Things to do in Des Moines this weekend: Capital City Pride Fest, free fishing weekend and more
Looking for something to do this weekend?
Check out these events and activities happening across the Metro June 6-8, but make sure you check the weather before you head out.
Friday, June 6
Movies Under the Stars with Ankeny Parks & Recreation, 410 W. 1st St., Des Moines
Movie starts at dusk.
Cost: Free.
Bring your favorite movie snack and a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Coolers are allowed.
Friday's movie is "Moana 2."
Food Truck Friday at Campbell Park, 12385 Woodlands Parkway, Clive
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday
Cost: Free to attend
Live entertainment and food presented by Clive Parks and Recreation and the Clive Chamber of Commerce.
Saturday, June 7
Raccoon River Palooza, Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
Cost: Free.
Raccoon River Palooza is a unique summer festival at Raccoon River Park celebrating West Des Moines' community and waters. Attractions for the event include live music, cardboard boat races, fun activities for kids, local food trucks, a variety of beverages, and much more.
Summer Science Day at Big Grove, 555 17th St., Des Moines
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
What do AI, gravity, and zoo animals have in common? They’re all taking over Big Grove on Saturday for a day of science, fun, and discovery.
Bring your curious kiddo, or your inner child, for a free hands-on science adventure designed for ages 4–12 (but fun for all ages).
Iowa Craft Brew Festival at Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Noon to 4 p.m.
Cost: $65 VIP, $50 general admission, $22 designated driver
The Iowa Craft Brew Festival is a celebration of all things brewed in Iowa. Breweries, cideries, wineries, and distillers from all over Iowa come together to share their craft with passionate craft brew lovers.
Sunday, June 8
Iowa Arboretum classic car show, 1875 Peach Ave., Madrid
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Cost: Free
Join the Iowa Arboretum for its annual classic car show. All classic cars are welcome. Participants showing a car should arrive after 10 a.m. Food trucks will be available.
Matt Rife: Stay Golden Tour, Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
7 p.m. Sunday
Cost:
Popular stand-up comedian Matt Rife will be performing at Wells Fargo Arena on Sunday.
Other events
, Des Moines
Thousands of athletes, fans and volunteers will flood central Iowa on Sunday for the Ironman 70.3 race. See a list of road and trail closures.
Capital City Pride Festival, East Village, Des Moines
Iowa's largest LGBTQ+ event will take over Des Moines' East Village Friday through Sunday for the 2025 Capital City Pride Festival. Events include the 5K Pride Stride, Pride Ride, Pet Parade, two Silent Discos, the Parade, and free headline performances.
Saturday's headliners include Bob the Drag Queen and pop music duo Aly & AJ.
Free fishing weekend in Iowa
Iowa's free fishing weekend returns June 6-8, when you don't need a license to fish in Iowa's ponds, lakes and rivers. As part of the special weekend, hands-on fishing events will be offered across Iowa to help anyone who is new to fishing get started. These events include children's fishing derbies at (5-6 p.m. Friday) and (8-11 a.m. Saturday). For more fishing derbies, clinics and tournaments, check out the .
Polk County Conservation is hosting a from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at Easter lake.
Des Moines Greek Food Fair, St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1110 35th St., Des Moines
Come celebrate a weekend of delicious food, music & dancing at the 2025 Greek Food Fair Festival. Admission to the festival is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Please note the event is cashless.
Parking and free shuttle service are available at the Franklin Jr. High Events Center.
Festival hours: 5-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday
The Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park has opened for the season. Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere, beer, food and live entertainment every Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.
Many area farmers markets have kicked off the season already. Find our guide to central Iowa markets here.
Looking for live music concerts and other shows? Check our extensive concert list here.
Weekend weather
Friday: Partly to mostly cloudy. An isolated afternoon shower, especially over northern Iowa. High 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds are light and variable.
Friday night: Partly cloudy skies early will become overcast later during the night. A chance of rain by morning. Low 61 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds are light and variable.
Saturday: Rain showers early with a few isolated storms. Otherwise, partly cloudy skies are expected later in the day. High 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday night: Partly cloudy. Low around 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Partly cloudy. An isolated shower or storm in the afternoon, especially for eastern Iowa. High 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.
Sunday night: Clear skies. Low 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
Have a weekend event or favorite place to grab a bite on the weekend? Share it with us by emailing web@kcci.com.