Top 8 Things to Do in Des Moines in August
It is hard to believe August is already here! But not to worry, there is plenty left in the summer including the famous Iowa State Fair, World Food & Music Festival, and Ingersoll Live. Check out the top 8 things to do in Des Moines in August.
National Night Out
Address: Various locations around metro
When: Tuesday, August 1st
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.
Grain Harvest at Living History Farms
Address: Living History Farms,
When: Saturday, August 5th, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Cost: Adults (13-59): $19, Children (2-12): $12, Seniors + Military + AAA: $18
Harvest this year’s grain at Grain Harvest at Living History Farms. You will get a chance to harvest grain using methods from long ago. Make your way behind Flynn Mansion for medicine shows at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
Adel Sweet Corn Festival
Address: 801 Court St, Adel, IA 50003
When: Saturday, August 12th
Cost: Free admission
Begin the Adel Sweet Corn Festival on Friday, August 11th at 4:30 for the shucking of the corn at the parking lot at 10th and Prairie. Then join the 5K Run/Walk at 7:30 AM on Saturday morning. The proceeds from the race will benefit the Adel Partners Chamber Trail committee for future projects and trail improvement. At 9:30 AM, check out the Parade. Afterward, enjoy some sweet corn and other tasty foods from one of the vendors, then check out the arts and crafts booths.
Iowa State Fair Parade
Address: The parade starts at the State Capitol Complex and marches west on Grand to 15th Street.
When: Wednesday, August 9th at 6:15 PM
Cost: Free
Kick off the Iowa State Fair with the parade! The parade showcases high school marching bands, creative floats, cool cars, and special causes. The parade route starts at the State Capitol Complex and marches west on Grand to 15th Street.
Iowa State Fair
Address: Iowa Fairgrounds, 3000 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50317
When: August 10th-20th
Cost: Ticket options
- Advance Adult Admission (Ages 12 and up): $11
- Advance Child Admission (Ages 6-11): $7
August in Iowa means it’s time for the Iowa State Fair! 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 will get to collect and sell farm items at the Farmers’ Market and then they can spend a little hands dollar to get a piece of fruit, a granola bar, or an ice cream sandwich. The Grandstand features famous artists such as Tyler Hubbard, New Kids on the Block, Eric Church, Maren Morris, Ludacris, The Chicks, Jason Aldean 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 for a second year to host a sensory-friendly morning at the fair on Thursday, August 16th, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. Click here for all the best tips for visiting the fair.
Bindlestiff Family Cirkus
When and Where:
- Thursday, August 17: 10 AM, 12 PM, 6:30 PM – Fort Des Moines Park – Des Moines
- Friday, August 18: 5 PM, 7 PM – Centennial Park – Waukee
- Saturday, August 19: 10 AM, 12 PM, 6:30 PM – Walker Johnston Park – Urbandale
Cost: Free
Des Moines Performing Arts presents Bindlestiff Family Cirkus! This free performance will have jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, plate spinning, sword swallowing, and more. My kids loved this circus last year and we can’t wait to go again.
World Food & Music Festival
Address: Western Gateway Park, 1200 Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
When: Friday, August 25th-Sunday, August 27th
Cost: Free admission
The World Food & Music Festival is back for its 19th year with delicious food and live music. Make sure to check out the Culinary Discovery Pavilion where local chefs demonstrate their skills, give samples of their food, and teach others their techniques. The Culture Activity Pavilion will provide hands-on activities for you to tour the world while staying right here in Des Moines. The stage will be filled with musical talent including Flor de Toloache and Chicago Afrobeat Project.
Parking options, including free parking at the Nationwide Parking Garage at Walnut and 12th.
Ingersoll Live
Address: 2800 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
When: Saturday, August 26th, 3:00 PM-10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Venture over to Ingersoll Ave for Ingersoll Live. This family-friendly block party features live music, art, food, and entertainment. For the kids, there will be face painting, balloon twisting, inflatables, mini golf, and an art station.
Bonus! Virtual Community Baby Shower
Location: Virtual
When: Wednesday, August 9 at 12 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Expectant parents in Iowa are invited to join Count the Kicks and 100 Women Who Care Ankeny for COUNTdown to Baby, a fun and educational opportunity to learn more about Count the Kicks and our free movement monitoring app. The FREE Virtual Community Baby shower will be held on Aug. 9 at Noon CST. Attendees will learn about what to expect during labor and delivery, newborn basics, and much more! Expectant parents who register and attend the shower will be entered to win newborn care bundles and other fun giveaways that will be distributed at a drive-up event on Aug.12th in Ankeny!
COUNTdown to Baby: A FREE Virtual Community Baby Shower
Aug. 9 at Noon CST
REGISTER TODAY:
https://fb.me/e/XY3LSY6B (Facebook Event)
https://bit.ly/CTKSHOWERIA (Zoom Registration Page).
