Top 8 Things To Do in Des Mones in June
June is the official start of summer with festivals, outdoor live music, Trek the Parks kick-off, and of course the famous Des Moines Arts Festival. Attend these events and more around the Des Moines area in June!
Bookmark the Official Summer Guide to keep you busy all summer long in Des Moines, Iowa.
Racoon River Park Palooza
Address: Racoon River Park, 2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
When: Saturday, June 3rd, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM
Cost: Free admission. Registration is encouraged.
Start June off with Racoon River Park Palooza! Begin the day with the Mayor’s Bike Ride at 8:00 a.m. Then enjoy the day with free boat rentals, a balloon artist, arts and crafts, airbrush body creations, inflatables, and Touch-A-Truck. Fish with the West Des Moines Police Officers at Cops and Bobbers. Food trucks will be available.
Trek the Parks Kick-off Party
Address: The Brenton Arboretum, 25141 260th St, Dallas Center, IA 50063
When: Sunday, June 4th, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Join us at The Brenton Arboretum for Trek the Parks Kick-off Party! Start with a scavenger hunt through the arboretum. Spend time with Muddy Boots, The Wildflower Factory, and a visit with Bubbles from Goldfish Swim School. At 2:00 p.m. join Happy Heart Yoga Wellness for a free kids yoga class. There will be free popsicles while supplies last!
Governors Days in Grimes
Address: Grimes South Sports Complex, 750 S James St. Grimes, IA 50111
When: Thursday, June 8th-Saturday, June 10th
Cost: Free admission
Governors Days in Grimes has something for everyone in the family including carnival rides, games, craft & food vendors, and live music. Don’t miss the Kiddie Parade and the Kids Pedal Tractor Pull Thursday evening. On Friday, play some bingo and check out the talent competition. Start Saturday with the 5K Fun Run then the Grand Parade at 10:00 a.m.
Party in the Park with Urbandale
Address: Walker Johnston Park, 9000 Douglas Ave, Urbandale, IA 50322
When: Friday, June 9th, 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Cost: Free
Spend your Friday evening at Party in the Park with Urbandale. There will be a beer garden for adults, food trucks, live music, bounce houses, laser tag, and lawn games! While you are there, explore Walker Johnston Park.
Emancipation Day: A Juneteenth Event
Address: Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322
When: Saturday, June 10th, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Cost: $19 for adults (ages 13-59), $18 for Seniors (ages 60+), Military and AAA, $12 for children (ages 2-12)
Head over to Living History Farms for Emancipation Day: A Juneteenth Event. Learn more about the legacy and hope of emancipation and explore the black experience in Iowa from early farmsteads to fighting for civil rights. There will be a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, storytime and crafts with Abena Sankofa Imhotep, and presentations from historian Ricki King and author Rachelle Chase.
Love You Des Moines Days
Address: Valley Community Center, 4444 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50266
When: June 10th-June 18th (Full event schedule)
Cost: Free
Love You Des Moines Days is an annual celebration for the community hosted by Valley Community Center. The Valley Community Center is owned and operated by Valley Church as a gift to the community. For 9 days, Valley Community Center along with the support of partner organizations, provides workshops, activities, clinics, and more for the community to enjoy. Don’t forget to join Des Moines Parent for a Trek the Park Meetup on Monday, June 12 at 9 a.m.
Johnston Green Days
Address: Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Pkwy, Johnston, IA 50131
When: Thursday, June 15th-Sunday, June 18th
Cost: Free admission
Johnston Green Days is an annual community celebration. Each day will be filled with fun activities including the carnival. Sample meats and pick your favorites at Smokin’ Heroes, hosted by The Johnston Police Department and the Johnston Rotary. Other events include the car show, parade, fireworks, and fishing.
Des Moines Arts Festival
Address: Pappajohn Sculpture Park, 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA
When: Friday, June 23rd-Sunday June 25th
Cost: Free admission
The Des Moines Arts Festival is one of the most prestigious and admired festivals in the world. Artists from around the country come to share their work. Start your visit by admiring the artists then check out the Creative Zone, where people can create their own works of art. After working up an appetite, enjoy the food trucks. Check out live music on the Hy-Vee Main Stage, Roots Stage, and pop-up performances around the festival site. Bookmark our Kid’s Guide to the Des Moines Art Festival.
BONUS! The Bubbler
Address: Various locations. View the complete list here.
When: Thursday, June 15 – Saturday, June 17; Various times
Cost: Free admission
Enjoy a FREE show brought to you by the Des Moines Performing Arts as a part of their Free Summer Series. Steve Russell brings whimsy to the world. With a lot of water and just a little bit of soap, The Bubbler fills the air with wonder! Big bubbles, small bubbles, bubbles in bubbles!
