Where to celebrate Independence Day around Iowa
The siting of fireworks stores and stands in commercial or industrial zones could not be restricted by local governments under a bill approved March 30, 2022, by the Iowa Senate. (Photo by Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
Food, music and fireworks will all be in abundance on Thursday across Iowa as part of July 4th celebrations.
Notable events for the holiday include firework shows, parades and a three-day jazz festival.
Due to flooding along the Mississippi River, many planned Fourth of July events near the river have been canceled or postponed like the “Red, White and Boom” celebration in Davenport.
Read all about the events below:
All American Extravaganza in Altoona
The suburban town of Altoona will hold an Independence Day celebration at a horse race track on Wednesday.
The celebration will feature fireworks, food trucks, live music and live racing.
The event begins at 3 p.m. at the Prairie Meadows Track Apron.
Freedom Festival firework show in Cedar Rapids
The “grand finale” of Cedar Rapids’ three-week Freedom Festival will be a massive fireworks show in downtown Cedar Rapids.
The fireworks will begin once it’s dark out but before then there will be food vendors, music and a kids’ fun zone.
A carnival and two-mile-long parade in Urbandale
Urbandale’s celebration will include a two-mile-long parade, splash pad, carnival, live music and “entertainment garden.”
The celebrations, which began Tuesday, go from 4-11 p.m. Wednesday. On Thursday, events will begin with a 5K run at 7:30 a.m.
Lion’s Park will be the venue for the events with fireworks being shot from the nearby Johnston Park.
Yankee Doodle Pops returns
The Des Moines Symphony will perform outside of the Iowa State Capitol Building for their 30th annual Yankee Doodle Pops performance on Wednesday night.
The winner of the Des Moines Symphony’s “Oh Say, Can You Sing?” challenge will open the performance with a rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.”
The 90-minute performance will begin at 8:30 p.m. Food vendors will also be available.
July 4th Parade in Newton
Downtown Newton will see its annual 4th of July parade return on Thursday.
Vendors open at 7:30 a.m. with the parade beginning two hours later.
Iowa City three-day jazz festival
Iowa City’s jazz festival will feature 20 different jazz bands and musicians from July 5-7 in downtown Iowa City.
After the music ends on Friday night, attendees can see a firework show courtesy of the city over the Old Capitol.
Music starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday.
“Come downtown for three days of live performances on two stages showcasing a variety of well-known jazz musicians and up-and-coming talent alongside national and international artists,” Summer of the Arts, who runs the event, said on its website.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for the event.
Family fun planned for Des Moines’ ROCK-IT IN THE PARK
The six-hour ROCK-IT IN THE PARK celebration will feature bounce houses, face painting and a kickball tournament.
There will also be live bluegrass music and free lunch for the first 500 attendees.
The celebration goes from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday in Union Park.
An outdoor screening of the movie The Sandlot will be held at 6 p.m. at the nearby Captain Roy’s bar.
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