Updated April 23, 2019
Late August ushers in the return of one of our favorite end-of-summer events, Glow Wild. The annual outdoor extravaganza, hosted by Polk County Conservation in picturesque Jester Park, is filled with all manner of nature-loving fun. It’s a perfect way for families to say sayonara to summer! This year’s festival will feature live music by Georgia Satellites with local Des Moines band, Suede, as their opener, educational programs, tethered hot air balloon rides, s’mores roasting, horse-drawn wagon rides, canoeing, and of course the biggest bonfire you’ll ever see!
Glow Wild will be held Sunday, August 24, 2019 from 4:00 to 10:00 pm at the Jester Park Nature Center. My family and I have attended the event in the past and can’t wait to return. Read on for all the fun-filled details and be sure to check out our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook for even more summer events and activities.
About the Event
Polk County Conservation, the Great Outdoors Foundation, and Cumulus Media are bringing back Glow Wild for a fourth year to benefit local conservation and outdoor recreation efforts. Glow Wild has quickly become the premiere family-friendly end of summer event in the Des Moines area.
The festival features food trucks and beer and wine vendors, and plenty of crafts and activities for both kids and adults. Glow Wild 2019 will be packed with outdoor fun, including archery, giant yard games, horse-drawn wagon rides, festival camping and more throughout the evening.
Sleep Under the Stars
New to this year’s festival is the opportunity for families to purchase Camping Passes. All campers wishing to stay near the festival site will need to camp in a tent, so plan to bring all the gear you would typically bring for a night at a traditional campsite. If you prefer to bring an RV, you will need to reserve a campsite at Jester Park online at www.mycountyparks.com.
Sunday Night Camping is $25 per tent. Jester Park’s Camp Area #6 will open at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 24th for check-in. Each person who will be staying in your tent will need to purchase a Glow Wild ticket to camp. You will be given a wristband and camping ticket to display on your tent upon check-in.
What’s for Dinner?
In the past there have been food trucks on hand to provide hungry festival goers with needed sustenance. If there’s been one drawback to the event, this has been it for me. One year, I waited over 40 minutes in line to purchase tacos, while my husband was in another line. One food truck even left the event early, as it ran out of food. So, be warned, especially if you have impatient littles, you might want to line up for food early. Unfortunately, NO outside food or beverage (except empty water bottles) is allowed into the event.
That’s Entertainment
Festival planners have tons of kid and family-friendly activities planned. Scheduled activities range from an obstacle course to an insect zoo; face painting to self-guided hikes; a pony exhibit to Monarch tagging. In addition, kids can keep busy exploring the nature center and surrounding park area. The must-not-miss event of the evening is the lighting of the signature bonfire at 7:45 pm and when Georgia Satellites take the stage at 8:00 pm.
The Details
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 4:00 to 10:00 pm
Location: Jester Park Nature Center – 12130 NW 128th Street, Granger
Tickets: Children (ages 3 – 17) $5; Adults (ages 18+) $15; Children 2 & Under are FREE
*Ticket prices will increase day of the event.
Online: https://www.glowwildiowa.com
Will your family celebrate the end of summer at Glow Wild? Let us know in the comments section!
