June 30 – July 6, 2026

Molly Moore, Henry Bahnsen and Joey Bahnsen enjoyed the kids' activities at the first day of the 2026 Johnston Farmers Market June 2 at The Yard. The Johnston Farmers Market is held Tuesdays through Sept. 29 from 4-7 p.m. at Johnston Town Center, 6221 Merle Hay Road. Sales begin promptly at 4 p.m., and live performances from several local musicians truly make the market the place to be. Learn more at www.cityofjohnston.com/865/Farmers-Market.

Movies on the Yard

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and bring your favorite people along for a fun outdoor movie night, offered Thursdays, July 9, July 30, Aug. 20 and Sept. 10 at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road.

Movies on The Yard is free, so everyone in the community can join in on the summer fun. Movies will begin at 6:30 p.m. Featured are:

• July 9: “The Wild Robot”
• July 30: “Wicked: For Good”
• Aug. 20: “Cars 3”
• Sept. 10: TBD

Johnston Basketball Club tryouts

The Johnston Basketball Club girls and boys tryouts are set for Sunday, Aug. 9, at Johnston High School, 6500 N.W. 100th St. Grades eligible for tryouts are first through eighth (grade they will be attending in the fall of 2026). Check the JBC website, johnstonbasketballclub.com, to register for tryouts in July. Specific times for tryouts per grade will be communicated in early August.  

Museum open

The Johnston Historical Society 1902 Simpson House Museum, at 6161 Northglenn Drive in Johnston, will be open on the second Sunday of each month from 2-4 p.m. through December. Guided tours will be available. The museum is also open during Johnston Commons park events, including Sundae in the Park on Sunday, Aug. 2 from 6-8 p.m. The museum is also open by appointment. Email johnstonhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call 515-330-0687 for an appointment.

Tunes at Twilight Concert Series

Tunes at Twilight, presented by The Cork 50131, will be held Thursdays, Aug. 13 and Sept. 24, from 6:30-9 p.m. featuring two acts each night. Admission is free, and no tickets are required for this event, held at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road.  Bands featured are: Aug. 13, Suede and Sons of Gladys Kravitz; and Sept. 24, The Sheet and Damon Dotson.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series

Come and be part of an exciting summer of music at The Yard Summer Concert Series presented by The Cork 50131. Concerts are Saturdays, July 25, Aug. 29 and Oct. 3, from 7-10 p.m. at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Featured are: July 25, The Trip; Aug. 29, Not Quite Brothers; and, Oct. 3, Pork Tornadoes.

Public meetings

• Monday, June 29: Planning and Zoning Meeting, 7 p.m.
• Monday, July 6: City Council Meeting, 7 p.m.
• Thursday, July 16: Board of Adjustment Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 16: Library Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Upcoming in Johnston Living magazine

Hobby photographers: Do you enjoy the hobby of photography? Perhaps you take wildlife photos or capture scenic scenes. Maybe you enter your photos in the county or state fair. Maybe you have taken a photography class. Tell us why you enjoy the hobby and share some of your favorite shots. Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com.

Home improvement: Have you undertaken a renovation that has transformed a room — or more — in your house? Whether you have modernized a bathroom or kitchen or given an entire story much needed updates that make you smile whenever you see the new look, we want to hear from you. Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com.

Events at Johnston Public Library

• Think your teens have what it takes to turn trash into treasure? Sign them up for the “WALL-E” Movie Night and Junk Sculpture Challenge on Tuesday, July 7, from 4:30-6:15 p.m. They will begin by watching “WALL-E” and making their own dirt cup treats, then use trash and recycled materials to create unique artistic pieces.
• The reptiles are coming! On Friday, July 10, Robison Reptiles will bring its collection of reptiles to the library for two interactive presentations. From 10:30-11:15 a.m., kids can get up close and personal with captivating creatures. Then, at 1 p.m., teens entering sixth grade and up can meet the cold-blooded crew and snap one-of-a-kind selfies with their new scaly friends.
• It’s time for summer camp at the library. Little ones can drop off their favorite stuffed friends for Critter Camp on Monday, July 13, during open hours. After a fun-filled week, kids can pick up their happy campers on Friday, July 17, and learn all about their adventures. Registration is required.
• If you haven’t made it to Pop-Up Library in the Park yet, your last chance is Tuesday, July 14, from 10-11 a.m. at Dewey Park. Weather permitting, the library will bring activities for kids to enjoy outdoors.
• Gods behaving badly. Demigods caught in chaos. One dead god or goddess. Teen sleuths can choose a side — Olympus or Camp Half-Blood — and see if they can survive the drama at An Epic Greek Gods Murder Mystery at Camp Half-Blood on Tuesday, July 14, from 4:30-6 p.m. Guests will enjoy a Nectar and Ambrosia Bar while trying to solve a mythological murder.
• Register your team to race against the clock — and other teams — to complete a 400-piece jigsaw puzzle at the Family Puzzle Competition on Saturday, July 25, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The first team to finish will take home a prize.
• More information about events and resources at the Johnston Public Library is available at www.johnstonlibrary.com or by calling 515-278-5233.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Music Under The Stars
Various dates and locations
This summer, Iowa's professional musicians perform a series of free, outdoor concerts at Water Works Park and Jasper Winery at 7 p.m. on Sunday evenings. 

• July 5: Stars, Stripes, and Celebration. Dana Slater, clarinet. Marisa Cravero, guest vocalist. Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 7 p.m.
• July 12: Bourbon Street Parade. NOLA Jazz Band with Abbie Sawyer. Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 7 p.m., Killinger Community Series.

RSVP on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MusicUnderTheStarsIowa/events. Learn more at: www.musicunderthestars.org.

2026 National Balloon Classic
July 31 - Aug. 8
Memorial Balloon Field, 1136 150th Ave., Indianola
More than 100 hot air balloons suspended over the horizon, skilled pilots from around the world, roaring burners creating a whoosh that is both heard and felt. All of this and so much more can be found at this year’s National Balloon Classic in Indianola. For tickets, schedule and information, visit https://nationalballoonclassic.com.

Music In The Garden
Thursdays, through Aug. 20, doors open at 6 p.m., concerts are 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
Music in the Garden is one of Des Moines' premier outdoor concert series, offering a truly unique atmosphere. Set within the naturally beautiful surroundings of the Garden, each evening blends live music, nature and community into an unforgettable experience. Whether you prefer to sit back and relax, get up and dance, or simply soak in the scenery, you'll enjoy great music surrounded by the beauty of the Garden. For information and tickets, visit https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.

CITYVIEW’s Summer Stirs
Friday, July 31, Des Moines East Village
CITYVIEW’s traveling cocktail parties return in 2026. For $25 advance ticket, sample 10 summer cocktails at downtown bars and restaurants. Cost is $35 at the door. For information and tickets, visit https://summerstirs.dmcityview.com.

Levitt AMP Earlham Music Series 2026 Food n’ Drink Lineup
Sundays at 6 p.m.
Earlham City Park, Earlham

• July 12: Music: The Elders, Banjokat. Food trucks: Hotel Luna, Snappy’s BBQ, Street Sweets.
• July 19: Music: BYOBrass, Beth and Brandon. Food trucks: Hotsy Totsy, Pho Wheels & Sushi, Street Sweets, Jack Frost Drink Lab.
• Aug. 2: Music: Leon Timbo, Carol Montag Music. Food trucks: Hotsy Totsy, Sabores De Mexico, Street Sweets, Jack Frost Drink Lab.
• Aug. 9: Music: Newfound Road, Cedar County Cobras. Food trucks: Karam’s Grill, Hotsy Totsy, C’est La Crepe.
• Aug. 16: Music: XOLEX, Bone People. Food trucks: Hotel Luna, Snappy’s BBQ, Pho Wheels and Sushi, Street Sweets.

The Ingersoll Shows
The Ingersoll, 3711 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
Spanning world-class traditional music and beloved musical theater, the lineup of shows at The Ingersoll promises unforgettable moments of live entertainment in the heart of the community.

• Jen Kober Comedy: July 10 with dining at 5:30 p.m. and showtime at 7:30 p.m. Jen Kober is one of the top LGBTQ comedians working today and a rotating headliner in MAD APPLE by Cirque du Soleil. Opening the evening is returning favorite Dante Powell, who has previously performed at The Ingersoll. Powell’s comedy blends smart observations with a warm, conversational style.
• A Brother’s Revival: An Allman Brothers Legacy: July 11 and 12. July 11 dining begins at 6 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. showtime. July 12 dining begins at 5 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. showtime. Formed in 2019 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Allman Brothers Band, A Brother’s Revival brings an unmatched level of authenticity to the stage.
• George Michael Reborn: July 17 and 18, dinner at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. This high-energy tribute stars Robert Bartko, whose live vocals and striking resemblance to George Michael recreate the magic of the artist’s career from the 1980s and 1990s.
• TINA: A Tribute to the Queen of Rock and Roll: July 24 and 25, with dining at 6 p.m. and shows at 7:30 p.m. both evenings. This electrifying tribute stars internationally acclaimed performer Cookie Watkins, whose dynamic portrayal of Tina Turner goes far beyond impersonation. With a career rooted in music from an early age, including recognition from Duke Ellington himself, Watkins channels the spirit, power and voice of the Queen of Rock and Roll.

Tickets are available at www.theingersoll.com/events or at Ticketmaster.com/TheIngersoll.

(Feature Impact) Once temperatures climb, summer entertaining tends to look a little different. Heavy comfort foods give way to lighter fare, tables move outdoors and hosts are on the hunt for dishes that feel effortless without sacrificing flavor. It’s a season for skewers, salads and small bites that are easily shared on a patio among friends and loved ones.

Fresh ingredients, simple preparation and naturally hydrating foods can be the staples of your next summer soiree, especially when your goal is to spend less time in the kitchen and more time at the table with guests. Crisp, juicy, colorful grapes from California are a natural fit as their sweetness can brighten savory dishes while balancing salty, smoky flavors off the grill.

To discover more ways to both elevate and simplify gatherings throughout the season, visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

Italian Sausage and California Grape Skewers
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
• 4 precooked chicken Italian sausages
• 6 skewers (10 inches)
• 30 green, black and red Grapes from California
• 24 squares (1 inch each) red onion
• snipped fresh basil (optional)

Directions:

• In small bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar and Italian herb seasoning; set aside. Cut each sausage into six slices. Thread on skewers, alternating with grapes and onion.
• Preheat grill to medium-low heat.
• Place oiled piece of foil on grill and top with skewers. Grill 5 minutes, or until grapes are softened and sausage and vegetables are lightly browned, turning and basting with balsamic vinegar mixture occasionally.
• Transfer to platter and garnish with snipped fresh basil, if desired.
• Note: If using bamboo skewers, soak at least 1 hour in water to avoid burning.
• Nutritional information per serving: 170 calories; 9 g protein; 11 g carbohydrates; 10 g fat (53% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (13% calories from saturated fat); 55 mg cholesterol; 470 mg sodium; 2 g fiber.

FOR SALE: 2018 Coachman Mirada 25BK. Sleeps 8 (king bed, drop down front bed, queen sofa bed, dinette), 37’ ( bike rack not included), stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator with ice, two roof AC units, heat pump, gas furnace, outdoor kitchen, two slide outs, power awnings, 5500 watt Onan generator, 2000 watt inverter, lithium house batteries, auto leveling, insulated battery storage and wet bay. 55,000 miles, new tires, engine and generator serviced in March 2026. Asking $64,200. Message or text Dave Milburn at 515-240-4672. More photos at https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/5040136236

FOR SALE: 2007 21’ LOWE SUNCRUISER BIMINI 214 PONTOON BOAT. Great for family lake days, fishing fun or evening sunset cruises. 50 hp Mercury 2-stroke outboard. 55 LB Thrust Minn Kota trolling motor. Shoreland’r trailer with recently replaced bumpers and tires. Lowrance depth and fish finder. Front trolling motor (with foot pedal) and mount included. Built-in tackle storage and “live well.” Lots of storage and accommodates 12 people. Three life jackets and three buoys. Newer Boss Bluetooth radio. Recently serviced by Lake Panorama Marine and ready for the water. Recent maintenance includes new spark plugs, fuel filter, primer bulb, fuel line, water pump and impeller kit. New stern light installed. $12,000/best offer. Call Tom Woody 515-778-1231.

WANTED: Stereo and electronic radio stuff, receivers, speakers, guitar amp, etc. Any age or condition is OK. Call 515-238-3343.

HELP WANTED: Looking for someone to weed my flower beds and rid them of leaves. Call 515-321-0301 or email gronwoldb@yahoo.com.

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