Take a Day Trip to West Des Moines, Iowa in DSM USA This Summer

When you live in Greater Des Moines (DSM), you’ll never need to look far for things to do and places to stay. In this new “DSM Day Trip” series, we’re highlighting different cities and counties around the region so you can see just what each of these different locations has to offer. In this post, check out West Des Moines, Iowa. From must-attend events to shopping, dining and hotels, West Des Moines is the perfect place to spend a day.

Summer and Fall Things to Do in West Des Moines, Iowa

Must-Attend West Des Moines Events

Valley Junction Farmers’ Market and Music in the Junction

Every Thursday this summer from 4 – 8 p.m., 80 vendors line 5th Street to sell fresh veggies, baked goods and more in Historic Valley Junction. The Market is accompanied by a free Thursday night music series that continues through the end of September at Railroad Park. See the rest of the scheduled 2024 shows below:

• Aug. 1: Standing Hampton
• Aug. 8: The Unfortunate Sons
• Aug. 15: Three on the Tree
• Aug. 22: Echos V
• Aug. 29: Recoil
• Sept. 5: Sons of Gladys Kravitz
• Sept. 12: Get Off My Lawn
• Sept. 19: Jana West & Retrospect
• Sept. 26: The Punching Pandas

Yoga in the Park

In Historic Valley Junction, take part in Yoga in the Park at Railroad Park stage by the old train depot. The final event is Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 from 9 – 10 a.m. and will be led by Yoga + Co.’s Lindsay Bordwell. This event is free and for all ages. Bring your own mat!

Summer Sundaze Concert Series

The Summer Sundaze Concert Series features local artists every Sunday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. through Sept. 8, 2024 Jamie Hurd Amphitheater. A few upcoming events include:

• Aug. 4: Jordan Messerole with dessert food truck Sweet Swirls Rolled Ice Cream
• Aug. 11: The Matt Woods Band with dessert food truck Fruits N’ Such
• Aug. 18: The NOLA Jazz Band with dessert food truck The Outside Scoop
• Aug. 25: The Unfortunate Sons with dessert food truck Totally Rolled Ice Cream
• Sept. 1: Weary Ramblers with dessert food truck Thumbs Up Tropical Sno
• Sept. 8: The Feel Right with dessert food truck Iowa’s Classic Concessions

Moonlit Movies

Also at Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, Moonlit Movies play, with complimentary popcorn, soda and water provided to those who attend. There are two movies left to play, including “Finding Nemo” on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024 at 8:30 p.m. and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 at 8:30 p.m.

IllumiFest

The Fall Festival of Light — Illumifest — at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater City Campus on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 from 4 – 9 p.m. is a free event for the entire family. Stop by the paper lantern painting stations to decorate your own lantern to light up the night sky. You can also take part in fun activities like riding on a hot air balloon, jumping in inflatables, playing games or getting an airbrush tattoo before checking out the food trucks for delicious eats.

Touch-a-Truck

The DSM Children’s Museum in West Des Moines will hold their annual Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. This free event takes place in the southwest lot of Valley West Mall and allows children to get close to big trucks and machinery. A sensory hour from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. will allow for noise canceling headphones and a calming tent and vehicle lights / noises will be kept to a minimum. Don’t miss this one — the kids will love it!

Find out more on the Des Moines Children’s Museum’s Touch-a-Truck event page.

Love You Des Moines Family Day

Round up the family and take part in Love You Des Moines Family Day at Valley Community Center in West Des Moines this year. The event is happening on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 from 1 – 4 p.m. It’s free and includes activities like arts and crafts, trivia and more.

From 1 – 1:45 p.m., choose between basketball, volleyball, mini golf, video games, board games, LEGO extravaganza and beaded bracelet making. At 2 p.m., activities include flag football, pickup soccer, mini golf, BINGO, LEGO extravaganza, origami and STEAM activities. Finally, from 3 – 4 p.m., take part in family relay races, dodgeball, mini golf, BINGO, LEGO extravaganza, arts and crafts or trivia.

Find out more at valleycommunity.center/familyday.

Vintage in the Valley

On Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., 75 vintage and handmade vendors will gather in Historic Valley Junction to sell vintage décor, clothing, art and more. Check out @upcycleddsm for updates on this anticipated West Des Moines event.

More information can be found at valleyjunction.com.

Shopping Districts and Restaurants in West Des Moines

Shopping in West Des Moines will have you busy from morning to night. There are so many options in this city, it won’t be hard to knock out your back-to-school shopping list here! (Kids Day at Dillard's is Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024 and includes a Back-to-School Fashion Show at 2 p.m.!) From Jordan Creek Town Center, the largest shopping complex in Iowa, to Historic Valley Junction, where locally owned shops offer a variety of items from décor to antiques to jewelry and more, the shopping options are favorites in the West Des Moines community as well as in Greater Des Moines.

Don’t forget to check out local stops like El Fogon, BeerStyles Taproom and Gastropub and XO Nails and more that offer shopping and dining. Finally, don’t forget to check out Valley West Mall’s apparel and dining options, a community staple since 1975.

Hotels in West Des Moines

Drury Inn is in West Glen Town Center and offers rates for seniors, veterans / military, law enforcement and state / federal government. The hotel even offers a 5:30 p.m. Kickback® menu with free evening snacks and drinks. The Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines is across the street from Jordan Creek Town Center, is pet-friendly and offers amenities like an indoor pool, on-site restaurant and free parking. At The Rewind Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a retro feel with modern amenities awaits, including wellness amenities, toiletries, shuttle service, a relaxing lobby and an on-site Johnny’s Italina Steakhouse location.

For more information on places to stay and things to do in West Des Moines, Iowa, visit wdmchamber.org.

Spending a day in Greater Des Moines (DSM) means you’ll have the chance to experience local outdoor recreation areas, shopping destinations and arts and cultural activities. It’s easy to have fun with the family, make friends and take in all that the region has to offer. Find events and things to do in DSM communities all year round at DSMpartnership.com.