Summer is in full swing in Des Moines! Discover the best family-friendly activities happening this July, from dazzling firework shows and outdoor concerts to art festivals and farmers markets. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or looking for fun things to do with kids, Des Moines offers plenty of ways to celebrate the season.
DSM Orthodontics
At DSM Orthodontics, they believe every smile tells a story. Led by board-certified orthodontist Dr. JJ Grabouski, their team combines advanced orthodontic care with a warm, personalized approach to help patients of all ages achieve confident, healthy smiles. Conveniently located in the heart of Des Moines, they offer braces, clear aligners, and customized treatment options to fit your lifestyle. With a commitment to exceptional results, outstanding service, and deep roots in the community, DSM Orthodontics is proud to create smiles that last a lifetime. They make orthodontics care accessible and convenient with complimentary new patient exams, no referral requirements, acceptance of all insurance plans, and flexible in-house financing options.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer to plan all of your activities.
Things to do in Des Moines in July 2026
July 2 | Music in the Garden, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
6-9 p.m.
Enjoy live music in this ongoing summer concert series at the picturesque Koehn Garden.
July 2, 9, 16 | Prairie Stomp Summer Music Series, Various Locations
6:30-9 p.m.
Visit various parks around the metro while checking out a new Iowa band. Picket Fence Creamery ice cream will be available for purchase.
July 3 | Yankee Doodle Pops, West Terrace, Iowa State Capitol
8:30–10 p.m.
Celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day with the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra, and don’t miss the dazzling fireworks display over the Des Moines skyline to end the night.
July 4, 18 | SCI Solar Party, Science Center of Iowa
9-11 a.m.
SCI Solar Parties offer visitors a safe, up‑close look at our nearest star! Join SCI staff and volunteers on the first and third Saturdays of each month during the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market as you explore the Sun using specially filtered solar telescopes!
// RELATED CONTENT: 4th of July Activities //
July 7, 14, 21, 28 | Jazz in July, Hoyt Sherman Place
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Grab your friends and spend the evening enjoying some relaxing jazz music on the front lawn. Food and drink available for purchase.
July 7-12, 28-31 | Iowa Cubs, Principal Park
9 am to 4 pm
Head to the ball field to cheer on the Iowa Cubs. Go Friday nights for post game fireworks.
July 7-11 | Dallas County Fair, Dallas County Fairgrounds, Adel, IA
July 8, 15, 22, 29 | Zoo Brew, Blank Park Zoo
6-10 p.m.
Catch up with your friends for after hours at the zoo. Enjoy the animals, live music, and local brews. When you buy are brew you support the zoo!
July 9, July 30 | Movies on the Yard, Johnston Town Center
6:30-9:30 p.m.
A fun outdoor movie night select Thursdays and Fridays during summer. July’s movies include The Wild Robot and Wicked: For Good.
July 10, 17, 24 | Summer Family Fridays, State Historical Museum of Iowa
10 a.m – 1 p.m
The whole family can enjoy crafts, a themed scavenger hunt, and guided tours.
July 10-12 | Ankeny SummerFest, The District at Prairie Trail
July 10-26 | Legally Blonde, Des Moines Playhouse
7:30-10 p.m.
Elle Woods heads to Harvard Law to win back her boyfriend, but she ends up learning more about herself in the process.
July 11 | FREE Pet Expo, Flooring America in Clive
10 am to 2 pm
July 11 | Bondu, Blues, Brews, and BBQ, Downtown Bondurant
5-11 p.m.
Head to Bondurant for their signature summer celebration.
July 11 | Beaverdale Bluegrass Festival, Tower Park
8-11 p.m.
Gather neighbors and friends under the iconic water tower for a laid-back night of bluegrass, local food, and community spirit that makes Beaverdale a beloved neighborhood
July 14-17 | Polyglot Theatre’s BEES, Locations Vary
Times Vary
Gather neighbors and friends under the iconic water tower for a laid-back night of bluegrass, local food, and community spirit that makes Beaverdale a beloved neighborhood.
// RELATED CONTENT: Outdoor Summer Concerts //
July 17-19 | Waukee Arts Festival, Centennial Park
Spend a weekend in Waukee featuring art vendors, live music, food trucks, and a beer garden
July 19 | Christmas in July Movies on the Lawn, Hoyt Sherman Place
8-11 p.m.
Enjoy a free screening of The Santa Clause on the front lawn.
July 25 | Dude Perfect Squad Games Tour, Casey’s Center
6 p.m.
Get ready for an action packed night of competitions full of flips, tricks, and challenges with the Dudes.
July 31-August 8 | National Balloon Classic, Indianola, IA
Ongoing Events in Des Moines
Tuesday & Thursdays | Toddler Time, Get Air
10 a.m.
Little jumpers get special access to the trampolines on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Admission is $8.99 (free for a parent). It’s a great way to burn energy!
2nd Wednesday (West Des Moines) and 3rd Thursday (Urbandale) of the Month | Sapling Story Time, Barista Bouquet
10:30 am – 11 am
Join this coffee and floral shop hybrid for story time for the littles! Wandering Raccoon Books helps pick out an engaging story and a special activity. $1 kid’s coffees and warm chocolates are offered during this time. Geared for younger kids (8 and under) but all are welcome.
Thursdays | Caterpillar Club, Reiman Gardens in Ames
Get outside and have some fun with a weekly storytime at Reiman Gardens. This program is designed for kids ages 2-5 with an adult. Program is included with general admission to Reiman Gardens.
Thursdays | Tot Town, Valley Community Center
9:30 am to 11:30 am
Bring the little ones out to play at the Valley Community Center. This event is free.
1st Thursday of the Month | Toddler Tales, Jester Park Nature Center
Let your imagination run wild with this nature-themed story time. Hear a story followed by the naturalist’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, puppets, or a craft. This event is designed for ages 3 and up.
Fridays | Farm School, Rose Farm
9, 10 or 11 a.m.
Visit the farm on Fridays in the summer for an engaging story, craft, and a special appearance by an animal friend. While on the grounds, explore the gardens and browse unique items in The Shoppe. Event is free but registration is required. Registration opens on Monday for the upcoming Friday Farm School.
Fridays | Story Sprouts, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
10:30 am – 11 am
A fun, interactive story time that explores nature and plants. During each program participants will enjoy stories and an activity based on the week’s theme. Story Sprouts is geared toward children ages two to five. Included with general admission.
Second Saturday of the month | Social Saturdays, Des Moines Art Center
11 am to 2 pm
Enjoy fun, creativity, and social engagement. Activities will be offered across all areas of the Art Center, from the galleries, studio classrooms, and Bookey Family Courtyard to Levitt Auditorium, the Art Center Café, the Museum Shop, and more.
Send us an email if we missed anything, and we’ll add your event to the list.
We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, locations, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.
