The Greater Des Moines Story: Greater Des Moines Buzz

crowd at the Downtown Farmers' Market
July 28, 2026
By: Greater Des Moines Partnership

Greater Des Moines Summer Festivals and Special Events Wrap-Up

Summer is wrapping up, and your chance to attend outdoor festivals in the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community is dwindling. If you want to get out and support a DSM event in your community, now is your chance. Mark your calendar to attend one of the festivals or special events below before the sun sets on the summer season!

Panorama Days: July 31 - Aug. 2, 2026

Theme: A Panoramic View of 175 Years: Celebrating Our Decades of History

What makes Panorama Days in Panora so special? It's a community festival with a free family fun zone! But that's not all. Attendees will also love the parade, street dance, 5K, car show and other activities at Lake Panorama Marina, the Town Square and other Panora locations. MORE> 

National Balloon ClassicNational Balloon Classic in Indianola

National Balloon Festival: July 31 - Aug. 8, 2026

Theme: Feel the Whoosh

If you're seeking adventure — look to the skies in Indianola. Memorial Balloon Field will welcome hot air balloon enthusiasts  for balloon flights, live music, Nite Glow events, drone shows and even a Colossal Kite Display. MORE> 

Kermis Dutch Children's Festival: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

The community of Pella invites you to a children's festival like no other. For kids 18 and under, admission to Kermis is free. While at the festival, take part in yard games, compete in the Kermis Baking Contest and enjoy the inflatables. MORE> 

National Farmers' Market Week: Aug. 2-8, 2026

Celebrate local farmers during National Farmers' Market Week at farmers' markets around the region and at the Downtown Farmers' Market presented by UnityPoint Health in Historic Court District in Downtown DSM. 

Clark Tower 100th Anniversary Celebration: Aug. 7-8, 2026

In Madison County, Winterset is gearing up for a celebration of Clark Tower, one of its most iconic landmarks. The community will come together in City Park  for live music, a trail race, food and drink, a paint and sip event and more. Don't miss the Clark Tower & City Park History Walk. MORE> 

Adel Sweet Corn Festival: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

Theme: It Doesn't Get Any Butter

It's Dallas County's favorite festival, and you're invited! Run or Walk in the Sweet Festival 5K, attend the parade and more. Note: Read  It Doesn't Get Any Butter: Adel's 2026 Sweet Corn Festival Returns Aug. 8 before your visit! MORE> 

World Food & Music FestivalFestival Front Porch at the World Food & Music Festival in Downtown DSM

Iowa State Fair: Aug. 13-23, 2026

Theme: Get in the Fair Spirit

Head to the Iowa State Fairgounds in Des Moines for an annual celebration of agriculture in Iowa, where more than a million people visit the legendary Butter Cow, eat food-on-a-stick, take part in competitions and contests and watch one of the largest livestock shows in the country. Note: Read 11 Days. 11 Ways to Celebrate Fair Spirit. August 13-23 before your visit! MORE> 

World Food & Music Festival: Aug. 28-30, 2026

The World Food & Music Festival in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is back! Visit food and drink vendors and check out Festival programming, including the Main Stage sponsored by Prairie Meadows performances, local chef demonstrations at the Culinary Discovery Pavilion by Midwest Living, workshops at the Cultural Activity Pavilion and live entertainment on the Cultural Stage. Then grab a drink at the Festival Front Porch gathering space. Note: Follow the new World Food & Music Festival Instagram account for updates! MORE>

Up for a Day Trip? Iowa Irish Fest takes place in Waterloo July 31-Aug. 2, 2026. This is your chance to celebrate Irish culture with Celtic live music, rugby, sheep herding, kid-friendly crafts and games, an Irish dance workshop and so much more just a short distance from DSM. Children under 15 are free to attend with an adult.

AT A GLANCE: What's to Come in September and October Around the Community

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.

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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.

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