First and foremost, Memorial Day is about the members of the armed forces who gave their lives in our nation’s service. Their sacrifice is unimaginable, our debt to them beyond measure. To those lost, and to those who serve our nation and all it stands for, we salute you!
Of course, the weekend is not all somber reflection: Memorial Day also means a long weekend, and the unofficial start of summer and all the seasonal activities that come with warm weather. Street fairs and festivals. Farmers’ markets. Outdoor concerts.
Read on for our top picks for Memorial Day weekend events in Des Moines. Oodles of family fun can also be found in our Event Calendar, Spring Fun Guide and our Summer Fun Guide.
However, you spend the three-day holiday weekend, we hope you have a blast!
Fun Events Happening this Memorial Day Weekend in Des Moines:
Military & Patriotic Events
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.
Arts & Culture
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.
Attractions
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.
Festivals
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.
Sporting Events
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.
Is your family sticking around town this Memorial Day Weekend? What do you have planned? Tell us in the comments below!
