Des Moines is a great place to be this weekend. Whether it’s your first weekend here, or you’ve been here all summer, there are plenty of things to keep you busy.

Here are 5 things to check out:

1. Clive After Five This outdoor event features bands from 5-8 p.m. $5 gets you in with three $1 drink tickets.

2.National Balloon Classic in Indianola. $3 for adults or $10 per car. If you’re there on Sunday night look for Courtney and Barb, they’ll be helping with the balloons!

3. Downtown Farmer’s Market If you’re up before noon on Saturday the farmer’s market is not to be missed. Try a breakfast buritto (a local favorite), get local sweeet corn and enjoy great people watching.

4. Festa Italiana Get in touch with the Italian in you and head to the south side of Des Moines. The festival includes bocce ball tournaments, Italian folk dancers and plenty of pasta.

5. Lakeside Live! Jazz in July ends Saturday night at Village of Ponderosa in West Des Moines. Check out Lakeside Artfest and enjoy Gateway Market Concessions. The event is free to attend.

What’s your favorite thing to do on a summer weekend in Des Moines?

Posted in Current Students, Des Moines Events, Life in Des Moines, New Students, Prospective Students, Student Life

About the author - Andrea Cooley

Andrea Cooley gets paid to post on Facebook and Twitter (among other things) to promote Des Moines University to prospective students. She is a Midwest girl at heart, but loves to travel around the country visiting friends and family. If Des Moines had mountains or an ocean she’d never leave. Before joining the DMU marketing team, she was an editor for Country Home magazine. She’s still a little obsessed with magazines, so if you want to talk about decorating, remodeling or gardening projects she’s your go-to girl.