Events

The best of the rest in central Iowa
By Cyote Williams

May
  • Through May 26: Blank Park Zoo’s Wild Lights Festival. Recurring Wednesday through Sunday, featuring nearly 50 handcrafted, larger-than-life, illuminated Asian lanterns. Blank Park Zoo 7401 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines; www.blankparkzoo.com/events/calendar/wild-lights-festival.
  • Recurring weekly until OCTOBER, Wednesday through Sunday: Des Moines Biergarten. Local brews, bikes and bands descend on Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines; www.facebook.com/DesMoinesBiergarten.
  • MAY 17-18: Spring Fling Renaissance Faire. The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow returns. Put on your best Renaissance-style outfit and fully immerse yourself in times of olde. Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Ave., Des Moines; www.sleepyhollowrenfaire.com.
  • MAY 17-18: 35th annual Iowa Metaphysical Fair. Services and goods related to spirituality at one of the country’s largest and oldest metaphysical fairs. Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines; www.iametaphysicalfair.com.
  • MAY 23-24: Celebrasian. Asian cultures, cuisine and music take over downtown. This weekend is packed full of entertainment for the whole family. Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des Moines; www.iowaasianalliance.com.
  • MAY 24: Decoration Day and Historic Baseball. Living History Farms celebrates the beginnings of Memorial Day with interpreters and demonstrators. A game of historical baseball ends the day. Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale; www.lhf.org.
  • MAY 30 to JUNE 1: Des Moines Con. Des Moines Con brings in tons of critically acclaimed artists, actors, superheroes, cartoons and all things nerdy to downtown Des Moines. Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St.; www.desmoinescon.com.
  • MAY 30: Touch A Truck. From dump trucks to fire trucks, you won’t find a “NO TOUCHING” sign here. From 5-7 p.m. at Windsor Heights Colby Park, 6900 School St.; www.windsorheights.org.
  • MAY 31: Shane Gillis. Gillis has been blowing up in popularity in the standup comedy scene. Two years ago, he performed at Hoyt Sherman Place; now, Gillis will be at Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third St., Des Moines; www.iowaeventscenter.com.

June
  • THURSDAYS IN JUNE: Ankeny Beats and Eats. Featuring drinks, food and entertainment for all ages. Ankeny Market and Pavilion, 715 W. First St.; www.ankenyiowa.gov.
  • JUNE 1: Cooper DeJean All-Star Charity Softball Game. Iowa native and now Super Bowl champion returns to Des Moines to host a charity softball game. Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines; www.milb.com/iowa.
  • JUNE 1: 15th annual Whirleythings Garden Art Show. An exciting evening for local art enthusiasts. Several mediums will be on display starting at noon at 4320 Franklin Ave., Des Moines; www.whirlythings.com.
  • JUNE 4-5: World Pork Expo. In a state with more pigs than people, it makes sense that the expo about all things pork would set up shop here. Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 East Grand Ave.; www.worldpork.org.
  • JUNE 5-7: Governors Days. A three-day festival in Grimes with food trucks, live entertainment and parade. Grimes South Sports Complex, 750 S. James St., Grimes; www.governorsdays.com.
  • JUNE 6: Wine and Craft Beer Fest. Altoona’s kickoff event for the summer at the Enabling Garden, 1050 First Ave. S., Altoona; www.altoonachamber.org.
  • JUNE 6-8: Greek Food Fair Festival. A weekend celebration of delicious food, music and dancing. 1110 35th St., Des Moines; www.facebook.com/StGeorgeDSM.
  • JUNE 6-8: Pride Fest. Des Moines’ 46th annual Pride celebration is back. Live music and dance performances, food vendors and drink tents take over Des Moines’ Historic East Village for the weekend; www.capitalcitypride.org/pride-fest.
  • JUNE 7: Iowa Craft Brew Festival. Three things on the schedule for the Iowa Craft Brew Festival: craft brews, food trucks, good times. Sounds good to us. Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines; www.iowacraftbrewfestival.com.
  • JUNE 7: Family Fest. Varying dance and magic performances, an alpaca visit, and even more fun for the whole family, all in one place starting at 11 a.m. City of Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road, Johnston; www.johnstontowncenter.com.
  • JUNE 7: Raccoon River Palooza. This free family event goes on rain or shine and is packed full of activities that all families can enjoy. Just like the name, the festival is at Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines; www.wdmchamber.org.
  • JUNE 10: CITYVIEW’s Summer Stir. Our traveling cocktail party is back in downtown Des Moines. Sample many of summer’s finest drinks at some of the area’s best bars and restaurants. Try 10 different drinks for only $25 with your online order ($35 at the door). Court Avenue District; www.summerstirs.dmcityview.com
  • JUNE 12: Iowa High School Sports Awards. Recognizing Iowa athletics by honoring the state’s top-performing athletes, coaches and teams. 7-9 p.m. Iowa Event Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines, Des Moines; www.hoytsherman.org.
  • JUNE 19-21: Johnston Green Days 2025. Johnston’s annual community celebration, complete with parade, carnival, tournaments and more. Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston; www.johnstongreendays.org.
  • JUNE 20: Grace For Addictions Summer Soirée. Jazz up the summer solstice and support a worthy cause at the Grace For Addictions Summer Soiree Fundraiser Gala. This event will feature music from the NOLA Jazz Band and the Ladybirds Trio. Chandelier DSM, 413 Euclid Ave.,  Des Moines; www.graceforaddictions.org.
  • JUNE 21: Pride Drag Brunch. A buffet-style drag brunch with the option to add on unlimited Mimosas or Bloody Mary drinks. Just bring some extra cash for tips. The Garden, 525 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines; www.grdn.com.
  • JUNE 21: Macksburg Skillet Toss. Grab your best throwin’ skillet and travel to Macksburg to see how you stack up against the best of the best. Macksburg City Park, Macksburg; www.macksburgskilletthrow.com.
  • JUNE 21: Neighbor’s Day Celebration. Hosted by the Iowa Juneteenth Organization. From noon to 6 p.m. at Western Gateway Park, 1000 Grand Ave., ​Des Moines; www.iowajuneteenth.org.
  • JUNE 21: Ankeny Pride Parade. The fourth annual Ankeny Pride Parade returns with food, fun and festivities throughout the evening. From 4-9 p.m., Ankeny Market and Pavilion, 715 W. First St.;
  • www.ankenypride.org.
  • JUNE 22: All Ages Drag Brunch. A great way to close out Pride Month with the entire family. Starting at 11 a.m. The River Center, 340 S.W. Third St., Des Moines; www.servdevents.com.
  • JUNE 27: Star Party at SCI. The Science Center of Iowa hosts an “out-of-this-world” space observation. Science Center staff and star gazing experts help patrons view the night sky through high-powered telescopes. 401 W. Martin Luther King Jr Parkway, Des Moines; www.sciowa.org.
  • JUNE 27-29: Interrobang Film Festival. Verified by IMDb, it includes a juried show, public showings and talkbacks with directors. Des Moines Public Library, 1000 Grand Ave., Des Moines; www.desmoinesartsfestival.org.

July
  • JULY 2-4: Urbandale 4th of July Celebration. Celebrating America, in Urbandale, all weekend long. 7404 Prairie Ave., Urbandale; www.urbandale4thofjuly.org.
  • JULY 3: Junction Street Party. Historic Valley Junction will host food, drinks and activities during the West Des Moines July 3rd Parade. 137 Fifth St., West Des Moines; www.valleyjunction.com.
  • JULY 3-4: Waukee Celebration of Independence. Annual celebration with parade, entertainment, fireworks display and more. Centennial Park in Waukee; waukee.org/777/Celebration-of-Independence.
  • JULY 4-6: Goodguys 34th Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals. A weekend with more than 5,000 of the Midwest’s finest 1999 and older hot rods, trucks, customs, muscle cars and classics. Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines; www.good-guys.com.
  • JULY 8-12: Dallas County Fair in Adel; www.dallascountyfair.com.
  • JULY 11: Star Party at SCI. The Science Center of Iowa hosts an “out-of-this-world” space observation. Science Center staff and star gazing experts help patrons view the night sky through high-powered telescopes. 401 W. Martin Luther King Jr Parkway, Des Moines; www.sciowa.org.
  • JULY 11-17: Marion County Fair in Knoxville; www.marioncofair.com.
  • JULY 11-13: Ankeny Summerfest. Enjoy fun in the sun with three days of music, carnival rides and delicious local food. The District at Prairie Trail, 1500 S.W. Main St., Ankeny; www.ankenysummerfest.com.
  • JULY 12-18: Polk County Fair at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines; polkcountyfairiowa.com.
  • JULY 13: Iowa Reptile Show. Gain access to thousands of reptiles, amphibians, feeders, invertebrates, supplies and more available to the public. Starting at 10 a.m. Hilton Garden Inn, 205 S. 64th St., West Des Moines; www.coldbloodedexpos.com.
  • JULY 16-20: Madison County Fair in Winterset; madisoncountyfair.net.
  • JULY 16-20: Story County Fair in Nevada;
  • www.sc-fair.weebly.com.
  • JULY 17-20: Boone County Fair in Boone; www.boonecountyfairia.com.
  • JULY 18-24: Jasper County Fair in Colfax;
  • www.jaspercofair.com.
  • JULY 18-19: Waukee Arts Festival. Four fantastic local music acts will perform at Waukee’s Arts Festival. ​​Centennial Park, Waukee; www.waukeeartsfestival.org.
  • JULY 18-19: Clive Festival. Clive’s community festival schedule is packed full of events, from music, fireworks, food, fun and, most importantly, a giant slip n’ slide. N.W. 114th Street in Clive; www.cityofclive.com/parkandrecreation/programs_and_events/clive_festival.php.
  • JULY 19-26: RAGBRAI. Des Moines’ largest bicycle ride takes over the entire state during its weeklong trek across Iowa. Overnight stops in Milford, Estherville, Forest City, Iowa Falls, Cedar Falls, Oelwein and Guttenberg. www.ragbrai.com.
  • JULY 27-28: Polk City Four Seasons Festival at the Polk City Square; www.4seasonsfest.com.
  • JULY 23-28: Warren County Fair in Indianola; www.warrencofair.com.
  • JULY 25: CITYVIEW’s Summer Stir. Our traveling cocktail party is back in downtown Des Moines. Sample many of summer’s finest drinks at some of the area’s best bars and restaurants. Try 10 different drinks for only $25 with your online order ($35 at the door). Court Avenue District; www.summerstirs.dmcityview.com
  • JULY 25 to AUG. 2: National Balloon Classic. Thousands of beautifully colored hot air balloons dot the skies of Indianola. Hop in one if you’re brave enough, but make sure to bring a camera to capture the spectacle. Memorial Balloon Field, 1136 150th Ave., Indianola; www.nationalballoonclassic.com.
  • JULY 26: Polo on the Green hosted by Variety - the Children’s Charity of Iowa. Powder River Ranch, 7988 Adams St., Cumming; www.poloonthegreen.com.
  • JULY 27: Parking Lot Madness. The fifth installment of this event will feature more than 50 vintage vendors, as well as local food vendors, entertainment and giveaways. The Picker Knows​ Antiques and Collectibles, 1208 Grand Ave., West Des Moines; www.facebook.com/ThePickerKnows

August
  • AUG. 7-17: Iowa State Fair. The biggest names in music hit the grandstand, award-winning livestock is yours to see, the giant slide begs to be ridden, and, best of all, crazy fair food creations are on every corner. A millions guests attend each year for good reason. Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines; www.iowastatefairgrounds.org.
  • AUG. 8-9: Adel Sweet Corn Festival. Corn. Corn. Corn. Hard to beat and great to eat. Get some here while experiencing some family fun. From 7:30 a.m. to midnight, downtown Adel; www.adelpartners.org.
  • AUG. 9: Star Party at SCI. The Science Center of Iowa hosts an “out-of-this-world” space observation. Science Center staff and star gazing experts help patrons view the night sky through high-powered telescopes. 401 W. Martin Luther King Jr Parkway, Des Moines; www.sciowa.org.
  • AUG. 22-24: World Food and Music Festival. This festival has received national acclaim on more than one occasion. Food and music from around the world are featured in Des Moines for this cultural festival. Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des Moines; www.dsmpartnership.com/worldfoodandmusicfestival.
  • AUG. 23: Ingersoll Live. Ingersoll’s block party is back with live entertainment, family-friendly fun, local vendors, food, drink and more. From 3-10 p.m. Along 2300 Ingersoll Ave.; www.theavenuesdsm.com.
  • AUG. 23: Wine and Cider Festival. Jasper Winery hosts the Wine and Cider Festival, much to the fruity beverage drinkers’ delight. Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines; www.jasperwinery.com.
  • AUG. 30 to SEPT. 1, 6-7, 13-14: Fall Faire Renaissance Faire. The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow returns. The park changes to immerse any and all comers into the olden days for two weekends full of fun. Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Ave., Des Moines; www.sleepyhollowrenfaire.com.

September
  • SEPT. 6-7: Flea Market. All types of goods to purchase from antiques to collectibles, home décor and so much more. 4-H building, Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines; www.iowastatefairgrounds.org.
  • SEPT. 13: Norwalk Music Fest. Selected musicians at this event are entirely from central Iowa. Add in food, games and a beer tent, and you have got yourself a day full of fun. Norwalk City Park, 907 North Ave., Norwalk; www.norwalkhometownpride.org/home.
  • SEPT. 14: Halfway to St. Pat’s Charity Car Show. The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick are holding a fundraising car show to benefit the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Bring your classic or unique vehicle. Registration is 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Trophies will be awarded at 3 p.m. Charlie’s Filling Station, 305 Grand Ave., West Des Moines; www.friendlysonsiowa.com.
  • SEPT. 14: Iowa Reptile Show. Speak directly with some of the top reptile breeders with access to thousands of reptiles, amphibians, feeders, invertebrates, supplies and more available to the public. Starting at 10 a.m. Hilton Garden Inn, 205 S. 64th St., West Des Moines; www.coldbloodedexpos.com.
  • SEPT. 19-20: Beaverdale Fall Festival. A community festival that includes food, drinks, art, commercial vendors and a variety of entertainment options. Downtown Beaverdale; www.fallfestival.org
  • SEPT. 19-21: Pufferbilly Days 2025. Rock the Rails is this year’s theme. At Pufferbilly Days, 30 different events happen over the weekend celebration, from concerts to spelling bees and almost everything in between. Downtown Boone, 903 Story St.; www.boonecountychamber.com.
  • SEPT. 20: Des Moines Art Center Gala. This year’s theme is “Chiaroscuro.” An evening of elegance to celebrate and support the DMAC. Krause Gateway Center, 1459 Grand Ave., Des Moines; www.desmoinesartcenter.org.
  • SEPT. 25-27: Des Moines Area Quilt Guild Quilt Show. There’s nothing like a handmade quilt. The Des Moines Area Quilters Guild hosts its annual quilt show at the Iowa State Fairgrounds 3000 E. Grand Ave.; www.woodsidequilting.com/dmaqg-quilt-show.htm.
  • SEPT. 26-27: Oktoberfest. They say if you bring the dirndl and lederhosen, they will supply the Bavarian beers, ’kraut and everything you need to get into the spirit. Sounds like a deal. Lauridsen Amphitheater, Des Moines Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Parkway; www.oktoberfestdsm.com.
  • SEPT. 27: Applefest. See how past cooks would prepare and serve apples, such as apple butter, cake, pie and cider. Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale; www.lhf.org.
  • SEPT. 27-28: Latino Heritage Festival. Celebrate Latino heritage with Latin food, music, dances and artists displays. Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des Moines; www.latinoheritagefestival.org.