Date Festival Location Highlights Hours Cost
May 31-June 2, 2024 Greek Food Festival – Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, DM. Friday 5:00 pm-9:00 pm, Saturday 11:00 am-8:00 pm, and Sunday 11:00 am-2:00 pm. Free admission to cultural events; food and drink require fees.
| May 31-June 1, 2024 | Scandinavian Days | Story City | Ice cream social, food, bingo, fun runs, parade, games, beer garden, family fun, and more. | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m.-midnight Saturday | Free; Some events, food, and drink require fees |
| June 6-8, 2024 | Governors Days | Various locations in Grimes | Family fun, live music, Bill Riley Talent Show, car show, bags tournament, games, food, and more. | 5-10 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday; 6:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Saturday | Free; Some events, food, and drink require fees |
| June 7-8, 2024 | NewtonFest | Various locations in Newton | Concerts, family fun, car show, theater, magic, yoga, All-Class Reunion, Pool Party, Pickleball Tournament, food trucks, and more. | Varies | Free; Some events, food, and drink require fees |
| June 7-9, 2024 | Capital City Pride of Iowa | Various locations in Des Moines | Silent Disco, 5K, Family & Kids Zone, Health & Wellness, Yoga, Pride Parade, and more. | Varies | Free; Some events, food, and drink require fees |
| June 13-28, 2024 | Iowa Juneteenth | Various locations in Central Iowa | Gospel Celebration, Education events, Golf Events, Neighbors Day, Mental Health Awareness, and more. | Varies; Neighbors Day in Des Moines – June 17 – 12 pm to 8 pm | Free; Some events, food, and drink require fees |
| June 13-15, 2024 | Johnston Green Days | Terra Park | Car show, Smokin’ Heroes, Kids’ Fun, live music, fireworks, Parade, food, and more. | 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Thursday; 4 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday | Free; Cost for rides, food, and drink. |
| June 28-30, 2024 | Des Moines Arts Festival | Western Gateway Park, DM | Art, music, films, student and emerging artists, food, drinks, and more. | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday | Free; Cost for art, food, and drink. |
| July 12-13, 2024 | 80/35 Music Festival | Water Works Park | Live music, local artisans and nonprofits, food and drink. | See Website | Admission starts at $130 |
| July 12-14, 2024 | Ankeny Chamber Summerfest | The District at Prairie Trail | Carnival, parade, fireworks, live music, food, family fun night, and more. | 4-9 p.m. Thursday; 4-11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday | Free; Cost for rides, food, and drink. |
| July 19-20, 2024 | Waukee Arts Festival | Centennial Park | Arts, live music, family events, food, yoga, and more. | 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. | Free; Cost for art, food, and drink. |
| July 20, 2024 | Beaverdale Bluegrass Festival | Tower Park, DM | Live bluegrass music all day. Beer and food trucks on hand. | 3-9:30 p.m. | Free; Cost for food and drinks. |
| July 19-20, 2024 | Clive Festival | Next to the Clive Aquatic Center | Swimming, family fun, bags tournament, live music, bingo, Clive Running Festival, food, drinks, and more. | 5:30-11 p.m. Friday; 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday | Free; Cost for rides, food, and drink. |
| July 26-August 3, 2024 | National Balloon Classic | Memorial Balloon Field | Competitive balloon flying. | Morning and evening sessions. | $10 – advance purchase required. |
| August 2-4, 2024 | Hinterland Music Festival | Avenue of the Saints, Saint Charles | Three days of music. | Showtimes on the website. | Tickets are now on a waitlist. |
| August 23-25, 2024 | World Food & Music Festival | Western Gateway Park, DM | Multicultural Music, entertainment, and Food. | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday | Free; Cost for food and drinks. |
| August 24, 2024 | Ingersoll Live | 2300 Block of Ingersoll Ave, DM | Music, food, art, neighborhood groups. | 3-10 p.m. | Free; Cost for food and drinks. |
| August 29-31, 2024 | Taste of the Junction – Multicultural Festival | Valley Junction, WDM | Speakers, music, food, art, craft vendors, and more. | 5-8 p.m. Friday; 2-10 p.m. Saturday | Free; Cost for food and drinks. |
| September 14, 2024 | Norwalk Music Fest | Norwalk City Park | Local music, food, and vendors. | 3-10:30 p.m. | Free; Cost for food and drinks. |
| September 20-22, 2024 | White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow | Jester Park, Granger | Cultural event with dancing, singing, storytelling, drumming, and other music. | Noon-8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday | Free; Cost for food and drinks. |
| September 20-21, 2024 | Beaverdale Fall Festival | Beaverdale, Des Moines | Music, food, parade, vendors, and more. | 5-11 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday | Free; Cost for food and drinks. |
| September 21-22, 2024 | Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival | Western Gateway Park, DM | Cultural events with dancing, singing, food, music, and more. | 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday | Free; Cost for food and drinks. |
| October 4-5, 2024 | Windsor Heights Fall Festival | Colby Park, Windsor Heights | Food, family activities, movies, WHAMM 5K, parade, and more. | Hours to come | Free; Cost for food and drinks. |
| October 12-13, 2024 | Madison County Covered Bridge Festival | On the Square in Winterset | Music, food, parade, vendors, car show, and more. | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. | $3 or 2 for $5; Free for kids under 11. Cost for Food and drinks. |
