Find fun for the whole family at Des Moines Performing Arts’ FREE outdoor events this summer!
For the third year, Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) is hosting a series of FREE outdoor events this summer. There’s something for everyone this year in some of Des Moines’ most beautiful outdoor venues and parks—and it’s all FREE! This is an opportunity to experience family-friendly, multi-generational arts and cultural events right here in Des Moines.
The Bubbler
Thursday, June 15
Evelyn K Davis Park, Des Moines – 10 a.m.
Prospect Park, Des Moines – 12:30 p.m.
Linnan Park, Clive – 6 p.m.
Friday, June 16
Drake Park, Des Moines – 10 a.m.
Columbus Park, Des Moines – 12:30 p.m.
Colby Park, Windsor Heights – 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 17
Haines Park, Altoona – 10:30 a.m.
Crossroads Park, West Des Moines – 1 p.m.
Wagner Park, Ankeny – 6:30 p.m.
Steve Russell brings whimsy to the world. With a lot of water and just a little bit of soap, The Bubbler fills the air with wonder! Big bubbles, small bubbles, bubbles in bubbles!
There are no device screens, no USB cables, and no WiFi connection. Everyone is “plugged in” to a chance to experience a personal connection to simple joy. 
SWAY’s BLOOM!
Friday, July 21 – Cowles Commons: 12 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 22 – Cowles Commons: 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 23 – Cowles Commons: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m.
SWAY’s BLOOM! is the newest creation of SWAY (formerly known as Australia’s Strange Fruit) atop their signature 14-foot sway poles. A 20-minute performance, BLOOM! is a family-friendly, colorful, and spirited performance exploring themes of earth and nature, community, transformation, individuality, and diversity. Accompanied by an original soundtrack by Ania Reynolds, BLOOM! celebrates the ephemeral and simultaneously beautiful nature of life. Fun for the whole family!
Bindlestiff Family Cirkus
Thursday, August 17 – Fort Des Moines Park, Des Moines: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
Friday, August 18 – Centennial Park, Waukee: 5 p.m., 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 19 – Walker Johnston Park, Urbandale: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
Since 1995, BINDLESTIFF FAMILY CIRKUS co-founders Stephanie Monseu and Keith Nelson have traveled the world, bringing a unique hybrid of vaudeville, circus, and sideshow spectacle to theaters, clubs, colleges, and festivals. An evening of jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, plate spinning, sword swallowing, brain twisters, and other risk-taking feats set to live music, combine to create an interactive evening of fun for the entire family.
Dan and Claudia Zanes
Friday, September 15 – Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, West Des Moines: 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 16 – Doanes Park, Pleasant Hill: 10:30 a.m.
Grammy award-winning children’s performer Dan Zanes and Haitian-American music therapist/jazz vocalist Claudia Zanes have been making music with each other since the day they met in the fall of 2016.
The two decided while sitting at Dan’s kitchen table that afternoon that they would continue singing together and, in the spirit of progress and inclusion, would work with presenters to try and make all of their concerts sensory-friendly.
Yoga on Cowles Commons
Sunday, July 2 – 9 a.m.
Sunday, August 6 – 9 a.m.
DMPA is pleased to offer yoga, once again! Meet under the Crusoe Umbrella on the first Sundays in June, July, and August, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Nourish your body, mind, and spirit surrounded by 12,000 perennials and the bustle of Downtown Des Moines. In case of inclement weather, the class will be canceled. Visit the DMPA Facebook page for the latest updates.
Dancing on Cowles Commons
Sunday, June 25 – 9 a.m.
Sunday, July 30 – 9 a.m.
Sunday, August 27 – 9 a.m.
DMPA invites you to join a dance party! Meet in the center of Cowles Commons on the last Sundays of June, July, and August, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. MixxedFit® is a people-inspired fitness program that combines explosive dance moves with body weight toning. This class will increase your heart rate while you get down to yesterday’s & today’s hits. Grab some water, and a friend, and be prepared to sweat a little and smile a lot! In case of inclement weather, the class will be canceled. Visit the DMPA Facebook pages for the latest updates.
To learn more about all of the offerings from Des Moines Performing Arts, connect online.
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