Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, September 29 – October 1. 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 29
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Friday, Sept. 29, sign-up: 9 p.m., doors open: 9:30 p.m., show: 10 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street Des Moines, IA 50309
Whether you’re an avid karaoke star or like to encourage your friends to get up on stage, then this Teehee event is for you! Take your karaoke prowess to the next level with a full, live band. No more digital tracks- it’ll be like you’re headlining your very own concert! Need a little liquid courage? Teehee is giving 1 free shot to singers (limit 2 per person).
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Friday, Sept. 29, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
For our crafty gals, you won’t want to miss our state’s biggest arts & crafts show- running all weekend! Head on over to the Iowa State Fairgrounds and check out over 250 vendors from all over the state. Your ticket gets you access to over 80,000 sq. ft. of custom furniture, stained glass, handmade jewelry, pottery, clothing, lawn & garden, and so much more. Parking is free, and there will also be a free shuttle bus available from the north parking lot to the building itself for your convenience!
- Friday, Sept. 29 and Saturday, Sept. 30, 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.
- Wednesday, Sept. 27 – Sunday, Oct. 1, 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.
- Friday, September 29, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Blue Herron Lake, Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50265
Have you noticed it’s getting dark at 7:30 now? Crazy, right?! It’s time to welcome in the early darkness of the fall/winter season, and what better way to do so then with a full moon yoga and walk with Yoga & Co.! After a short yoga flow and mindful meditation as the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely hike around Blue Herron Lake as you watch the full moon rise. Make sure to bring clothes you will feel comfortable in for yoga and hiking! Tickets are $25 per person.
Saturday, September 30
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, Sept. 30, 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.
2023 Oktoberfest at Confluence
- Saturday, Sept. 30, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Confluence Brewing Co., 1235 Thomas Beck Rd Des Moines, IA 50315
Celebrate the wonderful season of Oktoberfest at Confluence! With live music, a stein holding contest, and food trucks from Peggy O’s and Pie Mates, you won’t want to miss out. Enjoy a specialty menu of German fare, feast on savory pies, and fill up your collector stein (that comes FREE with your ticket!). So grab your friends and spend the afternoon with Confluence.
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, Sept. 30, 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.
Good Vibes Movement Yoga
- Saturday, Sept. 30, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- The Surety Hotel, 206 6th Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309
“This isn’t just a yoga class; it’s an experience that promises tranquility, community, and a rejuvenating start to your day.” Join Good Vibes Movement for some Saturday morning yoga at the Surety. This hour-long session is great for beginners and advanced yogis! After you’ve finished your community wellness experience, enjoy a brunch at the Mulberry Street Tavern or pick up a post-workout snack/caffeine fix from the Surety Coffee Bar.
Plants & Permanent Jewelry at Art Terrarium
- Saturday, Sept. 30, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Art Terrarium, 520 Euclid Ave, #101 Des Moines, IA 50313
We’ve been seeing fuzed, permanent jewelry popping up all over our social media feeds, so here’s your chance to get in on the sparkly action with a Fuzed Jewelry Pop-Up at Art Terrarium! Join them for an afternoon of plants and custom bracelets, anklets, and necklaces designed to last. This is a perfect activity to get matching BFF jewelry with your girlies, or bring a S.O to make some memories.
- Saturday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- Southeast Lawn, Gray’s Lake Park, 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315
This is your LAST chance to experience Yoga in the Park! 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!
Waffles & Whip Pop-Up
- Bronze515, 3981 100th St., Urbandale, IA 50322
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- Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Dogpatch Urban Gardens, 4600 NW 51st St., Des Moines, IA 50310
Get yo’ flannel on at Dogpatch! Their first annual “Flannel Fest” is this Saturday with TONS of cool vendors from gifts and collectibles, to baked goods and produce. As we’re getting closer and closer to the holiday season, this is a great opportunity to shop for unique gifts and support local artisans. Whether it’s a specially wooden carved ornament or a decorative wreath, this fest has something people of all ages.
The Fall Market on Hubbell
- The Market on Hubbell, 3232 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317
Join the Market on Hubbell for their Fall pop-up this Saturday! Only a couple times a year does this one-of-a-kind market open, so take advantage of this exclusive event from vintage vendors and sweet treats, to trendy handmade goods and clothing. Give them a follow on their insta to get all the market updates (+ their vibe is SO cool).
Forever Home Dog Rescue Annual Fundraiser at Twisted Vine
- Saturday, September 30, 11 a.m.
- Twisted Vine Brewery, 112 SE 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Middlebrook Fall Fest
- Middlebrook Agrihood, 4300 Cumming Ave. Cumming, IA 50061
Need a lil’ jaunt away from the metro? Stop over at Middlebrook Agrihood for their fall fest! Enjoy locally-grown autumnal produce, listen to live music by country/rock Joshua Sinclair, sip on coffee from Travelin’ Toms or mimosas from MiddleBrook Mercantile’s Wine Wagon. Open to all ages, this event is a great way to get into the fall spirit.
Sunday, October 1
Spooky Potting Class
- Sunday, Oct. 1, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
- Pots & Shots, 9500 University Ave Suite 1101, West Des Moines, IA 50266
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Twisted Vine Brewery 5K Fun Run
We’ve got another event goin’ on this weekend at Twisted Vine, and it’s for all you runners, joggers, walkers or anyone in between! Follow the “5k-ish” path through East Village and end with a free craft bev from Twisted Vine, seasonal swag or a pint glass and all sorts of fun prizes, games and more! Best part? It’s for a good cause! A portion of all proceeds go towards supporting local nonprofits in the area.
A Pottery Painting Swiftie Soiree with Glazed Expressions
Paint your way through “all the eras” with Glazed Expressions! This Taylor Swift-themed party is gonna be full of music, sing-a-longs and fun with fellow Swifties. Your ticket includes the opportunity to paint your own pottery with traceable designs that are T-swift reminiscent of “Fearless” or “Red” or other popular albums, or create something totally unique to you. Every attendee will also receive a DIY friendship bracelet kit to share with any or all of your gal pals!
