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!
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 this month! Follow the chorus down to their new location, Waterworks Park, on July 12 and 13, where this year’s headliners include Killer Mike and Ok Go, as well as a large, diverse mix of regional, national, and international acts. See the full lineup here. Tickets start at $85, 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 returns to the Iowa Speedway, "The Fastest Short Track on the Planet," Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14. With the purchase of your ticket, you also gain admission to the concerts each day as well. Saturday headliners include Luke Combs and Eric Church, and the weekend wraps up on Sunday with Kelsea Ballerini and Post Malone. You won't want to miss the action on the 0.875-mile Iowa Speedway!
Hugo’s Wood Fired Kitchen
Table 128 owner Lynn Pritchard has officially opened his next venture, Hugo’s Wood Fired Kitchen. Located on the new WesleyLife Campus on University, this mediterranean spot is just a few minutes away from Drake University. The menu has everything from falafels and meatballs to seasonal hummus and their wood–fired pizza. Open Tuesday – Sunday, learn more about them here.
2024 TruBank Des Moines Challenge
Catch some pro disc golfers at the TruBank Disc Golf Challenge happening at Pickard Park in Indianola, July 5 – 7. This is your chance to see some of the best disc golfers in the nation. The tournament is offering a fun new opportunity this year, a chance to see the professionals in action during the practice day. The practice round kicks off on July 4, and spectators will have the first look at the course, a spot at the press conference, as well as a BBQ after the practice round. Learn more about the tournament and get your tickets here.
Adventureland
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Adventureland has a fun-filled summer planned. Recently named a Top Five Amusement Park in America, spend the day catching thrills on The Monster and The Spaceshot, and cool off in Adeventure Bay, filled with a wave pool, lazy river, slides, and more. Throughout July, celebrate the Festival of Decades, a weekly concert series happening on Saturdays. Enjoy a lineup of bands ranging from the 1970s to the 2010s. See the lineup and get tickets here.
Des Moines Metro Opera Festival Season
It’s officially festival season at the Des Moines Metro Opera. Head south to Indianola to experience the beauty of opera, with four shows available for individual ticket purchases. The 467-seat arena-style theatre is a unique way to be close to the action for beautiful shows. Enjoy the comedic stylings of The Barber of Seville, the dramatic showings of Salome, and more. Find all the shows here.
Zavy Kitchen
From the owners of Pho Real Kitchen & Bar comes a new East Village modern Vietnamese restaurant, Zavy Kitchen. Zavy, meaning seasoning in Vietnamese, offers up a menu full of authentic Asian cuisine. Enjoy fried rice, pho, sesame chicken, and so much more. They also have smoothies, boba tea, and other sweet treats to complete your meal. Closed on Tuesdays, open every other day at 11 a.m. Find their menu here.
