Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, September 22-24. 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.
Friday, September 22
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Friday, Sept. 22, doors open: 7 p.m., show: 8 p.m.
- TOP SECRET
This isn’t your average comedy show. Don’t Tell Comedy specializes in comedy shows with top-secret comedians at top-secret locations at metros across the U.S. This Friday, Downtown Des Moines is the spot. Where, you might ask? We have no idea! But what we CAN tell you is that it will be indoor, it’s ADA accessible, there will be chairs, and you will be able to purchase drinks (21+ only show).
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Friday, Sept. 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Hotel Fort Des Moines, 1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Calling all wine aficionados! Winefest DSM is hosting their annual Grand Tasting event this year at the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines. Join fellow wine-lovers as you embark on a journey in tasting the finest wines and hors d’oeuvres from all around the world. This is the premier event of Winefest with high-end vendors from all over the Des Moines metro.
Des Moines Oktoberfest
- Lauridsen Amphitheater, Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
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Midnight Munchies at Creme
- Friday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m. – midnight
- Creme, 543 28th St, Des Moines, IA 50312
We couldn’t love Midnight Munchies more. So excited to see this late night dessert bar option with great sweets and drinks perfect for a date or date with yourself night. We also love Creme in the daytime for a quick break, loading up on local sweets, or sending some quick emails.
Ladies Weekend in Pella
- Friday, Sept. 22 – Saturday, Sept. 23, time varies
- Downtown Pella, 627 Franklin St, Pella, IA 50219
Looking for an excuse to get away? Visit Pella has got you covered! This weekend is “Ladies Weekend”, featuring different events and pop-ups across the city curated specifically for you and your gal pals. Their itinerary gives you everything you need from a live “Bee Gees” tribute band performance Friday night, to a Saturday full of shopping and even a fashion show. Don’t forget to check out downtown. (Pro tip: Stop over at Jaarsma Bakery for their authentic dutch letters!)
Des Moines Biergarten
- Wednesday, Sept. 20 – Sunday, Sept. 24, Noon – 9 p.m.
- Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Did you know Des Moines has a seasonal outdoor beer garden? It’s open Wednesday through Sunday, all through the Fall season. 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.
Taste Test Improv Burlesque at Pots & Shots
- Friday, Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Pots & Shots, 9500 University Ave Suite 1101, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Get a “taste” of improv burlesque at Pots & Shots this Friday, with songs that YOU submit! Join in on the music, dancing, drinks, and fun that is sure to be had with performances mixed with the sensuality of burlesque. This 18+ event is perfect for a night out with the gal pals, sipping on botanical cocktails and enjoying the spontaneity of improve burlesque!
Saturday, September 23
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, Sept. 23, 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 to see some of our absolute favorite small business owners from around the metro.
Sunrise Yoga at Rose Farm
- Saturday, Sept. 23, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
- Rose Farm, 7197 43rd Avenue Norwalk, IA 50211
Power Life Yoga + Barre is partnering with Rose Farm to bring you yoga with a beautiful view while you welcome the sunrise with breath to movement. “After you finish your session, pop over to The Shoppe for VIP access to floral arrangements, candles, tea towels, coffee, soaps + home accents.” Best part? Yoga sessions are FREE and participants are welcome to pick a half-price bucket of flowers from the gardens.
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- 1907 Carpenter Ave (at MLK Parkway) in the parking lot of @polkcohealth.
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.
Conditioning Class with Rooted Yoga + Fitness
- Saturday, Sept. 23, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Peace Tree Brewing, 317 E Court Ave Des Moines, IA 50309
Rooted Yoga + Fitness will be leading the last of their FREE September classes at Peace Tree Brewing this Saturday! This week’s conditioning class is designed to get your heart rate up, increase your endurance, and work your whole body in an empowering and functional way! Remember to bring your own mat and book the class online in advance so there’s an accurate head count. Don’t forget those discounted drink tickets you can use at Peace Tree during or after your workout 😉 .
Enneagram Workshop at Smokey Row
- Saturday, Sept. 23, 11 a.m.
- Smokey Row, 1910 Cottage Grove Ave Des Moines, IA 50314
Ever wondered what your enneagram type was? Or, maybe you know, but you’ve always wanted a deeper perspective in what it meant? Kindred Lines is hosting an Enneagram Workshop at Smokey Row, created for those who want a better understanding with a 101 lesson. Learn all about the Enneagram: the Kindred Lines Enneagram Reflection 54-card deck and ways to reflect both solo and as a group.
- Saturday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- Southeast Lawn, Gray’s Lake Park, 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315
The 2023 Yoga in the Park season is on! Join a local yoga instructor at 9 a.m. on the southeast lawn at Gray’s Lake Park for a practice for all skill levels. Classes will not be held in the event of rain so please check the link below to check the latest and sign the waiver!
The Event of Delights Book Launch Party
- Storyhouse Bookpub, 505 East Grand Avenue, Suite 102 Des Moines, IA 50309
For our book girlies, head on over to Storyhouse this Saturday evening to celebrate the launch of Ross Gay’s new book, “The Book of (More) Delights”. Enjoy delightful discussions with local DSM writers, munch on desserts and sip some drinks. Signed copies of this book will be available as well as other works from the author.
- Saturday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Dallas County Fairgrounds, 28057 Fairground Rd, Adel, IA 50003
For those who have an eye for valuable vintage, keep curious collections, or enjoy finding hidden treasures- then the Vintage & Made Fair is for you. With over 190 vendors from clothing and furniture, to gifts and food, there will be so much to see and do at the fair. Enjoy delectable snacks such as homemade ice cream, crepes, coffees, and more (just to name a few because really, there are going to be SO many cool vendors here!).
Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival
- Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival is the ONLY two-day Latino Heritage festival in the state and each of the two days is jam packed with Latin American food, music, dance and celebration. This is the perfect follow up to last weekend’s World Food and Music Festival.
Des Moines Rowing’s Annual Regatta
- Saturday, September 23, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Prospect Park, 225 Prospect Rd, Des Moines, IA 50314
The Clear Co. Birthday Party
- Saturday, Sept. 23, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Peace Tree Brewing, 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Celebrate the 2nd birthday of The Clear Co. with FREE goodie bags, birthday bash mystery bags, desserts from Dulce Vide and good vibes only. Known for their eclectic mixes of sourced crystals, bracelets, and more- The Clear Co. has been at pop-ups and special events all around the Des Moines area for two years now.
All That and a Bag of Chips: 90s Throwback Party
- xBk Live, 1159 24th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
“Dust off those denim overalls, grab your neon windbreakers, pick out your favorite scrunchie, and join us for a nostalgic journey through the iconic era of the 90s”. This one is for you, 90s babies. xBk is throwing a party with classic hip hop/rap hits from Destiny’s Child, Ace of Base, Mariah Carey, Hootie & the Blowfish, and so many more. Go back in time and party like it’s 1999!
Happy Birthday, Des Moines! Story Time with Erin Huiatt
- Storyhouse Bookpub, 505 East Grand Avenue, Suite 102 Des Moines, IA 50309
Erin Huiatt, owner of Des Moines Parent , is coming to Storyhouse to talk about her book, “100 Things To Do in Des Moines Before You Die” in celebration of our capital’s birthday! Lots of these things include indulging in some classic Midwest fare, finding the best views of the city, and overall enjoying what the great city of Des Moines has to offer. Join them in celebrating with a live Q&A, as well as fun birthday-themed activities.
Sunday, September 24
- Sunday, Sept. 24, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Looking for a new vase for that monstera you just bought? Or, maybe your mom’s bday is coming up and you just cannot think of something to get her. Give the gift of pottery (to a loved one, or yourself!). Check out Potteryfest at Jasper Winery as independent ceramic artists showcase their work from vases and mugs, to pots and plates. While you’re there, check out throwing demonstrations by the Central Academy Potters!
- Sunday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m.
- Winterset, IA (locations vary)
Take in the beauty of Madison County with their annual Fall Crawl! This event brings in residents from all over the Des Moines metro and beyond, showcasing all that the businesses at Madison County have to offer. “Take a drive with friends around Madison County to see small local businesses in their rural setting. There are a few stops along the crawl that have normal business hours where you can grab a glass of coffee, wine, cider, beer, or a bite to eat.” (Pro tip: Check out their crawl passports for chances at various giveaways!)
Vinyl Market on the Patio
- Sunday, Sept. 24, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th Street Des Moines, IA 50309
Rain or shine, Big Grove Brewery is hosting a Vinyl Market on the patio! Browse through genres of music both tapped and untapped from classic rock and blues, to pop and alternative. Support local vinyl dealers from the Des Moines area and find a record (or two) that speaks to you and your music taste! While you’re there, enjoy some craft beer and tasty tunes.
Make & Harvest: A Fall Pop Event
- Sunday, Sept. 24, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Wrap up your weekend with an evening of shopping, music, and all the autumn vibes. Peruse curated vendors of jewelry, sweaters, handcrafted goods, vintage, and so much more as you take in live music from various local artists. Enjoy local produce from this seasons’ harvest, order a cocktail from Mulberry Street Tavern, and enjoy the seasonal ambiance of the market within Surety’s courtyard and Solarium.
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