Things To Do in Des Moines this weekend: Fireworks, Independence Day celebrations and more AND MOVING BACK HERE TO CENTRAL IOWA. Des Moines 4th of July Drone Show For an eco-friendly twist, Des Moines Marina will host a stunning drone light show from 5 to 11 p.m. Additional Events Auburn: Les Grove Park hosts a day of vendors and entertainment, though no fireworks are planned. Fourth of July parades and fireworks shows are making a strong return across central Iowa, offering plenty of ways to celebrate the nation’s independence. Here’s a city-by-city guide to Independence Day and other July fireworks shows happening in the Des Moines metro: Altoona Fireworks Prairie Meadows’ All-American Extravaganza and Fireworks Show When: Thursday, July 3, race starts at 4 Find out more about the Iowa Cubs Game and Independence Day Fireworks in Des Moines, Iowa, at Travel Iowa today! The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 3, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Central Time, according to the event’s organizers. 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). Festivities are set to begin for the Fourth of July, so don your most patriotic outfits and enjoy these Independence Day events in Des Moines and central Iowa. The City of Des Moines is inviting the community to a festive Fourth of July celebration at the Des Moines Marina on Friday, July 4, 2025, featuring food trucks, live music and a nighttime drone show in place of fireworks. Celebrate Independence Day early with us at Principal Park on Thursday, July 3, and make it a night to remember! From heartwarming moments to jaw-dropping fireworks, there’s no better place to spend the holiday than at the ballpark with family, friends, and your Iowa Cubs. The Independence Day parade will be held on Thursday, July 3, at 6:30 p.m. This year’s parade route starts at Valley West Drive and Ashworth Road and ends at Elm Street (Wilson Park). Celebrate Independence Day 2025 with these fireworks shows near Des Moines over the Fourth of July weekend. 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. Des Moines Symphony’s 31st Yankee Doodle Pops – Thursday 6:30 p.m. 1007 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines This free and family-friendly event is Iowa’s largest single-day concert. The patriotic show will conclude with a fireworks display over the downtown city skyline. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and vendors will be located The event is slated to be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines and is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Central Time, according to the event's website. Explore 4th of July Weekend 2025 events & things to do in Des Moines. Spend the Independence day with family with Fourth of July Parade in Des Moines. Here is list of 4th July events and parties you can attend near Des Moines. Sioux City Western Iowa’s largest city offers multi-day celebrations with a blend of traditional and modern patriotic festivities. Sioux City Independence Day Celebration Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Time: All day events Location: Various locations throughout Sioux City Details: Sioux City’s celebration typically includes a morning parade through downtown, family activities in the parks 31st Annual Yankee Doodle Pops, Des Moines The Des Moines Symphony is back, welcoming Iowans to celebrate Independence Day at Yankee Doodle Pops, the largest single-day concert event in Iowa. 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. Celebrate the 4th of July around Des Moines with parades, carnivals, music, and lots of summer treats! This family-friendly, patriotic concert concludes with the area’s premier fireworks display over the downtown Des Moines skyline, and best of all, it’s free. The Iowa event is scheduled to be held one year plus one day before the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence, which will be marked on July 4, 2026.
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