Each month, we highlight the most buzzworthy places and events in Greater Des Moines in a feature we call Des Buzz. It's your “in the know” list of places to go!
Cinnaholic
Want to satisfy your sweet tooth? Cinnaholic in the East Village understands the assignment. Known for their fully vegan cinnamon rolls, Cinnaholic has literally dozens of flavor combinations. Select one of their signature rolls like Cookie Monster or Caramel Apple Pie or blaze your own sugar trail and create your own. Select your frosting and toppings and you’re all set. We’ll take a dozen.
Pura Social Club
The buzzy new addition to the East Village, Pura Social Club has been called the best "Up and Coming New Cocktail + Tapa Bar” in Des Moines. Focusing on small plates, this is the perfect place to bring your friends to sample your way through the creative menu, which includes such delectable dishes as chicken and jalapeno wontons, shrimp and shitake lollipops, and curried calamari. Wednesday through Saturday they have different music nights, which is music to our ears.
Thunderstruck Over Iowa Speedway
Pyrotechnics Guild International is bringing their annual convention to Newton in July, which is sure to be a blast! It includes three nights that are open to the public (July 31, August 2, August 5). Not only will they have multiple concerts featuring Hairball, Jan and Dean's Beach Party, and Alexandra Kay, but they will also have one of the largest fireworks displays in the world. Baby, you’re a firework indeed. Buy tickets here.
Dew Tour
The annual Dew Tour pro skateboard competition and festival returns to Des Moines on July 29 and 30 at Lauridsen Skatepark! This year, Dew Tour is free and open to the public, so no tickets or reservations are required. Fans are encouraged to come and go as they please! This year is invite, finals-only competition, filled with some of the best competitive skateboarders. This year, fans can access the Dew Tour festival experience including a sponsor village, pro athlete sessions, food and drink, and so much more. It’s sure to be rad!
4th of July
There’s no better way to kick off July than celebrating Independence Day in Greater Des Moines! Whether you’re looking for fireworks displays, live music, or other ways to spend the holiday weekend enjoying the sunshine, we’ve got you covered. Cheer on the Iowa Cubs, splash away the day at Adventureland, or catch a local parade. Plus, there are fireworks shows happening in every corner of the metro, so plan accordingly. Start your weekend with a bang by checking out the full list of all the events here!
80/35
Des Moines’ most iconic music festival is back in 2022! Follow the chorus down to Western Gateway Park on July 8 and 9, where this year’s headliners include Father John Misty and Charli XCX, as well as a large, diverse mix of regional, national, and international acts. See the full lineup here. Tickets start at $55, but there are multiple free stages to explore as well. You don’t want to miss the return of the music fest that put Des Moines on the map!
Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend
Indycar officially returns to the Iowa Speedway, "The Fastest Short Track on the Planet", Friday July 22 through Sunday, July 24. With the purchase of your ticket, you also gain admission to the concerts each day as well. Saturday headliners include Tim McGraw and Florida Georgia Line, and the weekend wraps up on Sunday with Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton. You won't want to miss the action on the 0.875-mile Iowa Speedway!
State Games of America
The State Game of America are like the Iowa Games, but times 30! Held in both Des Moines and Ames, there are more than 40 sports on the docket. There are 30 different states that participate, with around 16,000 total athletes. From July 27 – 31, enjoy cheering on the athletes in sports ranging from basketball and billiards to swimming and spikeball. It’s sure to be a winning weekend!
