Raccoon River Palooza 2024 – FREE Fun for the Whole Family!
Mark your calendars and save the date for the 4th Annual FREE Raccoon River Palooza presented by Superstorm Restoration at Racoon River Park on Saturday, June 8 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and the City of West Des Moines have been busy planning the Raccoon River Palooza which will bring a day of FREE fun for the entire family.
Not only is the Raccoon River Palooza bringing together our amazing community, but a portion of proceeds will also benefit the Athene Pedestrian Bridge project, which is currently underway. This beautiful structure will tie together Walnut Woods State Park and Brown’s Woods with Raccoon River Park.
Live Music
This year’s Raccoon River Palooza will feature LIVE MUSIC by Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and a full day of activities on the main stage like yoga in the park, local entertainment, and more! Guests can participate in free family activities including giant inflatables, yard games, free boat rentals, and so much more. Or, attendees of all ages can race in the annual cardboard boat regatta! That’s right – gather your team, build your cardboard boat, and set sail on Blue Heron Lake!
Cardboard Boat Races
Get ready to set sail into summer fun with our cardboard boat races on June 8! It’s more than just a race; it’s a creative carnival on water! Gather your friends, family, or team and channel your inner shipwright—crafting boats from everyday cardboard found at your local grocery, appliance, furniture, hardware, or big ‘box’ stores. Embrace the whimsy with wild themes and zany costumes. Let’s see who can dazzle us with their daring designs. Come on, West Des Moines, let’s make a splash and craft some memories!
Stilwell Junior High students built and raced in the 2021 Raccoon River Palooza cardboard boat race. Check out the creativity and fun students and staff experienced by participating in this community event by viewing the video below.
Register for the boat race here!
Local businesses will be present as exhibitors and there will be food and beverage available for purchase from popular food trucks while you take in all the fun.
The Raccoon River Palooza presented by Superstorm Restoration is also supported by Family Fun Zone sponsor Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, Bronze level sponsor Veridian Credit Union and organized by the City of West Des Moines and West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. For more information and updates about the Raccoon River Palooza presented by Superstorm Restoration, check out the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s website. See you there!
