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. around the Fourth of July. Grimes may add local limits.

Fireworks in Grimes, Iowa: Governor's Days and the Fourth of July

Q: Does Grimes, Iowa have fireworks?

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

Good news for a fireworks town: Grimes puts on not one but two shows a year, both at the same easy-to-find spot. Here is when to go, plus a plain-English take on Iowa's fireworks law.

The short version

Grimes has two fireworks shows, both at the South Sports Complex: one closing out Governor's Days in early June, and a separate Fourth of July show. Both typically start around 10 p.m.

The two shows

Grimes fireworks

Governor's Days fireworks - the finale of the town's June festival, at the South Sports Complex, around 10 p.m. on the Saturday of Governor's Days (the first weekend of June).
Fourth of July fireworks - a separate Independence Day show, also at the South Sports Complex, around 10 p.m., put on with the Grimes Chamber and Home Base Iowa.

Dates and times shift a little each year, so confirm the current year's schedule before you pack the chairs.

Nearby

Bigger metro shows

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

The law

When you can use your own

Under Iowa law, consumer fireworks may be used June 1 through July 8 and December 10 through January 3. Hours are generally 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., extended to 11 p.m. around the Fourth of July. Cities can add their own limits, so check the City of Grimes fireworks rules before you light anything.

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Sources: Governor's Days; City of Grimes and the Grimes Chamber; Iowa consumer fireworks law (Iowa Code 727.2) via the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. Dates and times change yearly, confirm the current schedule. Preview build, September 2026.

Where to see fireworks in Grimes, and when you can set off your own.

Grimes fireworks

Bigger metro shows

When you can use your own