This year’s Yankee Doodle Pops concert is 250 years in the making. (Photo: Des Moines Symphony) By Brianne Sanchez We’re in the final countdown to the United States semiquincentennial (say that three times, fast), with as many ways to celebrate as days between now and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You can DIY a paper chain with all of the following ideas or get partial patriotic credit for checking off just a few. June 4: This is the penultimate day to view “Freedom: A History of US” at Living History Farms. Among the highlights are a rare 1776 printing of the Declaration of Independence, a printed draft and the official copy of the U.S. Constitution, Lincoln’s handwritten notes for speeches and letters by leading historical figures. June 5: Learn about the Freedom Seekers’ path through Central Iowa at the Jordan House, once a stop on the Underground Railroad. West Des Moines Historical Society offers weekly guided tours on Fridays and Sundays. Save the date for the Oct. 3 “Heritage Jubilee.” June 6: The next best thing to seeing folk hero Paul Bunyan in action? A live lumberjack show at Adventureland, of course. Catch performances through June 14, with park admission. June 7: A day at the library is free as can be! The Des Moines Public Library kid-centric summer reading challenge kickoff starts at 10 a.m. at the Central Branch. Want to hook kids on history? My son loved the thrilling, often gruesome, Nathan Hale “Hazardous Tales” graphic novel series.  June 8: America is the birthplace of many musical genres, from blues to ragtime, jazz to hip-hop. I’ll be celebrating the first anniversary of my 40th birthday at Punk Nite at Maggie’s Rumble Room. This month’s theme is New Wave. No cover, all-ages until 9 p.m. June 9: Belly up to the bar at Barntown Brewing for a pint of Americake 250 sour. Made with strawberry and blueberry juices, this limited release “cake” is gluten-free. Call ahead to confirm it’s still on tap. June 10: Meet a political candidate at an event on this nonpartisan list of upcoming events. June 11: Practice your John Hancock with a lovely pen, or register for a one-day calligraphy class.  June 12: Swap red, white and blue for rainbow as Capital City Pride’s PrideFest 2026 kicks off in the East Village. June 13: Living History Farms, pictured, is serving up a triple-header with Emancipation Day festivities, a Walnut Hill election, plus historic baseball. Learn about civil rights, cast a vote for mayor and see if you can catch a foul ball.   June 14: On this date in 1777, the Continental Congress approved the design of a national flag. Before Flag Day, order a commemorative America 250 flag from Martin’s Flag Company in Valley Junction (closed Sundays). June 15: Hear “An American Marriage” author Tayari Jones discuss her new novel, “Kin,” as part of the public library’s free AViD series. “Kin” explores mothers and daughters, friendship and sisterhood, and the complexities of being a woman in the American South.  June 16: Learn about Iowa State University’s land-grant mission and American democratic ideals through “America 250: Prairie, Plows, and the People’s College.” More than 250 objects displayed within Farm House Museum invite visitors to consider the Morrill Act of 1862, immigration patterns in Iowa, Indigenous history and Victorian-era technological innovation. No rush: The exhibition runs through Oct. 16.  June 17: Celebrate life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness with red velvet cake. Redditors suggest you’ll find the metro’s best on the dessert menu at Simon’s, but if you’re looking for takeaway, try The Bake Shoppe.   June 18: Take part in the Juneteenth Jubilee, a signature celebration at the State Historical Building. Culture and community converge in an awards ceremony and the opportunity to explore historical memorabilia and cultural displays that honor the journey and resilience behind Iowa Juneteenth.   June 19: Root for Team USA in the World Cup 2026 match against Australia. Big Grove hosts a screening and full-on street party from 1-4 p.m. with the Des Moines Menace hosting a mini turf tournament for kids.  June 20: Pay homage to the pioneers of our community with a guided cemetery tour. At Woodland Cemetery, choose from a general historical tour or one that focuses on notable women from early Des Moines. Book ahead for the Civil War-themed tours July 11 or Aug. 15.   June 21: Remember our forefathers as you say ‘Fore!’ with your father figure on Father’s Day. Not up for a full 18-hole course? Puttmasters at the Pines is a scenic mini-golf experience.   June 22: Shop for a First Amendment T-shirt, $29 at Raygun, or support another local business.  June 23: Visit the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, which includes an exhibit highlighting Meskwaki tribal members trained in a secret communication program for the military’s “Code Talkers.” June 24: Take a day trip to the original Freedom Rock in Adair County or any one of 100 boulders painted to honor veterans on in communities across Iowa. Norwalk’s rock is near Mullets restaurant, another ‘Merican icon.  June 25: Stash some tissues in your mitt and head to the Iowa Cubs vs. Buffalo Bisons game, which will feature a citizenship ceremony and throwback Iowa Oaks uniforms from the 1969-1981 era.  June 26: Make like Mr. Rogers and plan a block party. At dusk, head to the Des Moines Arts Festival, where Drew Holcolm and the Neighbors headline opening night entertainment.   June 27: Hop(per) into one of the Des Moines Art Center’s free, public guided tours of “The American Experience: Semiquincentennial,” held between 1-2 p.m. on multiple dates.   June 28: Cruise Iowa stops along The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway, Iowa’s longest and most historic. It travels through more than 460 miles of history, recreation and welcoming communities with stops at places like The Public House Lounge in Jefferson, a new restaurant and cocktail lounge in a historic building. June 29: Go where the elk and bison roam. Bring binoculars to Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and try to catch a glimpse of the rare (1 in 10 million) white bison. Reward yourself for a sighting with soft serve from Goldie’s Ice Cream Shoppe in Prairie City.   June 30: Learn how Iowa’s stories connect to the founding of the United States in the State Historical Museum of Iowa’s newest exhibit experience, “Revolutionary Iowans.”   July 1: Entries for many Iowa State Fair competitions are due today. Pop in earbuds and listen to a podcast about the Fair’s upcoming America 250 plans while you complete your ribbon-worthy submission.   July 2: Enjoy live music, fireworks and a silent disco as part of the summer “Sips Songs” concert series at The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny.  July 3: Gather on the Capitol lawn for the Des Moines Symphony’s annual Yankee Doodle Pops concert. This year’s performance will pay tribute to America’s 250th with a variety of special guests.   July 4: Celebrate Independence Day your way, with a parade, picnic or party. Living History Farms is hosting a day of family fun and games with general admission.  Contributing writer Brianne Sanchez writes about inspiring people and places in our dsm and ia magazines. You can also find her work in several People, Inc. publications and through outlets like Arts Midwest’s Creativity News Desk.  ...read more read less