Take your family out to the ball game!
Central Iowa native and star college basketball player, Caitlin Clark, is set to make an appearance at Principal Park, Saturday, June 18 at 6:08 pm. The all-American will be taking pictures, signing autographs, and throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. The Iowa Cubs and Hy-Vee will be sponsoring a Caitlin Clark replica jersey giveaway for the first 1,000 fans in attendance. Head to Principal Park to celebrate women in sports and watch the Cubs take on the Omaha Storm Chasers.
Get out to one of the many festivals happening in June. There is no better time to explore Des Moines than summer!
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer and print out our bucket list to plan all of your activities.
Things to do in Des Moines in June 2022
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | Summer Concert Series, Jasper Winery
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Bring the whole family or plan a grown-up night out at Jasper Winery. This event is free, and you can bring a picnic or purchase food from onsite food trucks. Plan to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Wine, beer, and sangria are available for purchase.
June 2 ,7, 9, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 28, 30 | Toddler Time, Get Air
10 a.m.
Little jumpers (kids under 46″) 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 energy!
June 2 | 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 | 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 4 | Pizza Fest, The District in Ankeny
Starts at 4 p.m.
Before the big show, with headliner American Authors, 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 be live music all evening and, of course, delicious pizza!
June 4 | Des Moines pools open! Check out our guide to area pools.
June 5 | Beautiful Land Pop-Up Market, Fareway – Downtown Ames
11 a.m. – 4 p.m
A carefully curated market featuring over 50 local makers, vintage collectors, food trucks, and live music in the heart of Ames.
June 5-7 | Free Fishing Days
Introduce your family to the fun of fishing this weekend. No license needed!
June 7 | Tween and Teen Ukulele Camp, North Side Library, Des Moines
This 3-day camp for ages 8-18, teaching ukulele basics, chords and strumming patterns.
June 9-11 | Governors Days, Grimes
Governors Days is a family favorite summer festival in the Des Moines area. Complete with concerts, parades, carnivals, and much more. Governors Days has something for everyone. Admission to the festival is free.
June 9, 16, 23, 30 | 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.
June 10-12 | Pride Fest, Des Moines
Capital City Pride is happy to welcome everyone to their 44th annual PrideFest with headliners Matt and Kim and Todrick Hall
June 11 | Waukee Palooza, Kinship Brewing, Waukee
5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
This second annual music festival features a silent auction, 50/50 raffles, food trucks, and music from The Sheet, Tank Antony Band, and headlining band Big Time Grain Co.
June 12 | The Mixtape Tour 2022, Wells Fargo Arena
Multiplatinum selling pop super-group New Kids On The Block continues the party like nobody else can with the announcement of The MixTape Tour 2022, with their friends Salt-N-Pepa, Rick Astley, and En Vogue as legendary special guests.
June 12-20 | Love You Des Moines Days, Valley Community Center
From Lego building and bike riding to art classes and video gameplay, there are hundreds of activities for the family to enjoy during this 9-day celebration. Check out the schedule and pick your favorites!
June 13 | Storytime with Ruby the Reading Red Panda, Blank Park Zoo
11 a.m.
Join Ruby’s storytime in person at the Zoo. Listen to a story and meet a special live ambassador animal from the Zoo’s education department. The event is free for members or with paid Zoo admission.
June 15 | Nature Story Hour, Brown’s Woods
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 and sunshine, munch your lunch, listen to a story or two, and discover new parks with your children. The event is free.
June 16-19 | 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 17-23 | Art Week Des Moines
Art Week Des Moines celebrates local artists, encouraging venues and organizations to host artist-involved events that engage and inspire our community. Follow them on Facebook to keep up with the details on the events throughout town.
June 18 | 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! Or check out other ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Des Moines
June 24-26 | Des Moines Arts Festival, Western Gateway Park
Des Moines Arts Festival is celebrating 25 years with extra fun events this year! 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 25 | Pollinator Fest, Reiman Gardens
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebrate National Pollinator Week. Visit a variety of fun and educational displays, including live pollinators and plants, and interactive pollinator-themed activities. This event will happen rain or shine.
June 25 |Baby Bloom 2022, Martin Luther King Park, Des Moines
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Presented by Healthy Start, EveryStep. If you are pregnant or have a child under the age of 1 year, or thinking about starting a family, this FREE event is for you! Free lunch for the first 200 people, swag bags, chances to win prizes, kids’ activities, and more.
June 25-26 | 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.
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.
