Des Moines is bustling with a packed schedule of summer events in June. Don’t miss annual favorites like the Des Moines Art Festival, Governors Days in Grimes, and Waukee Palooza.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer to plan all of your activities.
Things to do in Des Moines in June 2026
Through June 7 | Venardos Circus, Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona
Don’t miss this unique Broadway-style Circus.
June 3 | Ankeny Food Truck Fest, Prairie Ridge Church
5 pm – 8 pm
Ankeny Food Truck Fest is back. With a lineup of 10 food trucks, yard games, inflatables, laser tag, live performances, and live music by Brian Herrin.
June 4, 11, 18, 25 | Beats & Eats, Ankeny Market & Pavilion
5 pm – 7:30 pm
Head to Ankeny Market & Pavilion (AMP) Thursday nights for food trucks, live music and entertainment, family activities, games, and more!
June 4-6 | Governors Days, Grimes
Governors Days is a family favorite summer festival in the Des Moines area. Complete with concerts, parades, carnivals, and much more. Admission to the festival is free.
June 5-21 | Noises Off, Des Moines Playhouse
A comedy where everyone gets caught in the action!
June 5-7 | Free Fishing Days
Introduce your family to the fun of fishing this weekend. No license needed!
June 5-7 | Greek Food Fair Festival, 1110 35th St, Des Moines
June 5 | Epic Nerf Party, Des Moines Children’s Museum
5 pm to 6:30 pm
June 5 | Friday Night Skate Date, Brenton Skating Plaza
6 pm to 9 pm
Skate along the river at sunset with friends. Bring your own skates. $5 admission.
June 6 | Family Fest, Johnston Town Center
11 am to 2 pm
Don’t miss this free family event including balloon animals, magic, spin art, and more.
June 6 | Summer Reading Kick-Off, Des Moines Public Library
10 am to 12 pm
June 6 | Waukee Palooza, Hy-Vee, Waukee
4 pm – 10 pm
Enjoy live music, food trucks, silent auction, 50/50 raffles and more.
June 7 | Trek the Parks Challenge, Brenton Arboretum
1 pm – 3 pm
Kick off the Central Iowa Trek the Parks Challenge at The Brenton Arboretum.
June 8-9 | Bondurant Summer Fest
The festivities kick off with a parade down Grant Street. After the parade, the fun continues with a carnival, silent auction, food vendors, raffle, and live music, all in full swing.
June 10, 24 | Storytime Under the Green Umbrella, Cowles Commons
10 am
Enjoy a playful sharing of songs and stories for toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary-aged youth accompanied by their fun-loving grownups. This is a FREE outdoor event!
June 11-13 | Johnston Green Days, Terra Park
Experience the joy of summer festivals in Johnston with a parade, carnival, live entertainment, interactive games for kids, and so much more. Admission is free.
June 13-15 | FLIP Fabrique, various locations
Des Moines Performing Arts and the 2026 Hy-Vee Summer Arts Series present a circus show for you to jump into summer nostalgia.
June 12 | Party in the Park, Walker Johnston Park, Urbandale
5 pm to 9 pm
June 12 | Twilight Run, Waveland Golf Course
7:30 pm
Lace up your shoes and grab a flashlight! Registration is required.
June 12-21 | Love You Des Moines Days!, Valley Community Center in West Des Moines
Hundreds of free activities for all ages.
June 19 | Pacapalooza, Rose Farmstead in Norwalk
A fluffy, feel-good celebration of all things alpacaReservations required.
June 20 | Free Range Music & BBQ Festival, Jasper Winery
Come out for live music, bbq, and drinks!
June 20 | Cajun Fest, The Meridian in West Des Moines
Join in for a day filled with all-you-can-eat crawfish, lively music, special entertainment, and the option to purchase whatever else you’re hungry for from various local vendors selling Cajun classics (with a twist).
June 19-20 | Lavender Festival, PepperHarrow Farm
June 20 | MACC Foundation’s Annual Board Break, Outlets of Des Moines
11 am to 3 pm
Break karate boards for a good cause–everyone is welcome to join in and break a board. All proceeds go toward helping individuals and families in need within the community.
June 20 | Neighbors Day, Western Gateway Park
Iowa Juneteenth Observance Presents Neighbor’s Day, a celebration featuring a parade, live music, children’s activities, food, and more!
June 21 | Father’s Get in Free, Des Moines Botanical Gardens
Dads enjoy complimentary general admission on Father’s Day.
June 26-28 | Des Moines Arts Festival, Western Gateway Park
Immerse yourself in art from talented vendors and enjoy live music and food trucks. The interactive Creative Zone is always the kids’ favorite stop at the festival.
June 28 | Dance Fitness with Tony Zika, Cowles Commons
9 am
Des Moines Performing Arts invites you to join a dance party! MixxedFit® is a people-inspired fitness program that combines explosive dance moves with body weight toning.
June 28 | Vintage in the Valley, Franklin Jr. High Event Center
10 am to 5 pm
This is a day filled with incredible vintage finds, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind treasures.
June 29 | Sounds of Summer, The Yard 6245 Merle Hay Road, Johnston
7 pm to 10 pm
AstroYachts / Wanted (Bon Jovi Tribute). Admission is free; no tickets are required.
Ongoing Events in Des Moines
Tuesday & Thursdays | Toddler Time, Get Air
10 am
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 some winter energy!
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.
Tuesdays & 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.
2nd Monday of the Month | Storytime with Ruby the Reading Red Panda, Blank Park Zoo
11 am
Each month they read a story and you get to meet a special live ambassador animal from the Zoo’s education department.
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.
First and Third Fridays | New Moms Postpartum Support Group, Waukee Wellness & Chiropractic
A safe and welcoming space where you can connect with other new moms who are going through similar experiences.
Send us an email if we missed any fun things to do in Des Moines, 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, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.
