Who needs a holiday weekend away? Especially when the Fourth of July falls smack-dab in the middle of the week on a Wednesday. Why travel? Stick around home and celebrate Independence Day in the Iowa City area.
Festivals
4thFest
S.T. Morrison Park
1513 7th St., Coralville
Enjoy a classic take on Independence Day with a parade and family fun, including face painting and more!
Freedom Festival
Various locations in Cedar Rapids
This multi-week festival ends with a car show, concert and a performance by the Five Season ski team.
Activities
Tot Time
Mercer Park Aquatic Center
2107 Bradford Dr., Iowa City
9 to 11:30 a.m.
Free roller skating
Mercer Park Aquatic Center
2107 Bradford Dr., Iowa City
Noon to 4 p.m.
Free Rides at Upper City Park
200 Park Road
Free amusement rides from 1 to 7 p.m., and carnival games from 1 to 3 p.m.
Eastern Iowa Brass Band
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
210 Parkside Dr., West Branch
Come see Iowa’s only brass band perform a free concert from 2 to 3 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair!
Firecracker 4th Antique Show
3890 C. St., Amana
Shop a variety of antiques, jewelry and more.
Iowa City Farmers Market
405 E. Washington St., Iowa City
5 to 7 p.m.
Create and take home a fruit pizza and other patriotic prizes.
Cedar Rapids Kernels
Veterans Memorial Stadium
5:05 p.m.
Come out to the ballpark for face painting, fireworks, and an evening dedicated to military heroes.
Swimming and splashing
City Park Pool
200 Park Road, Iowa City
Admission will be half-off all day, and kids are invited to chalk the pool deck.
Coralville Aquatic Center
Holiday hours 1 to 6 p.m.
North Liberty Aquatic Center
Holiday hours 12 to 6 p.m.
View our more detailed guide of Iowa City area pools and splash pads.
Local Lakes
Terry Trueblood Recreation Area
579 McCollister Boulevard, Iowa City
Walk the trail, picnic, fish or enjoy the water with a rented canoe or kayak.
Lake Macbride State Park
3525 Highway 382 NE, Solon
Bring a picnic and hike the park, then cool off with a swim or boat rental.
Coralville Lake
4 miles north of Iowa City
Enjoy a beach, along with fishing, picnicking and playground amenities.
Fireworks
The best finale to any Fourth of July festivity is a dazzling fireworks spectacular. View our list of area displays.
