Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, July 18-20. 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.
Friday, July 18
Waukee Arts Festival
- Friday, July 18 – Saturday, July 20
- Waukee Centennial Park, 1255 Warrior Ln, Waukee, IA 50263
Having art withdrawals from the Des Moines Arts Festival? Waukee has your art fix this weekend at the Waukee Arts Festival! Enjoy food, music, activities, and (of course) all the art you could ever need!
Clive Festival
- Friday, July 18 – Saturday, July 20
- Clive Aquatic Center Area, 1801 NW 114th St, Clive, IA 50325
It is another weekend full of festivals! Maybe check out the Waukee Art Festival on one day and the Clive Festival on the other… “Enjoy free live music, Thunder Over Clive Fireworks, bounce houses, family activities, food trucks, Kids Art Expo, the Clive Running Festival, Touch a Truck, Cardboard Boat Regatta at Clive Aquatic Center, and more!”
Movie in the Park: Shark Tale at Birdland Pool
- Friday, July 18, 6:30 p.m.
- Birdland Pool Lot, 300 Holcomb Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Check the outdoor movie off your summer bucket list or add it if it isn’t on there already! This Friday, watch Shark Tale under the stars (or the clouds, you never know with Iowa weather). Admission is free for all the fishy fun!
Friday Concert Series at Confluence Brewing
- Friday, July 18, 6 – 9 p.m.
- Confluence Brewing, 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
Ready for good beer and to take advantage of the good weather? This summer, Confluence Brewing is offering a FREE concert series featuring some of our favorite local artists. Enjoy drinks and food from Peggy O’s food trunk while listening to the musical talents of Luke Fox!
 Saturday, July 19
Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, July 19, 7 a.m. – Noon
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
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.
ARL Wet n Wild at ARL Main
- Saturday, July 19, Noon – 2 p.m.
- ARL Main Campus, 5452 NE 22nd St, Des Moines, IA 50313
“Get wild with your four-legged best friend and beat the heat with water toys galore! At this paw-ty, dogs will have the chance to roam off leash in Bailey’s dog park, romp around the miniature pools and play with other pups and water toys. Add in some sunshine, raffle prizes, and cash bar – your Saturday just got a lot more wild! PLUS – we will be having a photo booth area where you can get an adorable pool party themed photo of your pet taken, and our Petcasso booth will be open for your pup to make their very own summer artwork!”
Tarot Academy Workshop at the South Side Library
- Saturday, July 19, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
- Des Moines Public Library (South Side) 1117 Porter Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315
Deepen your understanding of tarot and the Major Arcana cards! Learn how to work with these 22 important card, test your skills, and build your knowledge with easy-to-learn spreads at this workshop at the South Side Library.
Beaverdale Bluegrass Festival
- Saturday, July 19, 2:30 – 10:30 p.m.
- Tower Park, 4950 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310
“Celebrate a decade of bluegrass under the glow of the iconic Allen Hazen Water Tower in beautiful Tower Park! This free, family-friendly event kicks off at 2:30 PM and is open to all.”
Des Moines Water Lantern Festival
- Saturday, July 19, 6 – 10 p.m.
- Riverview Park, 710 Corning Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Voted the #1 best cultural festival by USA Today, the Water Lantern Festival is the perfect way to enjoy the warm summer nights. This is a family friend event that comes with access to food trucks, a floating lantern kit, LED candle, marker and commemorative bag for the price of a ticket.
Bop to the Top at Vibrant Music Hall
- Saturday, July 19, 8:30 p.m.
- Vibrant Music Hall, 2938 Grand Prairie Pkwy, Waukee, IA 50263
We are SO excited for this High School Musical sing a long night celebrating Disney and Nickelodeon bangers and other pop hits from the 2000s and 2010s. Gen Z and young Millennials, this is our time!
5k Beer Run at Confluence Brewing Company
- Sunday, July 20, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Confluence Brewing, 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
It’s time for the 2025 Iowa Brewery Running Series Season! Get your tickets, which includes entry into a 5k(ish) run, a craft brew at the finish line from Confluence Brewing Company, collector’s pint glass or seasonal swag item, prize entries, and swag from the brewery.
Ice Cream Social at Paws and Pints
- Sunday, July 20, Noon – 4 p.m.
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day and beat the summer heat with your furry friend at Paws and Pints! This Sunday, test out delicious flavors safe for both humans and dogs from Baan Vaan Ice Cream. Chill out, socialize, and have fun!
