Where can you set off July 4 fireworks in the Des Moines metro?

Correction: A previous version of this story included incorrect dates for fireworks shows for Adventureland, Goodguys Car Show and Windsor Heights. Adventureland and Windsor Heights fireworks will be on July 4, and Goodguys Car Show on July 2. The story has been updated to reflect the correct dates.

Hues of reds and blues will ignite Iowa's night sky in celebration of America's most patriotic summer holiday.

But the ever-popular fireworks displays for the Fourth of July are not a free-for-all. Rules and regulations vary from city to city in the Des Moines metro. Here's what you should know before stocking up on your favorite firecrackers.

Iowa law permits the purchase of 'consumer' fireworks

State law permits the purchase of what are called "consumer" fireworks for home use from June 1 to July 8 and Dec. 10 to Jan. 3. They may be used on private property from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. within those periods, with the exception of July 3 and 4, when you have until 11 p.m. to light the final fuses.

But cities can write their own rules, and many do. So don't rush out to the fireworks store just yet.

Which central Iowa cities ban fireworks?

Cities that prohibit the unlicensed use of fireworks include Altoona, Clive, Des Moines, Johnston, Pleasant Hill, Urbandale, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights.

Which central Iowa cities allow fireworks?

Here's where you can use fireworks during the holiday, and when:

  • Ankeny — 9 a.m.-11 p.m. July 4.

  • Bondurant — 2 -10 p.m. July 3 and 2-11 p.m. July 4.

  • Carlisle — noon-11 p.m. July 1-4.

  • Grimes — 9 a.m.-10 p.m. July 1-3 and 5-8 and until 11 p.m. July 4.

  • Indianola — 9 a.m.-11 p.m. July 3 and 4 and 9 a.m.-10 p.m. July 5.

  • Norwalk — 4 -10 p.m. through July 2 and 3, and until 11 p.m. July 4.

  • Waukee — 9 a.m.-11 p.m. July 3 and 4.

What happens if I break the rules?

They won't place you before a firing squad, but you could face a hefty fine.

A Des Moines city ordinance notes that the use of consumer fireworks within the city limits is considered a simple misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of $625.

"If we do get called to your house and we respond and we get the evidence that we need... you're going to get a citation that'll probably cost you over $600," Sgt. Paul Parizek, spokesman for Des Moines police, said in a video released last year.

Other central Iowa cities impose fines of $100 or more.

Central Iowa fireworks shows

The following central Iowa cities have fireworks shows scheduled on or around July 4:

  • Altoona: Adventureland, July 4; Prairie Meadows, July 3.

  • Des Moines: Goodguys Car Show's 31st Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals, Iowa State Fairgrounds, July 2; Iowa Cubs fireworks shows, July 1-3.

  • Grimes: Grimes Sports Complex., July 4.

  • Newton: Agnes Patterson Memorial Park, July 4.

  • Norwalk: McAninch Park, July 4.

  • Perry: Pattee Park, July 4.

  • Urbandale: Walker Johnston Park, July 4.

  • Waukee: Centennial Park, July 4

  • West Des Moines: West Des Moines City/School Campus, July 4.

  • Windsor Heights: Colby Park, July 4.

Isaac Hamlet covers arts, entertainment and culture at the Des Moines Register. Reach him at ihamlet@gannett.com or 319-600-2124, follow him on Twitter @IsaacHamlet.

Virginia Barreda is a trending and general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa fireworks laws on July 4, 2022: When, where you can set them off