There’s nothing quite like the 4th of July in Okoboji. With the boats going across the water, music drifting from the shorelines, and fireworks lighting up the night sky, this is where summer memories are made. Whether you’re staying up here for a couple days at a hotel or rental, or if you are spending the long weekend at your lake home, there’s no better place to be for the holiday!
Here’s everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable Independence Day in the Iowa Great Lakes along with a weekend event schedule.
Music, Dancing & Holiday Vibes
Live music is a huge part of the 4th of July energy in Okoboji. You’ll find tunes playing across town all weekend long—from acoustic lakefront sets to full-band performances under the stars. Check out local favorites like:
- Preservation Plaza at Arnolds Park
- The Okoboji Store
- Captain’s Getaway
- Barefoot Bar
- Oak Hill Outdoor
- Mullets
- And More!
No matter your style—rock, country, pop, or something in between—you’ll hear it here.
Fireworks Across the Lakes
A highlight every year, the Okoboji-area fireworks are truly something special. You’ll find multiple shows throughout the holiday, each offering its own spectacular view.
Some of the best views are by boat, but popular shoreline spots like Arnolds Park and Terrace Park Beach are also great options. Bring a blanket, grab a snack, and get ready for a show.
On the Water: Boating & Cruises
No Okoboji holiday is complete without lake time. Whether you’re looking to cruise, float, or paddle, there’s a boat rental or lake tour for you.
- Pontoons, jet skis, paddleboards, and more are available across the lakes
- Enjoy a classic ride aboard the Queen II Cruise
- Check out themed cruises like the Siesta Cruise or Dock Hop Cruises from Barefoot Bar
Pro tip: Reserve early—boats book fast over the 4th of July weekend!
Flea Markets & Local Finds
Looking for something unique? Spend a morning treasure hunting at one of the area’s flea markets. You never know what you’ll find—from antiques to handmade goods to the perfect souvenir.
- Vick’s Corner Flea Market – July 3–6
- Treasure Village Flea Market – July 4
- Dickinson County Fairgrounds Flea Market
Get there early for the best selection and bring cash just in case!
Classic Okoboji Adventures
Beyond the big events, Okoboji has all the ingredients for a perfect summer day:
- Take a spin on the Legend roller coaster at Arnolds Park
- Relax lakeside at Emerson Bay or Terrace Park Beach
- Ride or walk the scenic Iowa Great Lakes Trail
- Go mini golfing at Pirate’s Cove or Treasure Village
- Tee off at a local golf course
Whether you’re here with the whole family or catching up with friends, these local favorites are a great way to fill your days between fireworks and concerts.
Fourth of July Weekend Events
Thursday, July 3
- Antique Show & Flea Market at Vick’s Corner – 8am to 6pm
- The Queen II Public Cruise – 1pm
- Live Music: Mighty Nish Band at Barefoot Bar – 2:30pm
- The Queen II Public Cruise – 3pm
- The Queen II Public Cruise – 5pm
- Live Music: Sounds Fishy at Captain’s Getaway Rooftop – 5pm
- Rock the Roof: The Fabulous Fitty at the Majestic Pavilion – 5pm
- Siesta Cruise from Barefoot Bar – 5pm to 6:15 pm
- Big Nacho Karaoke at Barefoot Bar – 6pm
- West O Summer Beer Run – 6pm
- Live Music: Tanner Sovereign at Portside Pizza Pub – 6pm
- Live Music: Jeremy DeWall Band at Oak Hill Outdoor – 6pm to 9pm
- The Queen II Public Cruise – 7pm
- West O Trivia Night – 7pm to 9pm
- Live Music: PaperMoon at Pick’s Lakeshore Resort – 7pm to 9pm
- Live Music: The Schmidt Brothers Band at the Okoboji Store – 8pm to 11:45pm
- Live Music: The Fishheads at Mullets – 9pm
- Live Music: Grungepop at Captain’s Getaway – 9pm
Friday, July 4
- Antique Show & Flea Market at Vick’s Corner – 8am to 6pm
- 4th of July Flea Market at Treasure Village – 9am to 5pm
- The Queen II Public Cruise – 1pm
- Live Music: Keifer and Scott at the Okoboji Store – 1pm
- Live Music: The Blue Mountain Band – 2:30pm
- The Queen II Public Cruise – 3pm
- The Queen II Public Cruise – 5pm
- Live Music: Sounds Fishy at Captain’s Getaway Rooftop – 5pm
- Siesta Cruise from Barefoot Bar – 5pm to 6:15pm
- Barefoot Dock Hop Cruise – 6pm to 9pm
- Live Music: Tanner Sovereign at Portside Pizza Pub – 6pm
- Live Music: Jeremy DeWall Band at Oak Hill Outdoor – 6pm to 9pm
- The Queen II Public Cruise – 7pm
- Live Music: The Past Masters at Barefoot Bar – 7pm
- 4th of July Freedom Cruise from Barefoot Bar – 7pm to 10:30pm
- Pet Rock Concert at Preservation Plaza – 7:30pm to 10pm
- Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo Show at Okoboji Summer Theatre – 8pm to 10pm
- Live Music: The Schmidt Brothers Band at the Okoboji Store – 8pm to 11:45pm
- Live Music: Judd Hoos Plus Denham at Mullets – 9pm
- Live Music: Skitzo Fonik at Captain’s Getaway – 9pm to 11:45pm
- Live Music: Fishheads at Mullets – 9:30pm
- 4th of July Fireworks over West Lake Okoboji – 10pm to 10:30pm
Saturday, July 5
- Lakes Area Farmer’s Market – 7:30am to 12pm
- Antique Show & Flea Market at Vick’s Corner – 8am to 6pm
- Farmers Market in the Park – 8:30am to 12:30pm
- Live Music: Boon & Lambert at Farmers Market in the Park – 8:30am to 12:30pm
- Lake Affect Concert in Miller’s Bay – 12pm
- Live Music: Sounds Fishy at Mullets – 12:30pm to 4:30pm
- The Queen II Public Cruise – 1pm
- Shake the Lake Cruise from Barefoot Bar – 1pm to 4pm
- Live Music: Keifer & Scott at the Okoboji Store – 1pm
- Barefoot Dock Hop Cruise – 2pm to 5pm
- Barefoot Dock Hop Cruise – 3pm to 6pm
- Live Music: KC Cameron at Captain’s Getaway Rooftop – 4pm
- Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo Show at Okoboji Summer Theatre – 4:30pm to 6:30pm
- The Queen II Public Cruise – 5pm
- Live Music: Tanner Sovereign at Portside Pizza Pub – 6pm
- Karaoke at Oak Hill Outdoor – 6pm to 10pm
- The Queen II Public Cruise – 7pm
- Sunset Cruise from Barefoot Bar – 7pm to 10pm
- Jump! Van Halen Experience Concert at Preservation Plaza – 7:30pm to 10pm
- Live Music: Rebel Queens at the Okoboji Store – 8pm
- Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo Show at Okoboji Summer Theatre – 8pm to 10pm
- Live Music: Judd Hoos Plus Denham at Mullets – 9pm
- Live Music: Skitzo Fonik at Captain’s Getaway – 9pm to 11:45pm
- Fireworks over West Lake Okoboji – 10:00pm to 10:15pm
Sunday, July 6
- Antique Show & Flea Market at Vick’s Corner – 8am to 6pm
- The Queen II Public Cruise – 1pm
- Live Music: Keifer & Scott at the Okoboji Store – 1pm
- Live Music: Scott Kirkhart at Barefoot Bar – 2:30pm
- The Queen II Public Cruise – 3pm
- Live Music: Jacob Wittkamp & Rebecca Carlson at Nektar – 3pm
- Live Music: KC Cameron at Captain’s Getaway Rooftop – 4pm
- Live Music: Ryan Sather at Snappers Café – 4pm to 8pm
- The Queen II Public Cruise – 5pm
- Live Music: Sounds Fishy at Mullets – 5pm
- Siesta Cruise from Barefoot Bar – 5pm to 6:15 pm
- Live Music: Sunday Sunsets with Jason at the Ritz – 6pm
- The Queen II Public Cruise – 7pm
- Roots in Blue USAF Band of Mid-America Concert at Preservation Plaza – 7:30pm to 10pm
- Live Music: Finding Dixie at the Okoboji Store – 8pm
For more information on local Fourth of July events, visit Vacation Okoboji or feel free to contact one of us on the team at Okoboji Realty! Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!
Sources:
https://vacationokoboji.com/ultimate-guide-to-4th-of-july-in-okoboji/
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