Boom, it’s fireworks time in Des Moines! Stay up late and enjoy the bright lights during warm nights. Make it an all-day or all-weekend celebration of Independence Day with many cities across the metro having festivities like carnivals, parades, fun runs, and more!
It’s also a good idea to check websites/social media for the locations you’ll be visiting for any last-minute changes.
Looking for more summer fun? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer with 125+ Things to do in Des Moines.
Here’s where you can see fireworks in Des Moines over the Fourth of July and beyond in Central Iowa in 2023.
Fireworks start at dusk, approximately 9:30 p.m.
July 1 | Good Guys Heartland Nationals, Iowa State Fair Grounds
“America’s favorite car show” returns with its weekend-long event including a firework spectacular on Saturday.
July 3 | Yankee Doodle Pops, West Terrace, Iowa State Capitol
8:30 p.m.
Music director and conductor Joseph Giunta and the musicians of the Des Moines Symphony are pleased to bring The Des Moines Symphony’s 29th Annual Yankee Doodle Pops back to the steps of the Iowa State Capitol and to its largest-ever audience through a statewide broadcast in partnership with Iowa PBS and Iowa Public Radio.
July 3 | Ames
Fireworks are set off east of Jack Trice Stadium.
July 3 | Prairie Meadows
Don’t miss this dazzling show happening at dusk.
July 4 | Iowa Cubs Des Moines
Watch the Iowa Cubs take on the St. Paul Saints and enjoy a holiday fireworks show after the game.
July 4 | Windsor Heights, Colby Park
The Windsor Heights Foundation invites you to join in, along with your neighbors, friends, and family to Celebrate America!
July 4 | Adventureland Altoona
Spend the day riding rides or beating the heat at the waterpark or just drive out for the yearly fireworks show.
July 4 | Carlisle
Head to North Park to see the show at 10 p.m.
July 4 | Waukee Celebration, Centennial Park
Festivities include a carnival, parade, fun run, bags tournament, and more! Fireworks will follow a special skydiver demonstration by the Des Moines Skydivers on July 4.
July 4 | West Des Moines Fireworks Display, West Des Moines City/School Campus
Check out their parade, horseshoe tournament, and community band concert over the weekend as well.
July 4 | Urbandale Annual 4th of July Celebration, Walker Johnson Park
From a family-friendly street dance to carnival rides or a 2-mile-long parade to a breathtaking fireworks display, the Urbandale celebration is one of the largest in the area.
July 4 | Home Base Iowa Fireworks Show, Grimes
As an official Home Base Iowa community, this event not only honors our great Country, but also the men and women who have defended our freedoms since the nation’s inception.
July 4 | Fireworks, Newton Agnes Patterson Memorial Park
Join a co-ed sand volleyball tournament or enjoy kids inflatables and entertainment before the fireworks.
July 4 | July 4 Celebration, Perry
Enjoy a classic celebration with a parade, vendors, and live music, and fireworks at night.
*Bonus*
July 9 | Ankeny Summerfest
North of the Celebrate Ankeny Entertainment Garden.
July 7 | Rendezvous on the Riverfront, Riverview Park
Central Iowa’s own TOAST3R opens the night with a fun and engaging show highlighting everyone’s favorite hits from the 70s, 80s, 90’s & today, followed by fireworks.
Dates TBD | Thunderstruck over Iowa Speedway, Newton
Love fireworks beyond 4th of July? Head to Newton for three nights of the biggest fireworks you’ve ever seen demonstrated by award-winning Pyro-Masters from around the world!
Happy 4th of July from all of us at Des Moines Mom!
Have a safe and fun holiday!
We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.
The Ames fireworks have been cancelled this year.
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