Are you making your 4th of July plans yet? Maybe you’re a planner who likes to figure it all out ahead of time. Or maybe you’re like me and you tend to decide the day of. Either way, I’ve put together a list of some of the great festivals that are going on around the Corridor over Independence Day weekend. To make things easy, I’ve also included a schedule of fireworks! If you’re planning to do a little grilling, be sure to check out our favorite grilling recipes, and if you’re hosting or going to a party we’ve got you covered with our list of favorite 4th of July recipes! I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating with your family!
Festivals:
4th Fest, July 3rd-6th in Coralville. This annual festival takes place in S.T. Morrison Park and features a carnival, food, free concerts, a parade on the 4th, and fireworks on the 4th.
Iowa City Jazz Festival, July 3rd-5th in Iowa City. This annual festival takes place downtown Iowa City and features amazing jazz musicians, culinary row, a beverage garden, a Fun Zone for kids, and fireworks on July 5th.
Freedom Festival, June 19-24 in Cedar Rapids. This is an annual 2-week festival celebrating America’s birthday. It features over 70 family-friendly events leading up to the “largest fireworks show in Iowa” on July 4th.
Shiloh’s Independence Day Celebration, July 3rd in Kalona. This event takes place at Shiloh Amphitheater in Kalona. It features food, live music, family activities, and fireworks. Cost: $5/car for parking.
Eastern Iowa Brass Band, July 4th @ 2:00 p.m. at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library. Eastern Iowa Brass Band will perform a concert on the front lawn of the Hoover Museum. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. In case of inclement weather concert will be held in the Hoover Auditorium.
Wellman 4th of July Celebration, July 4th in Wellman. This small-town celebration features a 5k run/walk, parade, family activities, food, music, and fireworks.
Fireworks:
Thursday, July 3rd
Cedar Rapids Boat Club (Dusk at Ellis Boat Harbor) ***Cancelled due to high river levels. Rescheduled for September 6th.
Kalona (Shiloh Amphitheater at 9:00 p.m.)
Friday, July 4th
Coralville (S.T. Morrison Park at Dark)
Cedar Rapids Kernels (After the baseball game)
Cedar Rapids (Downtown at 9:45 p.m.)
Hills (Ballpark at Dusk)
Wellman (9:35 p.m.)
Saturday, July 5th
Iowa City (Pentacrest at 9:30 p.m.)
Cedar Rapids Kernels (After the baseball game)
*Do you know of a great fireworks show or festival that didn’t make the list? Please leave a comment with the link for more information and I’ll get it added!
*Images courtesy of Microsoft Office Stock Photos
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Wellman hosts what I like to think the Old-fashion, All-American holiday. Imagine the 4th of July about 40-50+ years ago. Parade, tractor pull, games at the park, live music, food trucks/stands, and of course a great firework show. Check out:
http://www.cityofwellman.com/news/wellman-july-4th-2014-celebration-schedule
for all the details.
Thanks for the info, Christy! Got it added to the list!
Oxford Junction, Iowa is planning a 4th of July celebration with a parade, kids games and activities, water ball fights, fried chicken dinner, flag ceremony and then fireworks at dusk! It’s a little bit of a drive but well worth it!!