Can’t-Miss Summer Events in DSM This Week: July 31 – Aug. 6

Sips & Songs: Luke Fox & Standing Hampton

Friday, July 31, 2026 | The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny
It's the final Sips & Songs of the season! Enjoy live music, local food and summer fun at The District at Prairie Trail. Arrive when the gates open at 5:30 p.m., then settle in to hear Luke Fox at 6 p.m. and Standing Hampton at 8 p.m. Grab takeout from a restaurant in The District’s and enjoy one last outdoor concert before closing out the night with the final Silent Disco at 10 p.m.
LEARN MORE

Live Music: Decoy

Friday, July 31, 2026 | Paws and Pints, Des Moines
Looking for a Friday night that’s a little different? Head to Paws & Pints for the final Live at Paws & Pints concert of the summer featuring Decoy. Enjoy live music on the patio alongside great food, cold drinks and plenty of four-legged friends. Bringing your dog is encouraged, but it’s certainly not required, so you’re welcome to come just for the music and laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re relaxing with your pup or meeting friends after work, it’s a fun way to kick off the weekend and close out the concert series.
LEARN MORE

Panorama Days

Friday, July 31 – Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026 | Various Locations, Panora and Lake Panorama
Small-town charm is on full display during Panorama Days, a weekend-long celebration packed with hometown traditions and lakeside fun. The festivities include a community parade, a 5K fun run, a car show, a street dance and a free family fun zone, along with plenty of opportunities to explore Panora and beautiful Lake Panorama. Whether you're spending the whole weekend or making a day trip, Panorama Days is the perfect excuse to slow down, enjoy great company and experience one of region's favorite community celebrations.
LEARN MORE

National Balloon Classic

Friday, July 31 – Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026 | Memorial Balloon Field, Indianola
One of DSM's most iconic summer traditions returns as more than 100 hot air balloons fill the skies above Indianola during the National Balloon Classic. Morning and evening balloon launches, live music, fireworks and the crowd-favorite Nite Glow® create an unforgettable atmosphere, while The Sky Is Alive™ 3D Drone Show adds another spectacular reason to stay after sunset. Bring a blanket, grab dinner from the food vendors and settle in for an evening you'll be talking about long after the last balloon lands. If you've never experienced the National Balloon Classic, this is the year to go.
LEARN MORE

Neon Nights at Adventure Bay

Fridays & Saturdays, July 31-Aug. 1, Aug. 7-8 & Aug. 14-15, 2026 | Adventureland, Altoona
When the sun goes down, Adventure Bay lights up. Neon Nights transforms Iowa’s largest water park into a glowing after-hours experience where colorful LED lighting, music and special effects create an entirely different way to enjoy your favorite attractions. Race down waterslides in the dark, float through illuminated pools and soak in the electric atmosphere under the stars. Held Friday and Saturday evenings through Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, Neon Nights is a fun way to cool off, stay out late and make the most of summer before school starts back up.
LEARN MORE

August is here, and there’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy. Across DSM, you’ll find free events that make it easy to soak up the season.

Keep up with the momentum that's happening in and around Greater Des Moines (DSM) when you subscribe to one or all of the Greater Des Moines Partnership's newsletters — they're packed with the latest news, highlighting everything from upcoming events to development projects to policy updates. Join the mailing list to connect with The Partnership and help amplify stories from around the region.