Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, September 27-29. 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 Event


Pitch a Friend at SingleSpeed Brewing Co.

  • Sunday, September 29, 3 – 6 p.m.
  • SingleSpeed Brewing Co., 303 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

Who’s better to pitch a single friend than your bestie!? In this fun, new take on a singles dating event, we’ll hang out at SingleSpeed Brewing Co. where presenters can pitch their single friend to the crowd. 6 men and 6 women will be pitched!  After the pitches take place, we’ll mix and mingle with everyone in the crowd. Check out all the details and buy tickets at the link below!


Friday, September 27


Oktoberfest Des Moines

  • Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28
  • Lauridsen Amphitheater at Des Moines Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Oktoberfest Des Moines (@oktoberfestdsm)


The Top Off at Elevencherry Salon

  • Friday, September 27, 4 – 8 p.m.
  • Zhoosh DSM, 509 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313

After hosting Zhoosh for the summer, Elevencherry Salon is hitting the road for this last-Friday-of-the-month tradition. This Friday, stop by Zhoosh for The Top Off, a monthly cocktail party to giggle, sip, and unwind, and shop your way through Zhoosh’s awesome space while you’re there!


Queeraoke at Ritual Cafe

  • Friday, September 27, 7-9 p.m.
  • Ritual Cafe, 1301 Locust St. Ste. D, Des Moines, IA 50309

Only a few spots remain for Queeraoke at Ritual Cafe! Presented by Common Love, Queeraoke is a joyful queer space to enjoy tunes, vibes, snacks, and drinks. Bring cash for this sober and exclusively queer 18+ event to support providing gender affirming products for the community and mutual aid to Palestinians.


Not Quite Brothers at Wooly’s

  • Friday, September 27, 8 p.m.
  • Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309

“Not Quite Brothers is Central Iowa’s fastest growing cover band. Formed in 2018, the band quickly became known for their huge sound, eclectic setlist and ability to enhance any party. Sam Johnson (vocals) and Isaac Johnson (guitar) are twins and although Cooper Corcoran (guitar), Ben Schmelzer (drums) and Blake Marsh (bass) are of no relation to each other, these five fellas are as tight as brothers… but not quite.” Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.


 Saturday, September 28


Big Fall Shop Sale at Bozz Prints

  • Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29
  • Bozz Prints, 215 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Bozz Prints (@bozzprints)


Ocha Cafe Fourth Anniversary Celebration

  • Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29
  • Ocha Bubble Tea, Windsor Heights, 7216 University Ave, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
  • Ocha Bubble Tea, Ankeny, 802 SE Oralabor Rd Suite 104, Ankeny, IA 50021
 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Ocha (@ocha.cafe)


Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market

Photo Credit: @dtfarmersmarket

  • Saturday, September 28, 7 a.m. – Noon
  • Des Moines’ Historic Court District

It is the last weekend with a 7 a.m. start time at 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 season and see some of our absolute favorite small business owners from around the metro.


Pumpkin & Pints Harvest Market

  • Saturday, September 28, 4 – 8 p.m.
  • Uptown Ankeny Farmers’ Market, 715 W 1st St, Ankeny, IA 50023

Celebrate the new season at the Pumpkin & Pints Harvest Market! This evening farmers’ market will feature many of the market’s regular season vendors, pumpkins from the Ankeny Area Historical Society, and seasonal drinks from Uptown Garage Brewing Co. More details to come!


Teehee’s On Tour at Captain Roy’s

  • Saturday, September 28, 8 p.m.
  • Captain Roy’s, 1900 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313
 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Teehee’s Comedy Club (@teeheescomedy)


Sunday, September 29


Flannel Fest at Dogpatch Urban Gardens

  • Sunday, September 29, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Dogpatch Urban Gardens, 4600 NW 51st St., Des Moines, IA 50310
 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Dogpatch Urban Gardens (@dogpatch_urban_gardens)


Vinyl Market at Big Grove Brewery

  • Sunday, September 29, Noon – 5 p.m.
  • Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Join Big Grove and five local record vendors for a vinyl market on the Big Grove patio! Find old favorites, discover new ones, and enjoy the food, drinks, and vibes at Big Grove. All music lovers and vinyl enthusiasts are welcome!


Apple and Pumpkin Fest at Wills Family Orchard

  • Sunday, September 29, Noon – 6 p.m.
  • Wills Family Orchard, 33130 Panther Creek Rd, Adel, IA 50003

Fall is in full swing at Wills Family Orchard! This Sunday, experience the Apple and Pumpkin Fest, featuring u-pick apples and pumpkins, orchard-fresh food, and Farm Fun for all ages.


Bark-toberfest at Paws and Pints

  • Sunday, September 29, 3 – 6 p.m.
  • Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321

Of course, we couldn’t leave the pups out of the Oktoberfest fun! Head on down to Paws and Pints for Bark-toberfest! Take your dogs while you sample local brews and vote on your favorite to crown the Bark-toberfest Beer Champion. If beer and dogs aren’t enough, Paws and Pints will also raffle off a year of free beer!!


Subtle Sunday at Surety Hotel

  • Sunday, September 29, 6 – 9 p.m.
  • Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

It’s Subtle Sunday at the Surety Hotel! Dress to the nines for a night of laid-back vibes and good company. The evening will feature music from DJ & Producer Charles Disiac and local hip hop artist Billy Weathers. Drinks include wine, cocktails, Musa’s Lemonade, and more, and Mulberry Street Tavern will provide small bites.