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With a vibrant history and an active cultural arts and events community, Des Moines has something for everyone to enjoy this summer.  Here are twenty-five of our favorite ideas for how to enjoy the summer this year in Des Moines:

1. Enjoy some of the best visual artists in the country June 28-30 at the Des Moines Arts Festival
2. Take part in a more caliente experience full of food, music and dance at the Latino Heritage Festival September 7-8
3. Take part in the fastest and largest marathon in the state October 20 at the IMT Des Moines Marathon
4. Find fresh produce each month from local gardeners and farmers at the West Des Moines Farmers’ Market
5. Every Monday evening, take a relaxing ride with the Monday Night Rides on the Summerset Trail
6. Bluegrass Tuesday is a free, family-friendly music series located on the Indianola Square
7. Celebrate America at the Independence Day Street Celebration, or
8. Take in the fireworks celebration at the Independence Day Fireworks celebration at Reiman Gardens
9. Want a mini-vacation?  Then spend the weekend at the Butler House on Grand for the perfect local vacation
10. Have a romantic evening on the Jon Anderson White Riverboat on their Friday and Saturday evening Cocktail Cruises
11. Take in the Tony Award-winning Jersey Boys at the Des Moines Civic Center
12. Grab the kids and hit the National Balloon Classic, recurring daily from July 26-August 3
13. Spread out a blanket and enjoy dinner outside while enjoy Breakfast at Tiffany’s as part of the Summer on the Hill series on August 1
14. Give your daughter an unforgettable evening at the Taylor Swift concert August 1 at the Wells Fargo Arena at the Iowa Events Center
15. Shake your tail feathers every Thursday evening at Gray’s Lake, Dancing at the Lake
16. Spend an afternoon strolling through the boutiques in the Historic East Village
17. Find the culinary experience that fits your tastes at one of the Top 100 Des Moines Restaurants
18. Take in the symphonic sounds of the Des Moines Symphony at the 20th Annual Yankee Doodle Pops concert on July 3
19. Bid summer farewell and enjoy a day at the Iowa State Fair with your family
20. Spend an afternoon relaxing at the park or jogging on the over 550 trails of the Des Moines Parks and Trails
21. See the floral beauty and smell the sweet aromas at the Des Moines Botanical Gardens
22. Taste some of the best wine and beer Iowa has to offer at any of the Greater Des Moines Breweries and Wineries
23. Take in the great outdoors at Elk Rock State Park, just 38 miles south of Des Moines
24. Hit the links at any of the Des Moines golf courses and country clubs
25. Become inspired by the art and sculpture garden at the Des Moines Art Center

With so many ways to enjoy the summer, it’s no wonder so many people call Des Moines home.  Become part of the vibrant Des Moines lifestyle and contact us to start designing your custom home.