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: 12:00 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 3 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 – 8:00 PM
July 3: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday, July 2
Back to Vinyl
Back to Vinyl was created out of a mutual love of 70’s and 80’s rock. Based out of the greater Des Moines area, Back to Vinyl’s setlists contain music from classic 70’s arena anthems, hard-hitting 80’s hits, and down-home southern rock standards. Utilizing a wide variety of music in their repertoire allows the band to tailor their setlist to best match each performance’s needs. Comprising of individuals that have performed in a variety of professional settings, the band’s members are formidable individually and unstoppable together.
Thursday, July 3
Jordan Beem
Jordan Beem is a rising country artist out of Des Moines, IA, earning major recognition across the Midwest. He was nominated for Male Country Artist of the Year at the Josie Music Awards, voted 2024 IMA Country Music Artist of the Year, and named the 2023 Midwest Country Music Organization New Artist of the Year.
Rooted in the Des Moines live music scene, Jordan delivers a high-energy, crowd-driven show alongside powerhouse drummer John Griffiths. He has opened for LANCO, Austin Williams, David Nail, Jason Brown, Brad Morgan, The Pork Tornadoes, Hannah Dasher, Hunter Girl, Tyler Richton, Not Quite Brothers, and more.
Jordan has performed across multiple states at major events and venues including the Iowa State Fair, Iowa Speedway, Lakes Jam & WeFest (MN), Wooly’s in Des Moines, plus countless county fairs, rodeos, festivals, and clubs.
Blending country, classic rock, and modern pop, Jordan’s sound continues to connect with diverse audiences. His debut single “Iowa Skies” sparked early momentum, followed by “That’s Just Livin’ in the USA” and “Drinking with the Devil,” both seeing continued success on Midwest country radio.
Vendors TBD
Shot from the west side of Walker Johnston park at 10:00 pm. Rain date for fireworks is July 5th at 10:00 pm.
This year, a selection of food trucks will be parked in the library parking lot from 7-11 PM on the 4th
Area businesses parking lots will also be available. Douglas Avenue will be open during the fireworks show.
2. Joe McChurch
3. Sam Sinram
4. Orvil Sausfield
5. Bob Hanes
Bingo Tent Hours:
July 2: 4:00pm – 9:00pm
July 3 and 4: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
2025 Parade Float Winners
Best Overall – Latitudes RV Resort
Most Creative – Lawn Jockeys
Top Urbandale Business – Hawkeye Bin Cleaning
WHO 13 Coverage of the Parade
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!
The parade will also be broadcast on WHO13+ app. 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 3.
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 Area
Open on July 2nd and 3rd. Featuring a DJ and live entertainment each day.
Entertainment/Beverage Area 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. This depends on the status of the irrigation ban. The splash pad will turn off at 6pm.
Free Kids Events
Bring the kids to Lion’s park for some free kid activities.
Urbandale Historical Society Ice Cream Social
Kick off your 4 th of July celebration with ice cream, pie, entertainment and children’s activities
on the lawn of the Olmsted-Urban House. Sunday June 28, 2026, 1-4pm at 4010 – 70 th Street.
The Ice Cream Social is an annual fundraising event for your Urbandale Historical Society.
House and barn open for tours. $10 suggested donation.