Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, August 5-7. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you. Looking for live music this weekend? We’ve got a separate guide for that. Click here to check it out.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Featured photo by Lee Chinyama on Unsplash
Friday, August 5
Hinterland Music Festival 2022
- All weekend!
- 3357 St Charles Rd, St Charles, IA 50240
One of Iowa’s greatest music events is back! Head over to St. Charles this weekend for a killer line up for the Hinterland Music Festival. Headliners include the likes of Billy Strings, Glass Animals and Phoebe Bridges.
3rd Annual Gaming Festival at Mainframe Studios’ “First Friday” Open House
- Friday, August 5, 5-8 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
Get your game on at Mainframe Studios’ 3rd annual gaming festival 60 FPS featuring video games, board games, and illustration. Visit to experience virtual reality environments, video games, tabletop games, arcades, comics, and interactive art. Plus tour four floors of open artist studios.
BRAND NEW: Thistle’s Summit Gluten Free Goodies in THE COLLECTIVE’s old space
- Friday, August 5, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Thistle’s Summit, 340 SW 5th St #122, Des Moines, IA 50309
We’re so excited that Thistle’s Summit is holding has opened its brick and mortar space where THE COLLECTIVE used to live. We profiled Marti + Ash’s story in creating Thistle’s Summit in a Behind The Biz article here. TLDR: It’s an amazing gluten free, vegan bakery that you should DEFINITELY try. Furry friends are welcome to the soft opening, with plans for a grand opening in mid-August.
Iowa Cubs Games
- Games all weekend!
- Principal Park, 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Iowa Cubs are back in season and in town so expect fireworks Friday night. Grab tickets to watch them take on the Toledo Mud Hens on Friday, Saturday or Sunday!
NOW OPEN: Big Grove Brewery Taproom in Des Moines
- Fridays: 3 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- Saturdays: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.
- Sundays: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- 555 17th St., Des Moines, IA, 50309
The doors are open! Go check out this popular brewery’s new taproom nestled in between Sherman Hill and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Leave yourself extra time as it was POPPIN’ all of last weekend and there may be a wait.
BOOK AHEAD: Sunset Stand Up Paddleboarding at Easter Lake
- Sunset paddles available on Friday evenings; classes available all weekend!
- 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! We love to go at sunset when the weather is nice. 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. It’s a great way to use $20!
National Balloon Classic In Indianola
- Friday, August 5, and Saturday, August 6
- 15335 Jewell Street, Indianola, IA, 50125
This is a Central Iowa classic experience for a date night or fun activity for kids. “The spectacular, 9-day event held every summer features 100+ hot air balloons that paint the Iowa sky with brilliant colors and unique special shapes. Enjoy live music on the TruBank stage, buy a balloon ride for a one-of-a-kind experience, and prepare to be awestruck as dark skies come alive with a mystical glow during Dawn Patrol and Nite Glow. Fabulous food vendors, beer/wine, fireworks, Special Shapes, and so much more!”
Storyhouse Bookpub’s “Sip and Shop” First Fridays
- Friday, August 5, 5-8 p.m.
- Storyhouse Bookpub, 505 E Grand Ave Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309
A perfect self care activity to do as you kick off your weekend! On Friday night, stop by for a drink on the house with self-care books and local creators on site. 🌸 Specialty cut flower bouquets from DSM urban flower farmer, Wren and Willow Farm. ✨ A variety of ceramics & earrings from Clay Cactus Designs, a DSM-area artist/maker (if you remember our book stack earrings – Sabrina is the genius behind those beauties!) On Saturday, stop back with your kiddo for Playtime Storytime with Tiffany @nixonandnorman – be ready to BUILD!
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Friday, August 5, and Saturday, August 6, shows: 7 p.m. and 9-9:30 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
On Friday, Kristin Lytie is a stand up comedian living in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She cut her teeth in the Chicago comedy scene and was even named a “Comic to See” by the Chicago Tribune. On Saturday night is “Donald Gee is a musical comedian and Civil Engineer who grew up right outside Des Moines. In his 23 years he’s lived in France, Nepal, and Atlanta but with each place he goes is more and more proud to call himself Iowan.”
Saturday, August 6
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, August 6, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
It’s supposed to be HOT this Saturday so get down to the farmers’ market and show your support early. 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’s one of the best in the country!
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, August 6, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- 3200 University Ave, Des Moines, IA (near Drake University)
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.
Yoga in the Park
- Saturday, August 6, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- Southeast Lawn, Gray’s Lake Park, 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315
The 2022 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.
Cake Decorating Class 101 at Molly’s Cupcakes
- Saturday, August 6, 2-3:30 p.m.
- Molly’s Cupcakes, 322 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309-2015, United States
This could be a fun Saturday afternoon activity!Each class includes a beverage and a tutorial on designing your own 6-INCH cake. Choose between THREE beginner designs (taught by our staff) and take your masterpiece home. No experience is required. This a beginner’s class meant to teach the basics and provide a fun day out. This class is recommended for individuals aged 14-years-old and up. Gluten-Free and Vegan options are available.
Uptown Garage’s 3rd Anniversary Celebration
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Saturday, August 6, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
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Uptown Garage Brewing, 305 SW Walnut St, Ankeny, IA 50023
Yoga With Cats at Coffee Cats in Valley Junction
- Saturday, August 6, 8 a.m.
- Coffee Cats Cafe, 312 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
“Join Brittny, certified with YogaBody, as she leads yoga classes with our adoptable cats on Wednesdays at 7 pm and Saturdays at 8 am. Class size is limited to 6 and the cost for each class is $15. Please bring your own mat and we will take care of sanitizing the environment. Reserve your class here.”
Sunday, August 7
- Sunday, August 7, 10 a.m.
- Mulberry Street Tavern, 206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Sunday, August 7, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Willow on Grand, 6011 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
Head to Willow On Grand for its “sunday’s best” brunch series in a beautiful setting. If you’re a bride to be or in the wedding industry, definitely check this space out. Each event boasts unique festivities, signature cocktails, and delectable eats from local vendors. Relax in our beautiful new space or visit the courtyard for some fun activities. Stay tuned on our social media to see which vendors will be joining us each month.
Leprechaun Bags Tournament at Sully’s Irish Pub
- Sunday, August 7, registration 2 p.m. and game starts at 3 p.m.
- Sullys Irish Pub, 860 1st Street, West Des Moines, IA
Yes, in the middle of August. Why not? Head to Sullys for a Friendly Sons Leprechaun Bag Toss Tournament! Registration starts at 2pm. Tourny starts at 3pm. $25 per 2-person team. No pre/registration; register the day of only. Double-elimination.
Paws and Draws at the Revel Hotel with DJ Marty McFly
- Sunday, August 7, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Revel Hotel, 11211 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322
Fuzzy’s Comedy Open Mic
- Sunday, August 7, 6:00 p.m. sign up, Show starts at 7 p.m.
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300 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, #120, Des Moines, IA 50309
Every Sunday night Fuzzy’s hosts a comedy open mic night. Sign up starts at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. There will be food and drink specials all night with participating comics winning Fuzzy’s gift certificates. This event is free, and all are welcome!
