Cities
Des Moines is ready to celebrate one of its longest-running summer traditions as the 2026 Waterland Festival takes place today, Saturday, July 18.
● 5:45 p.m. — Kids Parade: Marine View Drive (South 216th St. to South 226th St.)
● 6:00 p.m. — Waterland Parade: Marine View Drive (South 216th St. to South 226th St.)
● 8:00–10:00 p.m. — Waterland Block Party: South 223rd–225th Streets (in front of Des Moines Theater); DJ, beer garden, kids activities, performers
The Waterland Festival has been bringing neighbors together since 1960, celebrating the city’s waterfront heritage with a day focused on community, local organizations, and family fun.
The festivities begin with the Kids Parade at 5:45 p.m., followed by the main Waterland Parade, which begins at 6 p.m. along Marine View Drive. This year’s parade will feature marching bands, dancers, local businesses, community groups, the famous Seafair Pirates, Seafair clowns, and many other parade entries. The parade travels south on Marine View Drive from South 216th Street to South 226th Street.
New this year, the celebration continues after the parade with the Waterland Block Party from approximately 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. The family-friendly event will take place between South 223rd and South 225th Streets in front of the Des Moines Theater and will include a DJ, a beer garden, activities for kids, special performers, and opportunities to visit with friends and neighbors.
Festival organizers encourage everyone to stay after the parade and enjoy the evening as downtown Des Moines comes alive with community spirit.
The Waterland Festival is organized entirely by volunteers and continues to be one of Des Moines’ signature community celebrations, welcoming residents and visitors alike to enjoy a day of summer fun.
For parade route information and additional event details, visit the official Waterland Festival website.
https://www.waterlandfestival.org
Members Discussion
Highline Journal Comment Guidelines
We believe thoughtful conversation helps communities flourish. We welcome respectful, on-topic comments that engage ideas, not individuals. Personal attacks, harassment, hateful comments, directed profanity, false claims, spam, or sharing private information aren't allowed. Comments aren't edited and may be removed if they violate these guidelines.