DES MOINES, IA (June 4, 2026) — In June, Greater Des Moines becomes a destination for nearly every type of visitor imaginable. Over the course of a few weeks, the region will welcome visitors drawn by sports, arts, culture, agriculture, and community celebrations from across the country and around the world. The diverse lineup of events highlights not only the variety of experiences taking place throughout Greater Des Moines, but also how events activate communities across the region and create lasting economic and cultural impact.
“Events are one of the most powerful ways people experience a destination,” said Trina Flack, President and CEO of Catch Des Moines. “In a single month, we’ll welcome visitors attending sporting events, industry gatherings, cultural celebrations, and nationally recognized festivals. That diversity is one of our greatest strengths as a destination and a reflection of the vibrant communities that make up our region.”
The month begins with the World Pork Expo (June 3-4) at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, where more than 10,000 pork producers and agricultural professionals from around the globe will gather for the industry's largest trade show. The event generates more than 3,000 hotel room nights throughout Greater Des Moines each year.
The Principal Charity Classic (June 10-14) returns to Wakonda Club, bringing one of the PGA TOUR Champions’ premier events to the region. The tournament is expected to generate an estimated $26 million economic impact and will feature Iowa native and 12-time PGA TOUR winner Zach Johnson.
At the same time, the United States Youth Soccer (USYS) North Central Presidents Cup (June 11-14) is expected to welcome 96 youth soccer teams to the Hy-Vee Multiplex in Grimes. Approximately 85 percent of participating teams are traveling from outside Iowa, generating an estimated $3 million economic impact while demonstrating the region’s growing ability to attract major youth sports events.
Later in the month, the USA Racquetball Junior National Championships (June 24-28) will bring the nation’s top youth racquetball athletes to the Wellmark YMCA as competitors vie for national titles in the sport’s most important junior event.
June's momentum extends beyond sports and business events as the region's summer festival season comes to life. Signature celebrations such as Capital City PrideFest, Juneteenth events, the Iowa Craft Brew Festival, and the nationally acclaimed Des Moines Arts Festival showcase the culture, creativity, and community spirit that make Greater Des Moines a vibrant place to visit and experience.
The region will also host city, business, and community leaders from Lexington, Kentucky, for Commerce Lexington's 2026 Leadership Visit (June 10-12). The visit underscores Greater Des Moines' growing reputation as a model for economic growth, regional collaboration, and innovation, while introducing another group of influential visitors to the community.
"Events don't just fill hotel rooms, they create opportunities for people to experience Greater Des Moines in new ways," Flack said. "Whether someone is here for sports, arts, business, or a community celebration, they're discovering what makes this region special.”
About Catch Des Moines
Catch Des Moines is the official destination marketing organization promoting and representing Greater Des Moines to leisure travelers and meeting/sports planners. Our focus is to increase visitors to the metro and elevate the visitor experience to drive economic success and enhance the quality of life in the 15 local Greater Des Moines communities we represent. For more information, visit catchdesmoines.com.