Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in June
Summer is here! Grab a beer at the Des Moines Biergarten, spend time at Grimes Governors Days, and explore the arts at the Des Moines Arts Festival. Des Moines is full of festivals and fun this month. Plan your June in Des Moines today.
Bookmark the Official Summer Guide to keep you busy all summer long in Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines Biergarten
Address: Lauridsen Amphitheater, Des Moines Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
When: Wednesday-Sundays
- Wednesdays and Thursdays: 3:00 PM-9:00 PM
- Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Sip a few steins at the Des Moines Biergarten at the Des Moines Water Works Park. You can expect large steins of German and local beers, a variety of food options, 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: Sunday, June 7, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Join Des Moines Parent as we kick-off the 9th annual Trek the Parks Challenge at The Brenton Arboretum. Burn Boot Camp Waukee will be there with fun movement activities for kids. There will be hands-on activities from The Brenton Arboretum and Muddy Boots. Play with some animals with Mini Dreams Ranch. Check out sensory spin chairs, bubbles, and sensory tiles with Balance Autism. Free popsicles will be available while supplies last. 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 4-Saturday, June 6
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 12:00 PM. Saturday morning kicks off with a pancake breakfast at 6:30 AM. Then watch the Grand Parade at 10:00 AM. Later on, check out the classic 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 6, 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.
Johnston Green Days
Address: Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Pkwy, Johnston, IA 50131
When: Thursday, June 11-Sunday, June 13
Cost: Free admission
Johnston Green Days is an annual community celebration held at Terra Park. The fun begins on Thursday when the carnival opens at 4:00 PM. On Friday and Saturday enjoy carnival rides, inflatables, live music, business and craft vendors, food and beverages. Don’t miss the parade on Saturday at 10:00 AM and the fireworks display after dark. Find the complete schedule here.
Pepperharrow Lavender Festival
Address: 1809 S 4th Ave, Winterset, IA 50273
When: Friday, June 19 and Saturday, 20, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Cost: Purchase Tickets Here
- $35 per day
- $60 for a two day pass
- Kids 12 and under are free
Experience the beauty and fragrance of flowers at the Pepperharrow Lavender Festival in Winterset, IA. Pepperharrow opens its fields for the public to explore its flower farm at the height of lavender season. Stroll through the fields, pick your own bouquet, enjoy food and beverages and soak up the beautiful views. There will be demonstrations including pasty making with lavender, sourdough, and how to make essential oil from blooms. New this year, the beekeeper, Kyle, will be doing a beekeeping demonstration each day and will be talking about how the bees forage on the lavender and the type of honey they create.
Neighbor’s Day Celebration
Address: Western Gateway Park, 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Saturday, June 20, 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 26, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM
- Saturday, June 27, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM
- Sunday, June 28, 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. The Creative Zone gives you a chance to experiment with art, music, dance and so much more. Quincy’s Sensory Space presented by DLR Group, is an inclusive, immersive arts experience designed to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. When you need a break, stop by one of the two food courts to refuel with food and beverages. Check out all our tips here!
