Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, May 31 – June 2. 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
Greater Des Moines Hot Air Balloon Hunt
- Saturday, June 1, 6-8 p.m.
- At least eight different locations around the metro
Look up around sunset on Saturday night and you might just see hot air balloons taking to the sky. Send us your pictures on when/where you see them in anticipation of the National Balloon Classic in late July- early August in Indianola. We love the National Balloon Classic, because it’s the perfect summer picnic evening event. Of course, this weekend’s Balloon Hunt and The Classic are weather dependent so keep your fingers crossed for a gorgeous, hot air balloon filled sunset!
Friday, May 31
2024 Greek Food Fair Festival
- Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2
- Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, 1110 35th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
Always the first weekend of June, it’s the Annual Greek Food Fair Festival! Kick off the summer months with some delicious Greek food, music, dancing, and culture. Admission is free, and all vendors will be cashless.
- Friday, May 31, 4 -7 p.m.
- Elevencherry Salon, 106 11th St #105, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Rainbow Trivia at Big Grove
- Friday, May 31, Doors Open at 6 p.m., Trivia 7 – 9 p.m.
- Big Grove, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
It is the eve of Pride Month, so start the month off right by testing your knowledge and showing your pride! Doors open at 6 p.m., and trivia will begin at 7 p.m. A suggested donation of $10 is encouraged for admission, and all proceeds will go directly to Capital City Pride.
Summer Nights Live in Downtown Indianola
- Friday, May 31, 7 – 10 p.m.
- Southwest Corner of the Square, Salem and Buxton Road, Indianola, IA 50125
If you’re looking to get out of the city, take a little drive to Indianola for Summer Nights Life, featuring Standing Hampton. Admission is free to the concert, but be sure to stop by the vendor stands for some food and drink to fuel a fun-filled evening!
Uncorked and Unhinged at The District Venue
- Friday, May 31, Doors Open at 7:15 p.m. for 8 p.m. Show
- The District Venue, 1350 Southwest Vintage Parkway Ankeny, IA 50023
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Saturday, June 1
Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market
Photo Credit: @dtfarmersmarket
- Saturday, June 1, 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, June 1, 10:30-11:30 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!
Free Yoga in the Park at Gray’s Lake
- Saturday, June 1, 9 – 10 a.m.
- Gray’s Lake Park, S.E. Lawn
Begin your Saturday morning with Yoga in the Park at Gray’s Lake! It is the first of an entire season of free yoga classes in the park, so kick off the summer with the ultimate zen experience. All skill levels are encouraged to attend, so grab a mat, some friends, and head on down to the lake!
Super Secret Brunch Club at Secret Admirer
- Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m.
- Secret Admirer, 110 SW 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Shhhh! It’s time for the Super Secret Brunch Club at Secret Admirer…. we can’t say much more, but be there. 10 a.m. Bites from Big Grove Brewery and coffee from Northern Vessel. That’s about all we can say.
Iowa Craft Brew Festival at Water Works Park
- Saturday, June 1, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Are you a beer lover? Looking to support Iowa businesses? Then get your tickets for the Iowa Craft Brew Festival! General Admission is $50 for an afternoon of beer, cider, N/A beverages, food, games, and fun.
Puppy Prom at Paws & Pints
- Saturday, June 1, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
- Paws & Pints, 6218 Willowmere Drive Des Moines, IA 50321
Paw-ty it up with your furry friends at Puppy Prom, hosted by Paws & Pints! Bring your pup for a night of fun, giveaways, and prizes. Dress to impress because a Prom King and Queen will be crowned by the end of the evening!
’90s Prom Night at Peace Tree
- Saturday, June 1, 6 – 11 p.m.
- Peace Tree, 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
If you’re not attending Puppy Prom at Paws & Pints, ’90s Prom at Peace Tree might be more your speed! Enjoy live music by The DM Project, pizza, snacks, games, and (of course) beer at this better-than-high-school prom night. Dress to impress for this year’s theme: “Kissed by a Rose”.
PrideFest Kickoff Drag Brunch at Tonic
- Sunday, June 2, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- Tonic Bar Court Avenue, 210 Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309 US
What better way to start off Pride Month than with a drag brunch! Get your tickets for either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. to enjoy the talents of all your drag favorites and drinks by Tonic Bar. Tickets start at $30.
Pickers Paradise Bluegrass Jam at Captain Roy’s
- Sunday, June 2, 2 – 5 p.m.
- Captain Roy’s, 1900 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313
Captain Roy’s is the place to be if you love old-time music and bluegrass jams. All skill levels are welcome to enjoy the vibes, and lovers of live music are especially encouraged to attend.
A Y’all-ternative Pride Variety Show at xBk Live
- Sunday, June 2, 6 p.m.
- xBk Live, 1159 24th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
Celebrate all things Pride at xBk Live! There are still general admission tickets available for $13 to enjoy an evening of drag, burlesque, comedy, music, food, and more! Plus, dress up in something that makes YOU feel confident and enter a costume contest for a chance to win $50.
