Summer Fun Is Close to Home in Waukee & West Des Moines

Large Des Moines events -- such as the Des Moines Arts Festival (June 23-25) and the Iowa State Fair (August 10-20) -- are lots of fun, but crowded. If you live in the western suburbs and are looking for things to do in West Des Moines or Waukee, there are many festivities closer to home to enjoy this summer. Here are some possibilities to add to your calendar.

West Des Moines

Music in the Junction & Farmers Market, Historic Valley Junction
5th Street, West Des Moines
Thursdays, June 1- September 28
(515) 222-3642
Valley Junction is a six-block area encompassing antique stores, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and other businesses. It's a favorite gathering spot. During Music in the Junction nights, get together with friends to shop at the Farmers Market beginning at 4 p.m., then kick back and enjoy live music by local bands until 8:30 p.m.

Live at the Creek, Jordan Creek Center Amphitheater
101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines
Sundays, July 2 - September 3
(515) 440-6255
Fourth of July fireworks follow the concert series kick-off on July 2. All performances (5-8 p.m.) are free and family friendly. 

Summer Antique Jamboree, Historic Valley Junction
5th Street, West Des Moines
Sunday, June 11, 2017
(515) 222-3642
Hunt for treasures from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at one of the largest antique shows in the Midwest.  A "walking auction," conducted by students from the Continental Auctioneers School, travels booth to booth to auction off items selected by vendors.

Illumifest Fall Festival of Light, West Des Moines City School Campus
4200 Mills Civic Parkway
Saturday, September 23
(515) 222-3500
Fun for all ages includes lots of food vendors and free activities such as face painting, paddle-boat rides and an outdoor screening of a family movie. The evening concludes with fireworks.

Waukee

Park Play Gatherings, Waukee
Wednesdays, Summer 2017:
June 7, Warrior Park
June 21, Grant Park
July 19, Ridge Pointe Park
July 26, Centennial Park
August 9, Fox Creek Park
(515) 978-0007
Meet neighbors and discover local parks while participating in free crafts and games from 5 to 7 p.m. Co-sponsors are the Waukee Parks and Recreation Department and Central Bank.

BACooN Sizzles Waukee, meets and ends at Centennial Park
Saturday, June 17, 2017
(515) 309-2867

Iowa's annual BACooN event combines a 71-mile bike ride through the Raccoon River Valley with stops along the way for treats ranging from bacon-stuffed burritos to bacon-topped donuts. Bring camping gear so you can stay overnight in Waukee on June 16 for the pre-party featuring bands and, of course, a bacon dinner.

4th of July Parade and Fireworks, Downtown Waukee and Centennial Park
(515) 978-0007
If you want to participate in Waukee's 4th of July parade, gather at the Vince Meyer Learning Center, 400 Locust Street, by 2 p.m. The parade begins at 3 p.m. and festivities last until fireworks at dark. Food vendors and live music are other attractions.

First Annual Waukee Music Festival, 360 6th Street
Saturday, August 5, 2017
(515) 478-6260
Get into the musical mix from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at this 1-day festival. It features country, electronic dance, rock and roll, rhythm and blues, jazz and more. KEE Bar & Grill is sponsoring this event benefiting local children's charities.

Easy Apartment Living

You may already be simplifying and enjoying your life more by residing in an apartment community where you don't have to worry about spending free time on yard work. If not, consider letting the tasks go and relaxing by the pool this summer at the townhome-style Springs Apartment communities at Jordan Creek and Waukee. You'll be close to festivities, but less frazzled.