These Iowa Towns Throw Legendary 4th Of July Celebrations

Many cities throughout the US host 4th of July celebrations, and some of the biggest and best in small-town America can be found in Iowa. Towns like Coralville and Urbandale seem to engage in friendly competition, trying to outdo each other with patriotic parades, flashy fireworks shows, and events to keep the whole family entertained. Many of these celebrations span multiple days, multiplying the fun and leaving room for exciting holiday activities. Those looking for a great place to spend the 4th of July are sure to be dazzled by any of these towns that throw legendary 4th of July celebrations in Iowa.

Clear Lake

The charming lakeside town of Clear Lake takes its 4th of July celebrations seriously. Each year, the town features a series of events over six days known collectively as Celebrating American Independence. The first event is Evans United Shows Carnival, which brings food, games, and fun rides to the downtown area surrounding City Park. In the 4th of July Parade, starting the morning of the 4th, the grand marshal, the mayor, local Boy Scouts, veterans, and the Clear Lake police and firefighters lead more than 100 floats along Main Avenue, and the Clear Lake Lions Marching Band provides the music. The Lakeside Vendor Market provides a place to shop for local food and goods throughout the celebration. Chamber Bingo games add fun and friendly competition to the week. The Freedom 5K and CL Tel Kids Fun Run, both on the morning of the 4th, give runners of all ages the chance to compete for medals. The Flashing Thunder Fireworks display over Clear Lake, the town's namesake, serves as a stunning finale to the week's events, and visitors often enjoy watching from boats or from the lakeshore.

While in Clear Lake for the festivities, consider heading to the lake or the adjacent Clear Lake State Park to enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and watersports. Take in a movie at the historic Lake Theatre, in operation since the 1890s. Visit Central Gardens of North Iowa to wander through the green spaces of the region's largest public garden. Find out more about local firefighting history at the Clear Lake Fire Museum.

Coralville

Coralville, a suburb of Iowa City, throws an annual Independence Day celebration known as 4thFest. The two-day event typically takes place on July 3rd and 4th and packs in many fun events, drawing residents and visitors alike to the town's S.T. Morrison Park. Participants enjoy live music, a carnival, food, craft vendors, and various outdoor activities. A 5K run/walk, petting zoo, Outdoor Adventure and Fun Zone, and kids' pedal tractor pull are just a few of the highlights. A gorgeous fireworks display lights up the night sky and brings the celebration's festivities to a close on the night of the 4th.

Aside from the 4th of July activities, Coralville contains many things to see and do. The Iowa River Landing Sculpture Walk features 11 sculptures based on literary works at the local Iowa Writer's Library. The Brown Deer Golf Club provides an 18-hole course, pro shop, event space, and restaurant for those looking for a golf-focused getaway. The Coralville Center for the Performing Arts is a great place to take in live concerts and theatrical performances.

New Market

New Market is a tiny town in southwest Iowa that loves every opportunity to throw a party. It hosts large festivals and celebrations for various holidays throughout the year. Its Celebrate 4th of July event, held each year on the 3rd and 4th, is two fun-filled days of family-friendly activities and events. Athletic events include sand volleyball, dodgeball, and cribbage tournaments, a 5K race, and a draft horse pull. Pie contests and auctions add to the competitive fun, and dancing and live music are mainstays of the weekend. A parade takes place in the afternoon on the 4th, filled with patriotic floats and colors. A kids' water fight, pedal pull, and money grab keep the kids entertained, providing fun for the whole family. The celebration comes to a flashy conclusion with "Southwest Iowa's Finest Fireworks Display" the night of the 4th. Before leaving town after the events, grab a tasty meal at Wicked Wendy's.

Urbandale

Urbandale is a suburb on the northwest side of Des Moines known for having one of the "Largest 4th of July Celebrations in the Area." The three-day festival features a two-mile parade, carnival, and live entertainment. Runners of all skill levels can take part in the 5K Fun Run, and the Bingo Tent and Cribbage and Bags Tournaments provide for other types of competition. Most of the events take place at Lions Park. The magnificent fireworks display, on the night of the 4th, takes place at Walker Johnston Park.

While in town, explore the many parks for playgrounds, picnic areas, and green spaces. The Art Park Exhibition displays local sculptures and artwork. The Veterans Memorial, housed in the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park and Gardens, pays homage to veterans who fought in various conflicts. Fifty-four miles of bike trails give visitors a fun way to explore the area.

Waukee

The Des Moines suburb of Waukee is a popular spot for enjoying 4th of July festivities. Its Independence Day Celebration takes place in Centennial Park each 3rd and 4th of July. It includes many of the popular 4th of July celebration events, such as parades, live entertainment, and fireworks. But it also features unique events and activities, such as the Kids Market, where young growers, cooks, and crafters can sell their goods. Pie-eating and bubble-gum-blowing contests are fun ways to get involved in friendly competition. There are inflatables for the kids to enjoy, a Des Moines Skydivers show, and a movie in the park. The fireworks show wraps up the fun and is a marvelous sight.

There are plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors outside of the 4th of July Celebration. Several walking trails, such as the Sugar Creek Trail and the Heart of the Warrior Trail, let visitors explore the town on foot or by bike. Various ponds throughout town provide excellent fishing opportunities. The Sugar Creek Golf Course lets golfers test their skills on a nine-hole course ideal for both beginners and more seasoned players.

Celebrate the 4th of July in Iowa

The 4th of July is a great excuse for a party, and many small towns in Iowa throw a bash worthy of the holiday. From the fun parade and stunning fireworks found in New Market to the epic six-day event in Clear Lake, these towns host big-time celebrations that draw visitors from around Iowa and beyond. Anyone looking for a way to celebrate Independence Day in style, take part in contests and tournaments, or enjoy some of the best fireworks displays in the state is sure to leave any of these celebrations with a wealth of new and fun memories.