Ankeny SummerFest is this weekend. Here's what's new this year:

Chris Higgins, Des Moines Register
Updated ·4 min read

A decades-long tradition in Ankeny will feature an expanded entertainment garden and family events across two business districts this year.

Ankeny SummerFest 2023, hosted by the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce, will be July 7-9 in the District at Prairie Trail again after moving there in 2022. A Family Fun Night will be in Uptown. The festival will feature food, vendors, a carnival, fireworks, an entertainment garden and live music — with more room to spread out this year — a kiddie parade and more.

The theme for this year's Ankeny SummerFest is "Ready. Set. Play."

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When is Ankeny SummerFest 2023? Where is it?

Ankeny SummerFest will be in the District at Prairie Trail near the Kirkendall Public Library, 1250 S.W. District Drive.

The event will start at 4 p.m. Friday and run until 11 p.m. The festival will continue from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Where do I park for Ankeny SummerFest?

Parking will be limited on the SummerFest grounds. Organizers ask festival-goers to park at the Des Moines Area Community College Campus, where shuttles will transport people to and from the festival entrance. The shuttle will be available from 3:30 p.m. to midnight Friday; 10:30 a.m. to midnight Saturday; and 12:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.

Walking and biking also are options.

When and where are the Ankeny SummerFest parades?

The Grand Parade begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. The route begins at Southview Middle School, 1020 S.W. Cherry St., and will travel north up Cherry Street, cross First Street onto Ash Drive, turn west onto Northwest Prairie Ridge Drive and end at the Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center, 1220 N.W. Prairie Ridge Drive.

Registration for the kiddie parade, part of Family Fun Night in Uptown Ankeny, will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday. The route will start at 6:30 p.m. near the Neveln building, 406 S.W. School St., and travel north on school street, head west on Southwest Second Street, turn south on Southwest Pleasant Street, turn east onto Southwest Third Street and then go back down School Street in a loop.

The full Family Fun Night in Uptown Ankeny will run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. by the Ankeny Market & Pavilion, 715 W. First St., and will feature games, character appearances, a parkour course and other family-friendly activities.

When and where are the Ankeny SummerFest fireworks?

This year's fireworks will be around 9:30 p.m. Sunday at Promenade Park, southwest of the District at Prairie Trail. The music will be played on the 92.5 KJJY radio station.

People react as they spin on a ride during the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce is hosted SummerFest near the Kirkendall Public Library Saturday, July 9, 2022 in Ankeny.
People react as they spin on a ride during the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce is hosted SummerFest near the Kirkendall Public Library Saturday, July 9, 2022 in Ankeny.

Who is playing at Ankeny SummerFest this year?

Friday, July 7

  • MINT, 5 p.m.

  • Gimikk, 7 p.m.

  • Decoy, 9:15 p.m.

Saturday, July 8

  • Tim & Jana West, 3 p.m.

  • Gabe Lee, 5 p.m.

  • Rob Leines, 7 p.m.

  • Colt Ford, 9:15 p.m.

Sunday, July 9

  • Suede, 1 p.m.

  • NOLA Jazz Band, 3 p.m.

  • Stark Raving Madge, 4:30 p.m.

  • The End: A Tribute to The Beatles, 7 p.m.

When is the Ankeny SummerFest carnival?

The carnival will be open 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Carnival-goers can purchase $25 wristbands for unlimited rides, only good for each day.

Can people bring outside food and beverage to Ankeny SummerFest?

Organizers ask that people do not bring outside food, alcohol or other beverages to the festival. Water jugs will be available.

Are pets allowed at Ankeny SummerFest?

They are not.

Will there be ATMs at Ankeny SummerFest?

There will be ATMs on-site for attendees to get cash.

Will my bag and ID be checked at Ankeny SummerFest?

Everyone will have their bag and ID checked and receive a wristband at the entrance, according to a post on the event Facebook page. Festival-goers under the age of 21 will receive a certain colored wristband.

Will there be food and drink at Ankeny SummerFest?

There will be about 25 food vendors throughout the festival grounds. Various alcoholic beverages will be available for those of age to purchase at designated spots.

Chris Higgins covers the eastern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at chiggins@registermedia.com or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Bands, fireworks, food, parades: Ankeny SummerFest returns for 2023