City of Des Moines Announces Memorial Day Holiday Schedules and Summer Attraction Openings

Des Moines, Iowa - Friday, May 22, 2026 - Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer activities across Des Moines, with seasonal openings and extended hours planned throughout the city. In observation of the Memorial Day holiday, Des Moines City Administration Buildings will be closed on Monday, May 26, and reopen to the public on Tuesday, May 27.

There will be no garbage, yard waste, or recycling collection on Monday, May 25. For the rest of the week (Tuesday through Saturday), collection will be delayed by one day for all residents. For more information, call the Des Moines Public Works Customer Service Center at (515) 283-4950 or visit DSM.city/HolidaySchedule.

All Des Moines Public Library branches will be closed on Sunday, May 24 and Monday, May 25 for the holiday. More information is available at DMPL.org.

Aquatics

Northwest Family Aquatic Center (4915 Madison Ave) will kick off the 2026 aquatics Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, weather permitting. It will open again the following weekend (May 30-31) before opening for daily use from June 6 through August 9.

Ashworth Pool, Birdland Pool, Nahas and Teachout Family Aquatic Centers will open May 30-31, and open daily operations for the season on June 6.

For more information on hours and locations, visit DSM.city/Aquatics. To receive text alerts about pool closures and schedule changes, text DSMPools to 84483.

Gray's Lake Park

Gray's Lake Park will offer rentals and concessions at both beach and terrace locations this season, as construction wraps up improvements to the facilities. Rentals and concessions will open Saturday, May 23, and operate daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cemeteries

City cemetery staff and volunteers have placed more than 8,500 flags on veterans' graves throughout Des Moines' eight municipal cemeteries. Parks and Recreation anticipates more than 20,000 cemetery visitors over the Memorial Day period.

To support those visiting loved ones or exploring the historic sites throughout the holiday weekend, cemeteries will offer extended hours:

• Saturday, May 23 - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, May 24 - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day) - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More information on cemetery locations and history is available at DSM.city/cemeteries.

Contact
Ally MacLean
Communications Specialist II, City Manager's Office
(515) 689-8819
[email protected]

About the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines is Iowa's capital city and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 46 neighborhood associations. Des Moines is a leader in sustainability and provides its residents with vibrant neighborhoods, an alive and active downtown, and abundant leisure opportunities.

Des Moines continuously improves neighborhoods, public safety and quality of life by offering exceptional city services and reliable infrastructure while fostering an involved and compassionate community for all who visit and live in Des Moines. Visit DSM.city, Facebook and Twitter for more information.