Fireworks, Parades, Live Music & More to Celebrate the 4th in DSM
It’s time to celebrate Independence Day in Greater Des Moines (DSM)! Here are celebrations taking place around the region as well as swimming and shopping options you won’t want to miss in 2024. From parades to fireworks to live music, DSM has got you covered this 4th of July!
Greater Des Moines 4th of July Festivities
Altoona Fourth of July Fun
Altoona will host a parade at 8th Street at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4. Following the parade, the unveiling of the CORNival statues will take place at Haines Park. Other Fourth of July events in Altoona include the All-American Extravaganza at Prairie Meadows, which includes fireworks, live horseracing, a concert by Gimmikk and more for free on Wednesday, July 3 and a four-day “Celebrate America” festival at Adventureland Resort, where you can also stop by Adventure Bay from Noon – 8 p.m.
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Carlisle Independence Day Celebration
In Carlisle, July 4 celebrations include a downtown parade at 9:30 a.m., events and activities at Noon in North Park and fireworks at 10 p.m.
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Grinnell Fourth of July Festivities
A parade at 5 p.m. and fireworks at dusk at Ahrens Park will take place in Grinnell on Thursday, July 4. Other activities? Visit the Grinnell Farmers’ Market from 3 – 6 p.m. and hear Turlach Ur for Music in the Park at 7 p.m.
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Marshalltown Red, White & Blue Activities
On July 4, attend the parade at 10 a.m., take part in kid’s activities and visit local vendors from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., head to Family Blast from Noon to 2 p.m. for inflatables, a dunk tank, face painting and more as well as fireworks, too!
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Newton 4th of July Celebration
The City of Newton celebration will begin at 5 p.m. in Agnes Patterson Memorial Park with a free throw contest followed by inflatables, entertainment from DJ Ex and fireworks on Thursday, July 4. Additionally, the July 4 Parade will take place at 9:30 a.m. planned by Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce and Newton Main Street.
Norwalk 4th of July Weekend
Grab some candy during the 4th of July Parade in Norwalk — it starts at the high school — just bring a chair and see the floats on Thursday, July 4! Fireworks at dusk are not to be missed, either. There will also be a family-friendly Party in City Park from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. that is free to attend featuring live music, street vendors, BINGO, yard games and more. And don’t forget to attend the Drive Thru Breakfast from 7 – 10 a.m. at the Fire Station on Tuesday, July 2.
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City of Pella Independence Day Activities
Swim at the aquatic center, take a wagon tour (for free!) thanks to Pella Historical Museums & Pella Preservation Trust, visit the bounce houses or the Pella Farmers’ Market in Central Park, attend the parade and hear City Band on the Tulip Toren. Fireworks round out this special celebration at 10 p.m.
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Urbandale 4th of July Celebration
Celebrate the American spirit in Urbandale in 2024 from Tuesday, July 2 – Thursday, July 4. The largest celebration in the region will include vendors and a carnival at Lions Park all three days, a 5K run at Walker Johnston Park on the Fourth of July at 7:30 a.m. as well as a parade at 10 a.m. and a fireworks display at 10 p.m. Also in Urbandale, visit Living History Farms for Independence Day and Historic Baseball from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday, July 4.
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Waukee Independence Day Celebration
At Centennial Park in Waukee, find inflatables, tournaments, live music and a parade on Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4. Other activities include the Waukee Farmers’ Market, a Pie Eating Contest, live music from Schmidt Brothers and Decoy, Des Moines Skydivers and, of course, fireworks.
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West Des Moines Independence Day Celebrations
Check out the parade on Wednesday, July 3. It begins 6:30 p.m. at Valley West Drive and Ashworth Road and ends at Elm St. On the 4th, continue celebrations with discounted admission to Holiday and Valley View Aquatic Centers from Noon – 6 p.m., sign up for the Holiday Classic Horseshoe Tourney at Holiday Park or attend the free West Des Moines Community Band Concert and the Fireworks Display at West Des Moines City Campus.
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Don’t miss out on all the 4th happenings in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) as well! From Yankee Doodle Pops to the fireworks at Principal Park, there are plenty more options in the heart of DSM.
Finally, are you interested in looking extra patriotic this Fourth of July? Try shopping local at these DSM shops:
Find even more clothing retail shops here.
The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.
Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 400 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.