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 30 – August 1!
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
✨Openings✨
Home Sweet Cone Opens on Saturday!
- 1188 SE University Ave., Waukee, IA 50263
- Saturday, July 31, 12 – 10 p.m.
It’s opening, it’s opening! We’re so excited to see this woman, veteran-owned ice cream shop open in Waukee. Home Sweet Cone specializes in hard, premium ice cream all with ingredients that you can pronounce. Check it out on Saturday and see our full list of other ice cream shops around town here!
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.
Dough Crazy’s Storefront is Open!
- Dough Crazy, 1220 Locust St, Des Moines, IA
- 4 – 7 p.m. most weeknights, check their social for latest hours!
Edible, safe-to-eat cookie dough now has a storefront in Des Moines! Congratulate Dough Crazy by popping into their new location on Locust Street any evening or check out their social to see where their food truck is popping up all around the city! Gluten free!? They’ve got options for you too!
🧡 Markets + Pop-Ups🧡
Big Vintage Pop Up at Art Terrarium
- Saturday, July 31, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Art Terrarium, 509 E 5th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, July 31, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
It’s sunflower season! Go grab yours from local farmers this weekend. 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.
Heart of Des Moines Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, July 31, 4-6 p.m.
- 6th and Forest Ave.
Sweet corn and tomatoes are officially in season! Stop by Heart of Des Moines Farmers’ Market for the best of the best. 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.
Domestic Bones Hand Pies at Peace Tree Brewing Co.
- Friday, July 30 (4-6 p.m.) and Saturday, July 31 (1-3 p.m.)
- Peace Tree Brewing Co. 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
You know those little savory pies that they make in Great British Bake Off? Yeah, Domestic Bones makes them and makes them REALY WELL locally. Order from a selection of hand pies at their website and then pop on over to Peace Tree Brewing Co. this weekend to pick them up. Local hand pies and brews? IN. There’s only a few left so order soon!
Pop-Up at DSM Mercantile
- Saturday, July 31, 11-3 p.m.
- DSM Mercantile, 3707 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
DSM Mercantile is back with a great pop-up line-up for your Sunday. If you haven’t been into DSM Mercantile yet and introduced yourself, go do see at this modern day general goods store. DSM Mercantile is a true gem on the north side of Des Moines and with this line up, you’re sure to find something that becomes your new favorite gift to yourself.
Friday, July 30
It’s National Balloon Classic Weekend!
- All weekend!
- Memorial Balloon Field, 15335 Jewell St. in Indianola
For those new to Iowa, the National Balloon Classic is a THING. If you’ve noticed hot air balloons in the sky this week, this is why. According to the DM Register, “This year’s event will commemorate 50 years of ballooning in Indianola with a vintage balloon inflation to kick off the event Friday. The event runs through Saturday, Aug. 7, with daily flying competitions and other entertainment.” Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets may be used any one day during event dates, July 30-August 7 so find the best day that works for you!
Iowa Cubs Games
- Friday, June 30, at 7:08 p.m. with fireworks!
- Games also on Saturday (7 pm..) and Sunday (1 p.m.)
- Principal Park, 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Iowa Cubs are back in town this weekend, so expect fireworks tomorrow night! Grab tickets to watch them take on the Louisville Bats.
Sunset Paddleboarding with SUPYoga DSM at Easter Lake
- Friday, July 30, 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.
Pizza on the Prairie
- Friday, July 30, 7 – 9 p.m.
- Wallace Centers of Iowa, 2773 290th Street, Orient, IA 50858
Oh, you don’t know about Pizza on the Prairie? You’re about to! It’s exactly what it sounds like, and it is truly magical. Come to the prairie on Friday nights for handmade-from-scratch brick oven pizza packed with straight-from-the-farm veggies & local meats! Live music from 5 to 8:30 pm. Walk the prairie path and enjoy the outdoor art along the way! Reservations are required, but you do get to choose your arrival time from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There’s only a few tickets left, so get them quickly!
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 is the perfect opportunity to take your kids, nieces, or nephews. They are hosting many events including “Buggin’ Out At The Farm” and Powerlife Sunrise Yoga. Take a look at the above for the full schedule.
The Cave DSM’s Spain Party All Weekend
- Friday, 2-8 p.m. / Saturday, 12 – 8 p.m. / Sunday 12 – 5 p.m.
- 1437 Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50309
The Cave DSM is releasing its largest menu yet of Spanish-inspired food on Friday & Saturday. There will be live jazz from Nick Rueckert & Aaron Erlich on Friday from 5:30-7pm. Pouring delicious wines from all over Spain both days (Sierra de Gredos, Castilla y León, País Vasco, Valencia, Asturias, Rioja, & Cataluña). It’s going to be great,
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!
Urbandale Community Theatre ‘s Last Performances of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
- Friday, July 30, 7 p.m. / Saturday, July 31, 7 p.m. / Sunday, August 1, 2 p.m.
- Franklin Junior High School, 4801 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Go support local theatre! The Urbandale Community Theatre is wrapping up this summer’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be performed at Franklin Junior High School located in the Beaverdale Neighborhood.
Saturday, July 31
Yoga in the Park
- Southeast Lawn, Gray’s Lake Park
- Saturday, July 31, 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!
Taco & Margarita Festival
- Court Ave Bridge – Downtown
- Saturday, July 31, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
We’ve always wanted to try every possible taco in town and Sub Conscious Productions is bringing us just that. Mix that with a custom margarita bar and seems like the undeniable place for lunch on Saturday afternoon! Go check it out.
Saturday Wine Tastings at The Cave DSM
- Saturday, July 24, 12 – 7 p.m.
- The Cave DSM, 1437 Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50309
Stop into The Cave DSM on Saturday for a break from the heat and taste the best that natural wine has to offer. Try three different wines or buy a full glass for $10. The Cave continues to be one of our favorite spots to hang in Des Moines!
Farm to Table Dinner at Rapid Creek Cidery
- Rapid Creek Cidery, 4823 Dingleberry Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240
Iowa City friends! What a perfect date night with your partner or friends. Join Rapid Creek Cidery for a four course Farm to Table Dinner featuring some amazing local produce! I mean, just look at that menu. Tickets include a specialty cocktail and glass of @wilsonsorchardandfarm cider. Tickets are available now on our website!
Tit’s Up at Teehee’s with Coral Thede
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
There’s a few more tickets left! Inspired by the quick-witted and colorful world of the hit comedy-drama Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Coral Thede crushes it every month at Teehee’s with her fun night of feel-good humor and positive comedy.
Des Moines Menace USL League Two Final
- Saturday, July 31, 7:30 p.m.
- Valley Stadium, 4440 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50265
If you’re like us and getting pumped up by the USWNT at the Olympics, let’s go support local soccer this weekend too! Des Moines Menace is in the final of their league: the USL League Two, the top men’s pre-professional soccer league in North America.
Pickle’s Sanctuary Sleepover at Iowa Farm Sanctuary
- Saturday, July 31, Starting at 6 p.m.
- Valley Stadium, 4440 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Camp on an animal farm sanctuary for a good cause? YES, YES, YES. Iowa Farm Sanctuary’s most beloved event of the year, the campout is a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy our calming rural sanctuary. Vegan s’mores will be provided, and you’ll wake up on Sunday morning to an easy yoga session, coffee and vegan donuts, and visits with the residents before you head home.
Sunday, August 1
Yoga on the Commons
- Sundays, 9 a.m. through the end of August
- 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
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!
Poses on the Patio with Power Life Yoga at Franka
- Sunday, August 1, 9 a.m.
- Franka Pizzeria, 111 E Grand Ave Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50309
Enjoy a one hour outdoor yoga session and brunch at Franka on August 1st beginning at 9am for just $20!
Brunch Bingo at Smash Park
- Sunday, July 25, 11 – 1 p.m.
- Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Looking for cheap mimosas or screwdrivers? Head to Smash Park for free bingo from 11 – 1 p.m. Play along casually while you eat, drink, or catch up with friends while having tons of opportunities to win free drinks or Smash Park gift cards. It’s usually held outside in The Yard, but may be inside if the weather is iffy. Either way, it’s a good chill way to get lit on a Sunday.
Canning Class with Sweet Tooth Farm
- Sunday, August 1, 2-4 p.m.
- 101 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Have you ever wanted to learn more about canning and preserving veggies? Now’s your chance with Sweet Tooth Farm! Bring what you want to preserve and your ticket will get you two quart jars and four pint jars. Happy canning!
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.
