If you’ve been itching to get out of the house and have some summer fun, you’ll be happy to know there are more in-person events happening in July than there have been in months! Many events require registration to stay within limited capacity levels, so be sure to check the event’s website for details as you plan your summer bucket list.
Ideas for More Summer Fun in Des Moines
- 4th of July Fireworks Shows
- Open Pools and Spraygrounds
- Iowa Day Trips
- Where to go Creek Stomping
- Murals in Des Moines
- Summer Fun in Des Moines
July Events in Des Moines
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Waukee Farmer’s Market
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Get fresh farm products and baked goods at the Waukee Farmers Market. Because of the pandemic, live entertainment and art items not be available.
July 1-31 | 19th Amendment Centennial Celebration, Iowa Historical Museum
Here’s a great opportunity to learn history together as a family. As we celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage, this traveling exhibition at the Iowa Historical Museum explores the often-overlooked contributions of black women in the women’s suffrage movement. Admission is free.
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | Pizza on the Prairie, Henry A Wallace Country Life Center
5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Plan a Friday night out the entire family can enjoy! There will be brick oven pizza packed full with straight-from-the-farm veggies and local meats. Enjoy live music and walk the prairie path. Drinks, desserts, and salads are also available for purchase. Seating is limited, so bring a lawn chair or blanket. To maintain social distancing, reservations and a small deposit are required.
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | Fridays at the Farm, Middlebrook Farms
Make it a date night or bring the whole family to Fridays at the Farm, where you can enjoy live music, food trucks, farmers market vendors and more. Plan to bring your own chairs and blankets.
July 4, 11, 18, 25 | Global Greens Farmers Market, 3200 University Ave., Des Moines
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Shop for delicious locally-grown produce for you and your family while supporting new Iowans who have a passion for farming! Global Greens Farmers’ Market serves as a platform for former refugees to sell their produce and bolster their small farming businesses.
July 6 | Full Moon Walk on High Trestle Trail, Start near High Trestle Trail
Join the Iowa Walking Club for a unique experience walking along the High Trestle Trail as the sun sets. It would make a fun family outing or unique date night. Registration begins at 7:45 p.m. The fee is $3 (cash only). There are 5K and 10K options available. Bring lights, reflective clothing, and bug spray as you’ll head to the bridge with daylight, but walk back to the car in the dark.
July 7 | Virtual Cookie Camp with Crème Cupcake (online)
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
We’ve all seem to be baking more lately. Learn from the pros at Crème Cupcake how to make three types of cookies. This is great for the home baker who wants to learn more or for a family activity. Pre-registration is required by July 2. You can purchase just the instructional video link or you can opt for the class plus prepackaged ingredients.
July 10-26 | Live Theatre Drive-In, Des Moines Playhouse
On Wednesdays through Sundays, The Playhouse will present a two-person cast play in its parking lot. The audience can remain safely in their cars listening via a radio frequency, just like at drive-in movie theatres. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, but reservations are required as space is limited.
July 11 | Yoga by the Lake, Terra Lake Park in Johnston
If you’ve been missing in-person yoga classes, bring your mat to Terra Lake Park in Johnston for a free hour of yoga outside with instructors from Power Life Yoga.
July 11 | Ioway Culture Day, Living History Farms
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The people of the Ioway nation were some of Iowa’s first farmers! Explore this Native American culture which gave Iowa its name. Visit the 1700 Ioway Farm where farm staff will present hands-on activities to showcase how the Ioway built their homes, prepared food, and farmed.
July 11-12 | Great Iowa Pet Fest, Horizon Event Center in Clive
Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Plan a day out with your fur baby at the Great Iowa Pet Fest. They are planning a pet-friendly concert, dog sport demos, contests, a trade show, and a walk!
July 12 | Blooms and Booze, SmashPark
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Who’s overdue for a girls’ day out? I know, we all are! Grab your gal pals for some summer fun. Paint your own terra-cotta flower pot and then learn to create a beautiful potted flower arrangement while you drink $1 mimosas. Cost is $15 per person and includes all crafting supplies. Registration is required to maintain appropriate social distancing. Brunch and drinks are available for purchase.
July 15 | Nature Story Hour, Jester Park Nature Center
Pack your picnic lunch and bring your family for an hour of nature stories and activities with a naturalist. The event is free, but registration is required to maintain social distancing.
July 18 | Summer Market, Snus Hill Winery
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Shop outside at Snus Hill Winery for handmade and homegrown products. The best part is you can sip some wine while you shop. Admission is free.
July 25 | Parents Morning Out, Greenwood/Ashworth Park
9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Let the kids have some fun at a local park while you run errands (or just enjoy some quiet time). Muddy Boots Forest Camp hosts this event and offers games, free-play, snack time with a story, and a craft to take home! Cost is $20. Click here to register.
July 25 | Movie in the Park, Granger Centennial Park
8:30 p.m.
If your family loves musicals, be sure to catch The Greatest Show at Granger’s free movies in the park. Admission is free. Plan to bring chairs and blankets for your family. We also recommend snacks (and bug spray)!
July 26 | Music in the Park, Haines Park Outdoor Stage
6 p.m.
Bring a chair and enjoy live music in the park. This is a great way to get out of the house and have some fun, while still maintaining some social distance with other concert-goers.
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, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.
