Check out this list of all the events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, June 24-26. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you. Looking for live music this weekend? We’ve got a separate guide for that. Click here to check it out.

Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.


Friday, June 24


The 25th Des Moines Arts Festival is this weekend!

  • Events all weekend in Western Gateway Park!

From a drag brunch to free live music to yoga classes to 190+ artists, there’s so much to check out at one of our favorite festivals of the year. Check out our guide of seven events (including two brand new events) to go to as a girl’s night, date night, or solo date night for yourself.


Sunset Stand Up Paddleboarding at Easter Lake

  • Friday, June 24, 7:00 p.m. 
  • Classes available on 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! We love to go at sunset when the weather is nice. 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. It’s a great way to use $20!


Teehee’s Comedy Club Shows

  • Shows on Friday and Saturday! 
  • Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

We love Walnut St. and we love Teehee’s Comedy Club. Any weekend is a good weekend to do so. Check out the three shows happening at the link below.


Pizza on the Prairie 

  • Friday, June 24, 5 – 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! 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!


Saturday, June 25


 Downtown Farmers’ Market 

  • Saturday, June 25, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
  • Des Moines’ Historic Court District

Before we head over to Pride Fest, the Des Moines Girl team is headed down to the farmers’ market this weekend together to see what we all prefer to buy with just $30. Join us and show us what your favorites are. The weather is supposed to be perfect! New here? The Downtown Farmers’ Market  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’s one of the best in the country!


Super Secret Brunch Club at Secret Admirer

  • Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. 
  • Secret Admirer, 110 SW 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Northern Vessel is an awesome coffee company that closed it’s doors last year. Now, it’s back on Saturdays at Secret Admirer for the perfect place to stop after browsing through the farmers’ market. Grab a coffee, grab a mimosa, or grab both, and then relax on Secret Admirers’ perfect patio. Super Secret Brunch Club starts this Saturday at 10 a.m. and Bagelaire slinging bagels.


Global Greens Farmers’ Market

  • Saturday, June 25, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 
  • 3200 University Ave, Des Moines, IA (near Drake University)

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.


  • Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. 
  • Storyhouse Bookpub, 505 E Grand Ave Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309

“Celebrate the last week of Pride month as a family at Storyhouse with joyous stories about individuality and embracing differences beyond gender stereotypes. Treats provided by our awesome neighbors : baby buns from @cinnaholic.desmoines , lemonade from @daisychaincoffee and stickers from @raygunshirts.”  – Storyhouse Bookpub

@ccprideiowa : “Drag Queen story time is just what it sounds like—drag queens reading stories to children giving them glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real.”


  • Saturday, June 25, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. 
  • All over. Check out the links below!
Thrift and vintage lovers! Are you ready for Vintage In The City on Saturday? Vintage In The City is in its 10th year, showcasing 11 of Des Moines’ best brick and mortar vintage shops. If you’re new to the Des Moines area, these shops serve as a great guide on where to check out any weekend! 
 

ArtFest Midwest at Iowa Events Center

  • Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
  • Sunday, June 26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
  • Iowa Event Center, 730 3rd St., Des Moines, IA 50309

Also held during Arts Week in Des Moines! Who knew?  ArtFest Midwest is a free family-friendly fine arts show that features Iowa, regional, and national artists! Over 150 artists participate during the two-day festival, varying in mediums and styles. Check it out after you check out Des Moines Arts Festival when you need more air conditioning. 


  • Saturday, June 25, 9 a.m. 
  • Pepperharrow Farms, 1809 S 4th Ave, Winterset, IA 50273

“Begin your Saturday committed to energy, mindset and a connection to Mother Nature. Breathe in the lavender fields of PepperHarrow. Stretch to the sun, find your strength and build playfulness in this devoted morning yoga session. All ages and all fitness levels are welcome!”


Sunday, June 26


  • Sunday, June 26, 9-10 a.m. 
  • Cowles Commons, 300 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

We love the summer yoga options around Downtown Des Moines! Des Moines Performing Arts is offering Yoga on the Commons every Sunday morning at Cowles Commons. Each week’s practice will be held by a different instructor. Classes will be offered as a free-will donation, with all proceeds benefiting Des Moines Performing Arts.

  • Sunday, June 26, 11 – 2:30 p.m. 
  • Peace Tree Brewing Co. 317 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309

Serv’d Events has teamed up with 80/35 to bring you a Charli XCX themed brunch to get you hyped for their headliner this year! Join us for amazing Charli-themed performances, delicious food and drinks, and our iconic games where one lucky person will win 2 VIP tickets to 80/35! 


Bread by Chelsa B at The Bartender’s Handshake 

  • Sunday, June 26, 2-6 p.m. 
  • The Bartender’s Handshake, 3615 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

The most amazing bread at the most amazing cocktail bar?! Yes! Get here and grab this delicious bread and donuts to eat while you drink Sunday afternoon or for throughout the week. We promise you’ll think it’s worth it. 


Rooted Yoga +Fitness at The Slow Down 

  • Sunday, June 26, 6 p.m. 
  • The Slow Down Coffee Co., 3613 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313

We love all the humans behind this event. Go to The Slow Down on Sunday night for a relaxing evening of feel-good yoga plus a 12oz tea from @reddragonherbsandteas


Summer Sundaze at Jamie Hurd Ampitheather

  • Sunday, June 26, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 
  • 4100 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50265

West Des Moines friends? Here’s an opportunity for you to chill out on a Sunday afternoon.  Food can be purchased from food trucks, and lawn games will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at this free, family-friendly event. No pre-registration is required for this event. This week will have live music performances from local artist Matt Woods Band with Top Bun, Magoo’s Pizza, and Totally Rolled Ice Cream for food vendors. 


Korean Fried Chicken + Sides at Harbinger with Basic Bird 

  • Sunday, June 26, 4-8 p.m. 
  • Harbinger, 2724 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

One night a week only! Get incredible Korean friend chicken, kimchi fried rice, sticky ribs and more inside Harbinger on Sunday nights from 4-8 p.m. It makes for the perfect Sunday dinner. Dine in and take out available! 


Music Under The Stars

  • Sunday, June 26, 7 – 8:30 p.m. 
  • Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319

Need a classy Sunday date night option? Music Under The Stars is provides professional quality music – the Metro Concert Band and the other ensembles are comprised of musicians who play with the Des Moines Symphony, the Des Moines Metro Opera, the Des Moines Big Band, and for touring shows at the Civic Center and the Meadows Events Center, among other venues – for free to the public.


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