Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in July
4th of July celebrations, parades, bluegrass and hot air balloons, Des Moines is sparkling with the joys of summer. Grab your red, white and blue and plan your July in Des Moines today.
Urbandale 4th of July Celebration
Address: Lion’s Park, 72nd Street and, NW Aurora Ave., Urbandale, IA 50322
When: Wednesday, July 2-Friday, July 4
Cost: Free to attend
There’s no better way to celebrate the 4th of July than at the Urbandale 4th of July Celebration. The celebration kicks off Wednesday and Thursday with the carnival and live music. Start Friday with a 5K, mile run or tot trot. Don’t miss the famous 2-mile long parade at 10:00 AM. Finish the night off with the fireworks show at 10:00 PM.
Jasper Winery Summer Concert Series
Address: Jasper Winery,
When: Thursdays, 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Spend a Thursday evening at the Jasper Winery Summer Concert Series. This is a great weekly event for a family night or a night with friends. There will be wine, beer, cider and sangria for purchase. Burgers, brats and other food trucks will be available. You can bring your own food but no outside beverages are allowed. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and enjoy a beautiful summer evening.
Friday’s on the Farm
Address: Middlebrook Farm, 4300 Cumming Ave, Cumming, IA 50061
When: Fridays until September, 4:30 PM-7:30 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Kick your weekend off at Friday’s on the Farm at Middlebrook Farm. Each Friday, experience live music, food trucks, fresh organic produce and a chance to spend the evening under the open sky.
Ankeny Chamber Summerfest 2025
Address: The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny, IA 50023
When:
- Friday, July 11, 4:00 PM-11:00 PM
- Saturday, July 12, 9:00 AM-11:00 PM
- Sunday, July 13, 1:00 PM-9:30 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Celebrate summer at Ankeny Chamber Summerfest. Throughout the weekend enjoy carnival rides, listen to live music, and shop at local vendors. Head to Uptown Ankeny on Friday evening for Family Fun Night and the Kiddie Parade at 6:30 PM. On Saturday, find a good spot for the grand parade at 9:00 AM. Finish the weekend off on Sunday night for fireworks at 9:30 PM!
Clive Festival
Address: Greenbelt Landing, 1801 NW 114th Street, Clive, IA 50325
When: Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19
Cost: Free to attend
Clive Festival has it all. Enjoy the bounce houses, food trucks, live music and stay late for Thunder Over Clive Fireworks both nights at 9:30 PM. Saturday starts off with the Clive Running Festival. Choose between a 5K, 1-mile or Tadpole Trot. That will be followed by a pancake breakfast. Touch-A-Truck is always a hit with the kiddos. You don’t want to miss the Giant Slip-N-Slide and the Cardboard Boat Regatta. Make sure the Clive Festival is on your calendar for July!
Waukee Arts Festival
Address: Centennial Park, 1255 Warrior Lane, Waukee, Iowa 50263
When: Friday, July 18, 5:00 PM-9:00 PM and Saturday, July 19, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Celebrate the arts at the Waukee Arts Festival. Check out all the art from national and local artists. Then explore the other activities including yoga, balloon animals, kite building, a magic show, and lots of great music.
Beaverdale Bluegrass Festival
Address: Tower Park, 4950 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA
When: Saturday, July 19, 3:00 PM-10:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Experience the 10th annual Beaverdale Bluegrass Festival at Tower Park. Expect live music, food trucks, beer and a family-friendly atmosphere. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs but no outside food and drink.
National Balloon Classic
Address: Memorial Balloon Field, 11366 150th Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
When: July 25-August 2
Cost: Tickets are $12 each (Children 5 and under are free)
Top off your July at the National Balloon Classic. With more than 100 hot air balloons filling the sky, you are bound to be dazzled. Each morning of the classic will begin with competition flying at 6:30 AM and is free admission! Every evening there is a balloon flight at 6:30 PM. You can also enjoy live music, fireworks, kite shows, skydivers and a kids land! You can even buy your own ride in a hot air balloon. All the events are weather permitting and there are no refunds but you can use the ticket for another day of the National Classic. Check out this guide for all the information you need!