After taking a hiatus in 2020 because of the pandemic, Glow Wild is back at Jester Park for 2021. This one-day family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, August 28 from 4 p.m. -10 p.m. at the Jester Park Nature Center.
Family Activities
What makes Glow Wild such a great event is that there are so many activities to take part in! Polk County Conservation showcases many of its fun outdoor education and recreation opportunities throughout the afternoon and evening. Go on a horse-drawn wagon ride, canoe on Discovery Pond, learn about and see live birds of prey up close, try your luck and archery (ages 12+), race minnows, roast s’mores, and tackle the bouldering/climbing walls.
Live music will span from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. and include three Iowa musicians:
- Royce Johns, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Suede, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Elizabeth Mary, 8:15 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.
Between 7:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m., spectators can witness the 
lighting of the signature 30’ bonfire that illuminates the area for the rest of the evening. Hy-Vee will provide a variety of meal and beverage options for a fee. Alcoholic beverages can also be purchased on-site with proof of ID.
Stay the Night
Extend your outdoor weekend experience by spending the night at the park after the event in our festival campground. Tent-only camping sites are $25. Up to six people can camp on the same site. A shuttle service will be provided to and from the Glow Wild event site. Check-in opens at 1 p.m. on the event day. Each person who will be staying in a tent site needs to purchase a Glow Wild ticket.
Buy Tickets
Glow Wild tickets can be purchased online at www.glowwildiowa.com. Presale tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children (ages 3-17), and children under 3 are free. At the gate, beginning at 4 p.m. on the day of the event, ticket pricing increases to $20 for adults and $8 for children. Tethered hot air balloon rides are being offered for $130 per ride (up to 600 pound limit per ride). Balloon rides and festival camping can be added to your cart, along with your event tickets.
Jester Park is only 30 minutes northwest of downtown Des Moines and event parking is free. Glow Wild is hosted by Polk County Conservation and Cumulus Radio and brought to you by many generous community sponsors. Visit www.glowwildiowa.gov for all of the great event details.
