Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, September 6-8. 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: Melody Zimmerman, Unsplash
First Friday at Mainframe Studios
- Friday, September 6, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keo Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
It is the first Friday of the month, and you know what that means: First Friday at Mainframe Studios! This month, embrace your inner fashionista with five floors of fashion-themed art produced by local artists. From fashion designers to jewelry makers to henna artists and beyond, Mainframe has it all this weekend! Make sure to head to the Big Room at 7 p.m. for a fabulous fashion show to finish the evening off.
Iowa Lavender U-Pick
- Friday, September 6, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
- Iowa Lavender, 25016 Sand Hill Trail, Ames, IA 50010
If you’re up for a little adventure outside the city to enjoy the last bits of summer, Iowa Lavender has the perfect activity for you! This Friday, take in the sight and scent of a hillside of lavender and pick your own bundle! Each 100-stem bundle is $15.95. Plus, the farm’s baby goats will be available all evening for pets and photos! No reservations required.
Flower Happy Hour at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Friday, September 6, 6-7 p.m.
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
Friends, floral arrangements, and happy hour beverages sounds like the perfect way to kick off the weekend! For $40 per ticket, learn how to design a stunning seasonal floral arrangement; all materials are provided.
Saturday, September 7
Applefest at Center Grove Orchard
- Saturday, September 7, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 8, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Center Grove Orchard, 32835 610th Ave, Cambridge, IA 50046
If you’re ready to let go of summer and jump head first into a pile of leaves, get your tickets for Applefest at Center Grove Orchard! Enjoy an array of autumn activities, ranging from apple picking to carriage rides and farm fun. Single day tickets start at $16.95.
Free Admission to the Science Center of Iowa
- Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8
- Science Center of Iowa, 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309
If you haven’t been to the Science Center yet, this may be your weekend.On Saturday and Sunday, Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders receive FREE general admission to the Science Center of Iowa! Even if you aren’t a Bank of America cardholder, the SCI is always a fun weekend activity.
Iowa State Fair Flea Market
- Saturday, September 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 8, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building, 3000 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317
Looking for a fun Saturday or Sunday activity? Take a stroll through the April Flea Market in the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds! Admission and parking are free, so take your time browsing the antiques, merchandise, and more!
Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market
Photo Credit: @dtfarmersmarket
- Saturday, September 7, 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 season and see some of our absolute favorite small business owners from around the metro.
Fall Yoga at Terra Lake Amphitheater
- Saturday, September 7, 8 – 9 a.m.
- Terra Lake Amphitheater, 6300 Pioneer Pkwy, Johnston, IA 50131
If you’re still looking to get your outdoor yoga fix after a jam-packed summer of yoga, mark your calendars for the Fall Yoga By the Lake series! Starting this Saturday, take part in a free outdoor yoga class led by Ignit Yoga Instructor, Natalie Henriksen.
Walk With You 5K
- Saturday, September 7, 9 a.m.
- Water Works Park Back Loop, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
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$1 *CASH ONLY* Record Annual Sidewalk Progressive Sale
- Saturday, September 7, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Vinyl Cup Records, 2815 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
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Crystal Shop Hop
- Saturday, September 7, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Locations Vary, See Link for Details
Join Kays Spiritual Ways, Windy’s Sublime Healing, and Purple Moon’s Magical Emporium for a crystal shop hop this weekend! Spend at least $5 at each location to get your passport stamped and head back to Kays by 4:30 p.m. for a chance to win one of four awesome prizes. See the full post for rules and details. Plus, Kay’s Spirtual Ways is celebrating it’s first year in business! Celebrate with them while you’re shop hopping! 
End of Summer Pool PAWty
- Saturday, September 7, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Nahas Aquatic Center, 1101 Porter Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315
Looking to close summer out with a bang with your pup? For just $5, end the season with a bang and sign up for a pool paw-ty session at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.! Registration and adorable dogs required.
Bhangra x Hip Hop Workshop at Dance Vision
- Saturday, September 7, 2 p.m.
- Dance Vision, 8711 Thomas Avenue, Johnston IA 50131
“BHANGRA WORKSHOP IS FINALLY BACK! Join this Ishara and Rebel City collab this Saturday for bhangra with a twist! No experience needed!” Registration is required, and spots are $15.
Vintage in the Valley
- Sunday, September 8 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.
Hot Yoga in the Greenhouse
- Sunday, September 8, 11 a.m.
- Iowa Outdoor Products, 3200 86th St. Urbandale, IA 50322
Center yourself and find your zen surrounded by plants at Hot Yoga in the Greenhouse! Registration is $10 (and free for Ignit Plus members!) for the class. Temps range from 85 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, so get ready to sweat it out!
Ride with The Hive
- Sunday, September 8, 1 p.m.
- Des Moines Biergarten, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
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Together Through Sound at Riverview Park
- Sunday, September 8, 1 p.m.
- Riverview Park, 710 Corning Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
“Riverview Park will come alive with the sounds of harmony and rhythm as the 2nd annual Together Through Sound music festival takes place on September 8th. This free, family-friendly event promises a vibrant day filled with diverse musical performances, interactive activities, and community spirit. The festival will showcase an incredible lineup of local talent.”
TopHouse with Courtney Krause at xBk Live
- Sunday, September 8, 7 p.m.
- xBk Live, 1159 24th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50311
“Fast-paced, high-energy foot stompers. Ballads that’ll make you cry. It’s kind of like a rock band married old-fashioned bluegrass and had a little baby. And named it TopHouse.” Tickets start at $25 for advance purchase.
