Free Things to Do in Greater Des Moines: July Edition

July in Greater Des Moines (DSM) is packed with free ways to get out and explore. Ready to plan something fun? Here are five free events happening across DSM this month.

Polk County Master Gardeners Summer Lecture Series

Various Dates & Gardens in DSM
Whether you love gardening or simply enjoy learning something new outdoors, the Polk County Master Gardeners Summer Lecture Series is worth adding to your calendar. These free programs take place in beautiful demonstration gardens across the region and cover everything from honey bees and native plants to food sovereignty and seasonal garden planning. Bring a lawn chair, settle in and enjoy an evening of learning in the garden.

Wednesday, July 1: Honey Bees: The Other Livestock at Discovery Garden in Des Moines
Wednesday, July 8: Growing to Give: Empowering Donation Gardeners at Discovery Garden in Des Moines
Tuesday, July 14: Restoring Roots: Indigenous Food Sovereignty & Seed Stewardship
Thursday, July 30: Building Seasonal Interest – What’s Working Now & What’s Next at Demonstration Garden in Urbandale
Tuesday, Aug. 25: Making Land Resilient and Supporting Habitat at Enabling Garden in Altoona

Whether you attend one lecture or several, it’s a great way to pick up practical gardening tips while spending time in some of DSM’s beautiful public gardens.
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Independence Day Celebrations

Various Dates & Locations in DSM
Fourth of July celebrations are happening all across DSM, making it easy to find a hometown tradition or start a new one. Whether your ideal holiday includes fireworks, parades, live music or family activities, communities throughout the region are celebrating Independence Day in their own unique way. To highlight just a few:

Adventureland in Altoona: Fireworks on Saturday, July 4, 2026, plus free admission for military members and veterans Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Knoxville: Freedom 5K at 8 a.m. and fireworks on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Newton: Saturday, July 4, 2026 — parade, vendor market, fireworks and more.
Norwalk: Saturday, July 4, 2026 — parade and fireworks.
Urbandale: Fourth of July celebration featuring a carnival, live music, parade, fireworks and more Thursday, July 2 – Saturday, July 4, 2026.

No matter where you celebrate, these community traditions are a fun way to spend the holiday with family, friends and neighbors.

Voas Summer Museum Days

Thursday, July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2026 | Voas Nature Area Museum, Minburn
Looking for a fun (and free) outing that combines nature, history and a little adventure? Spend a Thursday morning exploring the Voas Nature Area Museum in Minburn. Browse fascinating fossil, mineral and geological collections before heading outside to discover more than five miles of prairie, woodland and wetland trails. Climb the observation deck for a different view of the landscape or simply enjoy a peaceful walk through the preserve. Whether you’re bringing curious kids or just love the outdoors yourself, it’s an easy way to spend a summer morning exploring one of DSM’s hidden gems.
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Handmade Market

Thursday, July 2 & 16, 2026 | Valley Junction Activity Center, West Des Moines
If you’re already planning a trip to the Valley Junction Farmers Market, be sure to pop inside the Valley Junction Activity Center while you’re there. The Handmade Market brings together talented local artisans offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and candles to woodwork and other one-of-a-kind creations. It’s the perfect place to browse for gifts, discover a new favorite maker or simply appreciate the creativity of local small businesses. Even if you leave empty-handed, you’ll enjoy meeting the artists and seeing the incredible variety of handmade products on display.
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Lake Red Rock Balloonfest

Friday, July 10 – Sunday, July 12, 2026 | Lake Red Rock North Overlook Beach, Pella
Watching dozens of colorful hot air balloons rise above Lake Red Rock never gets old. Balloonfest returns for another year with more than 30 balloons, live music, food vendors and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. Whether you’re arriving early to catch a morning launch or staying for an evening balloon glow, it’s one of those summer events that’s just as fun to photograph as it is to experience in person. Pack a lawn chair, bring the family and enjoy one of DSM’s most colorful weekends of the summer.
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