Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, September 8-10. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Friday, September 8
Midnight Munchies at Creme
- Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9, 7 p.m. – midnight
- Creme, 543 28th St, Des Moines, IA 50312
We couldn’t love Midnight Munchies more. So excited to see this late night dessert bar option with great sweets and drinks perfect for a date or date with yourself night. We also love Creme in the daytime for a quick break, loading up on local sweets, or sending some quick emails.
Des Moines Biergarten
- Wednesday, Sept. 6 – Sunday, Sept. 10, Noon – 9 p.m.
- Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Did you know Des Moines has a seasonal outdoor beer garden? It open Wednesday through Sunday through to Fall. Willkommen im Des Moines Biergarten! Set among the mature trees of Water Works Park, Des Moines Biergarten is a family-friendly popup German-themed beer garden offering steins of beer and German inspired eats.
Animate! Des Moines
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Friday, Sept. 8: 2 p.m.- 2 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 9: 10 a.m. – 2 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 10: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Hyvee Hall- Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
For nerds, geeks, and everyone in between, GalaxyCon is proud to present “Animate! Des Moines.” This all-weekend event is a celebration of animation throughout the decades with entertainment, Q&As, video and tabletop gaming, panels, costume contests, cosplay wrestling, and so much more fandom for you to explore.
Saturday, September 9
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, Sept. 9, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
New here? The Downtown Farmers’ Market is an open-air street market located in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Vendors will be set up outdoors on Court Avenue and adjacent side streets. It feels especially huge since it was limited to the pandemic and it’s back to full size. It’s one of the best in the country! Don’t miss it this summer to see some of our absolute favorite small business owners from around the metro.
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, Sept. 9, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- 1907 Carpenter Ave (at MLK Parkway) in the parking lot of @polkcohealth.
Another extremely important market to hit up – especially if you’re near the Drake neighborhood! Shop for delicious locally-grown produce for you and your family while supporting new Iowans who have a passion for farming! Global Greens Farmers’ Market serves as a platform for former refugees to sell their produce and bolster their small farming businesses. Hosted by Lutheran Services of Iowa.
Uptown Art Market
- Saturday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- 42nd & University , Des Moines, IA 50312
Feeling artsy? Heck yeah you are. Local artists are invited to display and sell their wares on the West Lawn at Uptown Shopping Center in Des Moines every Saturday from June 1-September 30th. Check it out for more market action this Saturday.
Heart of Des Moines Farmer’s Market
- Saturday, Sept. 9, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- 1618 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Saturday is definitely the day for markets around the Des Moines metro! What better way to end your day, then at the Heart of Des Moines Farmers Market. Support small businesses and local vendors with goods from honey and souffles, to ceramics and fine art. Located conveniently in the River Bend neighborhood, this market truly is the “heart of Des Moines”.
FREE: Yoga In The Park
- Saturday, Sept. 9, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- Southeast Lawn, Gray’s Lake Park, 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315
The 2023 Yoga in the Park season is on! Join a local yoga instructor at 9 a.m. on the southeast lawn at Gray’s Lake Park for a practice for all skill levels. Classes will not be held in the event of rain so please check the link below to check the latest and sign the waiver!
Drop In: Plant Swap
- East Side Library, 2559 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317
Got a wicked green thumb? Or, maybe you’re looking to swap that cactus for a new succulent? Whatever your plant needs may be, take them to the Drop In Plant Swap, hosted by the Des Moines Public Library at their East Side location! They’re partnering with Master Gardner program at Iowa State University to help household plant lovers find community, and swap a couple plants in the process.
- Saturday, Sept. 9, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Park Fair Mall, 100 E Euclid. #107
“We enthusiastically welcome trans, non-binary, queer folks and our affirming friends of all ages, races, sizes, and abilities to explore/find clothing that is gender-affirming and brings joy. Join us in creating a fun, loving, and judgment-free shopping space.” Join Common Love DSM for a shopping pop-up experience that is a mutual aid project created to be free for those who wish to participate. They are also accepting financial donations for those who are able, and will go back to purchasing items for folks in the future!
HALLtoberfest 2023
- Saturday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- The Hall DSM, 111 South 11th Street, Suite 200 West Des Moines, IA 50265
Core+ More Fitness Class with Rooted Yoga + Fitness
- Saturday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Peace Tree Brewing, 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Rooted Yoga + Fitness is hosting a FREE class on the lawn at Peace Tree Brewing. This weekends’ class is to help focus on building core strength, with an emphasis on a low-impact pilates-styled workout. Participants will receive a discount ticket for a beverage to use during or after class at Peace Tree (and you know how we feel about good deals on food/drink!). Advanced registration is recommended!
Kiley Cutler Vintage Pop-Up at Eden
- Saturday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Eden, 418 E 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Adult Skate Night
- Skate South, 10494 County Line Road, Des Moines, IA 50320
Lace up your skates and head on over to Skate South for a night of music and fun! If you’re the type to bust some moves and show off your skills, or stay your ground near the rink wall, this event is for all skate lovers. Whether you’re looking for a unique night out with your best gals, or a fun date night- Skate South is hosting an 18+ skate night!
Sleepy Hollow Renaissance Faire
- Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Ave Des Moines, IA 50317
Calling all fairies, kings, queens, knights, and more! It’s that time of year again for the Sleepy Hollow Renaissance Faire- open three weekends in the month of September. This event is for all ages and costume/cosplay is encouraged, but not required! Feast on turkey legs and peasant faire, grab a spot in the stands to watch a live jousting, or peruse the shops for fine jewelry and other handmade items.
Sunday, September 10
- Sunday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m.
- Upcycled DSM, 115 5th Street, Des Moines, IA 50265
If you love thrifting, antiquing, or finding hidden treasures- then this one is for you! Upcycled DSM is having their grand opening this Sunday in Valley Junction. Known for their pop-ups all around Des Moines, Upcycled DSM is excited to be opening their first storefront. With items from retro decor and vintage jackets, to furniture and collectables, you’re sure to find something to love!
- Sunday, Sept. 10, 11:30 – 4 p.m.
- Porch to Porch in Union Park
PorchFest is a national grass-roots movement connecting local musicians with a porch where they can perform for an hour while attendees stop to listen, all the while connecting with neighbors and friends. Bikers, runners, skaters, scooters, strollers, packs of friends, or just come on your own, all are welcome to participate watching 23 bands play on the porches of the Union Park neighborhood. Wear walking shoes and bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, and cash to tip musicians!
Together Through Sound Music Festival
- Sunday, Sept. 10, 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Riverview Park, 710 Corning Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
“This immersive experience celebrates the cultural fusion of Afrobeats, inviting audiences to engage, connect, and join the global Afrobeats movement. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of unity, joy, and authenticity at Together Through Sound.” This unique event is sure to rock DSM this Sunday and is open to all ages! Featuring performances from jazz and hip-hop, to Indian fusion and a finale Collaboration Concert for the end of the night.
- Sunday, Sept. 10, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street Des Moines, IA 50309
Support local DSM bands and performers by spending your Sunday afternoon at Teehee’s Local Music Showcase. Hosted on every 2nd Sunday of the month, this event is a curation of aspiring artists looking for a stage and an audience. Grab a drink from the bar and settle in for performances of multiple genres of music, all from Des Moines locals.
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