Celebrasian, May 22-23. Photo: Iowa Asian Alliance / Meenasnaps / Photosbytrang
Des Moines has spirit, yes we do, and the parade of upcoming cultural celebrations proves it. One way or another, our community enthusiastically honors a multitude of heritages, nationalities, cuisines, identities and personalities all year long.
Here are just a few of this year’s celebrations you won’t want to miss.
Maifest
May 16-17. The Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park is booting up for the season. Welcome warm weather the German way, with a maypole, flower crowns and a few steins. desmoinesbiergarten.com
CelebrAsian
May 22-23. Iowa Asian Alliance’s annual festival at Western Gateway Park showcases Asian heritage and ethnic diversity. Feast on cultural dishes from across the continent, join in traditional Hmong performances and contemporary K-Pop dance parties, and shop for clothes, accessories and gifts at booths representing over a dozen other Asian countries. iowaasianalliance.com
Greek Food Fair
June 5-7. Gyros, souvlaki, baklava — and so much more. The popular neighborhood festival at St. George Greek Orthodox Church is so neighborly, in fact, there’s a place for Serbian specialties, too. stgeorge.ia.goarch.org
Photo: Joelle Blanchard
PrideFest
June 12-14. During the rainbow-festooned weekend in the East Village, everyone is welcome — even pets. There will be vendors, food and lots of entertainment, including drag shows and concerts featuring local and national talent, like “American Idol” finalist David Archuleta. capitalcitypride.org
Juneteenth
June 18-20. Led by the nonprofit Des Moines Urban Experience, this year’s festivities include a Juneteenth Jubilee celebration on June 18, a charity golf outing June 19 and a Neighbors’ Day celebration on June 20, all to honor Black history and culture. Check online for details about the events and community awards. iowajuneteenth.org
Photo: Water Lantern Festival
Des Moines Water Lantern Festival
July 18. At Riverview Park, festivalgoers can design lanterns and set them afloat on the lake as the evening fades into night. The event draws from centuries-old Japanese and Thai spiritual traditions but also serves as a contemporary reminder about the importance of clean water. Organizers collect the lanterns afterward, along with any trash in the area, and donate a portion of the proceeds to local nonprofits. waterlanternfestival.com
Des Moines Tea Festival
July 26. Vendors gather at Mainframe Studios for the daylong festival steeped in culture, history and how-to tips for casual sippers and connoisseurs alike. dsmteafestival.com
Sista Soul Fest
Aug. 30. The annual event celebrates Black women and entrepreneurship in a pop-up of local small businesses at Evelyn K. Davis Park. Shop a unique mix of products, many of which are tailored to the needs of women of color, including handmade silk bonnets, children’s books featuring Black protagonists, apparel inspired by HBCUs and more. A central stage features dance, music and poetry by local Black women. sistasoulfest.com
World Food & Music Festival
Aug. 28-30. Taste your way through more than two dozen countries throughout Western Gateway Park, where food vendors line up with $1 or $2 bite-sized servings of their most popular dishes. Find performances, demonstrations and activities at the main stage, where cultural groups share their heritage. dsmpartnership.com/worldfoodandmusicfestival
LGBTQ Legacy Leader Awards
Sept. 10. dsm magazine honors Iowa’s LGBTQ leaders in collaboration with Capital City Pride at our eighth annual awards ceremony. dsmmagazine.com
Des Moines Biergarten Oktoberfest
Sept. 18-20. Grab your lederhosen and head to Water Works Park for a day of bier, schnitzel and stein-holding contests. desmoinesbiergarten.com
Oktoberfest
Sept. 25-26. The celebration of German heritage continues for another weekend at The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny. oktoberfestdsm.com
Latino Heritage Festival
Sept. 26-27. Return to Western Gateway Park for a fiesta of music, culture and food. This time the focus is on Central and South America, plus Caribbean, Aztec, Oaxacan and other Indigenous cultures. A portion of ticket proceeds fund scholarships for Latino students and organizations that support the Latino community. latinoheritagefestival.org
Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Dec. 3-6 and 10-13. Inspired by the 700-year-old tradition of Old World holiday markets, the local Christkindlmarket stalls offer handmade trinkets, gifts and European-style treats. Try kringle, schnitzel, stroopwafels and more, plus all the glühwein you can (responsibly) drink. When you’re ready to warm up, watch polka bands and Irish dancing in the Yuletide Hall. christkindlmarketdsm.com
Lunar New Year
Feb. 6, 2027. Ring in the Year of the Goat while the Chinese Association of Iowa honors notable locals during an awards ceremony. Plus, many downtown businesses like Lucky Lotus and Hotori offer special menus and festivities. iowachinese.us
St. Patrick’s Day
March 17, 2027. The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick organize the annual parade through downtown Des Moines, a welcome sign of spring. friendlysonsiowa.com
Holi
March 22, 2027. The traditional Hindu festival at the Hindu Temple & Cultural Center of Iowa signifies a time of rebirth and rejuvenation. iowatemple.org
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