5 Summer Events to Check Out in DSM This Week: July 10-16

Summer is hitting its stride across the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region, and another week of festivals, fairs and live entertainment is ready to fill your calendar. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly weekend, a community celebration or a relaxing evening outdoors, communities across DSM are offering plenty of ways to make the most of the season. This week’s lineup includes hometown festivals, live music, county fair traditions and opportunities to explore some of the region’s welcoming neighborhoods. Here are five can’t-miss events happening across DSM July 10-16.

Ankeny SummerFest

Friday, July 10 – Sunday, July 12, 2026 | The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny
For more than three decades, Ankeny SummerFest has been one of the metro’s favorite summer traditions, and this year’s “Jingle in July” theme adds a fun twist to the festivities. Spend the weekend enjoying free live music, carnival rides, local food vendors, a community parade, fireworks and plenty of family-friendly activities. New this year is an all-ages lip sync contest, giving participants a chance to take the stage and show off their best performance. Whether you stop by for a few hours or spend the entire weekend celebrating, SummerFest offers something for every age.
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Bondu Blues, Brews & BBQ

Saturday, July 11, 2026 | Downtown Bondurant, Bondurant
If your perfect summer Saturday includes barbecue, live music and a cold drink, Downtown Bondurant is the place to be this Saturday. Bondu Blues, Brews & BBQ packs the day with activities, beginning with the farmers’ market before rolling into free art classes, barbecue vendors, local brews and live performances from The Soul Searchers and The Other Brothers. It’s the kind of event where you can browse local vendors, enjoy dinner outdoors and settle in for an evening of live music. Bring a few friends and make a day of exploring everything happening in downtown Bondurant.
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You might also be interested in the Hillbilly Ride on the Chichaqua Valley Trail, happening on Saturday, July 11, 2026, with trail stops and small-town fun along the route.

Beaverdale Bluegrass Festival

Saturday, July 11, 2026 | Tower Park, Des Moines
Grab your lawn chair and head to Tower Park for one of Beaverdale’s favorite summer traditions. The Beaverdale Bluegrass Festival brings together great music, local food, cold drinks and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Music begins in the afternoon and continues into the evening, giving you time to spread out under the iconic water tower and enjoy performances from talented regional and national musicians. With room for blankets, family-friendly activities and nearly 2,000 neighbors gathering each year, it’s easy to see why this festival has become a summertime favorite.
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And nearby, you might also be interested in the Northside Market in Highland Park on Sunday, July 12, 2026, featuring local vendors, food and community fun.

Revel Summer Concert Series in Urbandale

Revel Summer Concert Series: Bob Pace

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | Revel Hotel, Urbandale
Break up the workweek with an evening of live music on the patio at Revel Hotel. This week’s Summer Concert Series features local musician Bob Pace performing on the Revel Lounge & Patio, creating the perfect backdrop for a relaxed summer evening. Order dinner, sip a handcrafted cocktail and enjoy live entertainment in a casual, dog-friendly setting. There’s no cover charge, making it an easy choice whether you’re catching up with friends after work or simply looking for a laid-back night out. If you enjoy this week’s performance, the concert series continues every Wednesday throughout the summer.
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Looking for a night at the theater? Legally Blonde: The Musical runs Friday, July 10, 2026 through Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Des Moines Community Playhouse.

County Fairs This Week Around the Region

Various Dates & Locations in DSM
County fair season continues across DSM, bringing together everything that makes an Iowa summer memorable. From livestock shows and 4-H exhibits to carnival rides, live entertainment and classic fair food, each fair offers its own hometown traditions and plenty of reasons to spend a summer day outdoors. Whether you’re cheering on local exhibitors or simply enjoying a fresh lemonade and the midway, county fairs are a great way to experience the best of summer in Iowa.

Marion County Fair: Friday, July 10 – Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Knoxville
Poweshiek County Fair: Saturday, July 11 & Tuesday, July 14 – Sunday, July 19, 2026, in Grinnell
Mahaska County Fair: Monday, July 13 – Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Oskaloosa
Clarke County Fair: Monday, July 13 – Sunday, July 19, 2026, in Osceola
Madison County Fair: Wednesday, July 15 – Sunday, July 19, 2026, in Winterset

Whether you come for the livestock shows, carnival rides or your favorite fair food, there’s no better time to experience a county fair in DSM.

Summer is in full swing, and DSM is packed with free events that make it easy to get out and enjoy July.

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