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 16-18!
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
✨Openings✨
Dough Crazy Grand Opening is on 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. Stop by on their grand opening from 12-7 p.m. to try it out for yourself! The first 50 customers receive a free dough shot. At 3 p.m., the ice cream sandwich samples start. Then, to round out the day, from 4-6 p.m. buy one scoop and get one 50% off. There’s no bad time to stop by on Saturday!
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!
RC’s Windsor Diner is OPEN!
- RC’s Windsor Diner, 6587 University Ave., Windsor Heights, IA, 50324
- Wednesday – Sunday, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. for breakfast
- Tuesday – Saturday, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. for dinner
We’ve been waiting for this gem on the cutest corner of Windsor Heights to open its doors, and it DID. Co-owners Joe Tripp (of Harbinger ) and Simon Goheen (Simon’s) describe RC’s as a local Midwest Diner with Jewish influences serving breakfast and dinner. Stay tuned to their social for some pictures that’ll definitely make you hungry.
🧡 Markets + Pop-Ups🧡
Waukee Arts Festival
- Friday, July 16 – Saturday, July 17
- Centennial Park: 1255 Warrior Lane, Waukee, IA 50263
Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, July 17, 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.
Baked Kind Cinnamon Rolls at Nosh
- Sunday, July 18, 10 – 12 p.m.
- Nosh, 424 E Locust Street, 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 Nosh 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.
Veg Life Des Moines Hosts Vegan Summer Market
- Sunday, July 18, 12-3 p.m.
- Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Join Veg Life Des Moines in celebrating all things vegan on this Sunday! They will be showcasing local farmers, makers, and shops smack dab in the middle of Downtown. If you’ve been wanting to tap into the vegan community in Des Moines or just want amazing vegan food this weekend, this is the place to be!
Abby’s Deep Dish at the Drift in Winterset
- Sunday, July 18, 1 p.m.
- The Drift, 112 N 1st Ave Winterset, IA 50273
We all need an excuse to visit Madison County at this time of year. You might as well make it at The Drift, a taproom in Winterset full of craft beer, wine, and cocktails with Abby’s Deep Dish. Abby’s Deep Dish is a pop-up pizza restaurant operating once a month at The Drift in Winterset, Iowa, and Kitchen Spaces in Des Moines, Iowa. Get delicious deep dish pizza that can be made vegan and/or gluten-free!
Friday, July 16
Sunset Paddleboarding with SUPYoga DSM at Easter Lake
- Friday, July 16, Sunset Paddle, 7 p.m.
- Classes available Saturday and Sunday as well!
- 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 uses specialized yoga paddleboards for a new challenge to your practice 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.
Never Before Scene Improv at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Friday, July 16, 7 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines IA 50309
Comedy made up on the spot, based on audience suggestions, never the same show twice. Do you love shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway or Wild’n Out? Come share in the laughs, featuring the funniest and most diverse group of comedians in Iowa.
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.
Little House on Main’s 3rd Birthday
- Friday and Saturday, 10 -4 p.m.
- 111 Main St SE, Bondurant, IA 50035
Have you heard of Little House on Main? It’s the cutest little shop in Bondurant! Stop by this weekend for giveaways, drawings, a select number of gift bags to celebrate the shop’s third birthday.
Fridays at The Cave DSM
- Friday, July 16, 4-8 p.m.
- The Cave DSM, 1437 Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50309
Fridays at the Cave are a thing, and you definitely use it as an excuse to stop in. On Friday, July 16, the Cave DSM is doing all Austrian wines by-the-glass, Chef Jahan has some great new food items, DJ Heather* will be doing a set of R&B, northern soul, Latin, reggae, & exotica vinyl.
*Heather said to add a disclaimer that she’s not a professional DJ, but has really cool records.
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!
Yappy Hour at Summerset Winery Supporting the ARL
- Friday, July 16, 5 – 7 p.m.
- Summerset Winery, 15101 Fairfax Street, Indianola, IA 50125
Go out to beautiful Summerset Winery with your furry friends on Friday night! $1 from each glass of wine purchased will go to the Animal Rescue League so come thirsty.
Saturday, July 17
Yoga in the Park
- Southeast Lawn, Gray’s Lake Park
- Saturday, July 17, 9 a.m.
The 2021 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. NEW THIS YEAR: complete your waiver online before class using this link!
Free Neighborhood Workout with Black Collar Crossfit
- Saturday, July 17, 10 a.m.
- LINC Apartments, 210 SW 11th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Calling all weekend workout warriors! Black Collar Crossfit is hosting another free neighborhood workout. This time at the LINC apartments downtown. They promise that the workout is family friendly and perfect for all levels!
Saturday Summer Storytime at Storyhouse Bookpub
- Saturday, July 17, 11 a.m.
- Storyhouse Bookpub
It’s the alliteration for me. But for real, we try to put one or two kid-friendly events on each week for those of you with little ones! Join children’s author Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia for the sweetest book reading in the cutest book store. This could kick or cap off the perfect day in the East Village.
Birth Chart 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 15 minute birth chart reading with Lauren Hickman.
Comedy Kickback at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Saturday, July 17, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines IA 50309
Come join a chill experience where you get to hangout and enjoy a great evening of comedy. The Black Iowa Streams crew is putting on a showcase featuring some of Iowa’s funniest black comedians.
Sunday, July 18
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!
Morning Meditation and Brunch at Sacred Health
- Sunday, July 18, 8-9:30 a.m.
- 4123 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Join Meditate DSM and Sacred Health DSM for a morning meditation and brunch to start off your week. Kick the morning off with some calming & balancing breathwork followed by a guided meditation session and a plant based brunch! This class great for beginners, though all are welcome of course.🥰
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.
