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. Enjoy rides, water slides, food, and more. We highly suggest their newly renovated water slide, Hyperlight, an immersive experience with light and sound. Don't miss out on their fireworks show on July 4 as well!
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!
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 4 – 6, with a special fireworks show and twilight cruise on July 5! Tickets range from $10 – $30.
Yankee Doodle Pops
Everyone’s favorite Fourth of July event returns for another year! On Thursday, July 3, the Des Moines Symphony will be putting on their 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!
Junction Street Party
Historic Valley Junction is celebrating liberty with its annual Junction Street Party on July 3. Enjoy food trucks, live music, shop at the farmers market, explore local stores, and have a drink in the beverage garden. This is also during the West Des Moines parade, so it’s a perfect way to celebrate the 4th!
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, pie eating contest, and more. Tickets start at $15; advance tickets are not required but recommended!
Urbandale 4th of July Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day at Urbandale's 70th 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:
Thursday, July 3
All-American Extravaganza
Dusk
Prairie Meadows
Iowa Cubs
Post Game – 7:08 p.m.
Principal Park
Yankee Doodle Pops
Dusk
Iowa State Capitol grounds
Friday, July 4
Adventureland
Dusk
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
9:45 p.m.
West Des Moines City Campus
Saturday, July 5
GoodGuys Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals
9:30 p.m., Grandstand Stage
