Happy summer solstice! Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, June 21-23. 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: Drew Dau Photography, Used with Permission
Fresh Flower Cocktail Hour at Plant Life Designs
- Friday, June 21, 1-5 p.m.
- Plant Life Designs, 29154 360th St, Van Meter, IA, 50261
Have a free Friday afternoon? Kick off the weekend in the right way. Head to Van Meter for a perfect flower cocktail hour. The cantina will be open for drink purchases, and we will have fresh flowers for sale! No tickets or reservations are required.
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!
Choreo Heels Workshop at Pulse Dance Fitness Studio
- Friday, June 21, 6:00 p.m.
- Pulse Dance Fitness Studio, 6920 EP True Pkwy Suite 115, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Celebrate Pride Month in our highest heels! 🏳️🌈👠 Join Dancer & Choreographer Audrey Smithson for a Choreo Heels Workshop exclusively at Pulse Dance Fitness Studio on Friday, June 21st from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga. Heels encouraged, but sneakers are welcome.
Join DSMG next THURSDAY at Pulse for a special dance takeover. All the details here.
Saturday, June 22
Architectural Photography Class
- Saturday, June 22, 8-11 a.m.
- 400 Locust Street,#100, Des Moines,50309
“Expand your knowledge of architecture through photography! This class includes a single 3-hour session with professional photographer Chris Boeke. Participants will begin with a tutorial at the Iowa Center for Architecture, and then embark on an architectural photo walk through Des Moines’ East Village, including the State Capitol. The setting and morning light are sure to leave participants with their own stunning architectural photos of Iowa’s capital city.”
Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market
Photo Credit: @dtfarmersmarket
- Saturday, June 22, 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.
Boss Babe Pop-Up at Jasper Winery
- Saturday, June 22, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
- Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Shop women owned small businesses this weekend! Free admission, bring your kids, come shop, eat & drink! Free face painting and games for kids! Free parking in the red outline! Don’t forget the first 60 people will get a FREE boss babe bag!
Cajun Fest 2024
- Saturday, June 22, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
While summer temps are soaring, Cajun Fest is preparing to bring tastes of Southern heat and a glimpse of Cajun culture to Des Moines. On Saturday, June 22 the annual “Mardi Gras of the Midwest” takes over Cowles Commons in downtown Des Moines, offering all-you-can-eat crawfish cooked by New Orleans natives, authentic Southern food with a twist from local vendors, a limited-edition SingleSpeed Brewing “Bayou Brew,”, specialty drinks, live music and entertainment for all ages — it will be a true Ragin’ Cajun good time! Tickets are available to purchase online ahead of time or at the door.
The Parking Lot Smorgasbord
- Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Parking Lot Behind Raygun, 505 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
“You’re invited to the very first LOT 505: The Parking Lot Smorgasboard, located in our super secret, not so secret back lot ~Our mission is to welcome amazing small, local vendors and craftspeople into the East Village shopping district and highlight attendees as creators themselves. This event will feature a market space for vendors and workshops where folks can learn a new skill and co-create with local artists. Afterwards, go explore everything our beautiful East Village has to offer.”
Second Annual FINEST FEST at Lua Brewing
- Saturday, June 22, 11 – 9 p.m.
- Lua Brewing, 1525 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Want a little live music, good food, and live pro wrestling? Yes, there is an event for that. No tickets needed to this year’s 2nd annual FINEST FEST at Lua. 🎶 Live music from Shock Collar , Greg Wheeler and the Poly Mall Cops , and more!🎶 🍔 The trashiest of food from both Lua AND Lachele’s Fine Foods 🍔 🗑️ Mullet Contest 2.0 sponsored by Loyal Sons Barber Shopwith that big ass gold chain on the line 🗑️ 🤼 Live wrestling from 3XWrestling 🤼
Opening Night: The Black Feminist Guide To the Human Body by Pyramid Theatre Company
- Saturday, June 22, 7:30 p.m. / Sunday, June 23, 2:30 p.m.
- Stoner Theater,221 Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50309
“The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body meditates on Black women’s experiences from the perspectives of mind, body, and spirit. What makes the piece unique is its focus on middle-aged and older Black women, an often invisible and neglected group, especially by the medical establishment. Thompson also celebrates Black feminist pioneers and icons whose contributions to the arts, culture, politics, and academia transformed the world. The piece culminates in an audience dance party and an invitation for Black women to share their own contributions to Black feminist wisdom.”
Juneteenth Comedy at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Saturday, June 22, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
A very special Juneteenth comedy celebration starring stand-up comedian Lyssa Laird. Also featuring Clifton Antoine, Carmela Anderson, and hosted by producer Bernard Bell. 100% of ticket revenue goes to Juneteenth performers and producers. A food truck and drink specials will be available all night long! There will be a 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. show!
Vintage in the Valley
- Sunday, June 23, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Historic Valley Junction
Want more vintage and handmade shopping this weekend? Head to Valley Junction on Sunday where 80 vendors will line the streets. The host, Upcycled DSM, will be fully stocked as well! Check out our reel from attending last year here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxBuxEOOFpn/
Capital City Pride’s All Ages Drag Brunch from Serv’d Events
- Sunday, June 23, Doors 10:30 a.m., Show at 11 a.m.
- Decades Event Center,1208 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
More Pride events! “Serv’d Events is thrilled to partner with Capital City Pride for our third annual all ages drag brunch! Bring the whole family out for an unforgettable experience that will help you close out pride month with a bang! Celebrate Pride season with us and join our entertainers as they perform a family friendly show while you enjoy a delicious breakfast! Each ticket includes brunch and a housemade juice pouch.”
Drag Brunch on the Patio: The Exile Rodeo
- Sunday, June 23, Doors at 10 a.m., Show at 10:30 a.m.
- Exile Brewing Company,
“Party Box DSM and DTF Productions invites you to come enjoy drag performances, a delicious brunch buffet provided by Exile Brewing, and some all-around FUN in the SUN while you dine and dance on one of the best beer garden patios in the metro. For the first drag brunch this season, we will be getting ready for a WILD time as we KICK and BUCK at the Exile Patio Rodeo. Channel your inner country fare while you dance along with these fabulous performers. Ya’ll, dressing up is encouraged so please come in your best “YEE-HAW” outfit and you could win a prize!”
Wishes On Deck: An All-Star Softball Game
- Sunday, June 23, 4 p.m. gates open, 6:15 p.m. game begins
- 8325 NE University Ave., Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Ready for another DSMG meet up?
- Thursday, June 27, 6:30 – 7:15 p.m.
- Pulse Dance Fitness Studio, 6920 EP True Pkwy Suite 115, West Des Moines, IA 50266
We’re taking over a special DSMG Pulse Dance class! This follow the leader format consists of easy to follow, repetitive choreographed dances set to pop, club and hip-hop music. Stay after class to mix and mingle with fellow Des Moines Girls. Use exclusive code DSMG20 in your booking for $5 off the drop-in rate for a $20 class!
