Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in June
Summer is here! Celebrate with a biergarten, a festival or two, and the famous Des Moines Arts Festival. Summer goes by in a flash so make sure you plan your June in Des Moines today.
Bookmark the Official Summer Guide to keep you busy all summer long in Des Moines, Iowa
Fridays in the Park at the Biergarten
Address: Lauridsen Amphitheater, Des Moines Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50321
When: Fridays, May- September
Cost: Free to attend
Kick off the weekend with Fridays in the Park at the Biergarten at Des Moines Water Works Park. You can expect a variety of food trucks, large steins of German and local beers, yard games and hammocks. The canopy of trees provide shade for those hot Iowa evenings and a short walk away is the Reichardt Family Natural Play Area. A portion of the revenue will go to the Water Works Park Foundation.
Trek the Parks Kick-off Party
Address: The Brenton Arboretum, 25141 260th St, Dallas Center, IA 50063
When: Saturday, June 1, 12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Join Des Moines Parent as we kick off the 8th annual Trek the Parks Challenge. This year, we are celebrating at The Brenton Arboretum. Each child will receive a FREE Sno Cone, courtesy of Dille Delights – Traveling Tropical Sno. There will be hands-on activities from The Brenton Arboretum, Muddy Boots, and Goldfish Swim School. Grab a $10 arcade card and meet Benny from SpareTime Entertainment. Have fun with Either/Or at their event table. Check out sensory spin chairs, bubbles, and sensory tiles with Balance Autism. Stop by the PBS Kids Zone and enjoy activities and snap photos with your favorite cardboard cut-out characters! We hope to see you there!
Governors Days in Grimes
Address: Grimes South Sports Complex, 750 S James St, Grimes, IA 50111
When:
- Thursday, June 5, 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
- Friday, June 6, 11:00 AM-11:45 PM
- Saturday, June 7, 6:30 AM-11:45 PM
Cost: Free Admission
Celebrate the Grimes community at Governors Days. Throughout the weekend, you’ll be able to purchase $25 wristbands for unlimited rides with Sam’s Amusement Carnival & Midway, visit craft & food vendors, and enjoy live music. Thursday night is the Kiddie Parade at 6:30 PM. On Friday, watch or participate in the talent show at noon. Saturday morning kicks off with a pancake breakfast at 6:30 PM and a 5K/1 1-mile fun Run at 7:30 AM. Then watch the Grand Parade at 10:00 AM. Later on, check out the cool cars at the car show. For a full schedule of events, visit here.
Waukee Palooza
Address: 1005 E Hickman Rd, Waukee, IA 50263
When: Saturday, June 7, 4:00 PM-10:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Join The Rotary Club and Hy-Vee of Waukee for Waukee Palooza. This is the annual fundraiser for The Rotary Club. There will be live music, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, and food.
Raccoon River Palooza
Address: Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
When: Saturday, June 7, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Spend your Saturday at Raccoon River Palooza. Stop by the family fun zone for face painting, inflatables, and balloon artists. Then rent a boat for free! You can also touch-a-truck, listen to live music, and watch (or participate) in the famous Cardboard Boat Races.
Johnston Green Days
Address: Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Pkwy, Johnston, IA 50131
When: Thursday, June 19- Sunday, June 21
Cost: Free admission
Johnston Green Days is an annual community celebration. The fun begins on Thursday at 6:00 PM with the parade and Crawfish Boil from Cajun Belle. Friday and Saturday, enjoy carnival rides, inflatables, live music, business and craft vendors, food and beverages. Don’t miss the fireworks display after dark on Saturday night.
Neighbor’s Day Celebration
Address: Western Gateway Park, 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Saturday, June 21, 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Head to Western Gateway Park to partake in Iowa’s Juneteenth Observance Neighbor’s Day Celebration. Live entertainment, bouncy houses, food, and shopping are just a few of the activities you can expect.
Des Moines Arts Festival
Address: Western Gateway Park, 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
When:
- Friday, June 27, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM
- Saturday, June 28, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM
- Sunday, June 29, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Immerse yourself in art when artists from across the nation come to show their work at the Des Moines Arts Festival. You can view artist demonstrations throughout the weekend, listen to live music, and participate in interactive activities for adults and children. Check out all our tips here!
