Some of my favorite childhood memories involve sunny summer mornings sitting curbside along parade routes impatiently waiting for the loud boom to mark the start of the parade. My oldest is no different. He loves a good parade – the chase of tootsie rolls, the gleaming red fire engines, the sound of high school bands playing their school song. For our household, it wouldn’t be summer if it didn’t involve a parade!
I’ve put together a guide to parades in Des Moines and Central Iowa for this summer!
Make sure you add one (or three) to your summer bucket list for 2018!
Grimes Governors Days Grande Parade – June 9 @ 10 a.m.
Johnston Green Days Parade – June 16 @ 10 a.m.
Urbandale 4th of July Parade – July 4 @ 10 a.m.
Pleasant Hill 4th of July Parade – July 4 @ 9:30 a.m.
Waukee 4th of July Parade – July 4 @ 3 p.m.
Ames 4th of July Parade – July 4 @ 11 a.m.
Slater 4th of July Parade – July 4 @ 10 a.m.
Minburn 4th of July Parade – July 4 @ 9 a.m.
Ankeny SummerFest Parade – July 14 @ 9 a.m.
Polk City Four Seasons Parade – July 21 @ 10 a.m.
Altoona 150 Parade – July 28 @ 10 a.m.
Iowa State Fair Moments Parade – August 8 @ 6:15 p.m.
Adel Sweet Corn Festival Parade – August 11 @ 9:30 a.m.
Granger Days Parade – August 25 @ 10 a.m. (this is unofficial, details are unconfirmed)
Dallas Center Fall Festival Parade – August 25 @ 10 a.m. (this is unofficial, details are unconfirmed)
Beaverdale Fall Festival Parade – September 15 @ 10 a.m. (this is unofficial, details are unconfirmed)
Did we miss your favorite? Send us an email at {info) at {desmoinesmomsblog} dot {com} to get yours added!
*We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.