Iowa's Fourth of July Celebrations

It’s almost the Fourth of July weekend. If you’re like us at Iowa PBS, we enjoy listening to live music, celebrating with our community and watching fireworks! Celebrations are happening all around the state. Scroll ahead to see a few options you can check out across the state. 

Cedar Rapids

Head to Cedar Rapids for the Freedom Festival. This three-week celebration turns 40 this year and continues to be one of the best in the state. Days of festivities all culminate into one great big fireworks show! On the 4th of July, festivities start in the morning and last all day. Start your day with a pancake breakfast, check out the car show, listen to live music at the Amphitheatre and end the day with some fireworks.

View the full Freedom Festival schedule.

Clear Lake

The annual July 4th Celebration in Clear Lake begins on June 29. Each day they have the Lakeside Vendor Market, bingo, the Evans United Show Carnival and live music. The fireworks show will take place on July 4 starting at 10 p.m.

View the full July 4th Celebration 2023 schedule to see when festivities start.

Des Moines

The Des Moines Symphony is back with its yearly Fourth of July concert, Yankee Doodle Pops. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. on July 3, and you can listen in person or watch Iowa PBS’s live coverage from home on air. A grand fireworks show will follow the concert.

Dubuque

The annual Dubuque Airshow and Fireworks Show begins on July 3. You can watch the fighter planes fly through the air and see the Golden Knights make their jumps at 5:30 p.m.

View the full Dubuque Air Show and Fireworks schedule.

Okoboji

The annual fireworks show in Okoboji has been going on for over 40 years and takes place over West Lake Okoboji. Grab a spot along the shoreline or watch the fireworks from your boat. The show starts at 10 p.m., but you can spend the earlier part of your day at Arnold’s Park Amusement Park.

View more information about Okoboji Fireworks.

Quad Cities

Head to the Quad Cities on July 3 for their annual Red White and BOOM celebration. You can watch the largest firework show in the Quad Cities, shot from two barges on the Mississippi River. They’ll have live music, food vendors and a kid zone before the fireworks.

View the full Red White and BOOM schedule.

Have fun, stay safe and enjoy your holiday weekend!