Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in July 2026
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America with 4th of July celebrations, parades, and live music. Des Moines is sparkling with the joys of summer so grab your red, white and blue and plan your July today.
Polyglot Theatre’s Bees with Hy-Vee Summer Arts | Sponsor
Bees is a joyful, hands-on experience where children don’t just watch — they become part of it. They’ll enter a humming hive of activity, transforming into bees themselves as they play alongside three human-sized Bee performers, and find themselves welcomed into a world of community, communication, wonder, and imagination.
- Tuesday, July 14
- 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., Ashby Park (Des Moines)
- Wednesday, July 15
- 6 p.m., Polk City Town Square (Polk City)
- Thursday, July 16
- 11 a.m., The Station (Bondurant)
- 6 p.m., Colby Park (Windsor Heights)
- Friday, July 17
- 4:30 & 7 p.m., Walker Johnston Park (Urbandale)
Polyglot Theatre is working in partnership with Inlet Dance Theatre to deliver this season. Polyglot is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts funding and advisory body, and the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
Urbandale 4th of July Celebration
Address: Lion’s Park, 72nd Street and, NW Aurora Ave., Urbandale, IA 50322
When: Thursday, July 2-Saturday, July 4
Cost: Free to attend
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America at the Urbandale 4th of July Celebration. The celebration kicks off Thursday and Friday with a carnival and live music. Start Saturday 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. See the full schedule here.
Jasper Winery Summer Concert Series
Address: Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy., Des Moines, IA 50321
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 the family 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.
Legally Blonde The Musical
Address: The Playhouse, 831 42nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50312
When: July 10-July 26
- 7:30 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays & 2:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays excluding Saturday, July 11
Cost: Tickets start at $25 each
You know you love the movie, so come see Legally Blonde The Musical at The Des Moines Playhouse. This feel-good, high-energy musical has been nominated for seven Tony Awards and is bound to keep you captivated the whole way through.
Ankeny Chamber Summerfest
Address: The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny, IA 50023
When:
- Thursday, July 9, 4:00 PM-9:00 PM
- Friday, July 10, 4:00 PM-11:00 PM
- Saturday, July 11, 9:00 AM-11:00 PM
- Sunday, July 12, 1:00 PM-10:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Ankeny Chamber Summerfest is back with a Jingle in July theme. 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!
Beaverdale Bluegrass Festival
Address: Tower Park, 4950 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA
When: Saturday, July 11, 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.
Photo Credit: The Beaverdale Neighborhood Association
Clive Festival
Address: Greenbelt Landing, 1801 NW 114th Street, Clive, IA 50325
When: Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18
Cost: Free to attend
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Clive Festival. Enjoy bounce houses, food trucks, and live music. 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. Finish each night with Thunder Over Clive Fireworks at 9:30 PM.
Waukee Arts Festival
Address: Centennial Park, 1255 Warrior Lane, Waukee, Iowa 50263
When: Friday, July 17, 5:00 PM-9:00 PM and Saturday, July 18, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Immerse yourself in 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.
Bonus! National Balloon Classic
Address: Memorial Balloon Field, 11366 150th Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
When: July 31-August 8
Cost: General Admission is $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!