Bursts of color light up the night sky on the Fourth of July with loud pops and booms echoing through the city. There's nothing better than spending a warm summer night watching fireworks as we celebrate America's 243rd Independence Day! Check out our guide to the best fireworks displays throughout Greater Des Moines!
Grimes
Join the City of Grimes for a fireworks display to celebrate our nation's Independence Day on July 4th at the Grimes Sports Complex (600 S James Street) at 10 p.m. Please consider staying in your car, watching from home, or make sure to follow social distancing guidelines when attending in person.
Perry
Perry is excited to present an Oooo and Ahhh-worthy fireworks show...but needs your help! With spring funding being minimal due to COVID-19, they are accepting donations to help pay for the fireworks display. Check out their Facebook event for the most up to date information on the show and how to donate.
Prairie Meadows Casino, Altoona
Head over to Prairie Meadows Casino in Altoona on Friday, July 3rd for a broadcasted live fireworks show! Live music starts at 5 p.m. with SPAM before the grand fireworks event at 9:45 p.m. Then, tune into 100.3 The Bus to simulcast the music set to the fireworks you can watch from the comfort of your vehicle.
Adventureland Park, Altoona
Head over to Adventureland Park for the Fourth of July weekend. Guests will be able to enjoy fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on both July 3rd and 4th this year, weather permitting.
Urbandale
The Urbandale 4th of July Committee will mark the 4th of July with a grand Fireworks celebration! Help pay for the display by purchasing a special 2020 commemorative. Donated funds will ensure every spectator can safely watch the show. See the spectacular show on Saturday, July 4th at 10 p.m. at Walker Johnson Park.
Waukee
Join the City of Waukee for a celebration with skydiving and fireworks fun on July 4th! Professional skydivers will jump from an airplane and land in Centennial Park at 8 p.m. with the popular fireworks display to follow shortly after dusk or approximately 9:30 p.m. Social distancing signs will be present within Centennial Park during both activities. Visitors are encouraged to stay in their vehicles or find a spot to sit within the park that is at least six feet from any other group.
West Des Moines
Enjoy a special fireworks display on the West Des Moines City/School Campus on Saturday, July 4th at dusk. View the beautiful show of fireworks from the comfort of your car to help maintain social distancing while celebrating the 4th of July!
Other Independence Day events
Goodguys Car Show
Head to the Iowa State Fairgrounds for the Goodguys 29th Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5. See over 4,000 unique cars, enjoy live music, and experience a fireworks show Saturday night. Kids are invited to play in the Kids Zone, filled with free arts and crafts, prizes and more. Tickets range $10-$60 and gates are open Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Historic Baseball
Enjoy an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill at Living History Farms. Be sure to arrive early on July 4th to tour the historic farms, enjoy the town activities, and still have time to catch the Walnut Hill Bluestockings baseball game at 2:30 p.m. Remember your lawn chair or blanket to watch the game and spread out from other visitors. All celebration activities are included with your admission. Open July 4th from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., with games beginning at 11 a.m. Learn more here.
