July 17, 2026
By: Greater Des Moines Partnership
Your Guide to DSM Events Happening This Week: July 17-23
July keeps rolling with another week of festivals, live entertainment and hometown traditions across the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region. Whether you’re looking for an event the whole family can enjoy, a chance to experience local arts and culture or simply an excuse to spend time outdoors, communities throughout the region have plenty happening. This week’s lineup includes community festivals, free concerts, family-friendly celebrations and county fairs that showcase the best of summer in DSM. From longtime favorites to events you’ll want to add to your annual calendar, here are five can’t-miss things to do across DSM, July 17-23.
![Friday Night Live WDM]()
Fright Night Live Concert: Suede
Friday, July 17, 2026 | Jamie Hurd Amphitheatre, West Des Moines Few things say summer quite like live music in the park. This month’s Friday Night Live concert features Suede, bringing high-energy entertainment to the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater. Arrive early to grab dinner from the food vendors, find a spot on the lawn and settle in for an evening of music under the stars. Whether you’re catching up with friends or planning a casual date night, it’s an easy way to kick off the weekend. If you’re enjoying the Friday Night Live series, be sure to check back for the outdoor movie later this month.
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![Waukee Arts Festival]()
Waukee Arts Festival
Friday, July 17 – Saturday, July 18, 2026 | Centennial Park, Waukee
Art, live music and summer nights come together at the Waukee Arts Festival, one of the city’s most anticipated annual events. More than 100 artist booths, food vendors, kids’ activities and live entertainment fill Centennial Park throughout the weekend, making it easy to spend a few hours — or the entire day — exploring. Friday evening wraps up with a concert from XOLEX, while Saturday closes with Born to Run: The Music of Bruce Springsteen performed by The Monday Night. Best of all, admission and entertainment are free, and proceeds help support arts programming and scholarships in the community.
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![Clive Festival]()
Clive Festival
Friday, July 17 – Saturday, July 18, 2026 | Greenbelt Landing, Clive This year marks the Clive Festival’s 50th anniversary. The weekend is packed with live music, fireworks, food trucks, family activities and longtime favorites like Touch a Truck, the Cardboard Boat Regatta and the Clive Running Festival. Kids can explore bounce houses and the Kids Art Expo while adults browse local vendors or enjoy the evening concerts. Fireworks light up the sky both Friday and Saturday nights, making this milestone celebration an easy addition to your summer plans.
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![Splash Bash Boys & Girls Club]()
Splash Bash
Thursday, July 23, 2026 | Burt Boys & Girls Club, Des Moines Cool off and celebrate the final stretch of summer at Splash Bash, a free event hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa. Families can enjoy games, food, school supplies and plenty of opportunities for kids to have fun while connecting with local organizations and neighbors. It’s a great way to spend an evening together while also getting a head start on back-to-school season. Whether you’re stopping by for the activities or simply enjoying time with the community, Splash Bash offers a fun, welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
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![Jasper County Fair]()
County Fairs Round-Up
Various Dates & Locations in DSM
There’s a reason county fairs remain one of Iowa’s favorite summer traditions. From livestock competitions and carnival rides to local entertainment and food stands, these events bring communities together while celebrating agriculture, youth programs and small-town hospitality. If you haven’t made it to a fair yet this summer, this week’s lineup offers several great opportunities.
Gather up some friends or bring the whole family and experience one of Iowa’s favorite summer traditions.
July is rolling along, and DSM continues to offer plenty of free events that make it easy to get out and enjoy the season.
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