Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, August 2-4. 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: Drew Dau Photography, Used with permission
FEATURED EVENT: National Balloon Classic
- Friday, August 2 and Saturday, Aug. 3
- Memorial Balloon Field, 1136 150th Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No – they’re balloons! Through August 3, head down to Indianola for the annual National Balloon Classic. Check out the full schedule of events, activities, and opportunities, which include balloon rides, balloon watching, live music, and so much more!
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!
Hinterland Music Festival
- Friday, August 2 – Sunday, August 4
- Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater, Saint Charles, IA
The weekend is finally here! If you were lucky enough to score tickets for this year’s Hinterland Music Festival, be sure to check out Our Guide To Hinterland 2024!
- Friday, August 2, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA, 50309
It is the first Friday of the month, and you know what that means: First Friday at Mainframe Studios! This month, enjoy the work of 16 Mainframe photographers (and a filmmaker) throughout 4 floors of gallery spaces for Photography: Visual Storytelling! Portraits, Abstract, Still Life, Fine Art, Landscape and Nature. At 8:15 p.m., migrate to the Oakridge Neighborhood parking lot #301, for a dedication for the new rooftop installation, “Inhale…. Exhale.…” created by internationally renowned artist Jordan Weber who will be dedicating the piece to the late Teree Caldwell-Johnson.
First Friday in the Historic East Village
- Friday, August 2, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Historic East Village
Before or after checking out Mainframe, head to the other side of downtown for the Historic East Village’s First Friday! Take part in an evening of outdoor activities as you stroll, dine, and shop your way through the neighborhood. Check out art demonstrations, community drawing tables, and East Village Tote giveaways with select business purchases!
Supply Hive Fundraiser: Wayward Wonton at Culinary Annex
- Friday, August 2, 6 – 9 p.m.
- Culinary Annex, 304 5th St., Unit 102, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Join Chef Cass for a special cooking class fundraiser at the Culinary Annex! Enjoy a few wontons fresh, take a few home, and help stock community fridges in the area as a way to learn and share the wonton love! The class menu features Shrimp Wontons w/ Thai Curry, State Fair Corn and Sausage Wontons, Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups, and Crab Rangoons w/ Apricot Sweet Sour Sauce.
E.T. at Colby Park
- Friday, August 2, 8:15 p.m.
- Colby Park, Windsor Heights, IA
Who doesn’t love an outdoor movie? This Friday, enjoy a cinematic classic: E.T. The film will start at sunset, and refreshments will be served thirty minutes before the start of the movie. Bring your chairs, your blankets, and your besties for a fun and free summer evening activity!
Saturday, August 3
Iowa Paper Trail
- Saturday, August 3 (through September 30)
- Various Stationery Locations
“Seven of your favorite Iowa stationery stores are collaborating on an Iowa Paper Trail. We love celebrating Stationery Store Day on August 3 and wanted to extend the stationery love. Visit all of our shops between now and September 30 for stickers, community, and of course, a chance to win a stationery gift basket!”
Mid-Iowa Cactus and Succulent Display and Sale at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Saturday, August 3 – Sunday August 4
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
“Discover a succulent paradise at the Mid-Iowa Cactus and Succulent Society’s (MICSS) annual Display and Sale, hosted by the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Immerse yourself in a stunning display of rare and unusual plants that will leave you awestruck. From charming cacti to enchanting succulents, this event is a must-see for plant enthusiasts. A large number of plants will be on sale, [and] experts will be on hand to answer your questions.” The sale is included with admission to the garden!
Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market
Photo Credit: @dtfarmersmarket
- Saturday, August 3, 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.
Cats N’ Mats Yoga at the Animal Rescue League
- Saturday, August 3, 9 – 10 a.m.
- Animal Rescue League Main Auditorium, 5452 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50313
Where are all of the Des Moines Girl cat lovers? You won’t want to miss Cats n’ Mats Yoga at the ARL this Saturday! For just $15, enjoy a yoga class with adoptable kittens and sip on a complimentary “meow”-mosa while you look for a new furr-ever friend!
Uptown Garage’s 5 Year Fiesta
- Saturday, August 3, 10 a.m.
- Uptown Garage Brewing, 305 SW Walnut St, Ankeny, IA 50023
Party it up with Uptown Garage as they celebrate five years in business! Get 1/2 price flights from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Tacos Don Juan from 4 – 8 p.m. Yard games, photos, and fun giveaways will be available all day, and stay the night to hear The Bond play from 7 – 10 p.m.
Brews & Brushes at Captain Roy’s
- Saturday, August 3, 4 – 6 p.m.
- Captain Roy’s, 1900 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313
Unleash your creativity at Brews and Brushes! “Renowned local painter and muralist, Siricasso, is collaborating with Caption Roy’s in Des Moines for a very special paint party! With a general admission ticket, you will be supplied with a 8×10 canvas (pre-outlined or blank), and paint to create your own masterpiece alongside Siricasso himself… All painting supplies are provided, so just bring your enthusiasm and get ready for an unforgettable artistic adventure.”
Emo Nite at Wooly’s
- Saturday, August 3, 9 p.m.
- Wooly’s, 504 East Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Embrace your inner and outer emo at Emo Nite! Pull together your best emo fit and get your tickets for a night full of your favorite emo hits. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 9 p.m. for the 10 p.m. event.
Summer Sip N’ Thrift at Captain Roy’s
- Sunday, August 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Captain Roy’s, 1900 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313
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Puppy Yoga at Paws and Pints
- Sunday, August 5, 11 a.m.
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Dog lovers and yogis, we also have you covered! Space is limited, so reserve your spot for $10 ahead of class or for $15 at the door. Along with the yoga session, all attendees get a free day pass to Paws and Pints, a FREE bloody mary or mimosa, and of course, tons of puppy love!
5k Beer Run at Confluence Brewing Company
- Sunday, August 4, Noon
- Confluence Brewing Company, 1235 Thomas Beck Road Des Moines, IA 50315
It’s time for the next run in the 2024 Iowa Brewery Running Series Season! Get your tickets, which includes entry into a 5k(ish) run, a craft brew at the finish line from Confluence Brewing Company, collector’s pint glass or seasonal swag item, prize entries, and swag from the brewery.
Sundae in the Park at Johnston Commons
- Sunday, August 4, 6 – 8 p.m.
- Johnston Commons, 6700 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131
Finish off the Sunday strong with a Sunday in the Park! Make your way down to Johnston Commons from 6 – 8 p.m. to enjoy a free ice cream sundae, family-friendly activities, and mingle with neighbors and community leaders.
