Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, July 28-30. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you. Looking for live music? We’ve got that listed in a separate guide here.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Featured Event
National Balloon Classic
- Friday, July 28 – Sunday, August 5
- Memorial Balloon Field, 1136 150th Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125
Join the Des Moines Girl team on Friday night to check out 100+ hot air balloons gracing the sky for the 2023 National Balloon Classic. There’s nothing like being outdoors and seeing the beautiful accumulation of hot air balloons floating in the horizon. There is an abundance of entertainment included in your one low admission price during the 9-day event. General admission is $10 and must be bought online prior to arriving at Memorial Balloon Field. Want something extra special? You can book your own hot air balloon ride here.
Friday, July 28
Anniversary Party at Big Grove Brewery
- Friday, July 28, and Saturday, July 29 at 8 p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Can you believe Big Grove has already been making Ingersoll it’s home for one year already? They’re celebrating with a special menu, new brews, games, and a Sherman Hill Champagne Toast at 4pm each day to give a big cheers for being a part of the Big Grove family. Check it out and help them celebrate!
Des Moines Biergarten
- Wednesday – Sunday, Noon – 9 p.m.
- Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Did you know Des Moines has a seasonal outdoor beer garden? It open Wednesday through Sunday through to Fall. Willkommen im Des Moines Biergarten! Set among the mature trees of Water Works Park, Des Moines Biergarten is a family-friendly popup German-themed beer garden offering steins of beer and German inspired eats.
SIGN UP EARLY: Sunset Paddle with SUP Yoga DSM at Easter Lake
- Friday, July 28, 7 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! 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. We’re partial to the sunset paddle at 7 p.m.
Plan ahead and book out now through the season end in late August!
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Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29, 7:30 p.m. performances
- Sunday, July 30, 2 p.m. performance
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Des Moines Community Performance, 831 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312
It’s a new show at the DM Community Playhouse! Through July 30, Little Shop of Horrors is being performed. If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. The Playhouse has supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.
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Friday, June 28, 5:45 – 8 p.m.
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9981 Pacific St, Prairie City, IA
Tony’s Cocktail Hour at Elevencherry Salon
- Friday, July 28, 4-7 p.m.
- Elevencherry Salon, 106 11th Street, Des Moines, IA
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Midnight Munchies at Creme
- Friday, July 28, and Saturday, July 29, 7 p.m. – midnight
- Creme, 543 28th St, Des Moines, IA 50312
Des Moines needed this! So excited to see this late night dessert bar option with great sweets and drinks perfect for a date or date with yourself night. We also love Creme in the daytime for a quick break, loading up on local sweets, or sending some quick emails.
Ethiopian-Inspired Chef’s Table Dinner at Revel Hotel
- Friday, July 28, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. seating times
- Revel Hotel, 11211 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322
- Friday, July 28, 9 p.m. / Doors open at 8 p.m.
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Saturday, July 29
Downtown Farmer’s Market
- Saturday, July 29, 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.
LSI Global Greens Farmers Market
- Saturday, July 29, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- 1907 Carpenter Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50314
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.
FREE: Yoga In The Park
- Saturday, July 29, 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!
LAST OF THE SEASON: Super Secret Brunch Club at Secret Admirer
- Saturday, July 29, 10 a.m. until sell out
- Secret Admirer, 110 Sw 5th, Des Moines, IA 50309
Psst – did you hear? It’s the last Super Secret Brunch club of the season. Head to Secret Admirer this Saturday on your way to or from the farmer’s markets for cold brew from Northern Vessel, brunch drinks, merch and Waffles and Whip! It’s the perfect start to your day!
Sidewalk Sale in Valley Junction
- Saturday, July 22, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Historic Valley Junction, 137 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
It’s never a bad day to shop in Valley Junction, but many of the shops/merchants will be holding sidewalk sales this Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Shop your hearts out and tag us in your favorite purchases and shops!
50% Off Sidewalk Sale at Art Terrarium
- Saturday, July 29 – Sunday, July 30, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Art Terrarium, 520 Euclid Ave Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50313
“While supplies last we will have a wide selection of our inventory at 50% off! Stroll on by and see what calls your name! There will be a collection of plants, accessories, and care items! This sale is in store only, while supplies last. Items included will be clearly marked and are not eligible for return.”
Sunday, July 30
Smoke Out Hunger at Cowles Commons
- Sunday, July 30, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Tipsy Potting Class at Pots and Shots
- Sunday, July 30, 12 – 2 p.m.
- Pots and Shots, 9500 University Ave Suite 1101, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Feeling planty in West Des Moines/Waukee? Attend an hour-long class on basic plant care, soil & light requirements, watering preferences, and touch on some tips and tricks to keep your plants happy, healthy, and thriving at home. Choose from a selection of 4in tropical houseplants to pot and the Pots and Shots team will walk you through a hands-on repotting into our own hand-mixed soil blend. Tickets are $35/person.
Christmas in July Drag Brunch at Uptown Garage Brewing Co.
- Sunday, July 30, 10:30 a.m.
- Uptown Garage Brewing Co, 305 SW Walnut St, Ankeny, IA 50023
Ankeny friends, this one’s for you! Tis the season to be Jolly in July. Join some of Ankeny Drag Brunches Ho Ho Ho’s and a special guest (an Ankeny hometown hero) as Ankeny Drag Brunch makes things merry and bright amidst the heat. There are options for tables up to 10!
Yappy Hour at Surety Hotel with Animal Rescue League of Iowa
- Sunday, July 30, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Come, sit, stay, and have a drink at Yappy Hour! Proceeds support homeless pets, so grab your drinking buddies (human and hound) and join us for this dog friendly event. Humans will be able to purchase drinks from Surety’s bar featuring a Tito’s cocktail – the Rhubarb Rover, and proceeds from every purchase of this featured drink will go back to the pets in ARL’s care! There will be Frosty Paws (dog ice cream) and ARL merch for sale for your pups at the ARL table. This is a FREE event, though they ask that you RSVP via the ticket link below.
