July 4th Fireworks, Parades In West Des Moines and Metro

Fourth of July celebrations in the metro start well before the big day.

Here's a rundown of area highlights, both in and around West Des Moines, to help you plan your week.

JULY 2

Urbandale: "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow" is the theme of the city's 95th annual event, find the full schedule online. The midway and carnival open today at 5 p.m. in Lions Park; a teen street dance with a DJ runs from 8 to 11 p.m. at 71st Street and Aurora Avenue.

JULY 3

West Des Moines: "Stars and Stripes Forever" is the theme of this year's Independence Day parade, which will start at 6:30 p.m. at Valley West Drive and Ashworth Road, head east onto Vine Street to Fifth Street, and end at Fifth and Maple streets in Valley Junction.

: The evening will feature live music, food and kids' activities in Railroad Park and the 100 block of Fifth Street, running from 6 to 11 p.m. The Tony Valdez Large Band plays from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. The beverage garden and food vendors are open from 5 to 11 p.m.

Yankee Doodle Pops: The Des Moines Symphony's 18th annual Yankee Doodle Pops - a John Williams American Spectacular! - begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 3. This free patriotic concert event is perfect for the whole family. Bring your picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs to the State Capitol Grounds in Des Moines.

Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to hear a prelude concert by the Turner Center Jazz Orchestra. The evening ends with a fireworks display over downtown Des Moines.

Urbandale: Midway and carnival open at 5 p.m.; Wilder Side Band and Karoake from 6 to 8 p.m.; Jack "Sparky" Gooding Bike Ride at 6 p.m.; Street Dance with Boomerang from 8 to 11 p.m.

JULY 4

West Des Moines: The West Des Moines Community Band performs from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Conflower Shelter in Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

Following the concert enjoy the fireworks display over Blue Heron Lake. Start time about 9:45 p.m.

Urbandale: Pancake breakfast at 7 a.m.; 5K and other runs from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.; Parade starts at 10 a.m. at old city hall on 70th Street; Midway and Carnival opens at noon; Jazz in July performance from 5 to 6:30 p.m.; Urbandale Community Adult Band at 7 p.m.; fireworks at 10 p.m. at the west side of Walker Johnston Park.

Waukee: A fun run sponsored by Waukee Boy Scout Troop 178 begins at 8 a.m. at . You can still enter; download a form here. Entry fees are $10 for the kids' one-mile race and $20 for the 5K before July 1. On race day, the kids' run is $15 and the 5K is $25.

After the race, head to the old Waukee Elementary School at Fifth and Locust streets for the July 4th parade starting at 2 p.m. The parade ends in the Waukee Middle School parking lot.

When the parade ends, make your way to  for fun and entertainment for the whole family from 6 to 9:30 p.m. At dusk, lay down a blanket or unfold your lawn chair and enjoy the fireworks display.