Carnivals & Festivals in Des Moines 2022
One of our favorite things to do each summer in Des Moines, Iowa is to visit all the fun carnivals and festivals. Whether you are looking for food trucks, beer gardens, carnival games, live music, or just some community love, here is a giant list to keep you busy. Make sure you also check our event calendar for dates.
Pella Tulip Festival
May 5-7
Pella Historical Village
Pella is beautiful and unique all year long, but at Tulip Time it comes alive with tulips, Dutch attire, parades, food, fun, and more. Thousands of residents wear Dutch attire and celebrate our Dutch heritage. Three days each spring, Pella becomes the Netherlands to Pella residents and visitors alike. Plan your trip with this schedule of events.
Governors Days
June 9-11
Grimes South Sports Complex
Admission is free.
Complete with concerts, parades, carnivals, car shows, and much, much more; Governors Days has something for everyone. This grand community event is headed up by a vibrant group of dedicated volunteers and organized with the help of Grimes Chamber & Economic Development. Take a look at the full schedule of events.
Make sure you attend the Grand Parade on Saturday, June 11! Des Moines Parent is sponsoring and will be leading the way.
Newtonfest
June 9-11
Newton, Iowa
NewtonFest, the weekend that celebrates the best of Newton, is coming together for 2022. Take a look at the full schedule of events.
Johnston Green Days
June 16-19
Terra Park
Admission is free.
Johnston Green Days is an annual community celebration held in Johnston, Iowa, at Terra Park. Green Days 2022 activities include Jammin’ in Johnston a Business Expo, the parade, carnival, and live entertainment in the beverage garden.
ArtFest Midwest
June 25 & 26
Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Iowa Events Center
Admission is free.
Visit ArtFest Midwest 2022, Iowa’s largest fine arts festival!Â
Held during Arts Week in Des Moines, ArtFest Midwest is a free fine art show that features Iowa, regional, and national artists. Over 125+ artists participate during the festival, varying in mediums and styles.
They will have over 125+ artists exhibiting and selling unique pieces, artist demonstrations, food, drinks, kids’ interactive art activities, and more!Â
Located in the Iowa Events Center, Hall A & Community Credit Choice Union Level 300
Des Moines Arts Festival
June 24-26
Friday + Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Western Gateway Park
Admission is free.
The Des Moines Arts Festival® is a multi-day Festival that adds vibrancy to Central Iowa by creating opportunities for people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds to celebrate the arts. Plan your trip to this annual event with the schedule of events.
80/35 Music Festival
July 8-9
80/35 is back in 2022! Do not miss this 2-day event featuring non-profit music in beautiful downtown Des Moines. This year’s line-up is great. Take a look at the schedule and purchase tickets on the 80/35 website. Get $5 off tickets using code HUMMINGBIRD at checkout.
Ankeny Summerfest
July 8-10
Celebrate Ankeny presented by Karl Chevrolet and in partnership with Ankeny SummerFest complete with a coloring contest, bands, and fireworks. View complete details.
Clive Festival
July 15-16
Greenbelt Landing at the Clive Aquatic Center
The 46th annual tradition will take place at the Greenbelt Landing at the Clive Aquatic Center. The Clive Festival will have activities for everyone including “Thunder Over Clive Fireworks”(both evenings at 10:00 p.m.). Live music, the popular Fire Department’s Slip-N-Slide, Clive Running Festival, and plenty more FUN!
Four Seasons Festival
July 16
2 to 6 p.m.
Located in the Polk City town square.
Admission is free.
The Four Seasons Festival is held annually in July in Polk City, Iowa. Each year, the Festival features familiar favorites and new activities, including Live Music, Friday Night Bike Night, Beer Garden, 5K Run, Kids Fun Run, Parade, Bill Riley Talent Search, Classic Car Show, FREE Children’s Activities, Food Vendors, and MUCH MORE! All ages are welcome to this family-friendly event. Take a look at the full schedule.
National Balloon Classic
July 29 – August 6
Located in Indianola at the Balloon Field.
View the full schedule and ticket prices on the National Balloon Classic website.
For 9 days in the Summer 100+ hot air balloons from around the country fill the sky with brilliant colors and charming special shapes. Do not miss a moment of excitement as skilled pilots compete for points and prizes while dazzling guests below. Great family fun and incredible entertainment value await; take in all the sights and sounds such as live music nightly, fabulous food and beverage options, Kids Land activities, fireworks, skydivers, and more! Buy a balloon ride for a one-of-a-kind view and prepare to be awestruck as dark skies come alive with a mystical glow during Dawn Patrols and Nite Glows.
Iowa State Fair
August 11-21
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Mark your calendars for the biggest and best fair of all, the Iowa State Fair! 11 days filled with food, fun, and more.
Adel Sweet Corn Festival
August 13
The Adel Sweet Corn Festival is a community event celebrating summer. The event is held on the second Saturday in August in downtown Adel and includes sweet corn, activities, music, and more for the whole family.
Glow Wild
September 24
3 to 8 p.m.
Jester Park
Glow in the dark climbing wall, giant yard games, beer and other beverages, horse-drawn wagon rides, canoeing, an insect zoo, hands-on crafts, airbrush face painting, s’ mores, towering bonfire, live music, and much more! Take a look at the Glow Wild website for the full schedule and purchase tickets.
