Fun and Exciting Things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Des Moines
Fun and Exciting Things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Des Moines
Are you wondering what to do for this year's Memorial Day weekend? Des Moines has got you covered! Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do in the city during this weekend. From family-friendly activities to food festivals and more, we've got everything here for you. Join us as we explore some of the best things to do in Des Moines this Memorial Day weekend.
Fridays at the Farm
Middlebrook Farm, 4300 Cumming Avenue, Cumming, IA 50061
FREE; Friday, May 26, 2023 at 4:30 pm
Enjoy FREE live music by Joshua Sinclair, food trucks, farmers’ market, and of course, Middle Brook Farm’s fresh farm produce. The fun starts at 4:30 pm and goes until 7:30 pm.
Food Truck Friday
Campbell Park, 12385 Woodlands Pkwy, Clive, IA 50325
FREE; Friday, May 26, 2023 at 5:30 pm
Make your way to Campbell Park to enjoy music by The Snacks, food, and fun. Bring the whole family — the park has three playgrounds and green space.
Sunday Tunes
Summerset Winery, 15101 Fairfax Street, Indianola, IA 50125
Veterans get in FREE; Sunday, May 28, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Enjoy some wine and the music by the Dick Danger Band on Summerset’s lawn during their Memorial Day celebration. Kids are welcome.
Music in the Park
Haines Park, 603 3rd Avenue SE, Altoona, IA 50009
FREE; Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 6:00 pm
Enjoy live music under the stars at this family friendly concert in Altoona.
Adventureland & Adventure Bay
305 34th Ave NW, Altoona, IA
Saturday, May 27 to Monday, May 29, 2023
Adventureland and Adventure Bay will be open throughout the Memorial Day weekend.
Aquatic Centers, Pools and Splash Pools
Multiple Locations
Saturday, May 27 to Monday, May 29, 2023
Several outdoor pools and aquatic centers open for the season over the Memorial Day holiday weekend including Cascade Falls Aquatic Center and Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center in Ankeny; Clive Aquatic Center in Clive; and Holiday Park and Valley View Aquatic Centers in West Des Moines. Additionally, Spraygrounds (FREE) at several Des Moines area parks are open Memorial Day Weekend.
Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
Friday, May 26 through Monday, May 29, 2023
Welcome summer at the Blank Park Zoo. They will be open during their normal business hours throughout the Memorial Day Weekend. This is a great time to attend their Wild Lights Festival, as it will end on May 29, 2023.
Farmers’ Markets
Multiple Locations
FREE; Saturday, May 27, 2023
The Downtown Farmers’ Market, LSI Global Greens Farmers’ Market and Uptown Ankeny Farmers’ Market will be open for business over the Memorial Day weekend.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309
Friday, May 26 through Sunday, May 28, 2023
The Botanical Center will be open their normal hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but will be CLOSED on Memorial Day.
Lakes and Beaches
Multiple Locations
Friday, May 26 through Monday, May 29, 2023.
Spend Memorial Day weekend at the lake. Area lakes, including Gray’s Lake, are opening for the season and offer up summer fun swimming, boating, fishing, and more.
Living History Farms
11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA
Friday, May 26 to Monday, May 29, 2023.
LHF will be open during their normal hours over Memorial Day Weekend. Be a part of America’s early Memorial Day traditions on Saturday, May 27th. Participate in their Decoration Day events and then watch the Walnut Hill Bluestockings compete in a 1870s-rules baseball game at 3:00 pm.
Science Center of Iowa
401 W Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50309
Friday, May 27 through Sunday, May 29, 2023
The Science Center of Iowa will be open during their normal hours over Memorial Day Weekend. They are CLOSED on Mondays.
CelebrAsian!
Western Gateway Park – Downtown Des Moines
FREE; Friday, May 26 – Saturday, May 27, 2023
This two-day event hosted by the Iowa Asian Alliance showcases the different Asian and Asian-American communities and cultures in the state of Iowa. The event features live entertainment, food and vendor booths.
Iowa Barnstormers
Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center Street, Des Moines, IA
Friday, May 26, 2023 at 7:05 pm.
Cheer on the Barnstormers as they take on the Sioux Falls Storm. It’s Military Night – the Barnstormers will be honoring and recognizing military members (both active and veteran) and their families throughout the game.
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum Memorial Day Event
7105 NW 70th Avenue, Johnston, IA 50131
FREE; Monday, May 29, 2023, 6:00 to 9:00 am
Join the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum in honoring the service of our veterans at their annual Memorial Day event and Open House.
Memorial Day Ceremony at Iowa Veterans Cemetery
34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel, IA 50003
FREE; Monday, May 29, 2023, 8:00 to 9:00 am
The Iowa Veterans Cemetery annual program at the Fallen Heroes Monument, which honors and remembers the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces. The Ceremony will be in person this year and will also be livestreamed on the Cemetery’s Facebook page for those who cannot attend.
Memorial Day Ceremony at Resthaven Cemetery
801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA
FREE; Monday, May 29, 2023, at 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join Resthaven for their annual Memorial Day event in honor and celebration of those who have proudly served our country. This event is held outside. Lawn chair recommended.
There are plenty of exciting and fun things to do in Des Moines during Memorial Day weekend. Whether you're looking for something to do with the family, exploring the city's cultural or educational side, or simply relaxing and enjoying the food and drinks, Des Moines has it all. So, what are you waiting for? Get outside, explore the city, and make some unforgettable memories this Memorial Day weekend in Des Moines!
