Don’t miss out on one of the highlights of summer: Independence Day in Ames. This community celebration features fireworks on Wednesday night, July 3, followed by the Fourth of July Parade in Downtown Ames on Thursday at 11 a.m.
Fireworks
The Ames community fireworks show will take place east of Jack Trice Stadium. The fireworks will start when the sky is completely dark, which is expected to be around 9:50 p.m.
Parking for fireworks viewing continues to evolve due to the ongoing construction on the Iowa State Center lots. Parking is available in the lots east of Jack Trice Stadium as well as designated C and D lots between Jack Trice Way and Center Drive. As shown on the map below, lots in RED are open for public parking.
Fireworks can be viewed in any of the available parking lots and in the grassy areas around the parking lots. The Ames fireworks spectacular is sponsored by a Discover Ames community grant.
If weather conditions make it impossible to shoot off fireworks on July 3, the rain date is July 5. Watch for announcements on Discover Ames social media channels.
Reiman Gardens
Reiman Gardens is open all day on July 3, from 10 a.m. to the conclusion of the fireworks display, which is across the street from the Gardens. Visitors may bring their folding chairs and coolers with food and drinks. No fireworks or sparklers are allowed inside the Gardens. Reiman Gardens will also be open on July 4.
Downtown 4th of July Parade
The 4th of July Parade is one of the largest events of the summer and a community favorite! Don your red, white, and blue, and celebrate Independence Day at this family-friendly event. The parade takes place in Downtown Ames starting at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 4. The parade will head down Main Street and is expected to last no more than 2 hours. Lyndsey Fennelly will serve as the 2024 parade grand marshall.
Parade participants and spectators should be aware that candy may be handed to children, but not thrown. Parents: Please ensure that your children remain a safe distance from parade vehicles.
Visit Downtown Ames for more information on the parade, including a route map.
Weather statement: The parade will go on, rain or shine – except in the case of severe weather (i.e., lightning), in which case the parade will be cancelled. Keep an eye on Ames Main Street social media channels.
Ames Municipal Band Patriotic Concert
Celebrate the Fourth with the Ames Municipal Band’s patriotic concert Thursday night at 8 p.m. in Bandshell Park. The concert features patriotic music and recognition of veterans. The vocal soloist is Aaron Lott. Bandshell Park is located at East Sixth Street and Duff Avenue. The concert is free, fun, and family-friendly. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
PLEASE NOTE that personal fireworks are ILLEGAL in the city limits of Ames. Stay safe and have fun!
2 Responses
Hi!
There’s a free Ames Municipal Band Concert, featuring patriotic music, at 8 pm in Bandshell Park on July 4th. It’d be wonderful to include this event with the listing of 4th of July events.
It’s on there