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4thFest

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1. Where is the parade?

To see a map of the 4thFest parade, visit www.coralville.org/4thFestParade.

2. Where can I park for 4thFest?

Handicapped parking during 4thFest is available at the Recreation Center main parking lot, 1506 8th Street, which is the closest handicapped parking to the concert. This lot will be monitored. Volunteers will be in S.T. Morrison Park with golf carts to assist those who need a ride. There is also handicapped parking in the Coralville Community Aquatic Center parking lot, 1513 7th Street, and at Coralville City Hall, 1512 7th Street, with a hard surface path through S.T. Morrison Park that leads to the Recreation Center.  

General parking is available in the Town Center Parking Ramp at the corner of 5th Street and 12th Avenue, in the Northwest Junior High parking lot, in the Coralville Community Aquatic Center parking lot, and on area streets as permitted. Some spots at City Hall remain reserved for City Hall customers. Some street closures may be in effect beginning at approximately 9:00 am on July 4 and lasting until the parade ends.

3. When are the fireworks?

The fireworks start on July 4th at dark, typically after 9:35 pm, in S.T. Morrison Park.

4. Is the concert on July 3rd free?

Yes, it really is!

5. Are sparklers allowed at 4thFest?

Do not light sparklers in S.T. Morrison Park. They are a safety hazard (sparklers burn hot enough to cause third degree burns) and a fire hazard, and used sparklers left on the ground can cause injury when grass is mowed.

Sparklers are best used at your own risk on your own property under close adult supervision.

6. Are pets allowed at 4thFest?

Loud noises like fireworks or concerts, being in crowds, and the noise and activity of a parade may be overwhelming, frightening, or stress your pet. Please carefully consider your pet’s health and safety before bringing your pet to 4thFest.

Know the leash laws: Pets must be leashed at all times unless confined by a tether or within the owner’s enclosed property. Pets cannot be tied to public property, or off-leash in public spaces, even with the owner present. If you take your pet to 4thFest, it must be on a leash, under control of an adult at all times, and current with its rabies vaccines. Pets should always wear ID tags when leaving their owner's property.

7. Is smoking allowed at 4thFest?

No, you may not smoke in the park during 4thFest entertainment events. Under state law, the Smokefree Air Act prohibits smoking in almost all public places and enclosed areas within places of employment, as well as some outdoor areas. The law applies to outdoor entertainment events. “No Smoking” signs are posted throughout S.T. Morrison Park during 4thFest.

8. Are coolers allowed at the 4thFest concert? Can I bring alcohol?

Yes, coolers are allowed. Glass bottles are not allowed.  Alcohol is allowed in city parks if you are at least 21 years old; open containers can not leave the park.

9. Can I put up a pop up tent/canopy for the concert?

We're sorry, pop up canopies/tents are not allowed. Please do not put up anything that would block the view of the concert. Everyone seated behind you thanks you for your understanding!

10. Are grills allowed at 4thFest?

We're sorry, you may not bring your own grill to 4thFest due to safety reasons with the large number of people in attendance.  Feel free to pack a picnic or grab a bite of food from one of the vendors in S.T. Morrison Park on July 3rd and 4th, and enjoy the festivities!

11. What items are not allowed in the park during 4thFest?

For the safety and enjoyment of all, the following are not allowed in the park during large special events, except under permit with event organizers: 

• Grills
• Amplified music
• Smoking
• Open flames
• Glass bottles/containers

12. Are there seats in the park during 4thFest?

Feel free to bring lawn chairs and blankets to S.T. Morrison Park. Make yourself comfortable for the free concert on July 3, activities in the park on July 4, and fireworks on July 4. Some people may choose to arrive early and set up chairs in the park to reserve a spot for the concert on July 3. Please be respectful of other people's spots. S.T. Morrison Park is a large park with plenty of room for concert seating.

13. Where can I eat at 4thFest?

Food vendors set up in S.T. Morrison Park on July 3 from 2:00 pm until dark, and on July 4 from noon until dark. The vendor listing is available at www.coralville.org/4thFestEvents. Or, feel free to pack a picnic or bring a cooler. Check local restaurants for their 4th of July holiday hours.

14. Where are the restrooms?

Porta potties are available in S.T. Morrison Park (1513 7th St.) beginning the afternoon of July 3 and all day July 4.

City Hall (1512 7th St.) will be open for 4thFest information and restroom access on July 3 from 7:30 am-8:00 pm, and July 4 from 10:00 am-dark.

The Recreation Center (1506 8th St.) will be open with restroom access on July 3 from 7:00 am-5:00 pm, and July 4 from 9:00 am-9:00 pm.

15. The concert is loud. What can I do?

Sound amplification is part of the annual 4thFest concert so that the thousands in attendance can enjoy the music. Residents close to the park may be able to hear the concert on their property. We recognize that while some neighbors love the free music, others may not view it favorably. Rest assured that the concert typically ends before 11:00 pm, and a sound permit is filed with the City each year for the 4thFest concert. All sound permits are reviewed the Chief of Police, Building Official, and City Clerk.

16. I live on the 4thFest parade route. When will my street close?

Typically the parade route streets close by 9:00 am. If you need to go somewhere during the parade, plan to park your car on a non-parade street before then, and ask guests wishing to park in your driveway to arrive before 9:00 am.  Parade-goers start lining up at the curb early, so set out your own blankets/chairs early too. Enjoy the front row seats!

17. Who is in charge of 4thFest?

A volunteer committee organizes 4thFest, with support from City staff. Financial support from the City of Coralville, sponsors, donations, and a basket auction make the celebration possible.