A Star-Spangled 4th of July in Ames

Don’t miss out on one of the highlights of summer: Independence Day in Ames. This community celebration features fireworks on Friday night, July 3, followed by the Fourth of July Parade in Downtown Ames on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Fireworks

The Ames Community Fireworks have been postponed until Sunday, July 5 at 10 p.m. Check back to Discover Ames website and social media for further updates.

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 10:00 p.m.

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 9 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 Saturday, July 4. The parade will head down Main Street and is expected to last no more than 2 hours.

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

Start celebrating the Fourth on Thursday, July 2 with the Ames Municipal Band’s patriotic concert at 8 p.m. in Bandshell Park. Note that this Thursday concert begins one hour earlier than usual. The concert features patriotic music, and all veterans will be recognized. 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!

America 250 Big Bash at Ames History Museum

Celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary at the Ames History Museum with the Big Bash from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, July 3! This event is free and open to the public and will include food trucks, vintage car show, family fun zone, local bands, World Ward I poster show, and free admission to the museum.

Bill Bergan 5K on the Fourth

Grab your running shoes and sign-up for the Bill Bergan 5K on the Fourth at Ada Hayden Heritage Park with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Proceeds benefit Friendship Ark Homes & Community Services.

PLEASE NOTE that personal fireworks are ILLEGAL in the city limits of Ames during specific times and dates. Stay safe and have fun!