Free Summer Outdoor Events with Des Moines Performing Arts
Des Moines Performing Arts is back for the second year of FREE summer outdoor events and programming for families all over Des Moines, Iowa. This fun series introduces families to different parks and venues in different areas of Des Moines. In addition, it gives families of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to experience family-friendly, multi-generational arts and cultural events. The best thing is all performances are free! Take a look at all the upcoming free outdoor events and programming happening this summer.
All events have been added to our free, extensive event calendar. Plan your week of Des Moines fun!
Yogapalooza with Bari Koral
Catch a concert in Downward Dog! Beloved recording artist and kids yoga educator Bari Koral presents Yogapalooza! Bari and her excellent band will take kids and families on rockin’ music and movement adventure.
Friday, June 24
6 PM – Jamie Hurd Amphitheater – West Des Moines
Saturday, June 25
11 AM – Lauridsen Amphitheater, Water Works Park – Des Moines
Bees by Polyglot Theatre
Explore a buzzing, humming hive of activity, as three human-sized Bees busy themselves in the creation of a community alongside children who transform into bees as they play. The bees are fascinating, strange, and beautiful, traversing invisible pathways and mapping delicate patterns across the performance space.
Thursday, July 7
10 AM, 11:30 AM, 2 PM, 3:30 PM – Des Moines Sculpture Park – Des Moines
Friday, July 8
10 AM, 11:30 AM, 2 PM, 3:30 PM – Haines Park – Altoona
Saturday, July 9
10 AM, 11:30 AM, 2 PM, 3:30 PM – Centennial Park – Waukee
Sunday, July 10
10 AM, 11:30 AM, 2 PM, 3:30 PM – Walker Johnston Park – Urbandale
Bindlestiff Family Cirkus
Since 1995, BINDLESTIFF FAMILY CIRKUS co-founders Stephanie Monseu and Keith Nelson have traveled the world, bringing a unique hybrid of vaudeville, circus, and sideshow spectacle to theaters, clubs, colleges, and festivals. An evening of jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, plate spinning, sword swallowing, brain twisters, and other risk-taking feats set to live music, combine to create an interactive evening of fun for the entire family.
Thursday, July 21
11 AM, 1 PM, 6:30 PM – Racoon River Park – West Des Moines
Friday, July 22
11 AM, 1 PM, 6:30 PM – Union Park, Des Moines
Saturday, July 23
11 AM, 1 PM, 6:30 PM – Wagner Park, Ankeny
Sunday, July 24
11 AM, 1 PM, 6:30 PM – Walker Johnston Park – Urbandale
Noah Sonie Magic
Noah Sonie is a Magician based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. His performance style blends numerous mediums including Magic, Mind Reading, and Hypnosis to create an abstract and engaging show that will leave an audience laughing and astonished. Noah Sonie brings an Energetic, Youthful, and Creative presence to any event.
Friday, August 5
2 PM – Drake Park – Des Moines
5:30 PM – Dewey Park – Johnston
Saturday, August 6
11 AM – Pearson Park – West Des Moines
2 PM – Haines Park – Altoona
Sunday, August 7
11 AM – Centennial Park – Waukee
2 PM – Pete Crivaro Park – Des Moines
Justin Roberts and Inez Barlatier
Join Justin Roberts and Inez Barlatier for free, live music in the park.
Justin (acoustic guitar/vocals/songwriter) grew up in Des Moines, IA where he would wander aimlessly collecting autumn leaves on his way to school sometimes showing up very late for class. He was quickly dubbed the “absent-minded professor” by his kindergarten teacher. Justin has played many instruments over his lifetime. Make sure you come to see him perform in Des Moines!
Miami native, Inez Barlatier is a multifaceted performer of Ayisyen (Haitian) descent. In Ayiti: Stories and Songs from Haiti, she celebrates Haitian art and culture through energetic drumming and singing, colorful costumes and traditional dances, folktales, and visual art. Songs and phrases in Creole explore themes of community and gratitude.
Friday, August 26
6 PM – Ankeny Band Shell, Wagner Park – Ankeny
Saturday, August 27
11 AM – Lauridsen Amphitheater, Water Works Park – Des Moines
Sonic Butterfly
Sonic Butterfly is a 26-string acoustic, chromatic, long-string harp designed by Andrea Brook. The strings are at minimum 60ft long and span out over the audience, transforming indoor and outdoor theaters, buildings, and natural environments into a stunning immersive musical instrument. The 2 resonating chambers have butterfly-shaped projection screens or LED wings creating a visual, musical experience.
All performances will be held at Cowles Commons in Downtown Des Moines.
Thursday, September 15
6:30 PM
Friday, September 16
12 PM, 3 PM, 6:30 PM
Saturday, September 17
10 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM
