Looking for things to do in Des Moines this weekend? Check out this list of all the events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, July 9-11!
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
✨Openings✨
Black Cat Ice Cream
Source: Black Cat Ice Cream Facebook
- 2511 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
- Open 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. all weekend!
Black Cat is BACK, and we’re just going to keep it on this list for the foreseeable future. Their new location is situated dangerously close to Drake Diner in the Drake neighborhood. The pictures from their opening were insane, and we can’t wait to make this a weekly (daily) habit. Stay tuned to their social media channels for the latest on flavors.
Lucky Lotus Re-Opened for Indoor Dining
- Lucky Lotus, 2721 Ingersoll Ave. Des Moines, IA
- Fridays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., 4 – 8 p.m.
- Saturdays, 5-9 p.m.
We share a lot about our love of Lucky Lotus and what it does for the Des Moines community on our Instagram stories, but we have yet to actually dine inside! It’s been the takeout life for us. We can’t wait to sit in and share a meal in this cute AF space. Tag us in pictures if you go!
Dough Crazy Grand Opening: July 17
- Dough Crazy, 1220 Locust St, Des Moines, IA
Edible, safe-to-eat raw cookie dough is getting a brick and mortar in Des Moines. Dough Crazy has been serving up fun flavors of cookie dough all around the city in their food truck, but they’re about to open a storefront on 1220 Locust St. across from Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Check out their food truck schedule in the picture above, and stay tuned to their social channels for store hours before the grand opening!
🧡 Markets + Pop-Ups🧡
Central Iowa Houseplant Shop Hop
- Saturday, July 10
- Participating Shops: Art Terrarium, Back Alley Houseplants, Ted Lare Garden Center, Bedwell Gardens, Renovation Jungle, Harvey’s Greenhouse and Plant Dealer
Some of our favorite local houseplant shops are teaming up for a shop hop this Saturday. Each participating shop will have workshops and events for all you wild plant lovers out there! Visit at least 5 and you’re entered to receive a massive plant prize package packed to the gills with merch and goodies!
Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, July 10, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
The Market has officially increased its capacity to host 165 on-site vendors, around 75% of the number at a traditional Saturday Market. We’ll take it! The Downtown Farmers’ Market connects urban and rural communities while supporting nearly 300 local entrepreneurs, including farmers, producers, bakers and artists that represent 50 counties across the state of Iowa. It’s just the best.
Bikes, Books, and Brews with Raccoon River Press
- Saturday, July 10
- Sweetwaters Coffee, 8:30 – 11 a.m.
- 515 Brewing, 3-6 p.m.
Raccoon River Press, Des Moines’ newest independent book publisher and seller, is bringing us double the pop-ups this week! They will start the day at Sweetwaters Coffee near Jordan Creek and then pop into 515 Brewing in the afternoon. If you’re close by, drop in, grab a book, and enter for a chance to win some free books in their giveaway!
Baked Kind Cinnamon Rolls at Dreiberge Coffee
- Sunday, July 11, 10 a.m. to sell out!
- Dreiberge Coffee, 111 E Grand Ave #109, Des Moines, IA 50309
Just look at that cinnamon roll. It’s literally art. Pre-order some for yourself on Sunday morning and you won’t be mad about it when you pick it up at Dreiberge at 10 a.m. You can order a 4 pack, 4 variety pack, or by singles of the individual flavors, but hurry because they’re almost sold out!
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, June 19, 9 a.m. – 1 pm.
- 3200 University Ave, Des Moines, IA
Did you know that we have an organization here that runs a program for former refugee farmers? How cool is that!? This program, Global Greens, reconnects former refugee farmers with the land as they build their new life in the U.S. The farmers access space to grow food, learn more about U.S. agriculture, and start their own business by selling produce at this Farmers’ Market. So go check it out! They also have a stand at the Downtown Farmer’s Market.
Heart of Des Moines Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, July 10, 4-6 p.m.
- 6th and Forest Ave.
New hours! This market now operates from 4 – 6 p.m., and this week, bring your dog to the Riverbend Neighborhood Association booth for free treats! This market runs every Saturday through September 25 from 4 – 6 p.m. There will be vendors, food trucks, a health tent, kid-friendly activities, and entertainment. So basically, make your way there after a quick nap following the Downtown market! Need to know where to park? Check out the map at the button below.
Ecstatic Sunday with Thistle’s Summit at Inner Space DSM
- Sunday, July 11, 10 – 12:30 p.m.
- Inner Space DSM, 1251 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
This Sunday, Marti with Thistle’s Summit will be popping up at Ecstatic Sunday from 10-12:30 p.m..
Thistle’s Summit is Iowa’s first vegan and gluten-free bakery. What is Ecstatic Sunday? It is a unique, memorable experience of meditation and dance that helps you feel unstuck and full of life. It doesn’t matter if you are 1 or 95 years old, everyone can enjoy this experience in their own way. Families are encouraged to come, and they’ll have kid activities for those who don’t want to partake in this experience. Come for the full event, or just pop in and say hi! The best part? Your first Ecstatic Sunday is FREE!
Friday, July 9
Iowa Cubs Games
- Games:
- Friday, 7:08 p.m.
- Saturday, 7:08 p.m.
- Sunday, 1:08 p.m.
- Principal Park, 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Iowa Cubs are back in town this weekend, so expect fireworks on Friday night. This weekend they’re taking on the St. Paul Saints!
Sunset Paddleboarding with SUPYoga DSM at Easter Lake
- Friday, July 9, Sunset Paddle, 7 p.m.
- Classes available Saturday and Sunday
- 2830 Easter Lake Dr, Des Moines, IA 50320
Want to try something new? How about paddle boarding on Easter Lake? You have your choice of an intro to paddle boarding class or a stand up paddle boarding yoga class! Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga is one of the fastest growing formats in the country and around the world. Using specialized yoga paddleboards, they’ve built a sequence that challenges your practice (and your balance!) and connects you with nature, all leading to a sweet floating savasana. Not ready to try SUP Yoga? More interested in just paddling around? Choose their intro long class for the paddling basics and a leisurely paddle around the lake.
CHOWDOWN Monthly Improv at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Friday, July 9, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines IA 50309
If you like improv, you’re going to love this! CHOWDOWN is a Live monthly Improv Comedy show, entirely made-up on the spot, featuring Onnalee Kelley, Tim Overton, Thomas Matysik, Jen Kuhle, Marcos Lester, Dan Logan, and Jill Leary.
Weekend Events at Rose Farmstead
- All weekend!
- 7197 43rd Ave Norwalk, Iowa 50211
Travel just 20 minutes outside the city center of Des Moines and be greeted by the beauty of Rose Farm, family-owned and lovingly-managed by Hobby Farmers Karri and Patrick Rose. This weekend, they are hosting many events including Farm School, Powerlife Sunrise Yoga, and live music! Take a look at the above for the full schedule, and get your girlfriends together to go visit.
Yoga + Co Classes Around The City
Looking for a new outdoor yoga experience? Yoga + Co. hosts too many classes to even list and they’re all donation based ! Click the link below for all the details on their three Friday classes, one Saturday class, and two Sunday classes. Almost all classes are free-will donation, and all are meant to give your mind, body, and soul what they need. Your donations are also investing into your community, making the world a better place!
Saturday, July 10
Pure Barre and Kinship Brewery “Bring On The Men” Pop Up Class
Join Pure Barre West Des Moines on Saturday at Kinship Brewing Co. for pure barre + beer. 🍻 Bring a guy friend or roll solo! Might want to bring a mat, towel, and water and get ready to lift.tone.burn! Afterwards, chill out at Waukee’s newest, coolest brewery. P.S. They have a huge dog park, so bring your furry friend! Slide into Pure Barre’s DMs to secure your spot!
Volunteer Day at Iowa Gardening for Good
- Saturday, July 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Iowa Gardening for Good, 2191 340th St., Madrid, IA, 50156
Volunteer opportunity! Come learn about Iowa Gardening for Good! IGFG is a nonprofit located near Madrid, IA. They grow vegetables for local food banks to feed our community with fresh produce. They’re welcoming volunteers of all ages and group sizes (individuals, families, church groups, work groups, or friends) to do some planting, weeding, and harvesting. They provide water bottles. You bring clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in!
Yoga with Ben from Good Vibes Movement at the Surety Hotel
- Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
- Saturday, July 10, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
A yoga class with a free mimosa?! Yep, this is the perfect excuse to go check out Mulberry Street Tavern! It’s the perfect Saturday morning activity. To support the Good Vibes Movement community and youth outreach, please donate $10 at door for class. Don’t forget your mats!
Tea Mixology 101 Class at Pepperharrow Farm
- Saturday, July 10, 8-10 p.m.
- Pepperharrow Farm, 1809 S 4th Ave, Winterset, IA 50273
What’s better than a trip to a flower farm? A flower farm plus a class on tea mixology with local experts! Let Red Dragon Herbs help you enrich your life with loose leaf tea! Ryan and Mary provide a class that covers the practicalities of making a good cup of tea, as well as exploring the health benefits, cultural experiences of herbs and teas, and creating your very own blend. Ryan and Mary will walk you though growing, harvesting, and blending your own herbal blends. Class size is limited to 12 attendees!
Black Art Mecca
- Saturday, July 10, 1 – 9 p.m.
- Lauridsen Amphitheater, Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
An AMPLIFY x JayeKaleb event, the Black Art Mecca aims to support the Black community by simultaneously giving Black artists the platform to allow their art to reach a wider audience and symbolizing unity within the Black community in Des Moines. Click the link below for all the info!
Color Your Palate Block P-art-y Series
- Saturday, July 10, 1 – 3 p.m.
- Lucky Horse Parking Lot, 2331 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311
Comedian Janee “Cool” Harvey “Funnier Than A Pandemic”
- Saturday, July 10, 7:30 p.m.
- xBk Live, 1159 24th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
Here’s another comedy show for your weekend! Janee Harvey came to Des Moines by way of Brooklyn, NY with her animal zoo, two children, and wife, thusly raising the noise level of Des Moines a solid 20db. Her quick witted comedy covers topics from parenting to donkeys and everything in between. Harvey made her comedy debut at xBk in 2019 and has remained loyal to the venue ever since. She’s back to take the xBk stage once again in 2021 to reveal the lower half of her face and show off her extraordinarily clean hands.
Sunday, July 11
Yoga on the Commons
- Sundays, 9 a.m. through the end of August
- 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
It’s back! Start off your Sunday with a beautiful yoga practice. This yoga series is in partnership with Janet Casson Yoga and is held on Cowles Commons – a beautiful space in the middle of downtown. All levels welcome! Be sure to sign your waiver before you go!
Tarot Card Readings at KIN DSM
- 333 E Grand Ave #106, Des Moines, IA 50309
If you haven’t been into KIN DSM yet, this is your sign. KIN is a modern mystical shop in the East Village specializing in ethically-sourced crystals, apothecary, and estate jewelry. KIN is a woman-owned & operated business and carries goods made in the fifty states and almost all made by women. Everything is carefully sourced as ethically and sustainable as possible in order to carry on the highest of vibes. Pop in on Sunday for a tarot card reading with @martianlune!
Ultimate Karaoke Experience at Gas Lamp
- 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- 1501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Why not make Sunday night karaoke a thing? Seems like a great way to prepare for the week if you ask us.
