Can’t-Miss Summer Fun Across Greater Des Moines: July 18-24
The summer season is heating up, and so is the event calendar across Greater Des Moines (DSM)! Whether your ideal weekend involves kicking back with live bluegrass under a historic water tower, dancing in the streets of a small-town block party, exploring arts festivals or racing through a scenic park trail before shopping local vendors, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your days. County fair season continues to deliver all the small-town charm you could ask for, and community celebrations across the region are bringing the music, the food and the fireworks. From Clive to Perry, Waukee to Osceola, this week is packed with hometown traditions, big fun and fresh ways to soak up every last drop of summer. Keep reading for five can’t-miss things to do July 18–24!
Perry’s 2nd Street Block Party
Friday, July 18, 2025 | 2nd Street, Perry
Small-town fun meets big energy at the 4th Annual 2nd Street Block Party in Perry! 2nd Street shuts down between Lucinda and Warford Streets for a 21+ street dance featuring Encore Legends live on stage from 5:30–9:30 p.m. There’s music, drinks and great vibes with proceeds supporting the Perry Chamber of Commerce. It’s your chance to experience downtown Perry in a whole new way — with good tunes, community spirit and plenty of fun under the summer sky.
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Clive Festival
Friday, July 18 – Saturday, July 19, 2025 | Clive Aquatic Center
Clive Festival is back and ready to deliver a double dose of summer fun! Head to the Clive Aquatic Center for two jam-packed days filled with food trucks, bounce houses, Touch a Truck, the Kids Art Expo and even a Cardboard Boat Regatta. Music lovers will love the live concerts (with fireworks both nights!) and Recoil, Gimikk, Bad Friends and Toaster lighting up the stage. The Giant Slip-N’ Slide alone is worth the trip. Whether you’re cheering on racers, sampling tasty eats or jamming to local bands, this is one of the biggest summer celebrations in the region — and you don’t want to miss it.
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Waukee Arts Festival
Friday, July 18 - Saturday, July 19, 2025 | Centennial Park, Waukee
Art, music, food and community collide at one of Waukee’s favorite summer traditions. The Waukee Arts Festival is back and bigger than ever with more than 100 artist vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, kids’ activities and an incredible concert lineup featuring The Nadas and a Queen tribute band. It’s the 10th anniversary of this beloved event. The fun kicks off Friday night and carries through a full Saturday of shopping, music and creative energy. Early riser? Sign up for the Fine Arts Footrace Saturday morning and stick around to enjoy the rest of the day’s festivities.
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Beaverdale Bluegrass Festival
Saturday, July 19, 2025 | Tower Park, Des Moines
Grab your blanket, lawn chair and your favorite fest buddy — Beaverdale Bluegrass Festival is celebrating 10 years of toe-tapping, twangy fun! Held under the historic Allen Hazen Water Tower, this family-friendly fest brings together great music, local eats and neighborly vibes. Expect food trucks, beer for purchase and the kind of music that makes you want to stay all evening. Bonus points for biking or walking to the park! It’s pet-free and free to attend, but every sip of beer helps fund the bands — so drink up, respectfully.
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Photo Credit: The Beaverdale Neighborhood Association
County Fairs
Multiple Dates & Locations in Greater Des Moines
County fair season is in full swing! This week brings plenty of chances to get your fill of fair food, live music, livestock shows, carnival rides and classic summer vibes. These local celebrations are packed with charm and community pride, whether you’re catching the demo derby or grabbing a funnel cake before heading to the 4-H barn. Don’t miss:

For additional events and seasonal festivities coming up in Greater Des Moines (DSM), visit the calendar of events. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series. Plus, follow @DSMpartnership on Instagram for even more things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around DSM.
Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 6,700 Regional Business Members, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.