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Fun Things to Do in Greater Des Moines

Whether you love the outdoors, crave delicious food experiences or find enrichment in exploring museums and taking in the performing arts (or all of the above!), Greater Des Moines (DSM) is the place for you. Boredom is not an option here! DSM boasts the 2026 #8 Best Cultural Festival (pssst! It's the World Food & Music Festival!), according to USA Today, is home to the largest open skate park in the United States and has a well-established (and well-regarded) theater, music and arts scene thanks to premier arts organizations like Des Moines Performing Arts, Ballet Des Moines and the Des Moines Symphony.

Fill Your DSM Event Calendar

Now is the time to have fun in DSM! Discover what the region has to offer gaming enthusiasts and how Sandrah Nasimiyu has found an arts and culture home in DSM. Or search out must-experience museums in the region. Sports fans looking for action in DSM can look over our weekend sports guide, too!

Outdoor Recreation in Greater Des Moines

Bike across the High Trestle Trail — from Ankeny to Woodward. Hike Brown's Woods in West Des Moines. Rent a kayak at Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines. There’s an opportunity to do it all in DSM. With 800+ miles of connected trails, a forthcoming multi-million dollar water trails system and beautiful vistas, forests and prairies to explore, outdoor recreation opportunities are at your doorstep in DSM.

Explore the Outdoors in DSM

Greater Des Moines Arts and Culture

Experience Broadway shows, indie music, community-driven performances and more in DSM. Fill your arts and culture bucket by exploring public art across the region, including the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and leave time for DSM museums, covering topics from visual arts to hot air balloons to state history!

Immerse Yourself in the Arts in DSM

Sports in Greater Des Moines

Whether you want to cheer from the stands or take to the field yourself, the sports scene in DSM is buzzing. Our hometown teams include the I-Cubs (baseball), Wolves (basketball), Wild (hockey) and beloved college teams, too. (PS: A professional soccer team is also on the way!) Numerous rec leagues provide opportunities for everyone to play their favorite sports, too.

Your Guide to Sports in Greater Des Moines

Restaurants, Shops and More in Greater Des Moines

#DSMlocal is a source of pride in DSM. We champion locally-owned restaurants and shops that dot the region, including DSM restaurants with bold flavors and fresh ingredients and DSM shops that know how to personalize experiences for shoppers.

Support Local DSM Restaurants & Shops

Greater Des Moines Events

Save the date for beloved agriculture, arts, musical events and more in DSM! From the Downtown Farmers' Market and Des Moines Arts Festival in Downtown DSM, Hinterland in St. Charles, the National Balloon Classic in Indianola and the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, many of the region's events take place every year and are can’t-miss opportunities to have fun, make memories and connect with the DSM community. The calendar covers everything from world cultures, music, wine, neighborhood celebrations and holidays. (PS: Several are even free to attend!)

Plan Your Annual Activity Calendar

Make a Connection in Greater Des Moines

DSM's got it all — unique shopping, growing outdoor recreation, an epic arts scene and so much more to help you build your life here! You won't run out of things to do in DSM, and it's easy to find your people and grow your connections, whether you want to grab some girlfriends for a shopping day or head to Principal Park to catch a baseball game. Got a question about how to do just that? Reach out to one of our MVPs!

Meet an MVP in DSM

Have Fun and Do Something Greater

Greater Des Moines offers a foundation of low cost of living, strong job opportunities and high quality of life thanks to fun events and things to do in the region. It all adds up to something greater than ordinary in DSM!

Connect in DSM