Top 8 Things to Do in Des Moines in August
Get your food on sticks, see the famous butter cow and check out all the farm animals, the Iowa State Fair is here! Maybe the fair isn’t your thing. Don’t worry Des Moines has plenty of other events for you to explore including Confluence’s Friday Summer Concert Series, Adel Sweet Corn Festival and Vibes in the Village. Grab a lemonade and plan your August in Des Moines today.
Hinterland Music Festival
Address: St. Charles, IA
When: July 30-August 2
Cost: Purchase tickets here
Escape to St. Charles for four days of music at the Hinterland Music Festival. This year’s set list includes KATSEYE, Lorde, Mumford & Sons, Kali Uchis and many more. Come for just the day or camp for the weekend. Aside from the music, shop the HinterMarket or get creative at Miniland.
Confluence’s Friday Summer Concert Series
Address: 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
When: Every Friday through September, 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Kick your weekend off at Confluence’s Friday Summer Concert Series. Each week, listen to a variety of live music on their patio and buy a bite to eat from Peggy O’s food truck.
National Night Out
Address: Various locations around metro
When: Tuesday, August 4
Cost: Free
National Night Out is an annual event where communities come together with local law enforcement to create partnerships. There are multiple events happening throughout the metro with a variety of activities such as a chance to see firetrucks and police cars up close. This helps communities come together to have positive interactions with law enforcement.
Iowa State Fair
Address: 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
When: August 13-23
Cost: Ticket options
- Advance Adult Admission (Ages 12 and up): $11
- Advance Child Admission (Ages 6-11): $7
The Iowa State Fair is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with the theme “Fair Spirit”. Enjoy plenty of new (and old) rides, agricultural activities, and plenty of food on sticks. Join the Blue Ribbon Kids’ Club for different activities each day of the fair. Children, ages 2-10, will love Little Hands on the Farm where they will get to collect and sell farm items at the Farmers’ Market and then they can spend a little hands dollar to get a piece of fruit, a granola bar or an ice cream sandwich. The Grandstand features famous artists such as Rod Stewart, The Red Clay Strays, Lainey Wilson, TLC and Salt-N-Pepper, Alabama and so much more. Elwell Family Park hosts ATV/UTV races, truck and tractor pulls, and motorsports demolition derby. The fair is partnering with Child Serve to host a sensory-friendly morning at the fair on Wednesday, August 19th, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. Click here for all the best tips for visiting the fair.e Grandstand features famous artists such as Megan Moroney, Pitbull, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rascal Flatts, T-Pain, and so much more. Elwell Family Park hosts ATV/UTV races, truck and tractor pulls, and motorsports demolition derby. The fair is partnering with Child Serve to host a sensory-friendly morning at the fair on Wednesday, August 13th, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. Click here for all the best tips for visiting the fair.
Adel Sweet Corn Festival
Address: 801 Court St, Adel, IA 50003
When: Saturday, August 8
Cost: Free admission
Iowa is known for our delicious sweet corn so come enjoy some at the Adel Sweet Corn Festival. The fun begins Friday, August 7th at 4:30 PM for the husking of the corn at the southside of the police/fire department station. Then take part in the Sweet Corn Festival 5K on Saturday morning. Afterwards, enjoy the parade at 9:30 AM. Savor the free corn, courtesy of Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce. Throughout the day enjoy live music, drinks and food. Once evening rolls in, a street party will be held from 6:00 PM to midnight.
Vibes in the Village
Address: Simon Estes Amphitheater, 75 W Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Saturday, August 22, 12:00 PM-5:00 PM
Cost: Free
For the first time in seven years, music is back at the Simon Estes Amphitheater! Local Artist Brian Herrin will be performing. Enjoy food from East Village vendors and drinks from the New Northwestern. Take time to meander through the shops and businesses of the Historic East Village.
World Food & Music Festival
Address: Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When:
- Friday, August 28, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM
- Saturday, August 29, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM
- Sunday, August 30, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Cost: Free
The World Food & Music Festival is back for its 22nd year! The festival features over 50 vendors with food and beverages from across 30 different countries. Throughout the festival, you can listen to a variety of musical performances, purchase products made from locally owned businesses, learn at the Cultural Activity Pavilion and so much more. Get all the details here.
Ingersoll Live
Address: 2800 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
When: Saturday, August 29, 3:00 PM-10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Venture over to Ingersoll Ave for a family-friendly block party at Ingersoll Live. This family-friendly block party features live music, art, food and entertainment. Check out the kids zone for face painting, balloon twisting, inflatables, mini golf and a toddler tent by JouJou. Explore and support the variety of businesses along Ingersoll and Grand Ave.