Annual Events

  • Nitefall on the River


    Held at the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater located on the east bank of the Des Moines River in downtown Des Moines, this popular, long-running summer concert series plays to crowds Thursday evenings at 7 in June and July. Bring your lawn chairs and pack a blanket or two to experience a relaxing evening on the riverfront with the breathtaking backdrop of the twinkling stars. Children 10 and under accompanied by a paid adult are FREE. Coolers and outside food or drink are NOT allowed. The 2009 summer line up can be found at www.sapresents.com and tickets can be purchased at www.iowatix.com

  • Run for the Egg


    Run for the Egg is a 5 mile run/walk held at Easter Lake. It is a cross-country course on a multi-surface trail loop with the start and finish line at the same location. Kids activities, fun run, and egg grab will be held after the race. The date for the 2010 run will be announced in the near future.

  • Mayor's Annual Ride for Trails


    The ride begins at 10:00a.m. at Des Moines City Hall, 400 Robert D. Ray Drive. The ride offers 20 and 30-mile route options and is held each year in April. The date for the 2010 ride will be announced in the near future.


  • Hoopin' at the Dome

    The date for the 2010 event will be announced in the near future

    Location: Iowa State Capital
    Take it to the hoop as Des Moines Parks and Recreation partners with the Iowa Games for this famous 3-on-3 half-court basketball tournament. Temporary hoops are put in place on the Iowa State Capitol grounds for this annual spring event. There are youth and adult divisions, male and female divisions, and a coed division. Trophies will be awarded and the winners in each division will advance to the Summer Iowa Games’ 3-on-3 tournament.

  • Clowns at the Carousel

    Sunday, August 1, 2010
    4-7pm

    Union Park, 603 Guthrie
    Carousel rides, balloon art, inflatable rides, and more.
    Free admission

  • Fall Free Flicks

    The Fall 2010 schedule will be posted as soon as it is available. Please check back.


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City of Des Moines, Iowa
Parks and Recreation