The Buzz: Fourth of July in Altoona

fourth of july in altoona
Independence Day is almost here! Looking for fun things to do? You’re in luck! Altoona has some of the best Fourth of July celebrations in the Des Moines area.
 
Keep reading to explore local events, activities, and places to watch the fireworks in Altoona, Iowa this weekend!

Prairie Meadows All-American Extravaganza 

all american extravaganza

Prairie Meadows is hosting a FREE, family-friendly Independence Day celebration on Wednesday, July 3! Starting at 4pm, the All-American Extravaganza features horse racing, live music from the Punching Pandas, tasty treats, delicious drinks and more!
 
Fireworks start at dusk. Don’t miss out!
 

Altoona 4th of July Parade & Afterparty at Haines Park

fourth of july parade

You can’t go wrong with a good 4th of July parade. Altoona’s starts at 10am on July 4, rain or shine! It will begin at Venbury Drive then travel on 8th Street SW before turning north onto 3rd Avenue SE. Show up and get ready to cheer!
 
Afterward, head to Haines Park for a post-parade celebration! It will begin at approximately 11am, or whenever the parade has concluded. Stop by to enjoy live music, an ice cream social, food trucks, free inflatables, and cornhole (bring your own bags) until 3pm.
 
The new splash pad is open, so remember to bring swimsuits for the little ones!
 

Fireworks at Adventureland

fourth of july fireworks

Want another round of fireworks? Adventureland’s got you covered! They’re putting on a dazzling display the night of July 4—included with park admission. After riding coasters and waterslides for hours on end, it’s a surefire way to end the day with a BANG!
 

Live Racing at Prairie Meadows

live racing in altoona

Keep the party going into the weekend! Trot on over to Prairie Meadows for 4 days of live horse racing, Friday, July 5 through Monday, July 8.
 

Adventureland Festival of Decades

altoona's festival of decades

America isn’t the only one celebrating its history this weekend. Adventureland is reminiscing on 50 years of thrills! Their Festival of Decades kicks off on Saturday, July 6, returning each week through August 3.
 
Stop by for decade-themed concerts, special giveaways, all-new light shows and more! (This weekend is the 1970s, in case you were wondering.)
 

Live Music: Dick Danger Band & Ragdoll Incident

live music in altoona

End the Fourth of July weekend on a high note! Two bands will be taking the stage in Altoona on Saturday, July 6—Dick Danger Band and Ragdoll Incident. Click on each to view the event details!

Have a Safe & Happy Fourth of July, Altoona!

Happy Independence Day, Altoona! Whether you’re a local or visiting from somewhere else, we hope you have a BLAST celebrating the Fourth of July in our city. Stay safe and have fun!