EXPLORE: Local Events
By Cyote Williams
The best of the rest. Festivals, farmers markets, parades, you name it, central Iowa’s got it.
Farmers’ markets
Des Moines Farmers’ Market. Located in the Historic Court District, it’s the largest farmers market in the state and operates every Saturday morning, 7 a.m. to noon, from May to October.
Ankeny Farmers’ Market. Operates every Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon, from May through September, at the Market Pavilion in Uptown Ankeny.
Valley Junction Farmers’ Market. Operates every Thursday evening, 4-8 p.m., from May to September, in Historic Valley Junction.
Altoona Farmers’ Market. Operates every Tuesday evening, 5-8 p.m., from June through August, at the Heritage Plaza in downtown Altoona.
Beaverdale Farmers’ Market. Operates every Tuesday evening, 4-7 p.m., from June through September at the Franklin Junior High parking lot.
Johnston Farmers’ Market. Operates every Tuesday evening, 5-8 p.m., from June through September, on the north side of the Johnston Town Center.
Indianola Farmers’ Market. Operates every Saturday morning, 8 a.m. to noon, from June through September, on the Indianola Square.
Waukee Farmers’ Market. Operates every Wednesday evening, 4-7 p.m., June through September at the downtown triangle.
May
MAY 2-29: 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
MAY 18-19: Spring Fling 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.
MAY 17-18: Comedy Xperiment.
Des Moines’ longest running improv troupe heads into its 17th year at the Stoner Theater, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines.
www.desmoinesperformingarts.org
MAY 18-19: 34th annual Iowa Metaphysical Fair. Featuring services and goods related to spirituality, metaphysics and holistic health, with more than 100 booths, galleries, workshops and lectures. Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines. www.iametaphysicalfair.com
MAY 18: John Crist. Comedian John Crist has performed his varying social media characters alongside his expert joke telling all over the world. Starting at 7 p.m. at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines. www.hoytsherman.org
MAY 18: Nate Bargatze. With multiple Netflix specials to his name and cementing his spot among the world’s top comedians in the past few years, Bargatze performs at 7 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena,
730 Third St., Des Moines.
www.iowaeventscenter.com
MAY 24: Beer In Hand Sand Volleyball Tournament. Played with an oversized volleyball, participants are required to have a drink in one hand at all times. Starts at 6 p.m. at BrickHouse Fitness, 86 Paine St., S.E., Bondurant,
www.thebrickhousefitness.com
MAY 24-25: Celebrasian. A weekend of Asian cuisine, music and entertainment. Vendors and performers will fill the area with an authentic celebration of Asian culture. Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des Moines. www.iowaasianalliance.com
MAY 25: Decoration Day and Historic Baseball. Living History Farms explores the origins of Memorial Day. Interpreters will demonstrate Decoration Day at 1 p.m. with a historical baseball game to close out the day. Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale. www.lhf.org
MAY 25: Strawberry Picking. Gather strawberries for some homemade jam, a strawberry pie, or whatever your heart may desire. Center Grove Orchard, 32835 610th Ave., Cambridge. www.centergroveorchard.com
MAY 26: A Finesse Family Cookout. “The Finesse” invites people to a soulful celebration where music and food fuse together for one great night. xBk, 1159 24th St., Des Moines. www.xbklive.com
MAY 31 - JUNE 2: Greek Food Festival. A weekend celebration of delicious food, music and dancing. 1110 35th St., Des Moines. www.facebook.com/StGeorgeDSM
MAY 31 - JUNE 2: Des Moines Con. A celebration of all things nerdy. From Marvel to Star Wars to LEGOs and around the universe and back, this Con has you covered. Hy-Vee Hall at Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines. www.desmoinescon.com
MAY 31: Summer Nights Live Street Party. Two nights of live music and local vendors. Free. Indianola Town Square, Indianola. www.indianolachamber.com
MAY 31: Touch A Truck. From dump trucks to fire trucks, if you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to sit in one, this is the chance. From 5-7 p.m. at Windsor Heights Colby Park, 6900 School St.
www.windsorheights.org
June
JUNE 1: Iowa Craft Brew Festival. Unlimited samples of the best brews and ciders Iowa has to offer. Not to mention plenty of food vendors, games and non-alcoholic options as well. Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines.
www.iowacraftbrewfestival.com
JUNE 1: Family Fest. Dance performances, acrobatic aerial displays and plenty of fun for the whole family (it is in the name after all). Starting at 11 a.m. City of Johnston, 6245 Merle Hay Road, Johnston. www.johnstontowncenter.com
JUNE 1-2: Iowa State Fair 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
JUNE 2: 14th 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 5-6: 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 E. Grand Ave. www.worldpork.org
JUNE 6: Tom Segura. The comedian returns to Des Moines just as much, if not more, of a worldwide hit as he was the year before. Starting at 7:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third St., Des Moines.
www.iowaeventscenter.com
JUNE 6: Chris D’Elia. While Segura will be at Wells Fargo Arena, another major player in the comedy scene will be starting his show at 8 p.m. at the Des Moines Performing Arts Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines. www.desmoinesperformingarts.org
JUNE 6, 13, 20, 27: Ankeny Beats and Eats. Recurring Thursdays featuring drinks, food and entertainment for all ages. Ankeny Market and Pavilion, 715 W. First St. www.ankenyiowa.gov
JUNE 6-8: 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 7: Wine and Craft Beer Fest. Plenty of samples of the best wine and craft beer Iowa has to offer, from 5-8 p.m. at the Enabling Garden, 1050 First Ave., S. Altoona. www.altoonachamber.org
JUNE 7-9: Pride Fest. There were more than 40,000 attendees at last year’s celebration. Live performances, food, drinks, all in the name of Pride. Historic East Village, Des Moines. www.capitalcitypride.org/pride-fest
JUNE 8: 4th annual Raccoon River Palooza. A full 12 hours of family-friendly fun, food, music and games. The summer festival will be at Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines.
www.wdmchamber.org
JUNE 9: Rumble Room Vintage Market. 16 vintage clothing and art vendors. Maggie’s Rumble Room, 1430 Second Ave., Des Moines. www.maggiesrumbleroom.com
JUNE 9: Pride Drag Brunch. Hosted by 2024’s Best Of Des Moines’ Best Drag Queen Karma Kills. Starting at 11 a.m. at The Conservatory, 315 E. Fifth St. Suite 2, Des Moines. www.theconservatoryev.com
JUNE 10: Antiques Roadshow. The widely popular PBS program “Antiques Roadshow” will visit Living History Farms. Must submit online for tickets. Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale. www.pbs.org
JUNE 10: Iowa High School Sports Awards. Watch the best up-and-coming athletes in the state receive their awards for their performances from the 2024-2025 season from 7-9 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines.
www.hoytsherman.org
JUNE 13-15: Johnston Green Days 2024. Johnston’s annual community celebration complete with parade, carnival, games and more. Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston. www.johnstongreendays.org
JUNE 15: Macksburg Skillet Toss. Think you can toss it with the best of them? If not, there’s still a parade. Macksburg City Park, Macksburg. www.macksburgskilletthrow.com
JUNE 15: The Barn Town Get Down will feature at least 50 breweries, meaderies and cideries from across the country. Barn Town Brewing, 9500 S.E. University Ave., Waukee. www.barntownbrewing.com
JUNE 15: Neighbor’s Day Celebration. Hosted by the Iowa Juneteenth Organization. From noon to 7 p.m. at Western Gateway Park, 1000 Grand Ave., Des Moines. www.iowajuneteenth.org
June 21: CITYVIEW’s Downtown Summer Stir. The traveling cocktail party is back again. Order a ticket and receive 10 drink tickets for use at participating locations. Downtown Des Moines,
www.summerstirs.dmcityview.com
JUNE 22: Cajun Fest. Get ready to put some south in your mouth. An all-day celebration of Cajun culture, from food to music and back to food again. Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines.
www.cajunfestiowa.com
JUNE 22: Ankeny Pride Parade. This will be the third installment of this parade with food, fun and festivities. From 4-9 p.m. at Ankeny Market and Pavilion, 715 W. First St. www.ankenypride.org
JUNE 23: 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
JUNE 23: All Ages Drag Brunch. The third annual All Ages Drag Brunch closes Pride Month out with this family-friendly event. Starting at 11 a.m., Decades Event Center, 1208 Grand Ave., West Des Moines.
www.capitalcitypride.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: Prairie Meadows All-American Extravaganza. Home to one of the most jaw-dropping fireworks displays in Iowa. 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona.
www.prairiemeadows.com
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 5-7: Goodguys 33rd Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals. Three days and 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 9-13: Dallas County Fair in Adel.
www.dallascountyfair.com
JULY 11-12: Over the Edge fundraiser. Participants get the chance to rappel off the Wells Fargo Arena to raise money for scholarships for scouting. Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third St., Des Moines. iowaeventscenter.com
JULY 12-18: Marion County Fair in Knoxville. www.marioncofair.com
JULY 12-14: Ankeny SummerFest. Three days of music, carnival rides, great local food and, of course, fun under the sun. The District at Prairie Trail, 1500 S.W. Main St., Ankeny. www.ankenysummerfest.com
JULY 17-21: Madison County Fair in Winterset. www.madisoncountyfair.net
JULY 17-21: Story County Fair in Nevada. www.sc-fair.weebly.com
JULY 18-21: Boone County Fair in Boone. www.boonecountyfairia.com
JULY 19-25: Jasper County Fair in Colfax. www.jaspercofair.com
JULY 19-20: Clive Festival. A community festival featuring the Clive fire department’s giant slip n’ slide, food vendors, live music and plenty of entertainment. N.W. 114th St., Clive. www.cityofclive.com/parkandrecreation/programs_and_events/clive_festival.php
JULY 19-20: Polk City Four Seasons Festival at Polk City Square.
www.fourseasonsfestival.com
JULY 19-20: Waukee Arts Festival. A weekend of great music and local art on display at Centennial Park in Waukee.
www.waukeeartsfestival.org
JULY 20: Water Lantern Festival. A beautiful display of water lanterns adorns Riverview Park alongside food trucks, live music and activities. Riverview Park,
710 Corning Ave., Des Moines.
www.waterlanternfestival.com/index.php
JULY 20-27: RAGBRAI. This annual bicycle ride across the state of Iowa draws participants from all over the country. Overnight stops in Glenwood, Red Oak, Atlantic, Winterset, Knoxville, Ottumwa, Mount Pleasant, Burlington. www.ragbrai.com
JULY 24-29: Warren County Fair in Indianola. www.warrencofair.com
JULY 25-28: Polk County Fair at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.
www.polkcountyfairiowa.com
July 26: CITYVIEW’s East Village Summer Stir. The traveling cocktail party is back again. Order a ticket and receive 10 drink tickets for use at participating locations. Historic East Village,
www.summerstirs.dmcityview.com
JULY 26 - AUG. 3: National Balloon Classic. Just look up. Thousands of beautifully colored hot air balloons adorn the skies of Indianola. Memorial Balloon Field, 1136 150th Ave., Indianola.
www.nationalballoonclassic.com
JULY 27: Polo on the Green hosted by Variety - the Children’s Charity of Iowa. Powder River Ranch, 7988 Adams St., Cumming. www.poloonthegreen.com
JULY 28: Parking Lot Madness. More than 50 vintage vendors will be at the fourth installment of this event. Not to mention local food vendors, entertainment and giveaways. The Picker Knows Antiques & Collectibles, 1208 Grand Ave., West Des Moines.
www.facebook.com/ThePickerKnows
August
AUG. 2: Grain Harvest Day. Help Living History Farms bring in the summer harvest. 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale. www.lhf.org
AUG. 8-18: Iowa State Fair. World-renowned names hit the grandstand, prized farm animals show their stuff, the giant slide beckons and mouthwatering food tempts at every turn. Iowa’s state fair is one of the best in the nation. Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines.
www.iowastatefairgrounds.org
AUG. 9-11: Mustangs at the Crossroads. A celebration of 60 years of the classic American muscle car, the Mustang. Holiday Inn, 6111 Fleur Drive, Des Moines.
www.mustangsatthecrossroads.org
AUG. 10: Adel Sweet Corn Festival. Corn is what Iowa is known for, and what better way to celebrate it than this all-day festival. From 7:30 a.m. to midnight around the city square. www.adelpartners.org
AUG. 23-24: Huxley Prairie Festival. “The prairiest festival around.” Railroad Park, Heart of Iowa Nature Trail, Huxley.
www.huxleyprairiefest.com
AUG. 23-25: World Food and Music Festival. The award-winning festival brings together two of life’s greatest offerings from all sides of the globe. Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des Moines. www.dsmpartnership.com/worldfoodandmusicfestival
AUG. 24: Ingersoll Live. The annual block party returns to host vendors of all kinds, live music and plenty of family-friendly fun. From 3-10 p.m. along 2300 Ingersoll Ave. www.theavenuesdsm.com
AUG. 24: Wine and Cider Festival. Get a taste of Iowa’s grape and apple harvest from more than 20 Iowa wineries and cideries. Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines. www.jasperwinery.com
September
SEPT. 6: Savannah Bananas. The Bananas bring their bananas style of baseball back to Des Moines. They tweak the rules of America’s favorite pastime, get the crowd involved and have tons of fun doing it. Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines. www.thesavannahbananas.com
SEPT. 6: Marc Maron. Maron has been an icon in the standup comedy and podcast scene for more than a decade. Starting at 8 p.m. at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines. www.hoytsherman.org
SEPT. 14: Applefest. Celebrate and sink your teeth into the apple harvest season. A full day of family fun and entertainment at Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale. www.lhf.org
SEPT. 14: Norwalk Music Fest. All participating musicians are from central Iowa. The fest will have food vendors, games, beer tent and activities. Norwalk City Park, 907 North Ave., Norwalk. www.norwalkhometownpride.org/home
AUG. 31 - SEPT. 2, 7-8, 14-15: Fall Renaissance Faire. The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow returns. The park changes to immerse attendees into the olden days for two weekends full of fun. Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Ave., Des Moines.
www.sleepyhollowrenfaire.com
SEPT. 20-21: Beaverdale Fall Festival. A community festival featuring food, drinks, art, commercial vendors and plenty of entertainment. Downtown Beaverdale. www.fallfestival.org
SEPT. 20-22: Pufferbilly Days 2024. More than 30 different events coincide during the Pufferbilly Days celebration. Everything from spelling bees to concerts, pet shows, car shows and more. Downtown Boone, 903 Story St. www.boonecountychamber.com
SEPT. 21-22: Latino Heritage Festival. An action-packed weekend for the largest celebration of Latino heritage in Iowa. Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des Moines. www.latinoheritagefestival.org
SEPT. 21: Des Moines Art Center Gala. This year’s theme is “Modern Dream.” An evening of elegance to celebrate and support the DMAC. Scottish Rite Consistory Building, 519 Park St., Des Moines.
www.desmoinesartcenter.org
SEPT. 26-27: Third Annual “Ron Don” Cigar, Bourbon & Brew Bash. The fun is in the name: cigars, bourbon and brews, with a pheasant hunt on day one. Country Lane Lodge, 29300 Prospect Circle, Adel.
www.rmhdesmoines.org
SEPT. 26-28: Des Moines Area Quilt Guild Quilt Show. You’ll be hard pressed to find something more comfortable to keep you warm than a homemade quilt. Luckily, this show has you covered. Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave. www.woodsidequilting.com/dmaqg-quilt-show.htm
SEPT. 27-28: Oktoberfest. To no one’s surprise, there will be a lot of beer. However, there’s plenty of fun to go around the entire weekend with food, music and competitions. Lauridsen Amphitheater, Des Moines Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Parkway. www.oktoberfestdsm.com
The best of the rest. Festivals, farmers markets, parades, you name it, central Iowa’s got it.
Farmers’ markets
Des Moines Farmers’ Market. Located in the Historic Court District, it’s the largest farmers market in the state and operates every Saturday morning, 7 a.m. to noon, from May to October.
Ankeny Farmers’ Market. Operates every Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon, from May through September, at the Market Pavilion in Uptown Ankeny.
Valley Junction Farmers’ Market. Operates every Thursday evening, 4-8 p.m., from May to September, in Historic Valley Junction.
Altoona Farmers’ Market. Operates every Tuesday evening, 5-8 p.m., from June through August, at the Heritage Plaza in downtown Altoona.
Beaverdale Farmers’ Market. Operates every Tuesday evening, 4-7 p.m., from June through September at the Franklin Junior High parking lot.
Johnston Farmers’ Market. Operates every Tuesday evening, 5-8 p.m., from June through September, on the north side of the Johnston Town Center.
Indianola Farmers’ Market. Operates every Saturday morning, 8 a.m. to noon, from June through September, on the Indianola Square.
Waukee Farmers’ Market. Operates every Wednesday evening, 4-7 p.m., June through September at the downtown triangle.
May
MAY 2-29: 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
MAY 18-19: Spring Fling 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.
MAY 17-18: Comedy Xperiment.
Des Moines’ longest running improv troupe heads into its 17th year at the Stoner Theater, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines.
www.desmoinesperformingarts.org
MAY 18-19: 34th annual Iowa Metaphysical Fair. Featuring services and goods related to spirituality, metaphysics and holistic health, with more than 100 booths, galleries, workshops and lectures. Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines. www.iametaphysicalfair.com
MAY 18: John Crist. Comedian John Crist has performed his varying social media characters alongside his expert joke telling all over the world. Starting at 7 p.m. at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines. www.hoytsherman.org
MAY 18: Nate Bargatze. With multiple Netflix specials to his name and cementing his spot among the world’s top comedians in the past few years, Bargatze performs at 7 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena,
730 Third St., Des Moines.
www.iowaeventscenter.com
MAY 24: Beer In Hand Sand Volleyball Tournament. Played with an oversized volleyball, participants are required to have a drink in one hand at all times. Starts at 6 p.m. at BrickHouse Fitness, 86 Paine St., S.E., Bondurant,
www.thebrickhousefitness.com
MAY 24-25: Celebrasian. A weekend of Asian cuisine, music and entertainment. Vendors and performers will fill the area with an authentic celebration of Asian culture. Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des Moines. www.iowaasianalliance.com
MAY 25: Decoration Day and Historic Baseball. Living History Farms explores the origins of Memorial Day. Interpreters will demonstrate Decoration Day at 1 p.m. with a historical baseball game to close out the day. Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale. www.lhf.org
MAY 25: Strawberry Picking. Gather strawberries for some homemade jam, a strawberry pie, or whatever your heart may desire. Center Grove Orchard, 32835 610th Ave., Cambridge. www.centergroveorchard.com
MAY 26: A Finesse Family Cookout. “The Finesse” invites people to a soulful celebration where music and food fuse together for one great night. xBk, 1159 24th St., Des Moines. www.xbklive.com
MAY 31 - JUNE 2: Greek Food Festival. A weekend celebration of delicious food, music and dancing. 1110 35th St., Des Moines. www.facebook.com/StGeorgeDSM
MAY 31 - JUNE 2: Des Moines Con. A celebration of all things nerdy. From Marvel to Star Wars to LEGOs and around the universe and back, this Con has you covered. Hy-Vee Hall at Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines. www.desmoinescon.com
MAY 31: Summer Nights Live Street Party. Two nights of live music and local vendors. Free. Indianola Town Square, Indianola. www.indianolachamber.com
MAY 31: Touch A Truck. From dump trucks to fire trucks, if you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to sit in one, this is the chance. From 5-7 p.m. at Windsor Heights Colby Park, 6900 School St.
www.windsorheights.org
June
JUNE 1: Iowa Craft Brew Festival. Unlimited samples of the best brews and ciders Iowa has to offer. Not to mention plenty of food vendors, games and non-alcoholic options as well. Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines.
www.iowacraftbrewfestival.com
JUNE 1: Family Fest. Dance performances, acrobatic aerial displays and plenty of fun for the whole family (it is in the name after all). Starting at 11 a.m. City of Johnston, 6245 Merle Hay Road, Johnston. www.johnstontowncenter.com
JUNE 1-2: Iowa State Fair 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
JUNE 2: 14th 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 5-6: 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 E. Grand Ave. www.worldpork.org
JUNE 6: Tom Segura. The comedian returns to Des Moines just as much, if not more, of a worldwide hit as he was the year before. Starting at 7:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third St., Des Moines.
www.iowaeventscenter.com
JUNE 6: Chris D’Elia. While Segura will be at Wells Fargo Arena, another major player in the comedy scene will be starting his show at 8 p.m. at the Des Moines Performing Arts Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines. www.desmoinesperformingarts.org
JUNE 6, 13, 20, 27: Ankeny Beats and Eats. Recurring Thursdays featuring drinks, food and entertainment for all ages. Ankeny Market and Pavilion, 715 W. First St. www.ankenyiowa.gov
JUNE 6-8: 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 7: Wine and Craft Beer Fest. Plenty of samples of the best wine and craft beer Iowa has to offer, from 5-8 p.m. at the Enabling Garden, 1050 First Ave., S. Altoona. www.altoonachamber.org
JUNE 7-9: Pride Fest. There were more than 40,000 attendees at last year’s celebration. Live performances, food, drinks, all in the name of Pride. Historic East Village, Des Moines. www.capitalcitypride.org/pride-fest
JUNE 8: 4th annual Raccoon River Palooza. A full 12 hours of family-friendly fun, food, music and games. The summer festival will be at Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines.
www.wdmchamber.org
JUNE 9: Rumble Room Vintage Market. 16 vintage clothing and art vendors. Maggie’s Rumble Room, 1430 Second Ave., Des Moines. www.maggiesrumbleroom.com
JUNE 9: Pride Drag Brunch. Hosted by 2024’s Best Of Des Moines’ Best Drag Queen Karma Kills. Starting at 11 a.m. at The Conservatory, 315 E. Fifth St. Suite 2, Des Moines. www.theconservatoryev.com
JUNE 10: Antiques Roadshow. The widely popular PBS program “Antiques Roadshow” will visit Living History Farms. Must submit online for tickets. Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale. www.pbs.org
JUNE 10: Iowa High School Sports Awards. Watch the best up-and-coming athletes in the state receive their awards for their performances from the 2024-2025 season from 7-9 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines.
www.hoytsherman.org
JUNE 13-15: Johnston Green Days 2024. Johnston’s annual community celebration complete with parade, carnival, games and more. Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston. www.johnstongreendays.org
JUNE 15: Macksburg Skillet Toss. Think you can toss it with the best of them? If not, there’s still a parade. Macksburg City Park, Macksburg. www.macksburgskilletthrow.com
JUNE 15: The Barn Town Get Down will feature at least 50 breweries, meaderies and cideries from across the country. Barn Town Brewing, 9500 S.E. University Ave., Waukee. www.barntownbrewing.com
JUNE 15: Neighbor’s Day Celebration. Hosted by the Iowa Juneteenth Organization. From noon to 7 p.m. at Western Gateway Park, 1000 Grand Ave., Des Moines. www.iowajuneteenth.org
June 21: CITYVIEW’s Downtown Summer Stir. The traveling cocktail party is back again. Order a ticket and receive 10 drink tickets for use at participating locations. Downtown Des Moines,
www.summerstirs.dmcityview.com
JUNE 22: Cajun Fest. Get ready to put some south in your mouth. An all-day celebration of Cajun culture, from food to music and back to food again. Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines.
www.cajunfestiowa.com
JUNE 22: Ankeny Pride Parade. This will be the third installment of this parade with food, fun and festivities. From 4-9 p.m. at Ankeny Market and Pavilion, 715 W. First St. www.ankenypride.org
JUNE 23: 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
JUNE 23: All Ages Drag Brunch. The third annual All Ages Drag Brunch closes Pride Month out with this family-friendly event. Starting at 11 a.m., Decades Event Center, 1208 Grand Ave., West Des Moines.
www.capitalcitypride.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: Prairie Meadows All-American Extravaganza. Home to one of the most jaw-dropping fireworks displays in Iowa. 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona.
www.prairiemeadows.com
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 5-7: Goodguys 33rd Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals. Three days and 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 9-13: Dallas County Fair in Adel.
www.dallascountyfair.com
JULY 11-12: Over the Edge fundraiser. Participants get the chance to rappel off the Wells Fargo Arena to raise money for scholarships for scouting. Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third St., Des Moines. iowaeventscenter.com
JULY 12-18: Marion County Fair in Knoxville. www.marioncofair.com
JULY 12-14: Ankeny SummerFest. Three days of music, carnival rides, great local food and, of course, fun under the sun. The District at Prairie Trail, 1500 S.W. Main St., Ankeny. www.ankenysummerfest.com
JULY 17-21: Madison County Fair in Winterset. www.madisoncountyfair.net
JULY 17-21: Story County Fair in Nevada. www.sc-fair.weebly.com
JULY 18-21: Boone County Fair in Boone. www.boonecountyfairia.com
JULY 19-25: Jasper County Fair in Colfax. www.jaspercofair.com
JULY 19-20: Clive Festival. A community festival featuring the Clive fire department’s giant slip n’ slide, food vendors, live music and plenty of entertainment. N.W. 114th St., Clive. www.cityofclive.com/parkandrecreation/programs_and_events/clive_festival.php
JULY 19-20: Polk City Four Seasons Festival at Polk City Square.
www.fourseasonsfestival.com
JULY 19-20: Waukee Arts Festival. A weekend of great music and local art on display at Centennial Park in Waukee.
www.waukeeartsfestival.org
JULY 20: Water Lantern Festival. A beautiful display of water lanterns adorns Riverview Park alongside food trucks, live music and activities. Riverview Park,
710 Corning Ave., Des Moines.
www.waterlanternfestival.com/index.php
JULY 20-27: RAGBRAI. This annual bicycle ride across the state of Iowa draws participants from all over the country. Overnight stops in Glenwood, Red Oak, Atlantic, Winterset, Knoxville, Ottumwa, Mount Pleasant, Burlington. www.ragbrai.com
JULY 24-29: Warren County Fair in Indianola. www.warrencofair.com
JULY 25-28: Polk County Fair at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.
www.polkcountyfairiowa.com
July 26: CITYVIEW’s East Village Summer Stir. The traveling cocktail party is back again. Order a ticket and receive 10 drink tickets for use at participating locations. Historic East Village,
www.summerstirs.dmcityview.com
JULY 26 - AUG. 3: National Balloon Classic. Just look up. Thousands of beautifully colored hot air balloons adorn the skies of Indianola. Memorial Balloon Field, 1136 150th Ave., Indianola.
www.nationalballoonclassic.com
JULY 27: Polo on the Green hosted by Variety - the Children’s Charity of Iowa. Powder River Ranch, 7988 Adams St., Cumming. www.poloonthegreen.com
JULY 28: Parking Lot Madness. More than 50 vintage vendors will be at the fourth installment of this event. Not to mention local food vendors, entertainment and giveaways. The Picker Knows Antiques & Collectibles, 1208 Grand Ave., West Des Moines.
www.facebook.com/ThePickerKnows
August
AUG. 2: Grain Harvest Day. Help Living History Farms bring in the summer harvest. 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale. www.lhf.org
AUG. 8-18: Iowa State Fair. World-renowned names hit the grandstand, prized farm animals show their stuff, the giant slide beckons and mouthwatering food tempts at every turn. Iowa’s state fair is one of the best in the nation. Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines.
www.iowastatefairgrounds.org
AUG. 9-11: Mustangs at the Crossroads. A celebration of 60 years of the classic American muscle car, the Mustang. Holiday Inn, 6111 Fleur Drive, Des Moines.
www.mustangsatthecrossroads.org
AUG. 10: Adel Sweet Corn Festival. Corn is what Iowa is known for, and what better way to celebrate it than this all-day festival. From 7:30 a.m. to midnight around the city square. www.adelpartners.org
AUG. 23-24: Huxley Prairie Festival. “The prairiest festival around.” Railroad Park, Heart of Iowa Nature Trail, Huxley.
www.huxleyprairiefest.com
AUG. 23-25: World Food and Music Festival. The award-winning festival brings together two of life’s greatest offerings from all sides of the globe. Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des Moines. www.dsmpartnership.com/worldfoodandmusicfestival
AUG. 24: Ingersoll Live. The annual block party returns to host vendors of all kinds, live music and plenty of family-friendly fun. From 3-10 p.m. along 2300 Ingersoll Ave. www.theavenuesdsm.com
AUG. 24: Wine and Cider Festival. Get a taste of Iowa’s grape and apple harvest from more than 20 Iowa wineries and cideries. Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines. www.jasperwinery.com
September
SEPT. 6: Savannah Bananas. The Bananas bring their bananas style of baseball back to Des Moines. They tweak the rules of America’s favorite pastime, get the crowd involved and have tons of fun doing it. Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines. www.thesavannahbananas.com
SEPT. 6: Marc Maron. Maron has been an icon in the standup comedy and podcast scene for more than a decade. Starting at 8 p.m. at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines. www.hoytsherman.org
SEPT. 14: Applefest. Celebrate and sink your teeth into the apple harvest season. A full day of family fun and entertainment at Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale. www.lhf.org
SEPT. 14: Norwalk Music Fest. All participating musicians are from central Iowa. The fest will have food vendors, games, beer tent and activities. Norwalk City Park, 907 North Ave., Norwalk. www.norwalkhometownpride.org/home
AUG. 31 - SEPT. 2, 7-8, 14-15: Fall Renaissance Faire. The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow returns. The park changes to immerse attendees into the olden days for two weekends full of fun. Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Ave., Des Moines.
www.sleepyhollowrenfaire.com
SEPT. 20-21: Beaverdale Fall Festival. A community festival featuring food, drinks, art, commercial vendors and plenty of entertainment. Downtown Beaverdale. www.fallfestival.org
SEPT. 20-22: Pufferbilly Days 2024. More than 30 different events coincide during the Pufferbilly Days celebration. Everything from spelling bees to concerts, pet shows, car shows and more. Downtown Boone, 903 Story St. www.boonecountychamber.com
SEPT. 21-22: Latino Heritage Festival. An action-packed weekend for the largest celebration of Latino heritage in Iowa. Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des Moines. www.latinoheritagefestival.org
SEPT. 21: Des Moines Art Center Gala. This year’s theme is “Modern Dream.” An evening of elegance to celebrate and support the DMAC. Scottish Rite Consistory Building, 519 Park St., Des Moines.
www.desmoinesartcenter.org
SEPT. 26-27: Third Annual “Ron Don” Cigar, Bourbon & Brew Bash. The fun is in the name: cigars, bourbon and brews, with a pheasant hunt on day one. Country Lane Lodge, 29300 Prospect Circle, Adel.
www.rmhdesmoines.org
SEPT. 26-28: Des Moines Area Quilt Guild Quilt Show. You’ll be hard pressed to find something more comfortable to keep you warm than a homemade quilt. Luckily, this show has you covered. Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave. www.woodsidequilting.com/dmaqg-quilt-show.htm
SEPT. 27-28: Oktoberfest. To no one’s surprise, there will be a lot of beer. However, there’s plenty of fun to go around the entire weekend with food, music and competitions. Lauridsen Amphitheater, Des Moines Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Parkway. www.oktoberfestdsm.com