The Parade begins at 10 a.m. from the Old City Hall on 70th Street north to Aurora Avenue finishing at 82nd and Aurora.
The parade will be running rain or shine this year. In the event of severe weather or lightning, the parade would be canceled and communicated out through the website and social media channels.
Details and registration about the fun run can be found at https://urbandale4thofjuly.org/information/
- July 2nd: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- July 3rd: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- July 4th: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Advanced ride tickets will be available for purchase beginning June 16.
Advanced ride tickets can be purchased through July 2nd noon and are available at Urbandale Hy-Vee and Medicap Pharmacy (Urbandale). Advanced ride ticket pricing is 25 tickets for $20.00. Starting July 2nd you can purchase ride tickets at the carnival at the regular price of $1.00/ea.
3 tickets for kids rides, 4 tickets for regular rides, 5 tickets for super rides
Event held at 5pm on July 4 at the Lions Park Tennis Courts.
July 4
Noon – Cribbage Tournament Registration at Senior Citizen Recreation Center
1pm – Bob Dabrieo Memorial Cribbage Tournament at Urbandale Senior Recreation Center
Free kids activities will be located in the northwest corner of Lion’s Park on July 2 and 3.
July 2: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
| Madison & Company Dance Studio – spin art, temporary patriotic and children themed tattoos, unicorn tails, beaded bracelets, fireworks craft, dot markers/crayons, and patriotic coloring pages |
| Urbandale Public Art Committee (UPAC) and Art is Rad – Contribute to a community-driven art installation! This interactive art project invites community members of all ages to participate in the creation of a collaborative piece that celebrates identity, imagination, and unity. Participants will decorate a popsicle stick figure to represent themselves, someone they admire, or a character that reflects their vision for the community—real or imagined. Each figure is a small but powerful symbol of individuality and belonging. Completed sticks will be added to an art board to create a collage background for a city emblem and donated for public display. |
| Iowa Wild – street hockey rink, prizes, and mascot appearance |
July 3: 5:00 – 8:00 PM
| Hovick Petting Zoo |
| Face painting by Rainbow Ray Face Painting |
| Mid Iowa Ghostbusters appearance |
Wednesday, July 2
Kick
The strongest name in rock music. The bare bones rock power trio consists of Adam Dooley on bass, Christian Hayden on drums, and Jake Kemble on lead guitar and vocals. The bans’s loud arena style performances are inspired by greats such as ACDC, Foo Fighters, Queen, Guns N Roses, Radiohead, Electric Light Orchestra, Rush, and many more.
**No coolers allowed inside the Beverage Garden
Thursday, July 3
Final Mix Show Band
Final Mix Show Band performing today’s hits and yesterday’s favorites. They are an international touring band, Asia, Europe, and across the USA.
**No coolers allowed inside the Beverage Garden
ATMS In Motion
Fyfe Concessions
Happi Lao Foods
Let’s Go Cookie Dough
May’s Snow & Glow
McConnell Concessions
Sabores De Mexico
TnT Concessions
Totally Rolled Ice Cream
Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee
Urbandale Lions Club
Urbandale/Johnston VFW Post 9668
Shot from the west side of Walker Johnston park at 10:00 pm. Rain date for fireworks is July 5th at 10:00 pm.
Area businesses parking lots will also be available. Douglas Avenue will be open during the fireworks show.
Details to be determined
Bingo Tent Hours:
July 2, 3: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
July 4: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
The Urbandale Schools and Alumni Foundation’s Fourth Annual U-Fest is slated to take place on Saturday, July 1, 2023 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Giovannetti Community Shelter at Walker Johnston Park. U-Fest is a fun, festive, family-friendly event featuring live music, food, drinks and prizes!
All proceeds will be for student scholarships and classroom grants. At last year’s U-Fest, roughly $5,000 was raised as part of the $23,000 awarded for classroom grants for Urbandale educators and $18,000 for scholarships for Urbandale students.
“We are looking forward to hosting another festive U-Fest event in support of our mission to enhance educational opportunities for Urbandale Community School District students, teachers and staff,” said Meribeth Haynes, president of the Urbandale Schools & Alumni Foundation. “U-Fest is a great opportunity for the community to enjoy a casual social environment together and alumni to reconnect.”
2024 Parade Float Winners
Best Overall – New Hope Assembly of God
Most Creative – A King’s Throne
Top Urbandale Business – Friedrichs Coffee
Parade
This 2 mile long parade is widely known throughout the Des Moines metro as the largest and most watched parade! Bring the family, stake out your spot and be prepared to interact with your local organizations, businesses, and collect lots and lots of candy!
Registration for this event can be found on the Information tab.
The parade will be running rain or shine this year. In the event of severe weather or lightning, the parade would be canceled and communicated out through the website and social media channels.
Fun Run
Since 1966, the William Courtney 5K Fun Run has been allowing runners the unique opportunity to race through the heart of Urbandale. This timed race starts at 7:30am on 86th Street in front of the Library and takes runners through a tour of the community’s bike paths, ending along the path behind the Library. The Race is followed up by the Chuck Silvey Kid’s Mile, and Gary Page Tot Trot where kids can show off their running skills with the chance to earn medals and prizes.
Registration for this event can be found on the Information tab.
Carnival
Bring the family out to the Carnival featuring rides by Sam’s Amusement. The 3 day Carnival features kiddie rides, a fun slide, old favorites like the Tilt a Whirl and thrill rides for the most adventurous!
Bags Tournament
Located at the Lions Park tennis courts on July 4.
Vendors/Concession
Urbandale’s 4th of July Celebration is a perfect time to enjoy a few days of fun, food and entertainment. Grab some comfort food, a quick meal with the family or indulge in your favorite sweet treat from one or all of our fantastic food vendors. They are located along Prairie Avenue between 71st street and 72nd street on the south side of Lions Park. This is a great time to celebrate together with friends and family at this three day long event packed with events, games, entertainment and delicious food. Check it out, we know you’ll love it.
Fireworks
Urbandale’s 4th of July Celebration highlights the end of the three day event with a magnificent fireworks show. A long-time tradition on the last night to perfectly end the celebration. The fireworks will be shot from the Walker Johnston Park. There’s nothing better than spending a warm summer night watching fireworks as we celebrate America’s Independence Day! Come see the show and don’t forget to buy a button.
Entertainment/Beverage Garden
Open on July 2nd and 3rd. Featuring a DJ and live entertainment each day.
Entertainment/Beverage Garden is open to ALL ages to come, sit, and enjoy entertainment. Must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol.
Bingo Tent
Join the Urbandale Lions Club to raise money for the community and win great prizes.
Cribbage Tournament
Police Command Post
Lions Park Splash Pad
The city is tentatively planning to have the splash pad open on July 2-4. The splash pad will turn off at 6pm.
Free Kids Events
July 2 and 3, bring the kids to Lion’s park for some free kid activities.