What’s Happening Around Greater DSM: June 27–July 3

It’s summertime across Greater Des Moines (DSM) and the livin’ is easy! This week’s event lineup is a celebration of creativity, community and good times. Whether you’re planning a festive family outing, looking to explore local art and culture or craving a fun night of laughter and live entertainment, you’ll find plenty of ways to make the most of your week. From epic opera performances and historic town celebrations to Pride festivities and a world-class arts festival, we’re saying goodbye to June with a bang and greeting July with wide open arms. Keep scrolling for five can’t-miss ways to explore the Greater DSM region this week!

Comedy Revival

Friday, June 27, 2025 | The Station on Ingersoll, Des Moines
Need a laugh? Comedy Revival at The Station is serving up a Friday night full of belly laughs, great food and local talent. Tucked into Dugan’s Hideaway at the back of The Station on Ingersoll, this monthly showcase features the funniest comics from Des Moines and the Midwest. For just $10 at the door, you get top-notch stand-up and access to The Station’s killer dinner and drinks menu. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the laughs kick off at 8 p.m. Bring your crew and your sense of humor — it’s going to be a good one.
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Four Seasons Festival

Friday, June 27 – Saturday, June 28, 2025 | Polk City Square, Polk City
Polk City is throwing a summer party and everyone’s invited! The Four Seasons Festival is back with a packed weekend of classic fun—think live music, food trucks, a 5K run, a talent show, a car show and so much more. Bring the kids for free activities, catch the Friday Night Bike Night and don’t miss the Saturday parade or beer garden. This year’s festival is extra special as Polk City celebrates its 150th anniversary — so expect extra cheer, hometown pride and plenty of small-town charm.
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Des Moines Arts Festival

Friday, June 27 – Sunday, June 29, 2025 | Western Gateway Park, Downtown DSM
It’s the art event of the summer, and it’s back for another year of jaw-dropping creativity. The Des Moines Arts Festival fills Western Gateway Park with nearly 200 of the country’s top artists, food vendors, live music on two stages, literary arts and dozens of hands-on art activities. From fine art and funky crafts to the Creative Zone for kids and nightly concerts, there’s something to spark your imagination at every turn. It’s free to attend, easy to spend a whole day wandering and guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired.
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Des Moines Metro Opera: 2025 Festival Season Kick-Off

Friday, June 27 - Sunday, July 20, 2025 | Blank Performing Arts Center, Indianola
Get ready for a weekend of stunning vocals and powerful storytelling as the Des Moines Metro Opera kicks off its 2025 Festival Season. With every seat closer to the stage than the front row at the Met, this intimate theater experience is like no other. The season opens with Wagner’s haunting The Flying Dutchman and the whimsical The Cunning Little Vixen — two operatic masterpieces filled with drama, beauty, and emotion. Whether you’re an opera devotee or just curious, this is your chance to witness world-class performances in a setting that pulls you right into the action. Grab your tickets while you can!
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BONUS: While you’re in Indianola, don’t miss the Discmania Challenge at Pickard Park—one of the top disc golf tournaments in the country, running June 27–29.

Valley Junction Pride!

Sunday, June 29, 2025 | Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines
Get ready to party with pride in Valley Junction! The second annual Valley Junction Pride celebration is bigger and better, stretching into the 100 block of 5th Street with fun for the whole fam. Enjoy a pet parade, drag story time, a maker’s market, local eats and drinks, live performances and more. Whether you’re there to celebrate your identity, support loved ones or just soak in the joy, this is a day full of color, connection and community. It’s welcoming, heartwarming and 100% worth a stop.
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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.