Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, August 18-20. 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 Event
LAST WEEKEND: 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 18
Squeeze the Day at Project7 Design
- Friday, August 18, 1-4 p.m.
- Project7 Design, 222 E 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
If you’re a big supporter of live music, this one’s for you! Head out to Project7 Design where they’ll be serving up lemonade and live music from Girls Rock! Des Moines. $5 gets you a glass of lemonade and some awesome stickers, a $10 donation will also get you sticker sheet and unlimited refills, or for a $20 donation get everything included in the $10 donation PLUS a 4-pack of cupcakes from Molly’s Cupcakes OR $2 off an appetizer at The Iowa Taproom. Donations can made via cash or Venmo. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs!
“GR!DSM is a music program that empowers, encourages, and inspires cis-girls and gender-expansive folx across Greater Des Moines.”
DEF CHECK THIS OUT: DSM Restaurant Week
- August 18-27
- All around the metro, check out a map here: www.dsmrestaurantweek.com/map/
Oh you haven’t heard of restaurant week? It’s only the greatest week of the year. This is the week that you get to try all the fancy new restaurants that we’ve been talking about for months, but for a pretty big deal! Some of the best local restaurants in Des Moines create a specific menu for lunch and dinner that is set a pre-determined price. This is the move for all date nights through August 28.
POP UP: Extra Closet Vintage at Divine Times Vintage
- Friday & Saturday, August 18-19, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Sunday, August 20, 12-4 p.m.
- Divine Times Vintage, 521 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Bri is back with her fashion closet full of vintage at Divine Times this weekend! Extra Closet Vintage offers a variety of clothing and accessories from a wide range of eras and for all body types. C’mon….we know you need a new fall wardrobe!
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Friday, Saturday AND Sunday, August 18-20
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The Cave DSM, 1437 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA, 50309
LAST MONTH: Sunset Paddle with SUP Yoga DSM at Easter Lake
- Friday, August 18, 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!
Iowa Cubs vs. Louisville
- Games all weekend!
- Principal Park, 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
Expect fireworks around 10 p.m. on Friday night near downtown – the Iowa Cubs are back in town! This weekend they’re taking on the Louisville Bats. It’s always a fun date idea to go out for a baseball game in the summertime!
Saturday, August 19
Downtown Farmer’s Market
- Saturday, August 19, 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.
Vegetable Academy with Sweet Tooth Farm DSM
- Saturday, August 19, 3-4 p.m.
- 1603 13th St, Des Moines, IA 50316
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FREE: Yoga In The Park
- Saturday, August 19, 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!
Downtown Indianola Summer Sale!
- Saturday, August 19, 9 a.m. – 2p.m.
- Downtown Indianola, IA 5012
Treat yourself to a small business shopping spree this weekend! Several downtown Indianola businesses are ready to welcome you into their stores with open arms and killer deals. Browse the sales at adorn, Feed & foster, Lulu Belle, and Pamela’s Place for something special! No occasion needed.
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.
Black Cat Ice Cream’s Cat Adoption Event
- Saturday, August 19, 1-3 p.m.
- Black Cat Ice Cream, 2511 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 5031
Kittens will be available for adoption while you pick up some of the city’s best ice cream on what will be a sunny weekend!
Sunday, August 20
Crochet Club at Mayalu Coffee
- Sunday, August 20, 10 a.m.
- Mayalu Coffee, 44226 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
The Crochet Club is back at Mayalu Coffee for another August meetup! Join the club at Mayalu Coffee for some caffeine and conversation. You needn’t be a crocheter to participate, feel free bring any crafty thing you’ve been working on!
50% Off With Special Code: Elevate Festival
- Sunday, August 20, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Summer Sale at VZZ Vintage
- Sunday, August 20, 12-3 p.m.
- Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Vegan Summer Market
- Sunday, August 20 , 12-3 p.m.
- Cowles Commons, 2211 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Are you living a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle? This market is for you! The best line up of locally owned, vegan small businesses will be at Cowles Commons this Sunday. Come for the delicious food and stay for the beautiful community building! “The Vegan Summer Market is hosted by VegLife Des Moines, a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to connect and grow our community around veganism and anti-oppression.” Plus, check out our full vegan guide to Des Moines here.
