Top 8 Things to Do in Des Moines in August
Of course, August in Des Moines means it’s time for the Iowa State Fair with food on sticks, the famous butter cow, and farm animals galore. Still, we have plenty of other happenings for you to explore, including the famous World Food & Music Festival and two new-to-Iowa sporting events. So grab a lemonade and plan your August in Des Moines today.
Home Run Derby X | 2025 Sponsor
Address: Principal Park, 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Saturday, August 30,
Cost: Tickets are $25 each
For the first time, Home Run Derby X is coming to Des Moines! Home Run Derby X is a 3-on-3 co-ed competition. Each team consists of 2 MLB legends and a female player from the softball world. Each game will take about 30 minutes. This sounds like such a fun event for baseball fans, big and small!
Confluence’s Friday Summer Concert Series
Address: 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
When: Every Friday through September, 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Kick your weekend off at Confluence’s Friday Summer Concert Series. Each week, listen to a variety of live music on their patio and buy a bite to eat from Peggy O’s food truck. Get a walk-in first at Gray’s Lake and then enjoy the concert.
National Night Out
Address: Various locations around the metro
When: Tuesday, August 5
Cost: Free
National Night Out is an annual event where communities come together with local law enforcement to create partnerships. There are multiple events happening throughout the metro with a variety of activities such as a chance to see firetrucks and police cars up close. This helps communities come together to have positive interactions with law enforcement.
Iowa State Fair
Address: 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
When: August 7-17
Cost: Ticket options
- Advance Adult Admission (Ages 12 and up): $11
- Advance Child Admission (Ages 6-11): $7
The Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in Iowa and for good reason too! Enjoy plenty of new (and old) rides, agricultural activities, and plenty of food on sticks. Join the Blue Ribbon Kids’ Club for different activities each day of the fair. Children, ages 2-10, will love Little Hands on the Farm, where they can collect and sell farm items at the Farmers’ Market. Then, they can spend their Little Hands dollar on a piece of fruit, a granola bar, or an ice cream sandwich. The Grandstand features famous artists such as Megan Moroney, Pitbull, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rascal Flatts, T-Pain, and so much more. Elwell Family Park hosts ATV/UTV races, truck and tractor pulls, and motorsports demolition derby. The fair is partnering with Child Serve to host a sensory-friendly morning at the fair on Wednesday, August 13th, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. Click here for all the best tips for visiting the fair.
Adel Sweet Corn Festival
Address: 801 Court St, Adel, IA 50003
When: Saturday, August 9
Cost: Free admission
Iowa is known for our delicious sweet corn so come enjoy some at the Adel Sweet Corn Festival. The fun begins Friday, August 8th at 4:30 PM for the husking of the corn at the southside of the police/fire department station. Then take part in the Sweet Corn Festival 5K on Saturday morning. Afterwards, enjoy the parade at 9:30 AM. A street party will be held from 6:00 PM to midnight. Enjoy live music, drinks and food. Check out the cars at the car show.
World Food & Music Festival
Address: Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When:
- Friday, August 22, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM
- Saturday, August 23, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM
- Sunday, August 24, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Cost: Free
The World Food & Music Festival is back for its 21st year! The festival features over 50 vendors with food and beverages from across 30 different countries. Throughout the festival, you can listen to a variety of musical performances, purchase products made from locally owned businesses, learn at the Cultural Activity Pavilion, and so much more. Get all the details here.
World Soccer Fest 2025
Address: Buccaneer Arena, 6500 Grand Ave Suite 160, West Des Moines, IA 50266
When:
- Saturday, August 23 at 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM
- Sunday, August 24 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
Cost: Tickets start at $25 each
Mini football is headed to Des Moines for World Soccer Fest 2025. World Soccer Fest 2025 brings together elite talent from the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia for a two-day tournament. Get a ticket for one game or for the whole weekend. If you have a soccer star of your own, they can participate in the Soccer Clinic Experience for ages 6-15 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM on Saturday.
Ingersoll Live
Address: 2800 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
When: Saturday, August 23, 3:00 PM-10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Venture over to Ingersoll Ave for a family-friendly block party at Ingersoll Live. This family-friendly block party features live music, art, food, and entertainment. Check out the kids zone for face painting, balloon twisting, inflatables, mini golf, and a toddler tent by JouJou. Explore and support the variety of businesses along Ingersoll and Grand Ave.
