It’s Labor Day Weekend 2022! Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, September 2-5. 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.
Friday, September 2
- Friday, September 2 – Monday, September 5
- 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
Confluence Brewing is jam packed with entertainment to celebrate the holiday weekend. Friday through Monday they will feature multiple bands and a food truck to pair with their stellar patio and beer. The musical acts include Diverging Clear, Casey Joe Collins, Bittersweet Nation and much more.
LAST WEEKEND: 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
There’s only a few more weekends and a few more spots left this season! 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!
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Friday, Sept. 2, 5-8 p.m.
- Peace Tree Brewing Co., 317 E. Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA
We’re excited for this brand new food truck slinging nostalgic comfort food faves, veganized! Go try it out and let us know what you think.
“Paint it Plein Air” at Mainframe Studios’ “First Friday” Open House
- Friday, September 2, 5-8 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
Celebrate sustainability and all things outdoors at Mainframe Studios. Mainframe has partnered with White Rock Conservancy and Polk County Conservation to present outdoor painting sessions and now a juried exhibition for First Friday.
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Friday, September 2, 7-10 p.m.
- Ol Guild, 201 4th St. West Des Moines, IA 50265
“YOU ARE THE WARM YELLOW LIGHT POURING ALL AROUND ME is an immersive art installation experience located at the @ol.guild in Valley Junction through Sept. 15, 2022. This installation places the viewer in an abstracted, physical sanctuary of the feelings, processing, and hope involved in the emotional experience of healing. It is about recovery. It is about integration. It is about relief. Using over 60 gallons of latex house paint, the space is filled with layer upon layer of pooling, swirling, and flowing color.”
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Shows on Friday and Saturday!
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
We love this lineup at Teehee’s – Des Moines’ independent comedy club on Walnut Street. Check out Saturday’s “Jailbreak!”: wo shows, two completely different line-ups, all in one night. Come experience a wide array of top comedians from the state in a fast-moving and exhilarating night of entertainment.
Saturday, September 3
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, Sept. 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’s one of the best in the country!
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, Sept. 3, 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.
Korean Fluffy Egg Sandwiches at Eden with DSM Ramen Club
- Saturday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m. until sell out!
- Eden, 418 E 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Awkward Company Vintage Pop-Up at Zhoosh
- Saturday, Sept. 3, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Zhoosh, 313 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Enjoy @zhooshdsm’s out of the world atmosphere and shopping experience along Awkward Company Vintage for an extra special stop in for the shopping this long holiday weekend.
Des Moines Water Lantern Festival
- Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Voted the #1 best cultural festival by USA Today, the Water Lantern Festival is the perfect accompaniment to the Beer Craft Festival happening elsewhere in Water Works Park this weekend. This is a family friend event that comes with access to food trucks, a floating lantern kit, LED candle, market and commemorative bag for the price of a ticket.
DSM Biergarten Opens in Water Works
- Thursday: 2-10pm, Friday: 2-10pm, Saturday: 12-10pm, Sunday: 12-10pm
- Lauridsen AmpitheaterWater Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
- Thursdays – Sundays through October!
- Sunday, Sept. 4, 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.
Yappy Hour with the ARL at Peace Tree
- Sunday, Sept. 4, 4-6 p.m.
- Peace Tree Brewing Co. DM Branch, 317 E Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Come, sit, stay, and have a drink at this Yappy Hour hosted by the ARL and Peace Tree Brewery! Proceeds support homeless pets, so grab your drinking buddies (human and hound) and join us for this dog friendly event. Humans will be able to purchase and drink beers from Peace Tree bar and there will be Bark-uterie cups for sale for your pups at the ARL table.This is a FREE event, but register here.
