June 19, 2026
By: Greater Des Moines Partnership
5 Fun Things to Do Around DSM This Week: June 19-25
The first days of summer are here, and the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region is offering plenty of reasons to get out and explore. Whether you’re looking for a unique festival experience, a chance to spend time outdoors or an event that brings people together around a shared passion, there’s something happening in communities throughout the region. You can wander through fragrant fields of lavender, cheer on bike riders, sample new Cajun flavors or celebrate Father’s Day with family.
From long-time local traditions to events that continue to grow each year, there are plenty of opportunities to make the most of a June weekend. Here are five can’t-miss events happening across DSM June 19-25.
![PepperHarrow Lavender Festival]()
PepperHarrow Lavender Festival
Friday, June 19 – Saturday, June 20, 2026 | PepperHarrow Flower & Lavender Farm, Winterset
Lavender season only comes around once a year, and PepperHarrow’s Lavender Festival is one of the most beautiful ways to experience it. The fields will be in peak bloom, creating rows of vibrant purple flowers and filling the air with the scent of lavender. Visitors can stroll through the farm, cut their own bouquet, browse artisan vendors and enjoy everything from lavender lemonade and mimosas to ice cream and coffee. There are also demonstrations on lavender baking, essential oil production and beekeeping. If you’ve never visited PepperHarrow during lavender season, this is the weekend to do it.
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![Cajun Fest]()
Cajun Fest
Saturday, June 20, 2026 | Meridian Event Center, West Des Moines For one day, West Des Moines transforms into a little slice of Louisiana. Cajun Fest returns with live music, all-you-can-eat crawfish and seafood boils, Mardi Gras-inspired entertainment and plenty of opportunities to embrace the festive atmosphere. Between brass bands, costume contests, spicy food challenges and family-friendly activities, there’s always something happening throughout the day. Whether you come hungry, ready to dance or simply curious about what a Midwest Mardi Gras looks like, this event delivers plenty of flavor and fun. Just don’t be surprised if you leave with a few beads and a newfound appreciation for Cajun culture.
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![I-80 IceFest Women's Hockey Tournament]()
I-80 IceFest Women’s Hockey Tournament
Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21, 2026 | RecPlex, West Des Moines
The I-80 IceFest Women’s Hockey Tournament continues to grow, bringing players from across the Midwest to the RecPlex for a weekend of competition and community. What started as a small event has expanded into a tournament featuring teams at novice and intermediate levels, all centered around creating opportunities for women in hockey. Even if you don’t know the difference between a slap shot and a wrist shot, it’s worth stopping by to watch the action and support the athletes. The energy on and off the ice makes this much more than just a tournament.
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![Bacoon Ride]()
BACooN Ride
Saturday, June 20, 2026 | Raccoon River Valley Trail, Waukee
There are bike rides, and then there’s the BACooN Ride. This uniquely Iowa tradition combines scenic cycling with bacon-themed food and drinks at communities along the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Riders spend the day traveling from town to town collecting bacon-inspired samples while enjoying one of the region’s most popular trail systems. Even if you aren’t registered for the ride, many of the participating communities along the route join in the festivities, making it easy to experience some of the fun. Whether you’re there for the miles, the bacon or the atmosphere, it’s one of the most distinctive events of the summer.
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![Dads & Donuts Workshop at Board & Brush]()
Father’s Day Around DSM
Sunday, June 21, 2026 | Various Locations in DSM Still looking for Father’s Day plans? Communities across DSM are offering plenty of ways to celebrate Dad, whether he enjoys a great meal, a day on the golf course or spending time with family.
Whether your family prefers brunch, golf, crafts or simply spending time together, there are plenty of ways to make Father’s Day weekend memorable.
Also happening this week, Iowa Juneteenth’s Neighbors Day Celebration brings live entertainment, food and family-friendly fun to Western Gateway Park on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
This month is packed with free opportunities to get out, explore DSM and make the most of June.
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Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy.