Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, September 15-17. 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 15
Saturday, September 16
Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, Sept. 16, 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. 16, 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.
Boss Babe Fall Pop-Up
- Saturday, Sept. 16, 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- DSM Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Grab your girlies, because this one is an event you don’t wanna miss. Boss Babe Pop Up is having an event with Dulce Vida Desserts and the Des Moines Biergarten at the DSM Water Works park this weekend! Support local, women-owned businesses from food and beverage vendors, to clothing and miscellaneous collectables, and so much more! Shop, eat, and drink the afternoon away with some of your fav gal pals.
FREE: Yoga In The Park
- Saturday, Sept. 16, 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!
Midwest Tropical Plant Show
- Ted Lare Garden Center, 2701 Cumming Ave., Cumming, IA 50061
This graphic really does say it all! Take part and be one of the first attendees to go to the FIRST annual Midwest Tropical Show. Venture through seas of green as you enjoy food from local food vendors, meet other plant-lovers, and become educated on the wonderful world of plants.
- Saturday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Adventureland Park, 3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona, IA 50009
“It’s time to dust off your lederhosen & enjoy Oktoberfest! Where the beer flows, the music plays, and the fun never ends!” What better way to celebrate this German holiday, than at an amusement park? Come on over to Adventureland and enjoy a full schedule of live music, unique games, craft beer, food, and thrill rides (ofc 🙂 ).
Zhoosh Ladies Night II
- Saturday, Sept. 16, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Saturday Sounds at Bubba
- Bubba, 200 10th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Get your brunch on with Bubba’s Saturday Sounds event! Featuring local musician Rob Ankum with Jesse Villalobos- sit back, relax and enjoy some Southern comfort cuisine. Some of our favs include the classic chicken and waffles, deviled eggs, and crab cake benedict (you truly can’t go wrong with any of they options!)
Sleepy Hollow Renaissance Faire
- Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Ave Des Moines, IA 50317
LAST WEEKEND! 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 17
- Sunday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Captain Roy’s, 1900 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313
Sip on mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and coffee as you stroll through the vintage and thrift vendors at Captain Roy’s! Browse popular vendors from all over the Des Moines area and find your next fit or unique collectable. Humans AND their pups of all ages are invited. Why not make it a brunch while you’re there? Their full food menu will also be available to order.
- Sunday, Sept. 17, 1o a.m.
- Location: Mayalu Coffee, 4226 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
“Do you like to crochet? Do you live in Des Moines area? Do you do some other craft that’s not crochet that you could carry from one place to another? Then join us! Everyone is welcome!”
5k Fun Run at Big Grove Brewery
- Sunday, Sept. 17, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th Street Des Moines, IA 50309
Lace up your running shoes, because the Iowa Brewery Running Series is hosting a 5k at Big Grove this Sunday! Whether you’re someone who has a passion for running (and perhaps a bit of a competitive streak), or maybe you enjoy a brisk walk- this 5k is for any level of athleticism. So get up, get active, and get yourself a pint of local craft beer!