Des Moines Fireworks

As summer nights warm, the skies over Des Moines erupt in dazzling displays of fireworks. Stay up late and revel in the vibrant colors and brilliant bursts illuminating the night.

Cities across the metro area will host multi-day Independence Day celebrations, featuring an array of festivities – from lively carnivals and festive parades to 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 2024.

Fireworks start at dusk, approximately 9:30 p.m.

June 30 | Live at the Creek, Jordan Creek Town Center Amphitheater

Enjoy music, food, and fireworks! The event is free. 

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 30th 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 Omaha Storm Chasers and enjoy a holiday fireworks show after the game. 

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.

July 5-7 | 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 6 | Winterset Cidery 4th of July POPUP, 1638 Hwy 169, Winterset
1 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Music from Sista and the Misters 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Cattleman serving 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., and fireworks @ 10 p.m. Cover is $25/car

*Bonus Fireworks*

July 14 | Ankeny Summerfest 

North of the Celebrate Ankeny Entertainment Garden.

July 7 | Rendezvous on the Riverfront, Riverview Park

The Pork Tornadoes take the Riviera Stage from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. This is a FREE show for all ages! Bring your family and friends down to Riverview Park and enjoy the playground along with some amazing food and fireworks following the show.

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.