Des Moines is one of the Nation’s best kept secrets thanks to growing job opportunities, the fantastic night life, and diverse food.  In addition to all of that, every summer Des Moines has events that are fit for everyone. Here are just a couple of our favorite events to catch in and near Des Moines this summer.

Downtown Des Moines Farmer’s Market

The Downtown Des Moines Farmer’s Market is ranked the “#2 Best Farmers’ Market in America” (thanks Daily Meal). The market is in the Historic Court District in Downtown every Saturday from 7-12 until October! And yes, there are all kinds of fresh produce, meat, nuts, but that’s not all! There is freshly made, ready-to-eat food sold by local vendors, street musicians and entertainers, as well as local shops that sell all kinds of merchandise and handmade items. The farmer’s market is perfectly placed to get your shopping, eating, and steps in on a beautiful Saturday morning.

Need transportation to the market? Hop on the DART bus and come on down to the farmer’s market next Saturday, or for the residents of the LINC and Cityville communities, take the short walk over to Court Ave. and enjoy the food and fun.

Other nearby farmer’s markets include: Beaverdale (Tuesdays from 4-7pm), Ankeny (Saturdays from 9am-noon), and Valley Junction (Thursdays from 4-8pm)

80/35 Music Festival

Looking for a way to enjoy both international and local artists in Downtown Des Moines? The 80/35 music festival is back again this year in Downtown Des Moines at Western Gateway Park. The event is Friday and Saturday July 8-9, headliners this year are Father John Misty on Friday and Charli XCX on Saturday. In addition to the Hy-Vee Main Stage – featuring the headliners and other prominent artists – there are other stages with free admission featuring emerging and local artists. Learn more or get your tickets here.

Iowa State Fair

It’s one of the most essential activities in Iowa in late summer. The Iowa State Fair is the perfect place to celebrate agriculture, various industries and enjoy all the events and bizarre food combinations. With so many concerts to choose from, tickets are available to see Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Kane Brown, and more performing live over the 11-day extravaganza.  (We recommend a throwback with Alanis Morissette!)   

Get the kids out of the house and bring them to the fair for the 2022 coloring contest (with divisions for ages 3-10), veterinarian camp for 4^th-7^th graders and advanced vet camp is back for 8^th-12^th graders. There are many more activities for kids available throughout: check out all the activities for kids HERE.

The State Fair naturally features all your favorite snacks and comfort foods and some you may have never heard of before. This year there will be a total of 69 foods on a stick, and local vendors added over 60 new foods for this year’s festivity. (Peanut butter and fluff dough anyone?)

Hinterland Music Festival

There are even more music options available for music lovers in the area. Hinterland 2022 is August 4-7^th in Saint Charles, just 10 miles south of the metro. This four-day event has camping and glamping opportunities, and lots and lots of music (did we mention there’s lots of music?). Learn about artists who could be your new favorites or check out artists you already love. Starting in 2015 and growing in length and offerings, this year’s event is sure to be spectacular.

Iowa Cubs Game

Take the family, friends, or coworkers out to the ballgame at Principal Park right in downtown Des Moines! See our very own Iowa Cubs play all summer through September. With games six days a week and fireworks for each Friday home game there are plenty of opportunities to get to a game. Single game tickets are available, as well as skybox suites and group packages.

What are you waiting for? Come on down to the farmer’s market next Saturday, block off your weekend for Hinterland, and buy your tickets to see your favorite artists at the state fair – fill up that summer calendar!

To learn about the other events in the area, make sure to check out the events calendar at catchdesmoines. If you’re looking to buy a home that's within walking and biking distance to the best downtown events, restaurants, and attractions, visit our Hubbell Homes at The Banks or Gray's Station or any of our downtown Indigo Living communities to see what is available now!