Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in July
Fourth of July celebrations, music festivals, and hot air balloons, summer is in full swing in Des Moines. It is going to be hard to do all the things happening in Des Moines, Iowa this summer. Take a look at the top 8 things to do in Des Moines in July.
Urbandale 4th of July Celebration
Address: Lion’s Park, 72nd Street and, NW Aurora Ave., Urbandale, IA 50322
When: Tuesday, July 2nd-Thursday, July 4th
Cost: Free to attend
There’s no better way to celebrate the 4th of July than at the Urbandale 4th of July Celebration. The celebration kicks off Tuesday and Wednesday with the carnival and live music. Start Thursday with a race with a 5K, mile run or tot trot. Don’t miss the famous 2-mile-long parade at 10:00 AM. Finish the night off with the fireworks show at 10:00 PM.
El Circo
When & Where:
- Wednesday, July 10, 6:30 PM – Sunrise Park – Ankeny
- Thursday, July 11, 10:00 AM – Union Park – Des Moines (en español)
- Thursday, July 11, 6:30 PM – Fairmeadows Park – West Des Moines
- Friday, July 12, 10:00 AM – Nature Lodge at Racoon River Park – West Des Moines 4:30 PM (en español)
- Friday, July 12, 6:30 PM – Easter Lake Park – Des Moines (food truck 5-7:30 PM: Hotsy Totsy)
- Saturday, July 13 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM (en español) – Pete Crivaro Park – Des Moines
Cost: Free
The Des Moines Performing Arts presents El Circo. El Circo is a marionette puppet theater performance about a circus that will take you on an unforgettable journey. The performances take place at various parks throughout the Des Moines Metro.
Ankeny Chamber Summerfest 2024
Address: The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny, IA 50023
When:
- Thursday, July 11th, 4:00 PM-9:00 PM (Carnival only)
- Friday, July 12th, 4:00 PM-11:00 PM
- Saturday, July 13th, 9:00 AM-11:00 PM
- Sunday, July 14th, 1:00 PM-9:30 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Celebrate summer at Ankeny Chamber Summerfest 2024. The fun begins Thursday night with the carnival. Then come back on Friday for all the fun. Throughout the weekend enjoy live music from a variety of bands. Head to Uptown Ankeny on Friday evening for Family Fun Night and the Kiddie Parade at 6:30 PM. On Saturday, find a good spot for the grand parade at 9:00 AM. Finish the weekend off on Sunday night for fireworks at 9:30 PM!
80/35 Music Festival
Address: Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
When: Friday, July 12th and Saturday, July 13th
Cost: There are 3 free stages and a paid stage. Tickets start at $85 each (Children 11 and others are free)
The 80/35 Festival is back at a new location, Water Works Park. There will be 5 stages filled with a variety of music. The Hy-Vee main stage will host 19+ acts including Run The Jewels and Ok Go. The People’s Stage is a free stage to spotlight music from local artists. The Silent Stage will bring live performances right to your headphones. The Alchemy Stage is another free stage. And of course a Kid’s Stage with kid-focused programming. Take a break from all the action in the Hammock Forest. If you plan on staying for the weekend, think about their camping options. Other things to check out are the Vintage & Craft Market, a Kids Zone, and kite flying with experts!
Waukee Arts Festival
Address: Centennial Park, 1255 Warrior Lane, Waukee, Iowa 50263
When: Friday, July 19th, 5:00 PM-9:00 PM and Saturday, July 20th, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Celebrate the arts at the Waukee Arts Festival. Check out all the art from national and local artists. Then explore the other activities including yoga, balloon animals, kite building, a magic show, and lots of great music.
Four Seasons Festival
Address: Polk City, IA
When: Friday, July 19th and Saturday, July 20th
Cost: Free to attend
Celebrate Polk City at the Four Seasons Festival. On Friday, play a round of golf at the Tournament Club of Iowa. Saturday kicks off with a 5K or 8K race. Find a spot for the parade at 10:00 AM. Other activities include the Bill Riley Talent Show, a car show, and many food options.
Clive Festival
Address: Greenbelt Landing, 1801 NW 114th Street, Clive, IA 50325
When: Friday, July 19th and Saturday, July 20th
Cost: Free to attend
Clive Festival has it all. Enjoy the bounce houses, food trucks, live music and stay late for Thunder Over Clive Fireworks both nights at 9:30 PM. Saturday starts off with the Clive Running Festival. Choose between a 5K, 1-mile, or Tadpole Trot. A pancake breakfast will follow that. Touch-A-Truck is always a hit with the kiddos. You don’t want to miss the Giant Slip-N-Slide and the Cardboard Boat Regatta. Make sure the Clive Festival is on your calendar for July!
National Balloon Classic
Address: Memorial Balloon Field, 11366 150th Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
When: July 26th-August 3rd
Cost: Tickets are $10 each (Children 5 and under are free)
Top off your July at the National Balloon Classic. With more than 100 hot air balloons filling the sky, you are bound to be dazzled. Each morning of the classic will begin with a competition flying at 6:30 AM and is free admission! Every evening there is a balloon flight at 6:30 PM. You can also enjoy live music, fireworks, kite shows, skydivers and a kids land! You can even buy your ride in a hot air balloon. All the events are weather permitting and there are no refunds but you can use the ticket for another day of the National Classic. Check out this guide for all the information you need!
