By Hola Iowa
Iowa will have several days of festivals, music, sports, family activities and community celebrations. The June 11-14 calendar includes events in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, Newton, Charles City and other cities across the state.
Events in Iowa this weekend include PrideFest in Des Moines, the Principal Charity Classic at Wakonda Club, family festivals in Cedar Rapids and Farmington, outdoor activities in Charles City, community celebrations in Newton, Spencer and Storm Lake, and an early World Cup watch party at local restaurants.
Before heading out, organizers recommend checking schedules, prices, routes, parking and possible changes due to weather or capacity. Some events are free, while others require tickets or advance registration.
El Fogón and El Guacamole will bring World Cup energy Thursday
Before the weekend begins, El Fogón Mexican Restaurant and El Guacamole Patio & Cantina will have a game-day atmosphere for the start of the World Cup.
According to a flyer shared by the restaurants, the promotion will take place Thursday, June 11, during the start of the tournament. FIFA’s official schedule lists Mexico against South Africa that day in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
Since the activity takes place Thursday, it can be considered a pre-weekend plan for those looking to watch the tournament opener at a local restaurant.
PrideFest will take over Des Moines’ Historic East Village
Capital City PrideFest will take place from Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14, in Des Moines’ Historic East Village.
The festival celebrates Capital City Pride’s 47th year and will be free and open to the public. The main location is near 505 E. Grand Ave., with activities for different ages throughout the weekend.
The schedule includes music, vendors, community activities, special events and the PrideFest parade. The Pride Parade is scheduled for noon Sunday, June 14, and will travel along East Grand Avenue from E. 13th Street to E. 2nd Street.
Principal Charity Classic brings golf to Wakonda Club
The Principal Charity Classic returns to Wakonda Club in Des Moines with PGA TOUR Champions competition and activities for visitors.
The tournament runs from June 10 to 14, with the weekend among its busiest days. Tickets start at $25, and children 15 and younger, as well as military members and veterans, receive free admission.
The event raises money for organizations that support children and youth in Iowa. Visitors planning to attend should check ticket, parking and schedule information before arriving at Wakonda Club.
Cedar Rapids will celebrate the Kolach Festival
The St. Ludmila Kolach Festival will take place from Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14, at St. Ludmila Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids.
The event celebrates Czech heritage and the kolach, a traditional sweet pastry prepared by church volunteers. The schedule includes food, family activities, music, games and kolach sales.
The festival may be a good option for families looking for a cultural activity in Cedar Rapids during the weekend.
Farmington will offer free strawberries and ice cream
The Farmington Strawberry Festival will take place from Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14, in downtown Farmington.
The celebration includes children’s games, carnival rides, a dog show, live music, a flea market, vendors, artisans and community activities. A Fun Run will take place Saturday at the American Legion, and the Kenny Hamburg Car Show is scheduled for Sunday.
One of the most anticipated parts of the festival will be free strawberries and ice cream, available Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in downtown Farmington.
Charles City will host river activities
The Charles City Challenge Whitewater Weekend will take place from Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14, at Charles City Whitewater Park, located at 700 Riverside Drive.
The event includes kayak, stand-up paddleboard and river surfing competitions, along with clinics, children’s activities, a community river cleanup, music, food and activities on and off the water.
Organizers describe the event as a family-friendly option open to different experience levels, from beginners to competitors.
Iowa City’s Parade of Homes wraps up this weekend
The 2026 Parade of Homes in the Iowa City area will hold its final days this weekend.
The tour, organized by the Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association, runs from June 6 to 14 and allows visitors to explore new and remodeled homes in a self-guided format.
Tours will be open Saturday, June 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 14, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Davenport will host the Quad Cities Pet Expo
The Quad Cities Pet Expo will take place Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14, at the RiverCenter in Davenport.
The event will bring together activities, exhibitors and resources related to pets. According to the RiverCenter, the event is being held in collaboration with the Humane Society of Scott County.
The programming is designed for visitors interested in animals, pet services and indoor family activities.
Newton Fest will bring music, food and family activities
Newton Fest will take place Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13, with activities in different parts of Newton.
The city describes the event as a celebration of art, food, music, history, Red Pride and community activities. The schedule includes free entertainment and family-friendly events organized by the city, local businesses and community groups.
A free magic show is also scheduled Friday at Newton Public Library, and Saturday will include additional activities throughout the day.
Clarinda celebrates the music of Glenn Miller
The 51st Annual Glenn Miller Festival will take place from Thursday, June 11, through Saturday, June 13, in Clarinda, the birthplace of Glenn Miller.
The festival includes concerts, music activities, scholarship competitions, historical exhibits and events connected to the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society. Most concerts and programs will be held at Clarinda High School.
The schedule makes Clarinda one of the musical stops of the weekend, especially for visitors looking for concerts and activities tied to big band, jazz and music history.
Spencer and Sheldon will host northwest Iowa events
In Spencer, Flagfest will take place from June 12 to 14. The 41st edition of the event includes a parade Saturday, June 13, at 11:00 a.m. along Grand Avenue.
The Clay County Fair & Events Center will also host Flagfest: Spurs & Speed Weekend on Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13, with activities at the fairgrounds. Organizers note that tickets should be purchased in advance for fairgrounds activities.
In Sheldon, RiseFest will take place Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13. The Christian music festival includes artists such as Phil Wickham, Josiah Queen, Hulvey, Ben Fuller, Katy Nichole, Terrian and other guests, along with family activities, food, camping and community sessions.
Storm Lake will have Kids’ Fest on Sunday
Storm Lake will host Kids’ Fest on Sunday, June 14.
The city describes the activity as “Iowa’s Happiest Celebration” and says the event is organized in partnership with King’s Pointe Waterpark Resort. The official page notes that full details will be available soon.
Families interested in attending can check the city’s updates before heading out.
What to check before heading out
Because several events will take place outdoors, it is a good idea to check the weather forecast, official schedules and each organizer’s page before driving.
Visitors should also confirm whether an event requires a ticket, advance registration or paid parking. For larger events in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and other cities, arriving early may help avoid traffic, lines or last-minute changes.
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