A cowboy riding a horse in a dirt arena. He is holding

Fairs and Festivals in Greater Des Moines

Settling into your summer routine, but wondering what upcoming events you can attend nearby? This list of fairs and festivals taking place in Greater Des Moines (DSM) offers unique activities so no matter what part of the region you’re in, you’ll find fun things to do. From arts and culture to live music, there is so much to keep you entertained and experiencing new parts of the region. Round up the family or gather your friends and start making your way to the county fairs and DSM festivals outlined below. 

Note: This is just a snapshot of fairs and festivals taking place in DSM in the next few months. Discover more info and updates on upcoming fairs and festivals by checking with your local Chamber of Commerce or visiting the Catch DSM Calendar of Events. 

Attend a Fair This Summer in Greater Des Moines

Grab a ticket to the Adair County Fair in Greenfield and enjoy exciting events like the Demo Derby, Figure 8 Races and the Wright Rodeo. Or “Dive into the Fun, at the Guthrie County Fair 2025” in Guthrie Center over Labor Day weekend. There is admission for a season pass wristband or day pass, but the Grandstand events and carnival are free, and all children under 5 years old are free, too.   

In July, the Clarke County Fair in Osceola offers fun events for everyone including a 4-H Clover Kids Fair, the announcement of Fair Queen and Junior Prince and Princess and livestock shows. While you’re in town, stop by Osceola’s Harvest Barn Marketplace Country Store for meats, cheeses and more from this family-owned farm. 

The Dallas County Fair in Adel offers free admission and free parking every July. See one of several Grandstand events at the Dallas County Fair — live music, Figure 8 & Circle Track Racing, a rodeo, mutton busting, fireworks and more — then stop by Adel’s Brickyard Burgers & Brews for a local craft beer from one of Iowa’s many breweries after you’ve had your fun. 

A child riding on the back of a sheep in a dirt arena.

There are many things to do in DSM with kids in July, but the Jasper County Fair in Colfax stands out as a family-friendly event with its kid’s corner, teen dance and even a themed Children’s Day. This jam-packed week of fair events also includes a rodeo and tractor and truck pull. 

Bid on livestock at the Premium Auction and enjoy rides at the carnival in July at the Madison County Fair in Winterset. All ages are also welcome to compete in the Monster Arm Wrestling competition! While in town, visit the six picturesque covered bridges and explore other Covered Bridges Scenic Byway attractions. 

Stop by the Marion County Fair in Knoxville for unique entertainment typically including a sprint car race, a rodeo and a demolition derby! This July fair kicks off with a dog show and concludes with a livestock sale. 

A 4-Her showing his pig at the Swine Show.

In Mahaska County, a tractor and engine display, inflatables and livestock exhibits at the Southern Iowa Fair in Oskaloosa ensure full days of fair fun! 

A Color Fun Run, a Bubble Zone, Butterfly Tent, Lego Competition and National Guard Rock Wall are just a few things to do at the Central Iowa Fair in Marshalltown in July. Stop by nearby La Carreta for a delicious meal from a local Mexican restaurant or read through these 10 Ways to Enjoy Summer in Marshalltown for other ideas on things to do in Marshall County while you’re in town for the fair. 

For nine days in July, a full schedule of events awaits at the Poweshiek County Fair in Grinnell, including a bull ride, dog show, bags tournament, tractor pull and more.  Before you hit Poweshiek County Fairgrounds for the day, grab a donut or pastry from downtown Grinnell’s well-known Grin City Bakery. 

Not only does the Warren County Fair have awesome Grandstand events, but there’s also free entertainment, activities for the kids, carnival and livestock shows. Don’t miss 4-H events like the fashion show and breeding beef show and be sure to attend the Veterans Recognition Ceremony to honor local veterans during the fair at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Indianola. 

There’s no more noteworthy fair in Iowa than the Iowa State Fair in August. More than 1 million visitors head to Polk County to experience the attractions, food and entertainment that can only be found at the Iowa State Fair. Tip: Don’t forget to snap a photo with the butter cow sculpture! 

Experience a Music or Arts Festival in Greater Des Moines

Looking for a festival with the best live music of the summer? Look no further than Hinterland at the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in the scenic city of St. Charles in August. Popular musical acts like Hozier, Noah Kahan, Bon Iver and Maggie Rogers have hit the stage in previous years.  

Art comes to life during Paint Madison County (A Plein Air Festival) in Winterset as the summer season ends and the fall season begins. See artists create unique pieces during this one-day September event that you can purchase to take home with you the same day! 

A woman in painting a covered bridge with the covered bridge in front of her.

Norwalk Music Fest takes place at Norwalk City Park in September. Hear live bands featuring Central Iowa musicians and check out children’s activities like face painting and bounce houses to celebrate the end of summer. 

At Centennial Park in July, celebrate the Waukee Arts Festival with live music, the Waukee Fine Arts Footrace, festival food and booths featuring both local artists and talent from other parts of the country. 

Every August, Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) comes alive with the World Food & Music Festival. This three-day event includes live music, cultural activities, international cuisine and beverages from around the globe. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate and learn more about different cultures.  

A band on stage performing. The singer is swinging her hair around.

Experience a Greater Des Moines Festival

So many free events await at Newton Fest in June! Enjoy special events like a magic show, community pool party, UV foam party, free yoga, live music at the Maytag Bowl and more. You can also check out local microbrewery Gezellig Brewing Company in the Newton community and take part in the 5K Beer Run open to all ages! 

Marshall County’s annual State Center Rose Festival, held each June, celebrates its historic Rose Garden with family-friendly events like a Grand Parade, Extreme FunZone and RoseZone, fireworks show, Rose Festival Car Show, a 5K run/walk and even a Rose Festival BBQ. These events and more bring the “Rose Capitol of Iowa” to life over four festive days on Main Street. 

The Adel Sweet Corn Festival takes place in August, where you can join thousands of other visitors and attend the Sweet Corn Parade, purchase from Sweet Corn vendors, see the Sweet Corn Car Show and taste free sweet corn thanks to the Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce! 

Several children riding on top of a float in a parade.

More than 30 hot air balloons will fill the sky at North Overlook Beach at Lake Red Rock in Pella during Balloonfest every July. Morning and evening balloon launches as well as Night Glow events are highlights, and live music, a 5K/10K run/walk and kids activities round out the full festival schedule. 

It’s free to attend Johnston Green Days in June at Terra Park. Kick off this Polk County festival weekend with the Johnston Green Days parade and attend other fun events like a crawfish boil, the crowning of the King and Queen of Green, Yoga in the Park and more.  

Also in June is the 4 Seasons Festival in Polk City where attendees can attend a parade or take part in the 5K/8K race and hear live music.  

SummerFest, held annually in July, is Ankeny’s largest community celebration. Meet up for carnival rides, live music and the Grand Parade in the District at Prairie Trail as well as the Kiddie Parade in Uptown Ankeny! 

An overhead view of several tents, stands, rides and stages set up in a town center.

A longstanding tradition of high-flying hot air balloons, the National Balloon Classic at Memorial Balloon Field in Indianola each July brings competitive hot air ballooning to Iowa. The balloon festival includes morning competition flights, 3D drone shows, NITE Glow® events, concerts and more. 

Carnival rides, games, contests and the Pumpkin Days Parade await at Pumpkin Days in downtown Orient over two days in August. The Adair County event will conclude with a fireworks show and live music. While you’re in town, check out Lake Orient’s two-mile walking trail and the outdoor art installations along the prairie walking trail at The Wallace Centers of Iowa. 

In Historic Downtown Osceola in Clarke County, experience the diverse Latino culture in and around Osceola with bounce houses, games, authentic food and more during September’s Osceola Latino Festival. 

Also in September is the kite-flying festival, Kites Over Grinnell, featuring kite flying, professional kite flyers from the American Kitefliers Association, food, music and more at Ahrens Park . 

Do Something Greater Here

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