Fireworks and Fourth of July Events in Des Moines 2026
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. Please note as more are announced we will continue to update this post and our event calendar. Have something to add to our guide? Let us know!
Looking for more summer fun? Take a look at these fun guides!
Governors Days Fireworks Show!
June 6 at 10 p.m.
Join Grimes for an unforgettable night sky spectacle during Governors Days in Grimes! This year, the fireworks show will light up the sky on Saturday, June 6th at 10 PM at the Grimes South Sports Complex!
Bring your friends, family, and lawn chairs — come out and enjoy the magic of fireworks, festival fun, and community celebration!
Put on by The City of Grimes in Partnership with Grimes Area Chamber of Commerce!
Johnston Green Days
June 13 at 9 p.m.
Celebrate the end of Johnston Green Days with a fireworks display at Terra Park.
Rendezvous on Riverview
July 3 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Catch live music from ROR with Bad Friends and a fireworks display at the end of the night.
Des Moines Symphony Annual Yankee Doodle Pops
July 3 at 8:30 p.m.
Each year, the Des Moines Symphony welcomes more than 100,000 Central Iowans to celebrate Independence Day at Yankee Doodle Pops, the largest single-day concert event in Iowa. This July, Music Director & Conductor Joseph Giunta and the musicians of the Des Moines Symphony are pleased to bring The Des Moines Symphony’s Annual Yankee Doodle Pops to its largest-ever audience through a statewide broadcast in partnership with Iowa PBS and Iowa Public Radio. After the show catch a beautiful display of fireworks over the downtown Des Moines skyline.
Good Guys Heartland Nationals
July4-6
The Good Guys Heartland Nationals runs July 3-5 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The fireworks display is scheduled for July 4 at 9:30 p.m. The entire weekend is for the entire family and includes a Kids Zone with free arts and crafts, games, prizes, and much more.
Carlisle
July 4
Catch the firework display at 10 p.m. at North Park in Carlisle.
Independence Day + Historic Baseball
July 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Living History Farms
Enjoy an old-fashioned fourth with an iconic, historic Independence Day celebration in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill. 1876 marks the first centennial of the United States, and Living History Farms’ Independence Day activities truly show what this day meant to those in the 19th century – a day of family fun. Be sure to arrive early to tour their historic farms, enjoy the town activities, and still have time to catch the Walnut Hill Bluestockings baseball game at 3:30 p.m. Don’t miss the medicine show at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Adventureland
July 4
Celebrate America with Adventureland Park. Enjoy your day full of rides and fun at Adventureland (make sure you check our tips and tricks before you go), then catch the fireworks show afterward. Families can enjoy live music, delicious food, fireworks, and all the fun rides and attractions of the park.
Urbandale 4th of July Celebration
July 2 – 4
Fireworks July 4 at 10 p.m.
Fireworks might be one of the highlights of their festivities, but their celebration spans 3 full days with a wide array of events such as a bags tournament and more to keep the whole family entertained! The Urbandale 4th of July Celebration consists of a time-honored traditional parade to their live outdoor street dances, so every person can enjoy themselves during the summer.
Ames – 4th of July Parade
July 4 at 11 a.m.
The Fourth of July Parade is one of the largest events of the summer and a community favorite! Don your red, white, and blue, and help Ames celebrate Independence Day at this family-friendly event! What a great connection between Main Street and the City of Ames! Details for fireworks in Ames have not been released yet.
Waukee Fourth of July Celebration
July 3 & 4
Fireworks July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Each year, Waukee hosts a celebration of our nation’s independence. Visit Centennial Park on July 3 and 4 for the annual parade, ice cream social, movies in the park, food trucks, inflatables, live music, tournaments, fireworks, and more!
West Des Moines Independence Day Parade + Fireworks
The City of West Des Moines’ annual Independence Days Parade will be held on Friday, July 3 at 6:30 p.m.
The City of West Des Moines is partnering with Jordan Creek Town Center starting in 2026 to take the July 4th celebration to a whole new level. Fireworks will begin at dusk around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.
Celebrate Norwalk
July4 from 10 a.m.
Norwalk parade at 10 a.m.
Fireworks at Dusk
Enjoy a parade in the AM and a party in the city park to Celebrate Norwalk! Outdoor safe event for the whole family. Do not miss a fireworks display at dusk.
Des Moines Pools
July 4
Free admission for active duty, retired, and veteran military personnel with military ID cards. The immediate family member with military personnel receives half-price admission. All ages. Double-check which pools are open. Some may be closed due to staff shortages.
Ankeny Firework Celebration
July 12 at 9:30 p.m.
Celebrate the last day of Ankeny SummerFest with a fun fireworks display. Celebrate Ankeny with rides, food, games, and more July 10-12.
Clive Festival
July 17 & 18
Celebrate Clive during their annual Clive Festival. Live music, the popular Fire Department’s Slip-N-Slide, Clive Running Festival, and plenty more FUN! Fireworks will be Friday evening and Saturday at 9:30 p.m.
Summer Fest Friday
July 24
Family friendly activities from Noon to 3 p.m. Food trucks will be available on site! Concert 6-9 p.m. with fireworks following the music.
