Staying in town this holiday weekend? We’ve rounded up some of the best Fourth of July-related festivities in Des Moines so you can celebrate with your friends and family all weekend long. Keep scrolling to see all the events going on around town!
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Updated: June 2025
🎆Festivals & Celebrations🎆
Des Moines
Yankee Doodle Pops with the Des Moines Symphony
- When: Thursday, July 3
- Time: 8:30 pm, Concert Prelude Performance: 6:30 pm
- Where: West Terrace of the Capitol, 1007 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319
This iconic DSM celebration is back! Head over to capitol hill to hear the Des Moines symphony play all things patriotic and catch a fireworks show that covers the whole city. Pack a picnic or grab some grub from a local vendor. This is truly a one of a kind experience and a Des Moines favorite! Music Director and Conductor Joseph Giunta will lead the Des Moines Symphony in patriotic favorites and Emmy Award winning guest vocalist Matthew Johnson will join the Orchestra for pops tunes by Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder and more!
Principal Park – Iowa Cubs
- When: Thursday, July 3
- Time: 7:08 pm
- Where: One Line Drive , Des Moines, IA 50309
What screams America louder than baseball? Nothing, of course! Head over to watch our favorite cubbies take on Omaha. There will be all the usual favorite festivities, the 17th annual pregame Citizenship Ceremony and the biggest fireworks of the season after the game. Don’t miss this!
Altoona
Prairie Meadows Casino’s “All American Extravaganza”
- When: Thursday, July 3
- Time: 4 pm – 10 pm
- Where: 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona, IA 50009
Head over to the race track to watch live races and catch live music. Satisfy your summer cravings with a variety of food options such as street tacos, mini churros, pork chop on a stick, snow cones, and more! There will also be a fireworks show to end the night!
Urbandale
City of Urbandale 4th of July Celebration
- When: Wednesday, July 2 – Friday, July 4
- Time: Wednesday & Thursday, 4 – 11 pm & Friday, 7:30 am – 11 pm
- Where: Lion’s Park, Urbandale, IA 50322
This is a quintessential Fourth of July celebration and this year is extra special as we mark the 70th year of the event. Urbandale has a 3-day festival chock full of bingo, live music, a carnival and a 5k Fun Run. They’ll also have the traditional parade on Friday morning and fireworks to end the day! Be sure to check out ALL the details because there is a lot going on for these three days!
“Independence Day + Historic Baseball” at Living History Farms
- When: Friday, July 4th
- Time: 9 am – 4 pm
- Where: 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50322
Ever wonder how our ancestors might have celebrated freedom in the 19th century? Or, perhaps how baseball became such a quintessential American tradition? Wonder no more! Living History Farms is hosting a unique experience that’s curated to celebrate independence the old fashioned way. It’ll be fun for the whole family and you may just learn a thing or two! Advanced tickets are recommended but not required- open rain or shine!
Norwalk
City of Norwalk 4th of July Celebration
- When: Friday, July 4
- Time: parade at 10 am, fireworks at dusk
- Where: 907 North Avenue, Norwalk, IA 50211
Celebrate the 4th of July in the city of Norwalk with a parade the morning of Independence Day and fireworks at dusk. Make sure to bring your chair and a big bag (for all that parade candy).
Waukee
City of Waukee 4th of July Celebration
- When: Thursday, July 3 & Friday, July 4
- Time: Thursday, 4 pm – 10 pm & Friday, 7:45 am – 10 pm
- Where: Centennial Park, 1255 Warrior Lane, Waukee, IA
From a co-ed volleyball tournament to food trucks to inflatables for kiddos and a large screen movie, Waukee has two whole days planned of family friendly fun. 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!
West Des Moines
City of West Des Moines 4th of July Celebration
- When: Thursday, July 3 & Friday, July 4
- Time: Varies
- Where: Various
West Des Moines has a variety spread over the city to celebrate! There will be a parade Thursday evening, horseshoe tournament and concert Friday, discounted pool admission, and more! With so much going on, event times vary so be sure to check out the link to know where and when to find them!
Valley Junction Street Party
- When: Thursday, July 3
- Time: 5 – 10:00 pm
- Where: 100 Block of 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Live performances by Simply Seger, Emma Butterworth, and Unique Vibrationz will provide the soundtrack to a lively night of market strolls, local bites, and sips in the beverage garden. There will also be kid-friendly activities, so bring out the whole family.
