Des Moines is getting ready to celebrate one of its most treasured summer traditions as the 2026 Des Moines Waterland Festival and Parade brings together families, businesses, community organizations, and visitors for a weekend filled with hometown pride, entertainment, and connection.
The celebration begins on Friday, July 17, with the 2026 Waterland Children’s Festival, presented by the Des Moines Legacy Foundation, followed by the Des Moines Waterland Festival and Parade on Saturday, July 18. This year’s celebration also introduces a new Waterland Block Party, extending the festivities long after the final parade float passes.
A Tradition Rooted in Community
The Des Moines Waterland Festival and Parade began in 1960, just one year after the City of Des Moines incorporated in 1959. Created as a celebration of the city’s identity as “The Waterland City,” the festival was established through the collaborative efforts of the City of Des Moines and local civic leaders. It quickly became an annual tradition, bringing together residents, businesses, volunteers, and community organizations to celebrate the city’s unique waterfront heritage.
Over the past 66 years, stewardship of the festival has been carried forward by several organizations, including the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, Destination Des Moines, and today’s dedicated organizing committee and volunteers…