Hellooooooo Summer!
We are ready for sunny pool days, listening to live music at local festivals, and movies under the stars. Get ready for big family fun. This summer there is something great in store for everyone.
Summer Guides for Endless Fun
Ultimate Guide to Summer
Summer Bucket List
Pool Guide
Spraygrounds & Wading Pool Guide
Outdoor Ideas for Toddlers
Outdoor Movies
Outdoor Yoga Classes
Summer Road Races
Things to do Des Moines in June 2021
June 1-12 | Winefest, Various online and in-person events
After the past year, you could use a night out. And a glass of wine! Check out all of the great events happening throughout the week of Winefest in Des Moines. Whether you’re ready to hit the town or sample at home with an online tasting class, there are options for you.
June 3 | Toddler Tales, Jester Park Nature Center
10 a.m.
Let their imaginations run wild with this nature-themed storytime! Hear a story followed by the naturalist’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, puppets, or a craft. This event is free, but registration is required.
June 3 | Grimes Food Truck Fest, Grimes Public Library
4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Help the Grimes Public Library with their building campaign while you enjoy delicious eats from food trucks outside the Grimes Public Library.
June 3, 10, 17, 24 | Summer Concert Series, Jasper Winery
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Enjoy free live music at Jasper Winery. Bring a lawn chair, blankets, and snacks. Drinks and food will also be available for purchase at the event. Check their website before the event for the most up-to-date social distancing guidelines.
June 3-6, 11-13 | Dinosaur Adventure, Adventureland Park
Take advantage of this outdoor drive-thru event to see giant dinosaurs up close. Tickets start at $49 per vehicle and you can purchase tickets for a specific day and time to fit your schedule. Your dino lover will flip!
June 4 | Wine & Craft Beer Fest, Altoona’s Enabling Garden
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Plan a night out at Altoona’s Wine & Craft Beer Fest. Tickets are $17 in advance and $25 at the gate.
June 5-7 | Free Fishing Days
Introduce your family to the fun of fishing this weekend. No license needed!
June 10-12 | Governors Days, Grimes
Governors Days is a family favorite summer festival in the Des Moines area. Complete with concerts, parades, carnivals, and much, much more; Governors Days has something for everyone. Admission to the festival is free.
June 12 | Pizza Fest, The District in Ankeny
Starts at 4 p.m.
Before the big show, with headliner Easton Corbin, enjoy some family fun. At this free event, the kids will love playing in the Pizza Party Fun Zone from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., with all kinds of games and activities. There will live music all evening and, of course, delicious pizza!
June 12 | National Get Outdoors Day, Brown’s Woods
10 a.m.
Get the kids outdoors and join Polk County Conservation on a guided hike through Brown’s Woods on National Get Outdoors Day. Don’t forget a water bottle!
June 12-20 | Love You Des Moines Days, Valley Community Center
From Lego building and bike riding to art classes and video game play, there are dozens of activities for the family to enjoy during this 9-day celebration. Check out the schedule and pick your favorites!
June 13 | Mermaid Princess Party, Clive Aquatic Center
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Meet Ariel and other mermaid princesses while you splash around. Crafts and treats will also be available at the event. Come in your favorite royal attire over your swimsuit for a photo opp. Parents are encouraged to be in the water with their swimmer for aquatic safety. Cost is $25 per child/parent.
June 16 | Nature Story Hour, Fort Des Moines Park
12 p.m.
Pack a picnic lunch and blanket and bring your family for an hour of nature stories and activities with a naturalist from Polk County Conservation. Enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, munch your lunch, listen to a story or two, and discover new parks with your children. The event is free.
June 17-21 | Johnston Green Days, Terra Park
Experience the joy of summer festivals in Johnston. There will be a parade, carnival, live entertainment, interactive games for kids, and so much more. Admission is free.
June 19 | Juneteenth Festival, The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Join the Ankeny Community Network for live music, food, and activities in honor of Juneteenth. Kids will love the scavenger hunt and art activities. And there’s even a TikTok challenge to get your big kids having fun.
June 25-27 | Des Moines Arts Festival, Western Gateway Park
We’re thrilled to see another classic Des Moines event come back this year. Immerse yourself in art from talented vendors, enjoy live music, and food trucks. The interactive Creative Zone is always the kids’ favorite stop at the festival.
June 26-27 | Artfest Midwest, Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Event Center
Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ArtFest Midwest is an indoor event held in the rain-free, air-conditioned Hy-Vee Hall. Meet artists and participate in kid’s art activities. Admission is free.
June 26 | Climb Out of the Darkness sponsored by Postpartum Support International Iowa Chapter
10 a.m.
This event is very close to our hearts. Climb Out of the Darkness is the world’s largest event raising awareness of perinatal mental illness like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and OCD, postpartum post-traumatic stress, postpartum psychosis, perinatal bipolar mood disorders, and pregnancy depression and anxiety. Check site for event details and social distancing guidelines.
June 26 | Water Lantern Festival, Water Works Park
4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Experience the magic of over 1000 lanterns as they light up the water. Decorate a lantern in remembrance of a loved one or to carry your dreams into the night. The lanterns are lit with an LED candle, and you set them on the calm evening water and they float away.
June 27 | Splash with a Princess, Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center
6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
You little one will love a chance to splash and play with a princess. Sign up to attend a pool party with Snow White, Snow Queen, Ice Princess, the Little Mermaid, and more! Cost is $20.
June 30 | Nature Story Hour, Easter Lake Park
12 p.m.
Pack a picnic lunch, blanket and bring our family for an hour of nature stories and activities with a naturalist from Polk County Conservation. Enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, munch your lunch, listen to a story or two, and discover new parks with your children. The event is free.
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, as COVID guidelines are changing week to week, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.
