Fourth of July parades and fireworks shows are making a strong return across central Iowa, offering plenty of ways to celebrate the nation’s independence. Here’s a city-by-city guide to Independence Day and other July fireworks shows happening in the Des Moines metro:
Altoona Fireworks
- Prairie Meadows’ All-American Extravaganza and Fireworks Show
- When: Thursday, July 3, race starts at 4 p.m.
- Where: Prairie Meadows Track Apron, 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona
- Price: Free
- Adventureland Fireworks Show
- When: Friday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
- Where: Adventureland, 3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona
- Price: General admission starting at $44.99
Ames Fireworks
- Fourth of July Fireworks Display
- When: Thursday, July 3 at 9:30 p.m.
- Where: East of Jack Trice Stadium, 1732 S. Fourth St., Ames
- Price: Free
Des Moines Fireworks
- 31st Annual Yankee Doodle Pops and Fireworks
- When: Thursday, July 3 at 8:30 p.m.
- Where: West Terrace, Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
- Price: Free
- Iowa Cubs Independence Day Fireworks at Principal Park
- When: Thursday, July 3, first pitch at 7:08 p.m., fireworks after the game
- Where: Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines
- Price: Tickets starting at $22
Norwalk Hometown Pride and Fourth of July Fireworks
- When: Friday, July 4 at dusk
- Where: McAninch Park, 200 Wright Road, Norwalk
- Price: Free
Perry Fourth of July Celebration
- When: Friday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Where: Pattee Park, West Third Street, Perry
- Price: Free
Urbandale Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks
- When: Friday, July 4 at 10 p.m. (Carnival runs July 2-4)
- Where: Lions Park, 72nd Street and Aurora Avenue, Urbandale
- Price: Free admission, ride tickets are $1 each
Waukee Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks
- When:
- Thursday, July 3, 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Friday, July 4, 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Fireworks only on July 4 at 9:30 p.m.)
- Where: Centennial Park, 1255 Warrior Lane, Waukee
- Price: Free, donations welcome
West Des Moines Fourth of July Fireworks
- When: Friday, July 4 at 9:45 p.m.
- Where: City Campus, 4200 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
- Price: Free
With so many fireworks displays and community events happening across central Iowa, residents have plenty of options to enjoy this year’s Fourth of July celebrations.
