Join in the Festivities at These 4th of July Events in Des Moines

With the Fourth of July approaching fast, it’s time to solidify your plans if you haven’t already. Luckily, the Des Moines area is teeming with festivities near Springs at Jordan Creek and Springs at Waukee. Here are four events to consider making a part of your holiday plans:

1. Des Moines Symphony's Yankee Doodle Pops
Iowa State Capitol, West Terrace, Des Moines
Friday, July 1 at 8:30 p.m.

Start off the Fourth of July weekend with a bang at the 23rd annual Yankee Doodle Pops. The Des Moines Symphony will be performing “The Sound of America” (with music from popular American Broadway productions and patriotic classes), “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” and the “1812 Overture” complete with Howitzer canons. Be sure to arrive early and bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the largest single-day concert in the state!

2. All Iowa Bash
Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines
Sunday, July 3 at noon

With a parade starting at noon, live music, food, and family-friendly fun, it’s no wonder why this is a popular Independence Day tradition for people throughout the greater Des Moines area. The entertainment schedule for this year's Bash includes The Tarakis, Dick Danger, Brazilian 2wins and Final Mix. Additionally, you’ll be able to check out crafts from local artisans, and enjoy food and drinks provided by area vendors.

For a full day of entertainment for the entire family, head to downtown Waukee on July 4. The parade kicks off at 3 p.m. at the Vince Meyer Learning center, and weaves through downtown before concluding at Centennial Park. Here, there will be plenty of fun to go around throughout the evening including inflatables, a game trailer, and music from the 70s/80s rock band Standing Hampton. The fireworks show will commence at Centennial Park after dusk, but be sure to grab your spot early!

4. Living History Farms Independence Day Celebration
11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale
Monday, July 4 at 11 a.m.

If you're looking for a chance to celebrate independence in an old fashioned way, head to Living History Farms in Urbandale on July 4. Set in the 1875 living history town of Walnut Hill, you can  participate in foot races, pie eating contests, watermelon seed spitting contests, as well as a spelling bee. Also be sure to catch the Bluestockings—the park's 19th century baseball team—play a friendly game.

With events starting Friday and running through Monday, the Des Moines area comes alive with patriotic flair over Fourth of July weekend. Which of these events are on your calendar this year?