If you plan on being in Des Moines over the Fourth of July holiday, you’ll surely find plenty to do.
Perhaps the most well-known event is the 80/35 Music Festival that’s grown significantly over the last few years. This year’s festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday and features bands like Yo La Tengo, Spoon, Slightly Stoopid, William Elliot Whitmore, and Modest Mouse. It’s located at Western Gateway Park downtown, and you can purchase one and two-day passes at the gate.
Another family event not to be missed is Living History Farm’s celebration of independence day. The venue will be open most of the day and will have plenty of entertainment including root beer floats, Civil War era music, children’s crafts, pie eating contests, and more. The cost is $11.50 for adults, $10.50 for seniors, and $7 for ages 3 – 12.
As with every Fourth of July celebration, you’ll also find plenty of fireworks around the city. Similar to past years, there will be fireworks at Principal Park following the iCubs games on July 4th and 5th. In addition to this, several area communities and organizations are hosting their own:
July 3:
Prairie Meadow’s – 10 p.m.
July 4:
Urbandale (Lion’s Park) – 10 p.m.
Waukee – 9:30 p.m.
Windsor Heights (Colby Park) – Dusk
Carlisle – 10 p.m.
Indianola – 9:30 p.m.
Raccoon River Park – Dusk
For even more about the holiday weekend’s festivities, check out the Des Moines Register’s list of events.