Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend

Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend:

Friday, June 26th 2026 – Sunday, June 28th 2026

Every weekend there are amazing Fun Things to do in Des Moines, Iowa! We have created a list of what we think are the most fun, most interesting family events in the Des Moines area this weekend – so you can have the best time together!

The page will be updated every week so be sure to come back and see what great kids’ events we have coming up for the weekend in Des Moines. Take a look at our full FREE, extensive event calendar to plan your weeks and days in Des Moines, Iowa.

Des Moines Arts Festival

Friday, June 26th – Sunday, June 28th, 2026
Program Times Vary
Western Gateway Park – Des Moines, IA

Step into the heart of creativity at the Des Moines Arts Festival, one of the nation’s most celebrated arts festivals! Families and friends can explore incredible artwork from nearly 200 artists, enjoy live entertainment, interactive activities, food vendors, and vibrant community energy in downtown Des Moines. Set beside the beautiful Pappajohn Sculpture Park, this free event is a summertime favorite you won’t want to miss. Learn More or Register Today!

Four Seasons Festival

Friday, June 26th – Sunday, June 28th, 2026
Program Times Vary
City Square – Polk City, IA

Polk City’s beloved Four Seasons Festival returns for another fun-filled weekend packed with community celebrations, local activities, and family-friendly entertainment. From hometown traditions to exciting activities for all ages, this annual festival is a great excuse to gather with friends and neighbors and kick off summer fun together. Learn More or Register Today!

Trek the Parks Pop-Up

Friday, June 26th, 2026
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Centennial Park – Ankeny, IA

Grab your Trek the Parks checklist and head to Centennial Park for a fun family playdate in the park! Families can enjoy sidewalk chalk, coloring activities, allergen-friendly snacks, and plenty of outdoor play while connecting with other local families. It’s a simple and easy way to enjoy one of Ankeny’s great parks this summer. Learn More or Register Today!

FREE! Summer Family Fridays: Revolutionary Iowans

Friday, June 26th, 2026
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
State Historical Museum of Iowa – Des Moines, IA

Celebrate Iowa history with patriotic crafts, hands-on activities, and a guided exhibit tour at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Younger learners can create festive crafts while older kids and adults explore stories of the “Revolutionary Iowans” who helped shape our nation’s ideals. This free drop-in event is a great educational outing for families this weekend. Learn More or Register Today!

Yappy Hour at Confluence

Friday, June 26th, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Confluence Brewery – Des Moines, IA

Dog lovers, this one’s for you! Bring your favorite four-legged friend to Confluence Brewery for a special Yappy Hour benefiting homeless pets through the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Guests can enjoy drinks, meet other pet lovers, and celebrate the reveal of the 2026 Rescue Beer can design featuring the winning pet. Learn More or Register Today!

Movie Under the Stars: A Minecraft Movie

Friday, June 26th, 2026
8:30 PM – 10:20 PM
Wagner Park – Ankeny, IA

Pack the blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks for a cozy outdoor movie night at Wagner Park! Families are invited to enjoy “A Minecraft Movie” under the stars as part of Ankeny’s Movies Under the Stars series. It’s the perfect laid-back Friday night activity for kids and adults alike. Learn More or Register Today!

SCI Star Party: Summer Solstice

Friday, June 26th, 2026
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Drake Observatory – Des Moines, IA

Curious minds and future astronomers are invited to explore the night sky during this special SCI Star Party hosted at Drake Observatory. Guests can observe celestial objects through powerful telescopes while learning about the summer solstice, stars, planets, and more from Science Center of Iowa staff and volunteers. Learn More or Register Today!

Porter’s Pool Party

Saturday, June 27th, 2026
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Paws & Pints – Des Moines, IA

Get ready for a paw-some afternoon at Porter’s Pool Party! Dogs can cool off in splash pools while humans enjoy music, ice cream, photo opportunities, and plenty of summer fun at Paws & Pints. This lively event is perfect for pet-loving families and friends looking to soak up the sunshine together. Learn More or Register Today!

Great American Campout

Saturday, June 27th – Sunday, June 28th, 2026
7:00 PM – 9:00 AM
West Des Moines City Hall Lawn – West Des Moines, IA

Experience a night under the stars right in the heart of West Des Moines! Families are invited to pitch a tent on the City Hall lawn and enjoy kayaking, fishing, outdoor games, s’mores, and a family movie on the big screen. This free overnight event is a fun introduction to camping for first-timers and seasoned campers alike. Registration is required for this free event. Learn More or Register Today!

Pride Night with the Menace

Saturday, June 27th, 2026
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Mediacom Stadium – Des Moines, IA

Celebrate Pride Month with the Iowa Menace during this exciting Pride Night match at Mediacom Stadium. Guests can enjoy pre-game festivities including music, lawn games, face painting, and special Pride-themed giveaways before cheering on the Menace against Peoria City. It’s a welcoming and energetic evening full of community spirit and soccer fun. Learn More or Register Today!

Barista’s Bouquet 2nd Birthday Celebration

Saturday, June 27th, 2026
7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Barista’s Bouquet – West Des Moines, IA

Celebrate two years of coffee, flowers, plants, and community at Barista’s Bouquet! Guests can stop by throughout the day for treats, giveaways, and all the cozy vibes that have made this local favorite such a beloved gathering spot. It’s the perfect excuse to sip something delicious and support local this weekend. Learn More or Register Today!

Treat Trot Des Moines

Sunday, June 28th, 2026
7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Riverview Park – Des Moines, IA

Lace up your running shoes for the Treat Trot Des Moines! This family-friendly event welcomes runners, walkers, and kids of all ages with 5K, 10K, 15K, and fun dash options available. Participants can enjoy great swag, snacks, and an encouraging atmosphere while getting active together this weekend. Learn More or Register Today!

Dance Fitness with Tony Zika

Sunday, June 28th, 2026
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Cowles Commons – Des Moines, IA

Start your Sunday morning dancing at Cowles Commons with Tony Zika’s high-energy MixxedFit workout party! This free outdoor fitness class combines dance, positivity, and community in a fun atmosphere that welcomes all fitness levels. Bring water, invite your friends, and get ready to move. Learn More or Register Today!

Valley Junction Pride Festival

Sunday, June 28th, 2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Valley Junction – West Des Moines, IA

Celebrate love, inclusion, and community at Valley Junction Pride Festival! Families can enjoy live entertainment, local vendors, delicious food, colorful performances, and the always-popular Penny Pride Pet Parade. Historic Valley Junction comes alive with welcoming energy and fun activities for all ages throughout the day. Learn More or Register Today!

Mermaid, Princess, and Superhero Pool Party

Sunday, June 28th, 2026
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Clive Aquatic Center – Clive, IA

Calling all little superheroes, mermaids, and princesses! Families are invited to swim, create crafts, and enjoy sweet treats during this magical themed pool party at Clive Aquatic Center. Guests are encouraged to dress up in their favorite royal or heroic attire for an evening full of summer fun and imagination. Learn More or Register Today!

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