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/
We are sorry the weather did not cooperate, and we were unable to run the 2022 Urbandale 4th of July Kid’s races. However, the good news is your child is now registered for the 2023 race on Tuesday July 4th, 2023. You do not need to fill out a new registration. You are ready to run in 2023. See you then.
Carnival Hours: noon-11pm on July 2, 3, and 4
Advanced ride tickets can be purchased through July 1st 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
Special Event: Monday, July 3 – In addition to individual tickets, wristbands will also be sold from 1pm-5pm for $25. Wristband good for all rides from 1pm-5pm.
6pm July 3 at 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
Kids activities will be located in Lion’s Park on July 2 and 3 from 4-7pm. More details to come!
Sunday, July 2
Jana West & RetroSpect Videos
RetroSpect may be a new band to the metro but some of their band members are not. Jana West was the front woman for Abby Normal and she and her husband Tim have returned to the music scene. RetroSpect is a classic rock cover band with a playlist full of 70s and 80s rock hits you know and love.
The Swing Crew Videos
Fun is the bottom line with this interactive, acoustic band. The shows feature a wide variety of music, audience participation, jokes, stunts, cornball humor and toasts. The Swing Crew performs a wide variety of music. They play classic rock, country, pop, swing, “island beat” and about any other genre you could possibly come up with. They play whatever gets the crowd going. So if you want to hear something in particular just ask them, they most likely know it.
**No coolers allowed inside the Beverage Garden
Hy-Vee will be offering the following options in our entertainment garden this year: Busch Light, Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Truly lemonade, Exile Ruthie, and Exile Zoltan.
Monday, July 3
Kelsie James Videos
Kelsie James is a sixteen-year-old singer/songwriter from Urbandale, Iowa. She has spent her whole life writing, performing, and being entirely consumed in the world of music. In the past year Kelsie has performed at Roof Garden Ballroom, xBk, the Iowa State Fair, 80/35 Music Festival and has now released her first EP Songs About Daisies in February 2023. James’ music is vulnerable, emotional, and raw, as well as inspired by music of the 70s. Like her favorite artists, such as Taylor Swift, she does not like to be defined as one genre or style. Kelsie James wants her music to speak for itself.
Standing Hampton Videos
Standing Hampton is a high powered tribute to the hottest Rock icons of all time! For over twenty-two years, Standing Hampton has been entertaining 70s & 80s Classic Rock fans across the Midwest, performing at countless festivals, town celebrations, casinos, special events, and clubs. In addition Standing Hampton has shared the stage with many national acts including Rick Springfield, Cheap Trick, Eddie Money, Night Ranger, Little River Band, April Wine, Head East, Firehouse, and Janey Lane.
**No coolers allowed inside the Beverage Garden
Hy-Vee will be offering the following options in our entertainment garden this year: Busch Light, Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Truly lemonade, Exile Ruthie, and Exile Zoltan.
Totally Rolled Ice Cream – Rolled Ice Cream, Water
TnT Concessions – Bloomin’ Onion, Greater Taters, Fried Pickels, Cheese Curds, Onion Rings, Hot Dogs, Chicken Strips, Pop, Water, Lemonande
Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee – Iced and Frozen Coffees, Hot Specialty Coffees
Madison & Company Dance Studio – Literature, Spin Art, Crafts, Tattoos
Fyfe Concessions – Corn Dogs, Cheese Curds, Cheese on a Stick, Grinders, Italian Beef, Tenderloins, Pizza Burger, Pizza Bread, Fries, Funnel Cake, Fried Twinkies, Oreos and Candy Bars, Cupcakes, Water, Pop
May’s Snow & Glow – Shaved Ice, Frozen Chocolate Cheese Cake, Bottled Water, Dipped Frozen Bananas, Glowing Novelties, frozen Snickers
Urbandale Lions Club – Bingo, Kid’s Fish Pond
ATMS In Motion – Cash ATM Machine
McConnell Concessions – Rootbeer, Floats, Coke Products, Lemonade, Corn Dogs
Urbandale/Johnston VFW Post 9668 – Soft Serve Ice Cream, Hot Dogs, Pizza, Pop, Water, Ice Tea, Lemonade
Sabores De Mexico – Tacos, Burritos, Tamales, Chilaquiles, Mexican Pop, Nachos, Fostadas Quesadillas, Rice Bowl
Happi Lao Foods – Laotian Egg Rolls, Crab Rangoons, Fried Rice, Fried Noodles, Shish Kabobs, Fruit Cups, Bottled Water, Pop, Fried Pineapple and Taro
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.
The pie eating contest will be held on July 3 at 6pm in Lions Park by the main stage.
Bingo Tent Hours:
July 2, 3, and 4
Noon to 9pm (or later if we have plenty of players)
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.”
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.
We are sorry the weather did not cooperate, and we were unable to run the 2022 Urbandale 4th of July Kid’s races. However, the good news is your child is now registered for the 2023 race on Tuesday July 4th, 2023. You do not need to fill out a new registration. You are ready to run in 2023. See you then.
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 3.
Cribbage Tournament
Kids Events
July 2 and 3, bring the kids to Lion’s park for some free kid activities.
Pie Eating Contest
Bingo Tent
Join the Urbandale Lions Club to raise money for the community and win great prizes.
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.
U-Fest
The Urbandale Schools and Alumni Foundation’s Fourth Annual U-Fest is slated to take place on Saturday, July 1, 2023