Summer is here and many of us have more time freeing up in our schedules. Whether you live directly downtown, or in the Des Moines metro, downtown Des Moines is prepared to fill up your schedule with plenty of fun events. If you are looking for delicious food, live music, artwork, or recreation, here are just a few of the great events in downtown Des Moines this summer.

Des Moines Farmer’s Market (Saturdays 7am-12pm)

Wake up and come to the Historic Court Avenue District in downtown Des Moines to check out the acclaimed Farmer’s Market. You can purchase locally grown fresh produce, dairy, and meat. If cooking isn’t your thing, fear not and show up for one of the many other attractions. Order a breakfast burrito or one of the other ready-to-eat foods, watch and listen to live performances from local artists, and the farmer’s market is dog friendly to satisfy your puppy-cravings.

Having just reopened, the Farmer’s Market has 165-plus weekly vendors with the options changing each week. 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 until ), Ankeny (Saturdays from 9am-noon), and Valley Junction (Thursdays from 4-8pm).

Des Moines Arts Festival (June 25-27)

If the local artists at the Farmer’s market are of interest to you, consider stopping by the Des Moines Arts Festival this June. For the lofty price of free, you can enjoy a variety of arts from the 180 artists that will have booths. You can support local youth and check out the Student Art Exhibition, sponsored by Hubbell Homes. This Exhibition showcases  the artwork of 400  K-12 students from all over the state in all types of genres. You are invited to rock out with live music or try to find the deeper meaning in the paintings available for purchase. Make sure to come hungry because, yes, there will be food and beverage booths at this eclectic vent.

This annual event is in the Western Gateway Park, Downtown Des Moines’ own beautiful green space in  the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Starting on Friday June 25 at 11am and going into Sunday, this is sure to be a relaxing way to spend your June weekend.

Iowa State Fair (August 12-22)

You can’t miss it! Hoping to catch the most essential of all Iowa activities this summer? Show up at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines to celebrate agriculture, various industries and enjoy all of the events that are happening. With so many concerts to choose from, tickets are available to see Blake Shelton, Sam Hunt, Casting Crowns, and more performing live over the 11-day extravaganza.  (We recommend reliving  the 90s with Boyz II Men)   

Get the kids out of the house and bring them to the  for vet camp (grades 4-7) or advanced vet camp (grades 8-12) to learn what it’s like to be an animal doctor and you maybe even be lucky enough to see a brain dissection. Not interested in animal brains? August 17th is kids contest day for the most seasoned young athletes, featuring bubble blowing competitions and rubber chicken throwing. With many more activities for kids available throughout.

The State Fair naturally features all your favorite snacks and comfort foods to dampen your summer diet. This year there will be a total of 69 foods on a stick, including 11 different corn dog options!

Iowa Cubs Games

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.

Water Works Park Concert Series

The summer is a great time to stop by Gray’s Lake and Racoon River for a swim or time outside. Just on the Racoon River is the Water Works Park, which hosts a concert series throughout the summer with a variety of artists coming to perform. This is a great event to enjoy the weather and a relaxing night at the event. See the full list and buy tickets here.

What are you waiting for? Come on down to the farmer’s market next Saturday, block off your weekend for Arts Fest, and buy your tickets to see your favorite artists at the state fair. There are so many events happening, we couldn’t possibly list them all here. Make sure to check out catchdesmoines to see what else  is coming up.  Looking to buy a home that's within walking and biking distance to the best downtown events, restaurants, and attractions. Visit our Hubbell Homes communities at The Banks or Gray's Station to see what is available now!