Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, August 11-13. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Featured image used with permission from Matthew von Schenkel of Hidden DSM – a photographer to follow!
Featured Event
Iowa State Fair
- Every day through Sunday, August 20
- Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317
As they say, “nothing compares” to the Iowa State Fair! The Fair runs every day from Thursday, August 10th all the way through to next weekend. Make sure not to miss the iconic favorites like the Butter Cow Sculpture, a show at the Grandstand, a ride on the Sky Glider, the Super Bull, and all the rides and games at Thrillville.
While you’re walking around looking for something to eat, keep an eye for The Snack Box and G-Pop’s Candy Box. You can find them both inside Pioneer Hall. Up the hill but WORTH IT, The Snack Box makes their vanilla cake donuts (pictured) right before your very eyes! Other surefire favorites include the BLT or Ham Salad Sandwich that feature meat from Webster City Meats, Windmill Coffee, and Walt’s Lemonade Shake Up. If your sweet tooth is craving candy instead of donuts, head on over to G-Pop’s Candy Box and get yourself some salt water taffy, cotton candy or Walt’s lemonade creamsicles.
Both of these new stands are the brainchild of Brad Magg, owner of Goldie’s Ice Cream Shoppe in Prairie City. Brad really wanted to showcase locally sourced ingredients in his products and has partnered with AE Dairy, Snappy popcorn, and Windmill coffee (among others) to bring these creations to life so we’ve partnered with them to be our EXCLUSIVE vendor of the fair.
Our recommendation: Cold brew oat milk latte + a donut for a pick-me-up any time of day!
Friday, August 11
Be Our Guest at Wooly’s
- Friday, August 11, 7 p.m.
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50266
Calling all Elsas, Ursulas, Hannah Montanas, and evil Queens! The Disney DJ will be returning to Wooly’s to bring you the best throwback hits from the 90s, 2000s, and your Disney faves. Try one of the themed drinks – like the poisoned apple – if you dare! Costumes are welcomed and encouraged.
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Friday, August 11, 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
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Ken’s, 215 E. 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309 (under Iowa Taproom)
Ken’s is bringing you a not so *TIKI* Speakersy pop-up this weekend with their take on delicious, classic tiki drinks like the Hurri-ken, Dark & Stormy, and Pina Kenlada. If you’ve never been, you can find Ken’s below the Iowa Taproom. The 1920’s inspired layout incorporates several repurposed pieces from around the state such as the elevator door booth dividers from the Equitable Building and Templteton Rye and Cedar Ridge whiskey barrels on the walls. You can expect a relaxed atmosphere where jazz, blues, swing and ragtime are crooning over the sound system.Pure perfection.
LAST MONTH: Sunset Paddle with SUP Yoga DSM at Easter Lake
- Friday, August 11, 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!
Saturday, August 12
Downtown Farmer’s Market
- Saturday, August 12, 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.
Creme’s First Birthday!
- Saturday, August 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Crème, 543 28th St, Des Moines, IA 50312
It’s no secret that we are huge fans of Crème (and Sammy in particular) over here.
“In August 2022, Sammy Mila made her vision—of opening Des Moines’ first Asian-inspired bakery—a reality. Prior to taking over ownership of Crème, she was a culinary specialist/food stylist for 11 years, working with brands such as Better Homes and Gardens, Food & Wine, AllRecipes, EatingWell and more. Sammy grew up in a culture where desserts were always deemed “too sweet” and saw the need for lighter, fresher, and more flavorful desserts in the city.”
Come celebrate this wonderful milestone at Crème on Saturday with free cake, brand new merch, and a limited supply of mochi donuts. Cheers to one year!
LSI Global Greens Farmers Market
- Saturday, August 12, 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.
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.
Dance Party w/ Touchnice & Blurry at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Saturday, August 12, 11:30 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
We here at Des Moines Girl love a good jam sesh and dance party! Teehee’s Comedy Club is throwing a pager with DJs Touchnice and Blurry spinning the hits. Enjoy half price well drinks, $2 off all beer and free admission. Gather up all your friends for this one and dance the night away!
Adel Sweet Corn Festival
- Saturday, August 12, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Adel, IA 50003
We were going to start this write-up with a sweet, corny joke but we couldn’t think of one 😝 The Sweet Festival in Adel has something for everyone! Husking of the corn beings on Friday at 4:30 p.m. at the fire/police station followed by the Princess Contest at 6:30. Saturday, however, is the big day and it kicks off at 7:30 a.m. with a 5K run/walk. Dallas County’s LARGEST parade begins at 9:30 – this year’s theme is Birthday Party as Adel celebrates 175 years! You can also look forward to a car show, plenty of food and beverage vendors, a bag tournament, and free entertainment for the whole family.
Sunday, August 13
FREE: Yoga at Big Grove
- Sunday, August 13, 10 a.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
This all-levels, outdoor yoga class is brought to you by PowerLife Yoga. After the flow, stick around for conversation and camaraderie and enjoy your first bevvie of choice for only $5. Class is free and pre-registration is open now! Read our brewery guide to learn more about Big Grove: Brewery Guide
Walk and Meditation with Des Moines Girls Who Walk
- Sunday, August 13, 1 p.m.
- Gray’s Lake, 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315
