Good morning, Des Moines.

Urbandale celebrated the 4th of July on July 2 at Lions Park with carnival rides, games, and live music.

Families enjoyed the festive atmosphere plus community spirit all evening.

Fireworks displays will celebrate the Fourth of July and 250 years of America across the metro, with Yankee Doodle Pops beginning tonight at West Terrace (1007 E.

Grand Ave) and more shows scheduled in Ames, Altoona and beyond on Saturday.

Ecologist John Pearson of the Iowa DNR said Iowa was once 28 million acres of tall grass prairie with 7 million acres of forest and savanna in 1776, supporting rich wildlife and native cultures.

Only a tiny fraction remains today.

A new Iowa Drought Monitor report released July 2 shows 45% of the state in drought after a late-June heat wave raised moderate drought in western areas.

Showers and thunderstorms are forecast for later today and tonight, which may ease the conditions across central Iowa.

The Clive Police Department’s crisis intervention team will remain active after City Council approved changes on Thursday, June 25 that increased state funding by $30,000 annually and shifted the mental health responder role in-house — ensuring the team can effectively respond to mental health and domestic calls.

Iowa DNR has warned that 11 state beaches are not recommended for swimming over the July 4 weekend due to high E. coli and algae levels, so visitors should check current water quality reports before heading out.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!

Rooftop Yoga Experience

12-1:30 p.m. — The Shop DSM - Event Center — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a refreshing rooftop yoga session alongside local brand pop-ups.

Final Frontier Tour: Journey Live Concert

7:30 p.m. — Iowa Events Center — Tickets from 61 € — Experience an unforgettable night with Journey at the renowned Iowa Events Center.

Early Childhood Music Exploration

10:00 – 10:30 AM — Hoyt Sherman Place — Free entry — Kids explore music through singing, movement, and creative play.

Sammy Obeid: Dessert in Des Moines

7:30-9 p.m. — The River Center — Tickets required — Immerse yourself in a night of hilarity with Sammy Obeid's unique blend of wit and storytelling.

Western Gateway Outdoor Handmade Show

8 a.m.-6 p.m. — Western Gateway Park — Free entry — Explore vibrant handmade crafts and experience the spirit of creativity in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Legally Blonde Musical

7:30-10:00 p.m. — Des Moines Community Playhouse — Tickets required — Experience the vibrant journey of Elle Woods as she challenges stereotypes in pursuit of love and self-discovery.

Garden Bros Nuclear Circus

1-4 p.m. — Merle Hay Mall — Tickets from $29 — Experience an unforgettable circus performance for the whole family.

Rooftop Yoga

7:30-8:30 p.m. — The Shop DSM - Event Center — In person — Enjoy an hour of relaxation and revitalization under the open sky.

Community Craft Night: Fuse Beads

6:00-7:30 p.m. — North Side Library — Free entry — Spend an evening creating designs with Perler beads in a welcoming atmosphere.

Glizzys at the Grove: National Hot Dog Day

4-9 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Hot dog specials available all night — Savor gourmet glizzys and enjoy live music from The Sheet.