Downtown Des Moines: 5 Free Things to Do in June
That summer feeling has taken over Downtown Des Moines (DSM)! This month, get your fill of free things to do taking place around the city — with a heavy dose of free festivals and free music concerts all happening in Downtown DSM. Here are five free June things you won’t want to miss:
Free Downtown Des Moines Festivals in June
Capital City Pride Festival
Friday, June 12 – Sunday, June 14, 2026 | Historic East Village
Get ready for the 47th annual PrideFest! The weekend’s festivities include the 5k Pride Stride and the always adorable Pet pageant. And don't miss the crown jewel of the weekend: the beloved Pride Parade marching through Downtown DSM. The Family and Youth Zone, as well as the Teen Zone, will be jam-packed with fun activities! And the whole family is sure to love the live music rocking all weekend long.
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You might also be interested in the 6th Annual Central Iowa Trans Lives Festival, happening Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines.
Des Moines Arts Festival® and Interrobang Film Festival
Friday, June 26 – Sunday, June 28, 2026 | Western Gateway Park
Iowa’s largest arts and cultural event returns for three days this month in Downtown DSM. This juried art show brings together nearly 200 of the nation’s top artists, creating an unforgettable atmosphere with performing arts, a film festival, incredible local and cultural food vendors and national musical acts including headliners Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, Letters To Cleo, Fastball, Malcolm Wells + The Two Timers, Dickie, 28 Days Later, Jack Curtis & The Travelers, Dandelion Stompers, The Carousel and more. Don’t miss this once-a-year free festival in Downtown DSM!
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Free Music in Downtown Des Moines This June
Music on The Bridge at The Banks
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | The Banks
Music on The Bridge at The Banks is kicking off its summer concert series with a free performance from Opus Taylor. Expect a high-energy mix of classic rock and blues, along with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy a summer evening outdoors. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, BYOB and come hungry because Lachele’s will be serving up its popular burgers onsite. If you enjoy this first concert, be sure to mark your calendar for additional Music on The Bridge events happening throughout the summer and into the fall.
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Gray’s Station Summer Music Series
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | Gray’s Station
Featuring The Talbott Brothers from 6 to 8 p.m., along with Lachelle’s Food Truck serving up their famous burgers, free drink samples from Big Grove Brewery and sweet treats from The Outside Scoop. Be sure to mark your calendar for additional Gray’s Station Summer Music Series events throughout the summer and early fall, featuring more live music, food trucks and community fun.
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Local Bands, Brews & Bikes Music Series
Sundays, now through October | Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park
If you’re looking for an easy Sunday afternoon plan, Local Bands, Brews & Bikes at the Des Moines Biergarten checks a lot of boxes. Held weekly through October, the series combines live music from local bands, cold drinks and the laid-back atmosphere of Water Works Park. Bike over, meet up with friends or simply settle in and enjoy a few hours outdoors while listening to local musicians. The event is free to attend, making it an easy addition to your weekend plans. New performers take the stage throughout the season, so it’s worth keeping on your radar all summer and into the fall.
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And many Downtown DSM restaurants and nightlife venues host live music throughout the summer as well! Check out The Cave DSM, Truman’s KC Pizza Tavern, the Continental Lounge and Confluence Brewing Co. to namedrop just a few.
Looking for more budget-friendly things to do in Downtown DSM? Check out these ideas from April and May to get more totally free ideas for your next Downtown adventure.
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