DES MOINES, Iowa — Summer is in full swing, and we've got plenty of events to prove it.
Local 5 rounded up five events taking place in central Iowa to make your weekend a memorable one.
Have an event you want featured in Local 5's Weekend Guide? Text us at 515-457-1026 or email us at news@weareiowa.com
- When: Friday, July 12, 2-8:30 p.m., Saturday, July 13, 12:30-11 p.m. and Sunday, July 14, 9:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
- Where: Iowa Speedway (3333 Rusty Wallace Dr., Newton)
- Price: Tickets start at $150
- No tickets required on Friday
Start your engines: It's almost Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend! Catch some high-speed action at "The Fastest Short Track on the Planet." Head out to the Iowa Speedway for "Free Family Friday" to watch practice sessions at no cost. Later in the weekend, watch multiple INDYCAR races, including INDY NXT, the Hy-Vee Homefront 250 and more.
Not a huge INDYCAR fan? There's still something in it for you: Luke Combs, Eric Church, Kelsea Ballerini and Post Malone will all perform following the races. Admission to the concerts is included in your Saturday or Sunday ticket.
- When: Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, July 14 at 2 p.m.
- Where: Des Moines Playhouse (831 42nd St., Des Moines)
- Price: Tickets start at $29
School is back in session ... on stage, that is. Based on the hit movie, this musical follows substitute teacher Dewey Finn as he turns his prep school students into rock stars in the hopes of winning the Battle of the Bands. This show features performers of all ages, singing and playing instruments live on stage.
- When: Friday, July 12, 5-11 p.m. and Saturday, July 13, 12-11 p.m.
- Where: Water Works Park (2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines)
- Price: $85 on Friday, $100 on Saturday
- Four free stages
80/35 is back in a new location. Head out to Water Works Park to hear tunes by headliners Killer Mike and OK GO, as well as artists including Hiatus Kaiyote, Dreamer Isioma and more. The festival also features a hammock forest, kite flying and a kid zone.
- When: Sunday, July 14, 11 a.m.
- Where: Big Grove Brewery (555 17th St., Des Moines)
- Price: Free to attend
- Activities require carnival-style tickets for purchase
Billed as "the ultimate summer celebration," you don't want to miss Big Grove's very first Summer Fest. Enjoy fun for the whole family, including face painting, carnival games, a magician and science experiments. Make sure to come hungry: Big Grove chefs will be cooking up gourmet hot dogs all day long.
- When: Sunday, July 14, 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park (2251 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines)
- Price: Tickets start at $49.50
Hip-hop artist Ludacris returns to the Des Moines metro this weekend. Hear the Grammy-award winner perform songs such as "What's your fantasy?", "My Chick Bad" and "Act a Fool."