Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, July 26-28. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
FEATURED EVENT: National Balloon Classic
- All Weekend (And Beyond!)
- Memorial Balloon Field, 1136 150th Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No – they’re balloons! This weekend until August 3, head down to Indianola for the annual National Balloon Classic. Check out the full schedule of events, activities, and opportunities, which include balloon rides, balloon watching, live music, and so much more!
SUP Yoga Classes at Easter Lake
Photo Courtesy of @supyogadsm
- Classes All Weekend!
- Easter Lake Park, 2830 Easter Lake Dr, Des Moines, IA 50320
Find your zen, connect with nature, and take part in a super fun outdoor activity with SUP Yoga DSM! Stand Up Yoga (SUP) classes are offered on Friday evenings (sunset paddle!), Saturday morning and afternoon, and Sunday morning and afternoon. Make this kind of yoga a SUP-er fun part of your summer routine!
Warren County Fair in Indianola
- All Weekend!
- 1400 W 2nd Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
It’s the start of county fair season! This week, Warren County is hosting their annual fair in Indianola. Don’t miss the free parking, free gate entry, and free entertainment! Looking to splurge? Grandstand tickets are only $25 for headlining entertainers.
- Friday, July 26 – Saturday, July 27
- Big Grove, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
It is Big Grove’s second Des Moines birthday! To celebrate, enjoy Hillside Hog Pop-Up from 4 – 8 p.m., FREE Pet Portraits from 6 – 8 p.m., and the UltiMUTT Happy Hour with Barkology from 6 – 8 p.m. On Saturday, get your FREE BIRTHDAY CAKE while supplies last, and don’t forget about the amazing food and drink specials all weekend!
The Top Off at Elevencherry Salon
- Friday, July 26, 4 – 7 p.m.
- Elevencherry Salon, 106 11th St #105, Des Moines, IA 50309
It is the last Friday of the month, so you know what that means! Stop by Elevencherry Salon for The Top Off, a monthly cocktail party to giggle, sip, and unwind. This month, enjoy a happy hour like no other with vintage concoctions from @asseenon.me, cherry limeade sorbet by @pintsbybeth, and smash burgers served up by @craftedfoodservices!
Third Annual Adult Recess at Captain Roy’s
- Friday, July 26, 6 – 9 p.m.
- Captain Roy’s, 1842 Pennsylvania Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
Who doesn’t miss the days of recess and kickball? Okay… maybe not all of us, but we sure love a fun and free event in Des Moines! This adults-only recess features endless schoolyard games, team competitions, and live music from Electrobeast! Register now to secure your spot!
The District After Dark Silent Disco
- Friday, July 26, 10 p.m. – Midnight
- Town Square Park, 1250 SW District Dr, Ankeny, IA 50023
It is The District’s last silent disco of the summer, and you won’t want to miss it! Choose from three different stations and jam your heart out (silently, of course) to tunes blasting through your headphones. This all-ages event is free in Town Square Park!
Saturday, July 27
Indianola Summer Art Festival
- Saturday, July 27 – Sunday, July 28
- Buxton Park, 05 N Buxton St, Indianola, IA 50125
In conjunction with the National Balloon Classic and the Warren County Fair, the Indianola Art Festival ensures that this is the place to be this weekend! Spend some time enjoying the over thirty artists, live entertainment, games, food trucks, and plenty of activities for all ages.
Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market
Photo Credit: @dtfarmersmarket
- Saturday, July 27, 7 a.m. – Noon
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
It is another great weekend for the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market! The Market is an open-air street market located in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Vendors will be set up outdoors on Court Avenue and adjacent side streets. It’s one of the best in the country! Don’t miss it this summer to see some of our absolute favorite small business owners from around the metro.
Corn Bred Cornbread Festival
- Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- 710 Corning Ave., Des Moines, IA
“Corn Bred Cornbread© is Iowa’s new, all inclusive, initiative designed for Iowans by Iowans. It celebrates Iowa’s diverse culture and success… Its goal is to bridge Iowa’s rural and urban cultures into one Iowa culture by promoting Iowa’s history, talent, food, and attractions. Ultimately uniting all were born in the corn – Corn Bred.”
Summer Sidewalk Sale in Historic Valley Junction
- Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Historic Valley Junction, 137 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Take a stroll this weekend through the Historic Valley Junction and check out retailers on the way! Merchants will have discounted and clearance items outside their storefronts.
Black Art Mecca at Wooly’s
- Saturday, July 27, 6 p.m.
- Wooly’s, 504 East Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
“This is the 4th and final installment of Akyn’s prolific community event, the Black Art Mecca. The Black Art Mecca is an event created with the sole purpose of specifically giving back and shining a light on Black creators within the state of Iowa. The Black Art Mecca is a collection of various young Black artists, Black performers, Culinary artists, and business owners.”
Barbie Party at Up-Down
- Saturday, July 27, 8 p.m.
- Up-Down, 500 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
It’s been a year since the Barbie movie blockbuster hit, and Up-Down is celebrating it with the party of the weekend! Pull that Barbie out from the back of your closet and enjoy some great tunes, special drinks, and a photobooth.
Parking Lot Madness at The Picker Knows
- Sunday, July 28, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- The Picker Knows, 1208 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
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Zumba at Brenton Skating Plaza
- Sunday, July 28, 10 – 11 a.m.
- Brenton Skating Plaza, 520 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
Looking for a fun way to get active? Start off your Sunday morning with Zumba at Brenton Skating Plaza! “We have 3 sessions, and each session is 5 weeks long. Pay per session ($25) or per week ($5) based on what works best for you!”
Prep-More Herbivore at Culinary Annex
- Sunday, July 28, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Culinary Annex, 304 5th St., Unit 102, West Des Moines, IA 50265
We get it. Meal prepping is hard! Join The Culinary Annex and Food of Sivid to learn how to make this process a little less daunting… and herbivore friendly! The menu includes Vegetable Stir Fry w/ Glass Noodles and Tofu, Asian Quinoa Salad, White Bean Pizza Burgers, and Italian Quinoa Salad. Tickets are $95 for the three-hour class.
