Greater Des Moines Events
Food. Culture. Art. Catch a taste of the city at the World Food Festival. An eye-catching canvas at the Des Moines Arts Festival. Dancing with celebrities at the Latino Heritage Festival. Track and field athletes from across the country racing the blue oval each year at the Drake Relays. A growing Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival. An ever-growing IMT Des Moines Marathon. Greater Des Moines is a Saturday at the Farmers' Market. A Friday night watching the I-Cubs at Principal Park. Eating your favorite food-on-a-stick at the Iowa State Fair.
From artistic performances to live music concerts. Family-friendly festivals to community fitness races. There’s an event to suit everyone’s interests.
Talented national singing acts like Taylor Swift. Rascal Flatts. Carrie Underwood. Bruce Springsteen. And Britney Spears have rolled through town. The best of the best live shows are coming through Des Moines. It’s time you did too!
Catch ag shows. Art shows. Tech events. Free events. There’s so much to choose from.
So, extend your trip. Experience more. Catch more in Greater Des Moines. And enjoy it with your friends and family.
Know of an event that should be on this calendar, but isn't? Please ADD YOUR EVENT to our calendar with our submission form.
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06-20-2013
Special Events
Adjutant General’s Summer Concert Series
May 30, 2013 to June 27, 2013
- Location: Historic Camp Dodge Pool Complex
- 7105 N.W. 70th Ave
- Johnston,
- Times: 7 p.m.; Photo identification is required for admittance to Camp Dodge for anyone 16 and older.
- Admission: Free
- Website
Five bands have been scheduled for the Adjutant General's Summer Concert Series at the historic Camp Dodge pool complex, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave. in Johnston. The free concert series kicks off Thursday. Concerts are held Thursday nights through June 27 and begin at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair. Local vendors will sell concessions and coolers may be brought in with food and drinks. The ...
Adult Summer Reading Challenge
June 10, 2013 to July 20, 2013 (Recurring daily)
Are you stuck in a reading rut? Looking for a different genre to read? Take the Summer Reading Challenge at the East Side Library starting June 10 through July 20. For each challenge you complete, you'll be entered in a drawing for prizes! Visit the East Side Library for more information and to pick up a list of challenges. Library location and hours posted at www.dmpl....
Bash: Latter-Day Plays
June 19, 2013 to June 23, 2013
- Venue: Des Moines Social Club
- 400 Walnut Street
- Des Moines, IA 50309
- Times: June 19-22: 7:30 p.m.; June 23: 2 p.m.
- Admission: Evening $20; Matinee $14
- Website
Three one-act plays by Neil LaBute that examine evil in everyday life. Tickets sold at the door. For more information: www.desmoinessocialclub.org.
Chamber Logo Unveiling
June 20, 2013
- Venue: Confluence Brewing Company
- 1235 Thomas Beck Road, Suite A
- Des Moines, IA 50315
- Times: 4 - 4:30 p.m.
- Admission: No charge - but reservation appreciated
- Website
Joins us as we unveil our new Chamber logo for the first time! After three years of working together, the East & South Des Moines Chambers members voted early in 2013 to combine the two chambers. Now called Des Moines East & South Chamber of Commerce, be a part of history as we launch a new beginning to our business community and unveil our new logo! Unveiling at 4:15 p...
Des Moines Menace Soccer Camp
June 17, 2013 to June 21, 2013 (Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
Menace Camp
Downtown Walking Tours
June 20, 2013
Guided by area architects and design professionals, these tours of downtown Des Moines provide an opportunity for local residents and visitors to appreciate the rich architectural heritage of Iowa's capitol city. Participants will learn about architectural detail, style, and elements, along with intriguing factoids and the historical significance of the buildings that shape t...
Exhibition Preview Party PHYLLIDA BARLOW: SCREE
June 20, 2013
- Venue: Des Moines Art Center
- 4700 Grand Avenue
- Des Moines, IA 50312
- Times: 6 - 7:30 p.m. (Members 5-6 p.m.)
- Admission: $5 - Members free
- Website
Cash bar; complimentary hors d'oeuvres
FACE
June 06, 2013 to June 20, 2013 (Recurring daily)
Celebrate the artwork of Jill Wells, Des Moines, Iowa's premier mural artist! Witness a unique showing of her strong graphite drawings, which explore the animated FACES of truth and conversation. The opening reception starts at 6:00pm on June 6th with classic family friendly atmosphere, refreshments and finger food.
Family Summer Camp 2013
June 08, 2013 to July 14, 2013 (Every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
- Venue: Bass Pro Shops
- 1000 Bass Pro Drive Northwest
- Altoona, IA 50009
- Times: Noon-5 p.m. unless otherwise noted
- Admission: Free
Family Summer Camp is back! June 8-July 14 - Noon to 5 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday Free crafts, special workshops for kids, and activities! The fun starts at noon (unless otherwise noted)! Activities: Our new Daisy BB Gun inflatable shooting range The fabulous FREE wildlife carousel Casting Buckets Soft Foam Shooting Arcade Workshops (See schedule below) ...
Free Flicks - The Lorax
June 20, 2013
- Location: Evergreen Park
- 2000 Evergreen Ave
- Des Moines, IA 50309
- Times: 9 p.m.
- Admission: Free
- Phone: 515-277-4405
- Website
Funny Bone presents Ralph Harris
June 19, 2013 to June 22, 2013
- Location: Funny Bone Comedy Club
- 570 Prairie View Drive
- West Des Moines, IA 50266
- Times: see website
- Admission: $10 - $15 (19 & older)
- Phone: 515-270-2100
- Website
Tickets/more information: http://www.funnybonedm.com/.
House of Mercy Gala
June 20, 2013
- Venue: Prairie Meadows
- 1 Prairie Meadows Drive
- Altoona, IA 50009
- Times: 6 p.m.
- Admission: $150
- Phone: 515-247-3248
The Meadows Conference Center at Prairie Meadows.
Iowa Artist Kathranne Knight Exhibit
May 20, 2013 to July 28, 2013 (Recurring daily)
- Venue: Des Moines Art Center
- 4700 Grand Avenue
- Des Moines, IA 50312
- Times: Museum hours
- Admission: Free
- Phone: 515-277-4405
- Email | Website
For more information about the exhibit: www.desmoinesartcenter.org.
Music in the Junction: Randy Burk & The Prisoners
June 20, 2013
- Venue: Historic Valley Junction
- 217 - 5th Street
- West Des Moines, IA 50265
- Times: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- Admission: Free
- Phone: n/a
- Website
Join us for our signature event in Historic Valley Junction - our weekly Farmers Market and Music in the Junction concert series. Free parking and free shuttle service are available 4-9 p.m. during all scheduled Thursday night events at Hillside Elementary School, 713 8th St., West Des Moines. Farmers Market is home to over 100 weekly vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods,...
My Dinner With Andrew
June 13, 2013 to June 23, 2013 (Recurring daily)
- Venue: Des Moines Social Club
- 400 Walnut Street
- Des Moines, IA 50309
- Times: Thurs - Sat 7:30 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m.
- Admission: Thurs - Sat $20; Sunday Matinee $10
- Phone: n/a
- Website
Directed Matthew McIver. In 1997, Andrew Cunanan became the subject of one of the largest manhunts in U.S. history when he went on a cross-country killing spree that began in Minneapolis and ended with the broad-daylight slaying of iconic fashion designer Gianni Versace. For a period of ten months prior to the first murders, Iowa playwright Robert John Ford had nearly da...
Nationwide Powersports Showcase
June 20, 2013
- Location: Nationwide Insurance
- 1100 Locust Street
- Des Moines, IA 50391-4115
- Times: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Admission: Free
- Phone: 515-508-6471
Join us at Nationwide Insurance for a day of fun and at the same time learn more about the various types of recreational vehicles we insure. See various Vendors displaying several types of Motorcycles, Scooters, Boats, Personal Watercraft, ATV's Snowmobiles, Motorhomes, Travel Trailers, RV's, Golf Carts and much much more.... Talk to the Vendors... See the Nationwide Associate ...
Pleasant Hill Farmers' Market
June 20, 2013
- Location: Berean Assembly of God Parking Lot
- 5299 E University Avenue
- Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
- Times: 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
- Admission: Free
- Phone: 515-288-1735
Thursdays, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. from June to October!
Shakespeare on the Lawn
June 20, 2013 to June 23, 2013 (Recurring daily)
- Venue: Salisbury House & Gardens
- 4025 Tonawanda Drive
- Des Moines, IA 50312
- Times: 7:30 p.m.
- Admission: $25 Standard Admission/$20 Member Admission/$5.00 Student Admission (with student i.d.)
- Website
Spend an enchanting evening at Salisbury House as Repertory Theater of Iowa performs Shakespeare's classic play, A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Summer Concert Series w/The Nadas
June 20, 2013
- Venue: Jasper Winery
- 2400 George Flagg Parkway
- Des Moines, IA
- Times: 6 - 9 p.m.
- Admission: Free
- Phone: 515-282-9463
- Website
Held every Thursday from 6-9pm, enjoy free live music on the lawn. We'll be serving wine, sangria & Madhouse beer by the glass ($5) as well as grilling up burgers & brats ($6). We'll have regular appearances by the Chocolaterie Stam gelato cart - yes, you can even have a wine or beer gelato float - as well as the Gusto Pizza truck. We will have some chairs/table...
The “Retro” Andrews Sisters at Edgewater
June 20, 2013
- Location: Edgewater
- 9225 Cascade Ave
- West Des Moines, IA 50266
- Times: 7 p.m.
- Admission: Free
Enjoy songs from the 30s and 40s including popular tunes like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” at Edgewater.
Trolley Crawl
June 20, 2013
- Venue: Confluence Brewing Company
- 1235 Thomas Beck Road, Suite A
- Des Moines, IA 50315
- Times: 4:30 - 8 p.m.
- Admission: $20 Members (prepaid includes T-shirt; $30 Non-Members (prepaid includes T-shirt); $30 At the door payment - Members and Non-Members
- Website
The East & South Des Moines Chambers of Commerce will be hosting an Unveiling Party and Trolley Crawl. Following the Unveiling, we will hold our annual trolley crawl showcasing Chamber members along Fleur Drive. All participants receive a mug and appetizers provided by Mezzodi's at the time of the event. The first 75 people registered and paid by noon on June 3 will also re...
Unemployed in Des Moines
June 20, 2013
- Venue: Urbandale Public Library
- 3520 86th Street
- Urbandale, IA 50322
- Times: 9 - 11:30 a.m.
- Admission: Free
- Phone: 515-238-8590
- Email | Website
Join fellow job seekers and meet Ernest Phillips with TUG Coaching & Training. He’ll present insights into professional relationship building through Connection, Communication with a Purpose, and Conflict Management. Bring your business cards, job search tips, stories and questions. We meet the first and third Thursdays from 9am-11:30am.
USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships
June 19, 2013 to June 23, 2013
- Venue: Drake University - Drake Stadium
- 28th Street and Forest Avenue
- Des Moines, IA 50311
- Times: Wed start Noon; Thurs start 10 a.m.; Fri start 10 a.m.; Sat start 6:30 na.m.; Sun start 7 a.m. - see website for details
- Admission: Passes $60 - $80; Daily Admission $10 - $25
- Website
West Des Moines Farmers' Market
June 20, 2013
- Venue: Historic Valley Junction
- 217 - 5th Street
- West Des Moines, IA 50265
- Times: 4 - 8 p.m.
- Admission: Free
- Phone: n/a
- Website
Join us for our signature event in Historic Valley Junction - our weekly Farmers Market and Music in the Junction concert series. Free parking and free shuttle service are available 4-9 p.m. during all scheduled Thursday night events at Hillside Elementary School, 713 8th St., West Des Moines. Farmers Market is home to over 100 weekly vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods,...
