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!
National Speech and Debate Tournament
National Speech & Debate are returning to Greater Des Moines for the centennial celebration of their tournament from June 15 – 20. With more than 6,000 students from 1,500 schools, these competitors will be taking Greater Des Moines by storm. Spanning from the Iowa Events Center to Johnston High School to Roosevelt High School, it’s all hands-on deck to cheer on these students in the national tournament. This event is free to attend, with events happening all week long and the finals happening on Friday, June 20. If you can’t attend in person, they even have a livestream you can tune into. Learn more here.
Des Moines Arts Festival
Get ready to celebrate creativity at the Des Moines Arts Festival, taking over Western Gateway Park from June 27 – 29! Dive into hands-on fun by painting a mural, giving spin art a whirl, or just letting your inner artist run wild. Explore incredible visual art, chat with the artists, and catch live music and performances on stages throughout the park. Best of all? Admission is free. Find the schedule of events here.
IRONMAN 70.3 Des Moines
It's time for another year of 70.3 miles of intensity! On Sunday, June 8, IRONMAN 70.3 Des Moines will be happening throughout the whole city! Cheer on the swimmers at Gray’s Lake, bikers throughout the city to beautiful countryside of West Des Moines, and the runners throughout downtown Des Moines. Need an idea of what to do or where to eat while you're here? Check out our Top Things to Do and Top Places to Eat blogs. Enjoy cheering the athletes on to the finish line!
PrideFest
PrideFest will take over the Historic East Village, June 6 – 8. The weekend-long celebration helps raise awareness of LGBTQ+ achievements and celebrates individuals and families. Events throughout the weekend include the 5K Pride Stride, the PrideFest Parade, Pet Parade, and more. There will be four zones throughout the East Village you can visit; Health and Wellness Zone, Teen Zone, Family and Kids Zone, and Pet Zone. Check out the full schedule of events here.
National Junior High Finals Rodeo
Saddle up for some serious action at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo, coming to the Iowa State Fairgrounds, June 23 – 29! This features around 1,200 of the toughest, most talented middle school cowboys and cowgirls from 43 U.S. states, five Canadian provinces, plus Australia and Mexico. With thrilling rodeo performances every day starting Saturday, June 23, there’s no shortage of excitement. Grab your tickets and check out the full schedule here!
Hamilton
One of the most celebrated Broadway productions, “Hamilton” returns to Greater Des Moines this month. The musical traces the remarkable rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he battles for honor, love, and a lasting legacy. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Hamilton” delivers a groundbreaking blend of history and hip-hop that's unlike anything else on stage. If you haven’t seen it yet, now is your chance. Tickets are still available, and the show runs from June 3 – 15. Learn more here.
Juneteenth
Celebrate the 35th annual Juneteenth in Greater Des Moines with events happening all month long! Play in a charity golf outing, explore the Neighbor’s Day Celebration, learn at the Juneteenth Jubilee, and more. Learn more about Juneteenth Celebrations here.
Rook Room
A new game lounge and cafe is officially open in downtown Des Moines. From board games to puzzles to TTRPGs (short for "Tabletop Role-Playing Games), the Rook Room has you covered for all of your gaming needs. Come in, play a game or two, grab a drink and a snack, and stay for as long as you’d like. Open now at 300 SW 5th Street!
