Is there any better place to celebrate America than smack dab in the middle of the heartland? We think not. Whether it’s live music, hitting up the pool, or watching fireworks, Greater Des Moines has a little slice of Americana for everyone. Check out these ideas that will ensure your Fourth of July holiday pops off!
Adventureland
Head out for a day of thrills and chills at Adventureland. Going to Adventureland is always a fun-filled day on its own, but the holiday weekend is full of other events as well. Throughout the entire holiday weekend, Adventureland Resort is offering tickets for only $39.99 when you buy two or more, making it the perfect getaway. Enjoy rides, waterslides, food, and more. Don't miss out on their fireworks show on July 4 as well!
Prairie Meadows
Head over to Prairie Meadows for their All-American Extravaganza on July 3. This event not only features fireworks at dusk, but their full slate of horse races starting at 4 p.m. as well. Plus, enjoy an outdoor concert by Punching Pandas at 4:30 p.m. Who doesn’t love fireworks and some horsing around?
Iowa Cubs
What’s more American than taking in the national pastime? The Iowa Cubs have a homestand that begins on July 4 against the Omaha Storm Chasers. Enjoy fireworks on the holiday while root, root, rooting for the Cubbies.
Goodguys Car Show
It’s time for everyone’s favorite car show! Visit the Iowa State Fairgrounds to take in all your dream cars in one place. Featuring more than 4,000 rods, customs, classics, muscle cars, and trucks thru '97, you’re sure to see beautiful automobiles all over. Enjoy Goodguys July 5 – 7, with a special fireworks show and twilight cruise on July 6! Tickets start at $20.
Yankee Doodle Pops
Everyone’s favorite Fourth of July event returns for another year! Wednesday, July 3, the Des Moines Symphony will be putting on their 30th annual Yankee Doodle Pops show! The show starts at 8:30 p.m. and a fireworks show will follow the concert. Food trucks will also be at the concert. Experience one of Greater Des Moines’ favorite Independence Day traditions with Yankee Doodle Pops!
Independence Day & Historic Baseball
Head to Living History Farms to celebrate freedom the old-fashioned way. Enjoy a parade, historic baseball game, reading and printing of the Declaration of Independence, and more. Tickets start at $13, advance tickets not required but recommended!
Urbandale 4th of July Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day at Urbandale's annual 4th of July Celebration! From July 2 – 4, enjoy a carnival, parade, live music, and more. End the celebration with a fireworks show on July 4 at Walker Johnston Park.
Looking for fireworks for the Holiday weekend? We have you covered! Check out all the different fireworks displays throughout the metro below:
Wednesday, July 3
All-American Extravaganza
Dusk
Prairie Meadows
Yankee Doodle Pops
Dusk
Iowa State Capitol grounds
Thursday, July 4
Iowa Cubs
Post Game – 7:08 p.m.
Principal Park
Grimes
10 p.m.
Grimes South Sports Complex
Celebrate Norwalk
Dusk
McAninch Park
Urbandale 4th of July Celebration
10 p.m.
Walker Johnston Park
Waukee
9:30 p.m.
Centennial Park
West Des Moines
9:30 p.m.
West Des Moines City Campus
Friday, July 5
Iowa Cubs
Post Game – 7:08 p.m.
Principal Park
Saturday, July 6
GoodGuys Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals
9:30 p.m., Grandstand Stage
