Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, August 16-18. 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.
Iowa State Fair
- All Weekend!
- Iowa State Fair, 3000 East Grand Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50317
Fair-lovers rejoice because the Iowa State Fair is finally here, and there is one more weekend to enjoy it. And the weather looks nice again! Take part in the largest single event in the state and enjoy all your fair food favorites, entertainment, and more!
State Fair Attractions at Good News, Darling
- Friday, August 16 and Saturday, August 17 from 7 p.m. – Midnight
- Good News, Darling, 717 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Can’t get enough of the fair? Or maybe a cocktail lounge is more your scene. Either way, Good News, Darling has you covered! Enjoy their new menu: State Fair Attractions inspired by all things Iowa State Fair. No reservations or time limits, and capacity is limited. Check in at Hello, Marjorie for availability and access. This menu will be available Wednesday – Saturday, 7 p.m. to close through August 31.
SUP Yoga Classes at Easter Lake
Photo Courtesy of @supyogadsm
- Classes All Weekend!
- Easter Lake Park, 2830 Easter Lake Dr, Des Moines, IA 50320
Find your zen, connect with nature, and take part in a super fun outdoor activity with SUP Yoga DSM! Stand Up Yoga (SUP) classes are offered on Friday evenings (sunset paddle!), Saturday morning and afternoon, and Sunday morning and afternoon. Make this kind of yoga a SUP-er fun part of your summer routine!
- Friday, August 16, 5 – 9 p.m.
- Walker-Johnston Park, 9000 Douglas Ave, Urbandale, IA 50322
Enjoy the beautiful summer weather and outdoor recreation at Party in the Park! Enjoy free admission to the party and get access to a beer garden, food trucks, music, activities, and more. Plus, catch the Burnin’ Sensations live and in-person while munching on a bite from a local food vendor!
The Linda Lindas at Wooly’s
- Friday, August 16, 7 p.m.
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
We love live music, and we love Wooly’s! This week, catch The Linda Lindas. “A product of generations of underground music in L.A. and beyond, The Linda Lindas’ debut channels classic punk, post punk, power pop, new wave, and other surprises into timelessly catchy and cool songs sung by all four members —each with her own style and energy.”
Saturday, August 17
Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market
Photo Credit: @dtfarmersmarket
- Saturday, August 17, 7 a.m. – Noon
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
It is another great weekend for the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market! The 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’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.
YogaBrew at SingleSpeed Brewing Co.
- Saturday, August 17 at 9 a.m.
- SingleSpeed Brewing Co., 303 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Yoga + Beer… sounds like a great Saturday! Join SingleSpeed Brewing and Balanced Mind & Body for YogaBrew. Your first brew is included in the price of the ticket, so be sure to reserve your mat ASAP!
Electric 80s Rave Drag Brunch at The Garden
- Saturday, August 17 at 10 a.m.
- The Garden, 525 East Grand Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309
It is totally 80s at The Garden this Saturday for an electric rave drag brunch! Get your tickets for the buffet brunch and the option to add on unlimited mimosas or bloody marys or a cash bar for other beverage options. Moderated by Brandonna DuPri Lareese, this brunch will feature the talents of Jade Knight, Luca Choo, Destiny Michelle, and Taylor Ashton. Tickets are $35.
Bookstore Romance Day at Beaverdale Books
- Saturday, August 17, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Beaverdale Books, 2629 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Where are all of our romance book lovers? Meet up with fellow romantics, support local at Beaverdale Books, and in the spirit of romance, pick up some free chocolates. The best part? Enjoy 10% off on most romance titles!
All the Details
- Saturday, August 17, Noon – 5 p.m.
- 515 Brewing, 7700 University Ave Suite C, Clive, IA 50325
A local business collab? Count us in! Healing Lotus Massage is joining up with 515 Brewing by taking classic brews and turning them into soaps, bath bombs, and balms. Featured flavors include Big OJ, We Rock Pilsner, Basil Protocol, and Mexican Spring. Plus, enjoy other hops flavored goodies!
Ice Cream Cat Meet and Greet at Black Cat
- Saturday, August 17, 4 – 6 p.m.
- Black Cat Ice Cream, 1501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
“Come and meet some adorable cats and enjoy some ice cream.” Enough said!
Don’t Tell Comedy in Saylorville
- Saturday, August 17, 8 p.m.
- Saylorville (Exact Location TBA)
The secret is (kind of) out! Don’t Tell Comedy is coming to Des Moines. “Each show location is a surprise—the neighborhood is known, but the exact location will remain a secret until the morning of the show. The lineups of comedians are also a secret until the moment they walk on the stage.” This show’s location… Saylorville!
Teehee’s On Tour at Moberg Gallery
- Saturday, August 17, 8 p.m.
- Moberg Gallery, 2411 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Teehee’s may not have a physical location right now, so they’re heading on tour! Catch the second show of the summer at Moberg Gallery this Saturday. There will be prizes, jokes, photo ops, and more at every stop! This stop is BYOB with complimentary snacks. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
Yoga at Big Grove
- Sunday, August 18, 10 a.m.
- Big Grove, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
It’s the weekend of yoga classes! If you’re looking to hit 2/2 brewery yoga classes this weekend, mark your calendar for yoga at Big Grove! This class is free to attend, and stay a little after for a beverage from the bar.
Andrew Hoyt at JouJou Des Moines
- Sunday, August 18, Noon
- JouJou, 906 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312
Des Moines moms! Grab your kiddos and experience live music up close and enjoy the talents of Andrew Hoyt! Grab your ticket to a performance by “a mainstay in Des Moines’ live music scene, regularly amplifying diners experiences at restaurants around the metro. You can follow along at @andrewhoytmusic or find his music at ‘Andrew Hoyt’ on music listening platforms. Andrew’s music has a pop sound to it, and features both his guitar and his ukulele.”
National Theatre Live: Present Laughter at Varsity Cinema
- Sunday, August 18, 1 p.m.
- The Varsity Cinema, 1207 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
This one is for the girls. Specifically, the girls who watched Fleabag… Or the girls that enjoy live theater or movie theaters. “The multi award-winning production of Noël Coward’s provocative comedy featuring Andrew Scott (Vanya, Fleabag) returns to the big screen… As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, star actor Garry Essendine’s colorful life is in danger of spiraling out of control. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching.”
