Whether you prefer to celebrate the Fourth of July with a spectacular fireworks show or at your local festival with loved ones, the following are the go-to events to help celebrate Independence Day in Iowa.
Keosauqua Lions Fourth of July Celebration
Keosauqua
Gather the family and head to Keosauqua City Park for the Keosauqua Lions Fourth of July celebration. The fun event will kick off at 7 a.m. and run all day until 10 p.m. Visitors can expect to enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast, games, mining, train rides, a street fair, raffle prizes and a stunning fireworks display to top it all off. The event is free and open to the public. To learn more about the Keosauqua Lions Fourth of July Celebration, visit villagesofvanburen.com.
July 4th Parade
Downtown Ames
As one of the largest events of the summer in Ames, the Fourth of July Parade welcomes you to wear red, white and blue and join the city in its annual parade. The parade will take place in Downtown Ames, beginning on Main Street at 11 a.m. and running until they reach the city center. This parade is free and open to the public. To learn more about the July 4th Parade, visit amesdowntown.org.
Clear Lake Firework Display and Celebration
Clear Lake
Clear Lake is chock-full of events in honor of the Fourth, kicking off with a Freedom 5K and a kid’s fun run, a parade at 10 a.m., a vendor market, a carnival with games and rides, live music and a massive fireworks display over the water to finish off the perfect night. Admission is free. To learn more about the Clear Lake Fireworks Display, visit clearlakeiowa.com.
Freedom Festival
Cedar Rapids
The Freedom Festival in Cedar Rapids is everyone’s go-to Fourth of July celebration and after a month’s worth of events, the grand finale will be taking place on Independence Day with the largest fireworks show in all of Iowa. The fest, 39 years in the running, is free and will feature food truck vendors, games, live music, hot air balloon rides and more fun to lead up to the grand finale fireworks show. To learn more about the Freedom Festival, visit freedomfestival.com.
Perry’s Fourth of July Celebration
Perry
If you find yourself in Perry this Independence Day, take a trip to the town’s annual Fourth of July celebration at Pattee Park. The event will begin at 8 a.m. with food vendors, games, live music, arts and crafts and more. The fun will carry into the night until 9:30 p.m. when attendees can enjoy a fireworks display with live music. The celebration is free. To learn more about Perry’s Fourth of July Celebration, visit allevents.in.