4th Of July Fireworks In The Des Moines Metro: Your Complete 2026 Guide
Last updated: June 8, 2026
Note: Some metro fireworks show details for 2026 are still being confirmed. This guide will be updated regularly as cities release information. Check back before you head out!
Let me just say this upfront: there is definitely no shortage of places to watch fireworks in central Iowa!
Whether you want to pack a lawn chair into Centennial Park right here in Waukee, make a whole evening of it at Adventureland, or stand on the Capitol grounds with 100,000 of your closest friends for Yankee Doodle Pops, the Des Moines metro has you covered from late June all the way through mid-July.
And 2026 is not a normal year, people - this is America’s 250th birthday! The semiquincentennial (that’s a word I had to look up, and I’m still not entirely sure I can say it out loud). Cities are going bigger, venues are changing, and if there was ever a year to actually get out and celebrate instead of just watching neighborhood fireworks from your driveway, it’s this one!
I’ve put together this guide as a one-stop resource for every fireworks show happening in the Des Moines metro and surrounding communities. I’ll be updating it throughout June as more details are confirmed, so bookmark this page and check back as needed. Here we go!
Des Moines Metro Fireworks Shows
Johnston Green Days Fireworks - Terra Park, Johnston
When: Saturday, June 13 at dusk | Free event
This one’s actually in June but definitely worth checking out!
Johnston Green Days is a three day community event with live music, food (including a pancake breakfast…yum!), activities, and fireworks at dusk on Saturday evening. It's a community-scale show rather than a big municipal display, but the atmosphere is fantastic and it's a great excuse to kick off your summer early!
Check johnstongreendays.org for the full schedule.
Yankee Doodle Pops — Iowa State Capitol Grounds, Des Moines
When: July 3 at 8:30pm | Free event
This is the BIG one!
The Des Moines Symphony performs on the West Terrace of the Iowa State Capitol every year, drawing well over 100,000 people for what is consistently the largest single-day concert event in the entire state of Iowa. Fireworks follow the concert and light up the downtown Des Moines skyline. It is genuinely spectacular, and it is free!
Bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs, get there early for a good spot, and pack snacks and water as it will likely be hot. Parking will test your patience for sure but the show is worth it!
There’s also a free bicycle valet available starting at 3 p.m. on the Capitol grounds, provided by Des Moines Street Collective, at the corner of E. 9th and Grand.
Check dmsymphony.org for announcements.
Iowa Cubs Fireworks - Principal Park, Des Moines
When: July 3 and July 4, 2026 | First pitch: 7:08 p.m. | Fireworks: after the final out (approximately 9:30-10 p.m.) 1 Line Drive, Des Moines
If you want fireworks AND baseball, Principal Park is your spot!
The Iowa Cubs play July 3 and July 4, with fireworks following both games over the downtown Des Moines skyline. The July 4 show is described as their biggest display of the year and the only fireworks show in downtown Des Moines. Tickets start at $13, which is honestly a great deal for a full evening out.
2026 details: Tickets available at iowacubs.com.
Prairie Meadows Fireworks - Altoona
When: July 3 | Free admission to the fireworks show
The All-American Extravaganza will feature free live music, live horse racing at 4:00pm, and fireworks at dusk. Prairie Meadows does this every year and it’s a solid option if you want to skip the Capitol crowds and still catch a great show the night before the Fourth. Free admission.
2026 details: Check prairiemeadows.com for full event information.
Urbandale 4th of July Celebration - Lions Park / Walker Johnston Park, Urbandale
When: July 2–4 (multi-day) | Fireworks: July 4
Urbandale's Fourth of July celebration has been going strong for 70+ years and is widely considered the largest in the Des Moines metro. The multi-day event includes a carnival, parade, and live music, and concludes with a spectacular fireworks show at Walker Johnston Park on the evening of July 4 at 10:00pm.
Visit urbandale4thofjuly.org for the full schedule.
Waukee 4th of July Fireworks - Centennial Park
When: July 3-4, 2026 | Fireworks: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Waukee's two-day celebration is honestly one of the best in the metro and it's right in our backyard!
The fun kicks off July 3rd at 4:30 p.m. with a kids market, yard games, food vendors, bingo, a pie eating contest, a bubble gum blowing contest, and an outdoor showing of the movie National Treasure at 8:45 p.m.
July 4th is a full day starting with the Waukee Freedom 5K in the morning and a Rotary pancake breakfast (free, donations welcome), followed by the parade at 10:30 a.m. along SE LA Grant Pkwy starting at SE Westown Pkwy near South Middle School and ending by Waukee Middle School. The afternoon brings food vendors and inflatables (fees apply), with live music carrying you into the evening. The Des Moines Skydivers kick things off at 8 p.m. before fireworks light up the sky at 9:30 p.m.
Note: the volleyball tournament, 5K, and inflatables have associated fees and some require advance registration.
Visit waukee.org for the full schedule and registration links.
West Des Moines 4th of July Fireworks - Jordan Creek Town Center
When: July 4 | Details TBD
⚠️ NEW LOCATION FOR 2026
Big news for WDM: they are moving their annual Fourth of July celebration to Jordan Creek Town Center starting this year, and they’re going bigger in honor of America’s 250th birthday!
A concert is being added before the fireworks. This is a change from the previous City/School Campus location, so don’t show up at the old spot!
2026 details: Times and full event schedule TBD — check the City of West Des Moines website (wdm.iowa.gov) for updates.
Adventureland - Altoona
When: July 4 | Fireworks: approximately 9:45 p.m.
Spend the day at the waterpark, ride the rides, and stay for fireworks after dark. Adventureland does this every year on the Fourth, and it’s a great option if you’re making a full day of it with the family. Admission to the park is required.
2026 details: Fireworks at approximately 9:45 p.m. on July 4. Visit adventurelandresort.com.
Norwalk 4th of July Fireworks - McAninch Park
When: July 4 | Parade: 10 a.m. | Fireworks: dusk
Norwalk's parade is actually the largest in Iowa, with over 1,000 participants and more than 10,000 spectators lining the route. Wow! The day wraps up with fireworks at dusk at McAninch Park, sponsored by the Norwalk Lions Club.
2026 details: Confirmed. Visit norwalkhometownpride.org for the full schedule.
Grimes 4th of July Fireworks - Grimes South Sports Complex
When: July 4 | Fireworks: dusk
Home Base Iowa partners with the City of Grimes for a fireworks display honoring veterans and active military. Worth noting: in 2025 this show moved to early June rather than staying on July 4, so verify the date before you make plans.
2026 details: TBD - verify timing at the City of Grimes website (grimesiowa.gov) before heading out.
Windsor Heights Fireworks - Nights in the Heights, Colby Park
When: July 4 | Live music: 6 p.m. | Fireworks to follow
The Windsor Heights Community Foundation hosts Nights in the Heights annually, with live music, food trucks, and fireworks in Colby Park. A smaller, neighborhood feel that’s worth knowing about if you live on the west side.
Check the Windsor Heights Foundation (windsorheightsfoundation.org) for updates.
Carlisle 4th of July Fireworks - North Park
When: July 4 | Fireworks: 10 p.m.
Carlisle does the Fourth of July right. The day kicks off with a downtown parade at 9:30 a.m., followed by daytime events and activities at North Park starting at noon, with fireworks capping off the evening at 10 p.m.
2026 details: Confirm at carlisleiowa.org.
Goodguys Heartland Nationals - Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines
When: July 4-6 | Fireworks: Saturday evening, July 4 at dusk (9:30pm)
America’s favorite car show rolls into the Iowa State Fairgrounds every year over the Fourth of July weekend with thousands of hot rods, muscle cars, and classics. This one is a personal favorite for my husband and our boys, they absolutely love it!
The Saturday night fireworks show is part of the weekend, so if you’re already there for the cars, you’re in the right place!
2026 details: Check good-guys.com for the full event schedule.
After July 4: Don’t Put the Lawn Chairs Away Yet! (More Des Moines Area Fireworks Still to Come)
Ankeny SummerFest - The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny
When: July 10-12, 2026 | Fireworks: Sunday, July 12 1500 S.W. Main St., Ankeny
Ankeny SummerFest is a free three-day celebration with live music, carnival rides, food vendors, and a Grand Parade through the city on Saturday. It wraps up Sunday evening with fireworks at The District at Prairie Trail. This year's theme is Jingle in July, so expect some festive touches mixed in with your summer fun!
Visit ankenysummerfest.com for the full schedule.
Clive Festival Fireworks - Greenbelt Landing / Clive Aquatic Center
When: July 17-18, 2026 | Fireworks: both evenings 1801 NW 114th Street, Clive
The Clive Festival is a free two-day celebration with live music, food trucks, family activities, and the Thunder Over Clive fireworks show. Friday evening features a fireworks teaser to kick things off, with the full Thunder Over Clive main show on Saturday night. A great option if you just can't get enough fireworks in one summer!
2026 details: Full schedule to be announced July 1. Visit cityofclive.com for updates.
Worth the Drive - Fireworks Shows Outside the Des Moines Metro
Ames Fireworks - Jack Trice Stadium
When: July 4 | Fireworks: approximately 9:30–9:50 p.m.
The Ames community fireworks show is back and confirmed for 2026. Best viewed from the Jack Trice Stadium parking lots or Reiman Gardens right across the street, which is open all day. Rain date is July 5 if needed.
Check discoverames.com for updates.
Newton 4th of July Fireworks - Agnes Patterson Memorial Park
When: July 4 | Fireworks: dusk
Newton does a classic Fourth with a parade, vendors on the square, inflatables, and fireworks at dusk. About 35 miles east of Des Moines and totally worth it if you want a small-town feel without the metro crowds.
Check the City of Newton (newtongov.org) for more details of this event.
Perry 4th of July Fireworks - Pattee Park
When: July 4 | Parade: 10 a.m. | Fireworks: 9:30 p.m.
Perry does the Fourth right! The day starts with a mile-long parade at 10 a.m., followed by food and craft vendors in the park, bingo from 1-4 p.m., and live music at 6 p.m. Fireworks cap the evening at 9 p.m. About 40 miles northwest of Des Moines and worth the drive!
Check the City of Perry (perryia.org) for details.
Winterset Cidery 4th of July Fireworks - Winterset, Iowa
When: July 4 | $5 Cover charge per vehicle
This one’s a little different, and that’s exactly why it’s on the list!
The Winterset Cidery hosts a Fourth of July popup event with live music, food, and a fireworks show in a beautiful outdoor setting. Admission is $5 per vehicle no matter how many people are in the vehicle. A great option for a date night or if you want something a little more laid-back and a little less crowded. About 35 miles southwest of Des Moines.
Check the Winterset Cidery on Facebook for announcements.
Des Moines Metro Fireworks Shows - A Few Practical Notes Before You Go
Dates shift with the calendar. Because July 4 falls on a Saturday in 2026, you may notice that some cities that typically hold shows on July 3 or 5 in other years have adjusted their schedules. Always verify before you load up the car.
This page will be updated. I’m checking city websites and social media periodically and will add confirmed details as they’re released. If you notice something I missed or see an update I haven’t caught yet, feel free to reach out!
And one last thing: if you’re out there trying to photograph your own family at these events and you’re reminded that it’s been WAY too long since you’ve had real portraits taken, I might know someone who can help with that! 😉
Des Moines area family sessions are booking now for summer and fall and I’d love to hear about your family! Contact me today to learn more about the family photo experience and to book your session.
