Happy Pride Month, Des Moines! Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, June 2-4. 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. Check out this round up of live music concert series.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Friday, June 2
Sunset Paddle with SUP Yoga DSM at Easter Lake
- Friday, June 2, 7 p.m.
- Classes available on Saturday and Sunday as well!
- 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! 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. We’re partial to the sunset paddle at 7 p.m.
First Friday: Take Up Space! Experience
- Friday, June 2, 5-8 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keo Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
“Welcome to Take Up Space! Experience the beauty and the struggle of living with mental health or neurodiversity through art. Society often teaches individuals with mental health issues or neurodiversity to blend in. Take Up Space celebrates the beauty behind our uniqueness. We invite you to experience the voices and perspectives of our artists and to think about how you too can learn to Take Up Space.”
First Friday in the East Village
- Friday, June 2, 5-8 p.m.
- Your favorite shops in the Historic East Village
Des Moines Biergarten
- Wednesday – Sunday, Noon – Close
- Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Did you know Des Moines has a seasonal outdoor beer garden? It open Wednesday through Sunday through to Fall. Willkommen im Des Moines Biergarten! Set among the mature trees of Water Works Park, Des Moines Biergarten is a family-friendly popup German-themed beer garden offering steins of beer and German inspired eats.
The Principal Charity Classic is in town
- Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
- All weekend
If you’re a golf fan, you already know all about this annual tournament making Des Moines its home this. If you’re not a golf fan, build more time into your drives to Gray’s Lake, Water Works Park, or the airport until next week. You can still buy tickets here.
2023 Greek Food Festival
- FRIDAY, JUNE 2: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- SATURDAY, JUNE 3: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- SUNDAY, JUNE 4: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- 1110 35th St. Des Moines, IA 50311
Come celebrate a weekend of delicious food, music & dancing at the 2023 Greek Food Fair Festival! Admission to the Festival is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase with cash (an ATM will be available).
Iowa Cubs Pride Night
- Pride Night: June 2, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
- Games all weekend!
- Principal Park, 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
On Friday night, it’s Pride Night at Principal Park to kick off Pride Month. On Saturday, Caitlin Clark will be in town at the ballpark to watch the Iowa Cubs take on the Columbus Clippers.
Shows at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Friday, June 2, 7 p.m. 9:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Based in Chicago/Milwaukee, Ton Johnson has energetic storytelling and delivery that makes his material relatable to a wide range of audiences. He is the reigning champion of Wisconsin’s most prestigious contest, the Madison’s Funniest Comic Competition. After check out karaoke for a cause. Yes, please. Sign us up! Put your shower singing skills to the test at Teehee’s Comedy Club every Friday from 11 p.m. to close. Admission is free and all performer tips will be donated to an awesome charity they’ve chosen for the week! Check out Saturday’s line up as well. Lanaland is “an unbelievable drag experience with performers from all over Des Moines and the midwest. Curated and headlined by the one of top drag performers in the country, Lana Luxx!” Check it out and show your support as we kick off Pride Month.
Saturday, June 3
Downtown Farmer’s Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, June 3, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
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 feels especially huge since it was limited to the pandemic and it’s back to full size. It’s one of the best in the country! Don’t miss it this summer.
Iowa Craft Brew Festival
- Saturday, June 3, VIP 12 – 1 p.m. , General Admission 1-4 p.m.
- Lauridsen Amphitheater, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
The biggest beer festival in Iowa will feature more than 80 breweries and cideries sampling over 300 craft beverages. You’re not going to wanna miss this! General admission is $50. Free parking and a full day of unlimited samples plus live music and local food vendors.
Black Cat’s Cat Adoption Event
- Saturday, June 3, 1-3 p.m.
- Black Cat Ice Cream, 2511 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Grab some ice cream, ice cream nuggets, and/or adopt a cat this Saturday at Black Cat Ice Cream.
Heartland Bazaar at Rumors DSM
- Saturday, June 3, 10-6 p.m.
- Rumors, 4211 Chamberlain Ave Des Moines, Iowa
“This bi-annual vintage clothing market featuring 30 unique vendors is held in the parking lot adjacent to Rumors (4211 Chamberlain Ave Des Moines, Iowa) Each booth offers its own unique curation of vintage clothing, accessories, jewelry and decor. Whether you’re looking to stock up on t-shirts from $5-$10 buckets or searching for that one rare, quality item that fits you to a T, Heartland Bazaar is always a fun shopping experience. Eras represented range from late 1800’s-1990’s.”
- Saturday, June 3, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Forest Avenue Library,
“Join us for the Friends of the Forest Avenue Library’s annual Soul Food Festival! Meals will be served 11:00-2:00. A la carte and dessert items also available.”
Bollywood Dance Workshop – No experience needed!
- Saturday, June 3, 11 a.m.
- Gateway Dance Theatre, 515 E 5th St, Suite 12, Des Moines, IA, 50309
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Des Moines Con
- Saturday, June 3, and Sunday, June 4
- Hy-vee Hall and Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd Street, Des Moines IA 50309
Des Moines Con is a celebration of comics, toys, TV, film, art, cosplay, games, and all things nerdy. If you’re a fan of Batman, the Avengers, Doctor Who, Star Wars, LEGO, Disney, Star Trek, the Walking Dead, Power Rangers, Game of Thrones, etc., you’ll probably fit right in at DMC!
Sunday, June 4
- Sunday, Sept. 25, 9-10 a.m.
- Cowles Commons, 300 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
We love the summer yoga options around Downtown Des Moines! Des Moines Performing Arts is offering Yoga on the Commons every Sunday morning at Cowles Commons. Each week’s practice will be held by a different instructor. Classes will be offered as a free-will donation, with all proceeds benefiting Des Moines Performing Arts.
Corgi Meet Up at Paws and Pints
- Sunday, June 4, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50310
It’s international corgi day! Our official DSMG dog Evie is 25% corgi and therefore, we think you should all celebrate too. Head over to Paws and Pints for a free pint of domestic beer and a free treat for your pup.
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