Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, August 9-11. 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 Photo: Theresa Macdonald, Ramic Creative Co.
Iowa State Fair
- All Weekend (And Beyond)
- Iowa State Fair, 3000 East Grand Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50317
Fair-lovers rejoice because the Iowa State Fair is finally here. And the weather actually looks nice? This weekend through August 18, 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 9 and Saturday, August 10 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!
MARNē Archive Sale
- Thursday, August 8 through Sunday, August 11
- MARNē, 350 East Locust, 350 E Locust St #101, Des Moines, IA 50309
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- Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10
- The Shop DSM – Event Center, 901 Cherry Street Des Moines, IA 50309
Looking for a way to stimulate your mind? Join The Lyceum Movement for the second annual Des Moines Festival of Ideas! “Bigger and better in its second year, Tallgrass is a celebration of ideas and culture, featuring nationally renowned speakers, local thinkers, artists, food, beer, and more! This year’s theme: Is there Hope for America?” Tickets start at $35.
Architecture on the Move: Public Art Edition
- Friday, August 9, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Capital Square, 400 Locust St. Des Moines, IA 50309
It’s a special edition of Architecture on the Move — the Public Art Edition! “Enjoy a stroll through the architecture of Des Moines’ East Village while taking in public art commissioned by the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation.” Tickets are $20 and include the ability to impress your friends with all of your new-found art knowledge!
Prairie Hike at Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge
- Friday, August 9, 6 – 7 p.m.
- Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge, 9981 Pacific St, Prairie City, IA 50228
Join the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden on a prairie hike to learn and enjoy all of the natural beauty Iowa has to offer! Explore the prairie and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Tickets are $10 and include a guided hike on a paved path.
Saturday, August 10
Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market
Photo Credit: @dtfarmersmarket
- Saturday, August 10, 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.
Summer Farmers’ Bark-et at Paws and Pints
- Saturday, August 10, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Can’t get enough of the Downtown Farmers’ Market? Celebrate the end of National Farmers’ Market Week with your favorite furry friend at the Farmers’ Bark-et at Paws and Pints! Over 20 vendors will be selling products for humans and dogs, so get ready for an afternoon of shopping, sun, and fun!
Summer Art Show at Gabriel House
- Saturday, August 10, 1 – 6 p.m.
- Gabriel House, 5711 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Swiftie Party at Five Monkeys Inc
- Saturday, August 10, 2 – 6 p.m.
- Five Monkeys Inc, 131 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Calling all Swifties! If you’re in your Taylor Era, join Five Monkeys Inc for an afternoon of pottery, snacks, and everything Taylor Swift. Tickets for the party are $40 and include your project. Five Monkeys will have Taylor-themed silkscreens and stickers to use on the item of your choice!
Rise and Wine at Jasper Winery
- Sunday, August 11, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
What better way to kick off your Sunday morning than with yoga and a little booze? Get your tickets for Rise and Wine at Jasper Winery and enjoy bottomless mimosas and a brunch bar after a class led by Power Life! Tickets are $35, and attendees should bring their own mat or towel.
Meteor Shower Watch at Yellow Banks Park
- Sunday, August 11, 8:30 – 10 p.m.
- Yellow Banks Park, 6801 SE 32nd Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Check off this bucket list item and watch a meteor show at Yellow Banks Park Prairie View Shelter! Gaze up at the night sky for the Perseid meteor shower (don’t worry, the experts will tell you what this means) on your lawn chair or blanket.
