Plans For The Week? 5 Events You’ll Love Around Greater DSM (June 20-26)
This week’s schedule across Greater Des Moines (DSM) is packed with ways to get outside, enjoy local flavor and try something new. Whether you’re heading to a garden tour, cheering on junior rodeo stars or dancing the night away at a summer concert, this week brings a whole lot of fun to every pocket of the region. From lavender fields in bloom to a rodeo showdown and festive nights in The District, you’ll want to mark your calendar now. Keep reading for five events you definitely don’t want to miss in DSM this week!
Sips & Songs
Friday, June 20, 2025 | I The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny
Get ready for a summer night that hits all the right notes — Sips & Songs is back in The District! This free, all-ages event brings live music, great drinks and a Silent Disco to the heart of Ankeny. Enjoy sets by Bradford Johnson and the always-entertaining Dueling Pianos, then dance under the stars with Silent Disco DSM ‘til midnight. Lawn chair zones are clearly marked and you’re encouraged to bring takeout from nearby restaurants. Just leave the outside drinks at home and bring the good vibes instead! It’s the ultimate Friday night hangout in one of DSM’s coolest neighborhoods.
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PepperHarrow Lavender Festival
Friday, June 20 - Saturday, June 21, 2025 | PepperHarrow Flower Farm, Winterset
Let’s talk dreamy weekend plans: picture yourself wandering through blooming lavender fields, sipping on lavender lemonade and swaying to live music with flower crowns in hand. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the PepperHarrow Lavender Festival in Winterset. This charming two-day event is all about slow living, fragrant blooms and celebrating summer’s sweetest vibes. Expect local vendors, crafts, demonstrations and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. Grab your tickets in advance and plan for a relaxing escape that smells as good as it looks.
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Carlisle Garden Tour
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | Randleman House, Carlisle
Green thumbs, rejoice! Carlisle’s second annual “Gardens Thrive in 2025” Garden Tour is your chance to explore beautifully curated private gardens throughout town. For just $10, you’ll get a self-guided tour map, detailed info on each garden and a chance to meet fellow plant lovers. Vendors will also be set up at the Historic Randleman House, so you can grab a plant or two for your own space. It’s the perfect low-key Saturday for anyone looking to be inspired by color, creativity and community.
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National Junior High Finals Rodeo
Sunday, June 22 – Saturday, June 28, 2025 | Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines
Cowboy hats on: It’s rodeo time in Greater DSM! The National Junior High Finals Rodeo brings more than 1,200 middle school rodeo athletes from all over the globe to compete in events like barrel racing, bull riding, tie-down roping and more. Watch these rising stars chase buckles and scholarships at one of the most exciting youth competitions in the country. Tickets start at just $12 for kids and $18 for adults. Want to see it all? Snag a discounted season pass and settle in for a week of high-stakes, high-energy rodeo action at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
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Photo Credit: Jennings Photography
Farmers’ Markets
Various Dates & Locations in Greater DSM
There’s no better way to start your morning (or your week!) than with a trip to one of Greater DSM’s local farmers’ markets. Whether you’re loading up on just-picked produce, grabbing coffee and a pastry or browsing homemade goods, these markets offer an unbeatable community vibe and plenty of fresh finds. Make it a weekly tradition or plan a road trip to try them all! Markets happening this week include:
From tomatoes to tie-dye, there’s something for everyone — and every tote bag. Don’t miss these local farmers’ markets across the DSM region.
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.