When and where you can find July 4 celebrations and fireworks displays in central Iowa

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez, Des Moines Register
Updated ·5 min read

It's nearly time to celebrate America's independence, and events are popping up all over Iowa.

Here's how you and the family can celebrate July 4 all weekend in central Iowa. Events are listed chronologically based on the date and time of their fireworks show.

Goodguy's 32nd Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals

The Goodguy's car show is back in Des Moines, and will be a three-day long show and July 4 celebration, including Saturday night fireworks.

  • Dates and times:

    • Friday, June 30, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

    • Saturday, July 1, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

    • Sunday, July 2, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

  • Location: Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines

  • Price: Admission prices vary by age, date and membership

Praire Meadows' All-American Extravaganza Fireworks Show

Prairie Meadows is hosting a family-friendly event including food trucks, live racing, an outdoor concert and a fireworks display.

  • Date and time: Monday, July 3, 8-11 p.m.

  • Location: Track Apron at Prairie Meadows, 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona

  • Price: Free

The Des Moines Symphony's 29th Annual Yankee Doodle Pops

As Iowa's largest single-day concert event, the annual Yankee Doodle Pops provides family-friendly fun and a premier firework display over the downtown Des Moines skyline.

  • Date and time: Monday, July 3, 2023, 8:30 p.m.

  • Location: West Terrace, Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines

  • Price: Free

Perry's July 4 Celebration

Perry will have vendors, a parade, live music, and a firework finale to celebrate the July 4 holiday.

  • Date and time: Tuesday, July 4, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

  • Location: Pattee Park (West 3rd Street and Willis Avenue)

  • Price: Free

Waukee Independence Day Celebration

Waukee is hosting its annual Independence Day celebration with a parade, tournaments, live music, fireworks and more. Fireworks will be at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday. A full itinerary for activities can be found on the city's website, waukee.org.

  • Dates and times:

    • Monday, July 3, 5-10 p.m.

    • Tuesday, July 4, 7:45-10 p.m.

  • Location: Centennial Park, 1255 Warrior Lane, Waukee

  • Price: Free unless registering a team or inflatable.

West Des Moines: July 3 Parade and July 4 Fireworks

The city of West Des Moines is hosting a two-day Independence Day celebration. Stop by for a parade on Monday, and events including a horseshoe tournament, free concert and fireworks to end the night.

  • Dates and times:

    • Parade: Monday, July 3, 6:30 p.m.

    • Holiday Classic Horseshoe Tourney: 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 4

    • Concert: 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 4 with fireworks to follow at 9:30 p.m.

  • Locations:

    • Parade: Starts at Valley West Drive and Ashworth Road, continues along Vine Street and ends Fourth and Maple streets.

    • Holiday Classic Horseshoe Tourney: Holiday Park, 1701 Railroad Ave.

    • Concert and fireworks: 4200 Mills Civic Parkway

  • Price: Free

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs face the Saint Paul Saints on July 4, and will have baseball bingo during the game and "the best firework show in town" after the game.

  • Date and time: Tuesday, July 4, game starts at 7:08 p.m. and fireworks follow.

  • Location: Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines

  • Price: Ticket prices vary by seating

Adventureland's Celebrate America

On July 4, Adventureland will have live music, food, fireworks and all the rides and attractions of the park. Concerts are also planned for July 1-3.

  • Date and time: Tuesday, July 4, park open 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

  • Location: Adventureland (305 34th Ave NW, Altoona)

  • Price: Ticket prices and passes vary

Grimes Home Base Iowa July 4 Fireworks Show

As a Home Base Iowa Community, Grimes is hosting a July 4 fireworks show at their local sports complex.

  • Date and time: Tuesday, July 4, 10-11 p.m.

  • Location: Grimes South Sports Complex (750 S James St., Grimes)

  • Price: Free

Urbandale 4th of July Celebration: Discover the Difference

Urbandale is hosting a four-day-long July 4 celebration! Events will include a parade, fun run, tournaments and contests, bingo, vendors and more. The festival culminates with fireworks at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4.

  • Dates and times:

    • Saturday, July 1, 4:30-9:30 p.m.

    • Sunday, July 2, 12-11 p.m.

    • Monday, July 3, 12-11 p.m.

    • Tuesday, July 4, 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

  • Celebration location: Lion's Park, 72nd Street and NW Aurora Avenue, Urbandale

  • Fireworks location: Walker Johnston Park, 9000 Douglas Ave, Urbandale

  • Price: Free entrance, prices for events vary

Newton July 4 Celebration

Newton is celebrating July 4 with food trucks, a volleyball tournament, a free throw contest, a kid's zone, musical entertainment and fireworks.

  • Date and time: Tuesday, July 4, 3 p.m.-dusk

  • Location: Agnes Patterson Memorial Park, 3000 N. Fourth Ave. E., Newton

  • Price: Free

The Windsor Height's Foundation's Celebrate America

Windsor Heights invites all neighbors to Celebrate America with music, food trucks and fun. The event will end with a fireworks display.

  • Date and time: Tuesday, July 4, 6 p.m.

  • Location: Colby Park, 6900 School St., Windsor Heights

  • Price: Free

Celebrate Norwalk: Fourth of July Weekend

Norwalk officials invite the community to join them for a party in City Park. The event will have a parade, live music, food trucks, a beer tent and more. Of course, the night will end with fireworks.

  • Date and times: Tuesday, July 4,

    • Parade: 10 a.m.

    • Party in City Park 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

    • Firework display: Dusk

  • Location:

    • Parade: Starts at Norwalk Highschool, 1201 North Ave.

    • Party in City Park: City Park, 907 North Ave.

    • Fireworks: McAninch Park, 200 Wright Road

  • Price: Free

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: July 4, 2023 fireworks: Where to find shows in Des Moines, central Iowa