Des Moines Performing Arts Launches HY-VEE SUMMER ARTS SERIES With Free Park Performances

Des Moines Performing Arts has announced the Hy-Vee Summer Arts Series, a season of free performances taking place in parks across the Des Moines metro area.

Presented in partnership with Hy-Vee, the series will include a range of family-friendly events, performances, and interactive experiences throughout the summer.

The lineup features circus, theater, dance, storytelling, and participatory installations, with events scheduled in locations including Cowles Commons, neighborhood parks, and community gathering spaces.

FLIP Fabrique: Summer Break

Do you remember your summer camp… the bus ride away from your parents, the smell of campfires, the coldness of the lake in the morning? FLIP Fabrique does, and they built a circus experience for audiences to jump into nostalgia! Bring your popcorn and marshmallows and hop on the Vacation Bus!

Saturday, June 13
10 & 11:30 a.m., Cowles Commons (Des Moines)

Sunday, June 14
5:30 p.m., Ankeny Bandshell (Ankeny)

Monday, June 15
6 p.m., Water Works Park (Des Moines)

Polyglot Theatre's Bees

Bees is a hands-on experience where children become part of the performance, interacting with performers in a hive-inspired setting focused on community, communication, and imagination.

Tuesday, July 14
10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., Ashby Park (Des Moines)

Wednesday, July 15
6 p.m., Polk City Town Square (Polk City)

Thursday, July 16
11 a.m., The Station (Bondurant)
6 p.m., Colby Park (Windsor Heights)

Friday, July 17
4:30 & 7 p.m., Walker Johnston Park (Urbandale)

Polyglot Theatre is working in partnership with Inlet Dance Theatre to deliver this season.

Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid

Domino Effect is an interactive installation featuring oversized luminous dominoes that create a communal, participatory experience for audiences.

Aug. 29 – Sept. 30
Cowles Commons (Des Moines)

The installation is produced by Quartier des Spectacles Partnership and co-presented by Operation Downtown in partnership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

Storytime Under the Green Umbrella

Des Moines Performing Arts education partners will lead a series of storytelling and music sessions for young audiences and their families.

Wednesdays: June 10 & 24, July 8 & 22, Aug. 5 & 19
10:30 a.m., Cowles Commons (Des Moines)

Dance Fitness with Tony Zika

Outdoor dance fitness sessions led by Tony Zika will combine movement, music, and community engagement.

Sundays: June 28, July 26 & Aug. 23
9 a.m., Cowles Commons (Des Moines)

Additional details, including full programming and assets for each event, are available through Des Moines Performing Arts.

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Des Moines Performing Arts Launches HY-VEE SUMMER ARTS SERIES With Free Park Performances

5/5/2026