When are the Grimes fireworks shows?

Grimes puts on two free shows a year, both at the South Sports Complex (750 SE James St.).

• Governor's Days fireworks: the finale of the town's June festival, on the Saturday of Governor's Days (the first weekend of June). In 2026 it was Saturday, June 6, 10 to 10:20 p.m., put on by the City of Grimes with the Grimes Area Chamber of Commerce. Bring lawn chairs.
• Fourth of July fireworks: a separate Independence Day show, also at the South Sports Complex, at dusk (around 10 p.m.), put on with the Grimes Chamber and Home Base Iowa.

For the July show, the Chamber's past listings say fireworks launch near the skate park, you can park throughout the complex except the blocked-off launch area, and St. Peter Lutheran across the street has parking, refreshments and restrooms. Organizers note the time and event are subject to change.

Dates and times shift a little each year, so confirm the current year's schedule before you pack the chairs. We'll post the 2027 dates when the Chamber lists them.

When can I set off fireworks in Grimes?

Only four days a year. The City of Grimes posted these hours on July 1, 2026:

Why those days: a 2025 state law (approved May 19, 2025) bars cities and counties from banning fireworks on July 3, July 4 and December 31, but lets them limit every other day. Grimes added July 2 and otherwise keeps the use window narrow. So the rest of the state's June and December season does not apply inside city limits. If you're outside Grimes, check that city or county's own rules.

What does Iowa law say about fireworks?

Iowa Code 727.2 sets the outer limits that every city works inside:

• Days: June 1 through July 8 and December 10 through January 3.
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., extended to 11 p.m. on July 4 and the Saturdays and Sundays right before and after it, and on the weekends right before and after December 31. On New Year's Eve, until 12:30 a.m.
• Where: only on your own property, or property whose owner has said yes.
• Age: you must be 18 to buy. Selling to, or buying as, someone under 18 is a simple misdemeanor with a fine of at least $250.
• Breaking a city limit: using consumer fireworks when the city's ordinance prohibits it is a simple misdemeanor, fine of at least $250.

Bigger metro shows

For a marquee event, Yankee Doodle Pops at the State Capitol (early July, with the Des Moines Symphony) is the downtown show, and Waukee and Johnston hold their own Fourth of July shows a short drive away.

Fireworks in Grimes: FAQ

Does Grimes, Iowa have fireworks?

Yes, two free shows a year, both at the South Sports Complex: one closing out Governor's Days in early June (Saturday, June 6, at 10 p.m. in 2026), and a separate Fourth of July show at dusk, typically around 10 p.m.

When can you set off fireworks in Grimes?

The City of Grimes allows consumer fireworks on July 2 from noon to 10 p.m., July 3 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and December 31 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. That is narrower than the state's season.

When can you set off fireworks in Iowa?

Iowa law allows consumer fireworks use June 1 through July 8 and December 10 through January 3, generally 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., extended to 11 p.m. on July 4 and the weekends around it and around New Year's Eve, and until 12:30 a.m. on New Year's Eve. Cities like Grimes can set narrower limits except on July 3, July 4 and December 31.

What is the fine for illegal fireworks in Iowa?

Using consumer fireworks when a city ordinance prohibits it is a simple misdemeanor with a fine of at least $250 under Iowa Code 727.2. Selling fireworks to someone under 18, or buying them while under 18, carries the same minimum fine.

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