworks finale, this event is something you won’t want to miss.
Urbandale
- When: Tuesday, July 2 and Wednesday, July 3, 4-11 p.m. and Thursday, July 4, 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Where: Lions Park (72nd Street and NW Aurora Avenue, Urbandale)
Billed as “the largest celebration in the Des Moines metro area,” the Urbandale Fourth of July celebration is a long-standing tradition. The event features fun for the whole family, including a two-mile-long parade, a carnival, live music and more.
Fireworks at 10 p.m. on July 4 will round out the event. Check out the full schedule to learn more.
- When: Thursday, July 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Where: Living History Farms (11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale)
Enjoy an old-fashioned Fourth with this celebration in the town of Walnut Hill.
Living History Farms throws it back to 1876, the first centennial of the United States, to celebrate the holiday. Tour the historic farms and then check out activities such as pie eating, historic baseball and more. Advanced tickets are recommended.
Waukee
- When: Wednesday, July 3, 4-10 p.m. and Thursday, July 4, 7:45 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Where: Centennial Park (1255 Warrior Ln., Waukee)
Visit Centennial Park for Fourth of July tournaments, inflatables, live music, a parade, fireworks and more.
West Des Moines
- When: Wednesday, July 3, 5-10:30 p.m.
- Where: Historic Valley Junction (137 5th St., West Des Moines)
Head over to the Railroad Avenue Arch in Valley Junction to celebrate freedom with your neighbors. The event includes free entertainment with artists such as School of Rock, Randy Burk and the Prisoners, Dick Danger Band and TOAST3R.
- When: Wednesday, July 3, 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Start at Valley West Drive and Ashworth Road, continuing down Vine Street and ending at Wilson Park.
Enjoy a classic parade throughout West Des Moines. Bring the whole family to join in on the fun.
- When: Thursday, July 4, 7 p.m.
- Fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m.
- Where: West Des Moines City Hall (4200 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines)
Finish out the holiday with a concert and a classic fireworks show. Spectators are asked to park at the city/school campus.
Windsor Heights
- When: Tuesday, July 2, 6 p.m.
- Where: Colby Park (6900 School St., Windsor Heights)
This event will feature music from Des Moines band Faculty Lounge, as well as food trucks. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to join in on the fun.