Get ready to celebrate Independence Day in Eastern Iowa! We’ve rounded up all the best events, fireworks displays, parades, and family-friendly activities happening on or around July 4, 2024. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to watch fireworks, enjoy live music, or participate in patriotic festivities in the Cedar Valley, we’ve got you covered.
💥Eastern Iowa 2024 Independence Day fireworks & family fun💥
Atkins
- Annual fireworks show on August 10, at dusk, following Atkins Watermelon Days.
Aurora
- Thursday, July 4th beginning at 8 a.m.
- Event features a parade, a truck & tractor pull, food, kids' activities, live music, volleyball, a 5k, and more
- Fireworks at dusk
- Free will donations at the gate
Bettendorf
- Parade at 10 a.m. on July 4 in downtown Bettendorf
- 4th of July Festival from noon to 10 p.m. on Spruce Hills Drive in front of Cumberland Square
- Fireworks at Middle Park at dusk
- More info
Cascade
- 4th of July parade at 3 p.m.
- Fireworks at dusk at American Legion Park
- More info
Cedar Falls
- Fireworks Over the Dome at 9:40 p.m. on June 27
Cedar Rapids
- Ellis Fireworks on the River at 9 p.m. on July 3 - more info
- Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival - Celebration of Freedom Fireworks
- Fireworks start at dark on July 4 in downtown Cedar Rapids
- More info
Charles City
- Fourth of July Celebration from July 3-6
- Fourth of July Parade begins at 11 a.m. on July 4, then fireworks by the Cedar River in the evening
- Main Street Charles City’s Party in the Park on July 5
- July 6 - magician show, cornhole tournament
- More info
Coralville
- Coralville’s annual 4thFest parade at 10 a.m. on July 4, starting and ending at the corner of 9th Street and 22nd Avenue
- Fireworks display in S.T. Morrison Park at dark, around 9:45 p.m.
Garnavillo
- Festivities from July 3-4, more info here
- Parade at 10 a.m.
- Fireworks display at dusk
Independence
- Celebrate Indee: July 3-4 at Riverwalk Parks
- July 4 - festivities begin in Riverwalk Parks at 10:45 a.m.
- Fireworks over the Wapsipinicon River at 10 p.m. on July 4
- More info
Marion
- Marion’s 5th annual Fireworks and Fireflies celebration on July 3 at Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park, starting at 6 p.m.
- More info
Mechanicsville
- Fireworks at dusk on 125th Street at dusk
- More info
Muscatine
- Kids Parade (Pearl Plaza to Musser Public Library) at 9 a.m.
- Community parade in downtown Muscatine at 4 p.m.
- Almost Fireworks Fest on the Riverfront, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Muscatine Symphony Orchestra at 8:10 p.m.
- Fireworks at dusk
- More info
North Liberty
- Fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. on July 3 in Penn Meadows Park
- More info
Oxford Junction
- 4th of July Parade starts at 4 p.m. at Midland Elementary School, ends at Wapsi Park
- Fireworks display at dusk at Wapsi Park
- More info
Shellsburg
- Fireworks at 9:35 p.m. on July 4, seating along Harbert and College Streets
Shell Rock
- July 4th parade at 10 a.m.
- Fireworks at 10 p.m. on July 5
- More info about activities here
Tama/Toledo
- Annual fireworks display at dusk on July 4 at the Toledo Heights Park
- More info
Tipton
- 4th of July Parade at 11 a.m.
- Fireworks at dusk at the Cedar County Fairgrounds
- More info
Washington
- 4th of July fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. at the Washington County Fairgrounds
- More info
Waterloo
- Waterloo’s annual fireworks event from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on July 6, along the Cedar River downtown.
- Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. on July 6
Wellman
- North Park activities begin at 4 p.m. on July 4
- Fireworks at dusk
Tips for Enjoying Independence Day in the Cedar Valley
- Arrive Early: Popular events can get crowded, so plan to arrive early to secure a good spot.
- Bring Essentials: Pack sunscreen, water, and snacks to stay comfortable throughout the day.
- Follow Local Guidelines: Be sure to follow any local health and safety guidelines to ensure a safe celebration for everyone.
- Consider Ear Protection for Your Child: Fireworks can be loud and overwhelming for young children. Bring ear protection like noise-canceling headphones to ensure they enjoy the festivities without discomfort.
Celebrate Independence Day in the Cedar Valley with family, friends, and community! We hope you have a fantastic time enjoying all the festivities and making wonderful memories. Happy Fourth of July!
