By Sofia Legaspi Dickens

When it comes to summer festivals, communities in the area put their own twists on the fun. Enjoy the feeling of hometown goodness at these summer celebrations.

GOVERNORS DAYS
Thursday- Saturday, June 8-10
Grimes South Sports Complex, 750 S. James St., Grimes
business.grimesiowa.com/events/details/governors-days-2023-1751
Summer will be “in full bloom” in Grimes when Governors Days rolls around. This premier summer event incorporates all the ingredients for an exciting family-friendly event, including a talent show, parade and carnival.

BONDURANT SUMMERFEST
June 12-13
Downtown Bondurant
www.facebook.com/BonduMensClub
Enjoy the 49th annual Summerfest with family, friends and neighbors each day 6-10 p.m. Summerfest includes a parade, carnival, food, games, vendors, raffle, silent auction, fireworks and more for making summer-fun memories.

GREEN DAYS FESTIVAL
June 15-18
Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston
johnstongreendays.org
This three-day celebration includes an array of events, including Jammin’ in Johnston a Business Expo, parade, carnival, and live entertainment in the beverage garden. From the opening ceremony and its crowning of the King and Queen of Green, to the fireworks spectacle and headlining entertainment, Green Days offers all a hometown festival can.

FOUR SEASONS FESTIVAL
July 14-15
Polk City Square
fourseasonsfestival.com
The historic Polk City Square is the focal point of the Four Seasons Festival, which is highlighted by family activities and games, beer garden, live music (six concerts by regional favorites), fun run, parade, car show and much more.

NORWALK 4TH OF JULY
July 4
City Park, 907 North Ave.
www.norwalkchamber.org/fourth-of-july
Celebrate Norwalk 4th of July with a parade, live music, beer garden, yard games, vendors, food trucks and fireworks when dusk falls.

URBANDALE 4th OF JULY CELEBRATION
July 2-4
Lions Park, 72nd Street and Aurora Avenue
urbandale4thofjuly.org
Bring your family and celebrate Independence Day in Urbandale — the largest celebration in the Des Moines metro area. This long-standing tradition includes a 2-mile-long parade, a premier carnival, entertainment garden, live music as well as a variety of other activities capped off with a magnificent fireworks show. The fireworks will be shot from Walker Johnston Park.

WAUKEE’S CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENCE
July 3-4
Centennial Park
www.waukee.org/777/Celebration-of-Independence
Waukee’s biggest celebration of the year includes sand volleyball and bags tournaments, a movie in the park, pancake breakfast, parade, live music, the Des Moines Skydivers and fireworks.

CLIVE FESTIVAL
July 21-22
Greenbelt Landing
cityofclive.com/parkandrecreation/programs_and_events/clive_festival.php
Enjoy something for everyone, including the “Thunder Over Clive” fireworks, live music, the popular Clive Fire Department Slip-N-Slide, a running festival, food trucks and more on the east side of N.W. 114th Street in Clive.

NATIONAL BALLOON CLASSIC
July 28-Aug. 5
Memorial Balloon Field, 15335 Jewell St., Indianola
www.nationalballoonclassic.com
This spectacular celebration takes your eyes to the skies as pilots from all over the world suspend more than 100 hot air balloons accompanied by live music, food vendors, balloon rides, fireworks and much more.

ADEL SWEET CORN FESTIVAL
Aug. 12
adelpartners.org/sweet-corn-festival
Celebrate an Iowa summertime staple, sweet corn, at this annual feast in which tons of free corn are consumed. Also enjoy family fun, entertainment, a 5K run, car show, street party and the largest parade in Dallas County. n