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Check out our list of events and celebrate the 4th of July across the Des Moines metro. Discover what's happening over the Fourth of July weekend in Greater Des Moines with featured firework shows, Independence Day celebrations, and music festivals. dsm4kids rounded up the best 4th of July celebrations taking place around the Des Moines area, including parades, fireworks and more! If you want to skip lighting your own fireworks (which seems like the better option, if you ask me), there are a few different celebrations taking place in and around Des Moines on July 3 and July 4. The Des Moines Symphony’s Yankee Doodle Pops is scheduled for July 3 beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the West Terrace of Iowa’s State Capitol. America250, the nonprofit arm of the effort, is hosting Trump's appearance in Des Moines. "On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary, of the signing of the July 5 fireworks in central Iowa. The fireworks shows don't stop just because the Fourth of July is over. You've got one more opportunity to see a show in Des Moines. All are invited to join in for a spectacular 4th of July celebration in Des Moines, the city announced this week. This free outdoor event will include live music, a drone show, food trucks, a makers market and more. "Bring your family and friends down to the Beach Park and around the Marina for an unforgettable day, filled with fun, food, and entertainment," the city said. Most Fourth of July events in Iowa are FREE to attend and perfect for families! Events typically run from July 2-6, with peak celebrations occurring on July 3rd and 4th. Arrive early for the best parking and viewing spots for fireworks displays. Prairie Meadows is hosting a Fourth of July celebration with horse racing, food, drinks and fireworks at dusk. When: Thursday, July 3.Race starts at 4 p.m. Where: Prairie Meadows Track Apron, 1 Off Hours, your free weekly newsletter from the Des Moines Register, showcases all things fun you can do in central Iowa. Urbandale 4th of July Celebration: Cheers to 70 Years DES MOINES, Iowa — The Fourth of July holiday is right around the corner. Get ready to wear your most patriotic outfits and enjoy these Independence Day events in central Iowa. When: Thursday, July 3, 3-10 p.m. Where: Prairie Meadows Track Apron (1 Prairie Meadows Dr., Altoona) Price: Free Head Pop-Up Park Picnic: Couple Date Night (Self-Guided) - Rochester Area! Fri, Jul 4 • 1:00 PM Elizabeth Holland Park - Recommended Park Venue or another park choice (YOU MUST USE PDF TICKETS EMAILED FOR EVENT- NO MOBILE APP OR QR CODES ACCEPTED) View 5 similar results America250: Time TBD following President Donald Trump's remarks; Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines; Des Moines allows fireworks on July 3 and 4 following state law change. Saturday, July 12. When: Tuesday, July 2 and Wednesday, July 3, 4-11 p.m. and Thursday, July 4, 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Where: Lions Park (72nd Street and NW Aurora Avenue, Urbandale) Billed as “the largest celebration in the Des Moines metro area,” the Urbandale Fourth of July celebration is a long-standing tradition. Friday morning: Ogle more than 4,000 hot rods, muscle cars and more built before 1998 during the GoodGuys Heating Up in the Heartland Car Show, taking over the Iowa State Fairgrounds at 3000 E Celebrate the 4th of July around Des Moines with parades, carnivals, music, and lots of summer treats! This family-friendly, patriotic concert concludes with the area’s premier fireworks display over the downtown Des Moines skyline, and best of all, it’s free. 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. Fireworks and Fourth of July Events in Des Moines 2025 The Fourth of July in Des Moines, Iowa is always filled with parades, carnivals, fun runs, and fireworks. We have gathered all the area’s premier fireworks! Take a look at all the fun scheduled in and around Des Moines, Iowa. Do the Freedom 5K, which supports Boy Scout Troop 178, attend the Rotary pancake breakfast, watch Des Moines skydivers, participate in a bags tournament and SO much more! Greater Des Moines Events. Make your social calendar more eventful. From farmers’ markets and foodie festivals to concerts and sporting events, our events calendar is the best resource around for finding fun in Greater Des Moines.
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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