Top Things To Do In Des Moines This Summer (2026)
Updated June 17, 2026
Summer in Des Moines offers a rich mix of festivals, flavors, and outdoor adventures, so there’s literally something for everyone!
Whether you're a lifelong local or visiting for the first time, here are the top things to do in Des Moines to make your summer one for the books.
1. Iowa State Fair (August 13-23, 2026)
No Des Moines summer is complete without the Iowa State Fair!
From August 13–23, the fairgrounds come alive with butter sculptures, livestock shows, thrilling rides, nightly concerts, and just about any food-on-a-stick you can imagine. This year's Grandstand lineup has something for everyone: country hitmaker HARDY kicks things off on opening night, Rod Stewart (with Richard Marx) brings the classics on August 14, Lainey Wilson takes the stage August 16 (already sold out, by the way), Riley Green performs August 20, and country legends Alabama return with special guest Exile on August 21. In a sweet addition this year, closing night on August 23 goes to Christian artist Josiah Queen with special guest Ben Fuller, a family-friendly finale that feels like the perfect way to end the run. With over a million visitors annually, this is THE quintessential Iowa bucket list experience!
Imagine capturing your own family at the Iowa State Fair this year, and the joy you’ll feel looking back on the memories you’ve made together. To schedule your own session at the Iowa State Fairgrounds for your family or for your high school senior, contact me here and let’s make it happen!
2. Des Moines Arts Festival (June 26–28, 2026)
Set in the heart of downtown at Western Gateway Park (right next to the iconic Pappajohn Sculpture Park), the Des Moines Arts Festival is a free, three-day celebration of creativity.
With nearly 200 professional artists, live music on two stages, interactive art activities, literary programming, and a full lineup of food and beverages, it's one of the cultural highlights of the summer. This year's Main Stage headliners include Emmy Award-winning Americana artist Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors on Friday evening, with 90s favorites Fastball and Letters to Cleo taking the stage on Saturday. The festival is open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission, world-class art, and live music on a summer night in downtown Des Moines? It doesn't get much better than that!
This area of downtown also happens to be one of my favorite spots for senior pictures in Des Moines. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park and surrounding cityscape make for an incredible, unmistakably Des Moines backdrop!
3. Jazz in July (Tuesdays in July 2026)
Music lovers won't want to miss the Jazz in July free concert series at Hoyt Sherman Place in the Sherman Hill neighborhood, just west of downtown Des Moines. Every Tuesday in July, the front lawn comes alive with live jazz from local ensembles. Openers begin at 5:30 p.m. with headliners performing at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket, grab concessions on site, and settle in for a summer evening that feels like a secret the whole city is in on!
New for 2026: the final night on July 28 moves the music inside the historic Hoyt Sherman theater at 7:30 p.m. for a big band performance by The Robert Espe Big Band. Dogs are welcome, rain or shine. Woof!
Hoyt Sherman Place is also a stunning location for senior pictures, especially for seniors who love music or theater. There's something really special about a senior on that stage, and it makes for portraits that feel completely true to who they are. Learn more about the senior portrait experience.
4. Downtown Farmers' Market (Saturdays May through October)
The Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market, running every Saturday morning through October in the Historic Court Avenue District, is one of the best farmers' markets in the country (and I'm not just saying that because I'm a proud Des Moines local - my sister and her husband live out of town and visited the farmers market with friends and were blown away by how big of an event it is).
This year the market is hosting 306 vendors from 74 cities across 42 Iowa counties, including 43 new vendors for 2026. From fresh produce and artisanal baked goods to handmade crafts and ready-to-eat treats, there is truly something for everyone. The bell rings at 7 a.m. and the market wraps up at noon (8 a.m. start in October). With an estimated 28,000 shoppers each week, it's the kind of Saturday morning that makes you really love living in Des Moines.
5. World Food & Music Festival (August 28–30, 2026)
Can you tell we like food and music here in Des Moines?
Now in its 21st year, the World Food & Music Festival returns August 28–30 at Western Gateway Park. This free event showcases international cuisine from over 60 food vendors representing more than 30 countries, live music, cultural dance performances, cooking demonstrations, and a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the incredible diversity of our city. From Irish dancing to taiko drumming, street tacos to handmade gyoza, it's a culinary journey around the world without leaving Des Moines!
6. National Balloon Classic (July 31–August 8, 2026)
Experience the awe-inspiring sight of nearly 100 hot air balloons filling the sky at the National Balloon Classic in Indianola, just south of Des Moines. This nine-day event features competitive balloon races, the beloved Nite Glow (where pilots fire their burners after dark for a gorgeous display), live music, and family-friendly activities.
New this year: The Sky is Alive 3D drone shows have been added to the entertainment lineup, which sounds absolutely incredible! Gates open at 4 p.m. each evening, and morning competition flights are free to watch starting at 6 a.m. General admission is $12 in advance or $15 at the gate, and parking is included with your ticket. It's one of those experiences that truly is magical no matter how old you are!
Bonus: Hinterland Music Festival (July 30–August 2, 2026)
If you're a music lover (or you have a music-loving teen in your house), the Hinterland Music Festival in St. Charles is absolutely worth checking out!
Just 30 minutes south of Des Moines, this four-day outdoor music festival has quickly become one of Iowa's signature summer events. This year's lineup includes Lorde, Mumford & Sons, Kali Uchis, KATSEYE, beabadoobee, Wet Leg, and more. Past headliners have included Kacey Musgraves, Lana Del Rey, and Zach Bryan. The festival features camping, art, craft vendors, and a laid-back vibe that makes it feel like a true Iowa experience. Heads up: some days are already selling out, so grab tickets sooner rather than later at hinterlandiowa.com.
Speaking of teens, if yours is an incoming senior, summer is the perfect time to get their senior pictures checked off the list before fall gets busy.
Things To Do in Des Moines This Summer
Des Moines truly comes alive in the summer, and this year's lineup of events is as good as it gets! Whether you're dancing to live music at the Arts Festival, chasing balloons in Indianola, or simply wandering the Farmers Market on a Saturday morning with a coffee in hand, there is no shortage of reasons to get outside and enjoy this city.
Summer goes fast, though. Like, blink-and-your-kids-are-heading-back-to-school fast.
If you have a high school senior gearing up for their final year, or if your family is overdue for updated photos together (be honest, when was the last time?), summer is one of the best seasons to make it happen. The light is gorgeous, the locations are lush and green, and everyone is relaxed and in a good mood (well, as relaxed as teenagers get!).
I'd love to help you make it happen. Learn more about what a senior session or family session looks like, or get in touch and let's chat about your family.
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