Staying in town this holiday weekend? We’ve rounded up some of the best Fourth of July-related festivities in Des Moines so you can celebrate with your friends and family all weekend long. Keep scrolling to see all the events going on around town!
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Updated: June 2024
🎆Festivals & Celebrations🎆
Des Moines
“Independence Day + Historic Baseball” at Living History Farms
- When: Thursday, July 4th
- Time: 9 am – 4 pm
- Where: 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50322
Ever wonder how our ancestors might have celebrated freedom in the 19th century? Or, perhaps how baseball became such a quintessential American tradition? Wonder no more! Living History Farms is hosting a unique experience that’s curated to celebrate independence the old fashioned way. It’ll be fun for the whole family and you may just learn a thing or two! Advanced tickets are recommended but not required- open rain or shine!
Yankee Doodle Pops with the Des Moines Symphony
- When: Wednesday, July 3
- Time: 8:30 pm
- Where: West Terrace of the Capitol, 1007 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319
This iconic DSM celebration is back! Head over to capitol hill to hear the Des Moines symphony play all things patriotic and catch a fireworks show that covers the whole city. Pack a picnic or grab some grub from a local vendor. This is truly a one of a kind experience and a Des Moines favorite! Best part? This year is the event’s 30th anniversary!
Prairie Meadows Casino’s “All American Extravaganza”
- When: July 3
- Time: 3 pm – 10 pm
- Where: 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona, IA 50009
Don’t sleep on this family-friendly event. Head over to the race track to watch live races and catch live music. Satisfy your summer cravings with a variety of food options such as street tacos, funnel cake fries, pork chop on a stick, snow cones, and more! There will also be a killer fireworks show to end the night!
Principal Park – Iowa Cubs
- When: July 4
- Time: 7:08 pm
- Where: One Line Drive , Des Moines, IA 50309
What screams America louder than baseball? Nothing, of course! Head over to watch our favorite cubbies take on Omaha. There will be all the usual favorite festivities and fireworks after the game. Don’t miss this!
Urbandale
City of Urbandale 4th of July Celebration
- When: Tuesday, July 2 – Thursday, July 4
- Time: Tuesday & Wednesday, 4 – 11 pm & Thursday, 7:30 am – 11 pm
- Where: 72nd Street and, NW Aurora Ave, Urbandale, IA 50322
This is the quintessential 4th of July weekend. Urbandale has a 3-day festival chock full of pie eating contests, food trucks, carnivals and a 5k fun run. They’ll also have the traditional parade on Tuesday morning and fireworks to end the day! Be sure to check out ALL the details because there is a lot going on for these three days!
Norwalk
City of Norwalk 4th of July Celebration
- When: Thursday, July 4
- Time: parade at 10 am, fireworks at dusk
- Where: 907 North Avenue, Norwalk, IA 50211
Celebrate the 4th of July in the city of Norwalk with a parade the morning of Independence Day and fireworks at dusk. Make sure to bring your chair and a big bag (for all that parade candy 😉 ).
Waukee
City of Waukee 4th of July Celebration
- When: Wednesday, July 3 & Thursday, July 4
- Time: Wednesday, 4 pm – 8:45 pm & Thursday, 7:45 pm – 9 pm
- Where: Centennial Park, 1255 Warrior Lane, Waukee, IA
From a co-ed volleyball tournament to food trucks to inflatables for kiddos and a large screen movie, Waukee has two whole days planned of family friendly fun. Do the 5k fun run, attend the rotary pancake breakfast, watch Des Moines skydivers, participate in bags tournaments and SO much more!
Windsor Heights
City of Windsor Heights 4th of July Celebration
- When: Tuesday, July 2
- Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
- Where: 6900 School Street, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
Join the neighborhood for an Independence Day-themed “Nights in the Heights”! Celebrating the best way we know how, Windsor Heights will be hosting food trucks, live music and all sorts of family fun. Please note that this year there will be no fireworks due to construction.
West Des Moines
City of West Des Moines 4th of July Celebration
- When: Wednesday, July 3 & Thursday, July 4
- Time: Varies
- Where: Various
West Des Moines has a variety spread over the city to celebrate! There will be a parade, horseshoe contest, a concert, discounted pool admission, and more! With so much going on, event times vary so be sure to check out the link to know where and when to find them!
Valley Junction Street Party
- When: Wednesday, July 3
- Time: 5 – 10:30 pm
- Where: 100 Block of 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Nothing says FREEDOM better than a block party! There will be four bands, a beverage garden, and all sorts of local food vendors. There will also be kid-friendly activities, including a parade, so bring out the whole family.
🎆Fireworks Roundup🎆
Altoona
- July 3 @ Prairie Meadows
Ames
- July 3 @ Jack Trice Stadium
Des Moines
- July 3 @ Iowa State Capitol
- July 4 @ Principal Park
- July 4 @ Adventureland
Grimes
- July 4 @ South Sports Complex
Norwalk
- July 4 @ Downtown Norwalk
Urbandale
- July 4 @ Walker Johnston Park
Waukee
- July 4 @ Centennial Park
West Des Moines
- July 4 @ City Hall
Windsor Heights
- July 4 @ Colby Park
Disclaimer: Please note that all firework events may be TBD as weather permits and/or last minute event changes.
Other Happenings
Des Moines Biergarten
- Wednesday – Sunday, Noon – 9 p.m.
- Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Did you know Des Moines has a seasonal outdoor beer garden? It open Wednesday through Sunday through to Fall. Willkommen im Des Moines Biergarten! Set among the mature trees of Water Works Park, Des Moines Biergarten is a family-friendly popup German-themed beer garden offering steins of beer and German inspired eats.
Downtown Farmer’s Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, July 6, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
New here? The Downtown Farmers’ Market is an open-air street market located in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Vendors will be set up outdoors on Court Avenue and adjacent side streets. It feels especially huge since it was limited to the pandemic and it’s back to full size. It’s one of the best in the country! Don’t miss it this summer to see some of our absolute favorite small business owners from around the metro.
FREE: Yoga In The Park
- Saturday, July 6, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- Southeast Lawn, Gray’s Lake Park, 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315
The 2023 Yoga in the Park season is on! Join a local yoga instructor at 9 a.m. on the southeast lawn at Gray’s Lake Park for a practice for all skill levels. Classes will not be held in the event of rain so please check the link below to check the latest and sign the waiver!
- Wednesday, July 3, 9-10 a.m.
- Cowles Commons, 300 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
We love the summer yoga options around Downtown Des Moines! Des Moines Performing Arts is offering Yoga on the Commons on Wednesday morning, July 3rd, at Cowles Commons. Each week’s practice will be held by a different instructor. Classes will be offered as a free-will donation, with all proceeds benefiting Des Moines Performing Arts.
The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body
- Friday, July 5 – Sunday, July 6
- Friday & Saturday, 7:30 pm & Sunday, 2:30 pm
- Des Moines Performing Arts Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Check out the DSM Performing Arts Center this weekend for a unique, thought-provoking experience that explores Black women’s experiences from the perspectives of mind, body, and spirit. “What makes the piece unique is its focus on middle-aged and older Black women, an often invisible and neglected group, especially by the medical establishment.” This event is an audience dance party, inviting Black women to share their own contributions.
Music Under the Stars: Mama Mia
- Sunday, July 7
- 7 – 8:30 pm
- Lauridsen Amphitheater, Waterworks Park, 2251 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, IA
Join the Des Moines Metro Concert Band and Big Band for a night of Music Under the Stars at Lauridsen Amphitheater. This weekends’ concert is “Mama Mia”, featuring local Iowan musicians and artists. Pack up a picnic and bring your favorite bottle of wine (or sparkling juice), a blanket, some chairs, and of course your gal pals. Bask in iconic music from ABBA- the perfect way to round out a 4th of July weekend. (NOTE: for rainy/bad weather, concerts will be at the Drake Performing Arts Hall)
