Looking for things to do in Des Moines this weekend? Check out this list of all the events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, August 20-22!
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
✨Openings✨
NOW OPEN: Secret Admirer
- 110 S.W. Fifth St., Des Moines, IA
- Opened on August 13!
From the minds that brought you Hello, Marjorie and Good News, Darling is Secret Admirer, which opened last Friday, August 13. This highly anticipated new patio bar is located inside a newly renovated, unique brick building in Downtown Des Moines that gives us Williamsburg, Brooklyn vibes – especially because it sits right next to the train tracks. Our readers have given it a 9/10 on first impressions!
dsm Restaurant Week
- August 20-29 at participating restaurants
Oh you haven’t heard of restaurant week? It’s only the greatest week of the year. This is the week that you get to try all the fancy new restaurants that we’ve been talking about for months, but for a pretty big deal! Some of the best local restaurants in Des Moines create a specific menu for lunch and dinner that is set a pre-determined price. Dinner ranges from $40-45 while lunches are $15-25. This is the move for all date nights through August 29.
Home Sweet Cone is Open in Waukee!
- 1188 SE University Ave., Waukee, IA 50263
- Tuesday – Sundays, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Since opening last month, Home Sweet Cone has been crushing it in Waukee. We’re so excited to see this woman, veteran-owned ice cream shop do well. Home Sweet Cone specializes in hard, premium ice cream all with ingredients that you can pronounce. Dairy free, vegan and gluten free options? You betcha. Check it out and see Des Moines Girl’s full list of other ice cream shops around town here!
🧡 Markets + Pop-Ups🧡
The 2021 Iowa State Fair
- Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50317
- Friday, August 20 – Sunday, August 22
Last weekend! Whether you’re looking for music or food, the Iowa State Fair has it this weekend. Check out their entertainment calendar to see the hundreds of acts taking stage. From purchasing tickets to see a big name or stopping for a free show at the Iowa Craft Beer Tent, this is where the majority of the live music scene will be for the next ten days or so!
Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, August 21, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
It’s sunflower season! Go grab yours from local farmers this weekend. The Downtown Farmers’ Market connects urban and rural communities while supporting nearly 300 local entrepreneurs, including farmers, producers, bakers and artists that represent 50 counties across the state of Iowa. It’s just the best.
Heart of Des Moines Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, August 21, 4-6 p.m.
- 6th and Forest Ave.
If you haven’t stopped by the newest Farmer’s Market in Des Moines yet this summer, this is your sign to do so! Need to know where to park? Check out the map at the button below.
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, August 21, 9 a.m. – 1 pm.
- 3200 University Ave, Des Moines, IA
Did you know that we have an organization here that runs a program for former refugee farmers? How cool is that? This program, Global Greens, reconnects former refugee farmers with the land as they build their new life in the U.S. The farmers access space to grow food, learn more about U.S. agriculture, and start their own business by selling produce at this Farmers’ Market. So go check it out! They also have a stand at the Downtown Farmer’s Market.
Awkward Company Vintage Pop-Up at KIN DSM
- Saturday, August 21, 11-5 p.m.
- KIN DSM, 333 E Grand Ave #106, Des Moines, IA 50309
Dogpatch Urban Gardens (DUG) Farmstand Pick-Up
- Saturdays from 9 – 12 p.m.
- 5085 Meredith Drive Des Moines, IA 50310
Is there anything more rewarding than shopping at a small-scale local garden or farm? Not only are you supporting a local dream, but you’re literally buying superior food! DUG offers everything from elderberry syrup to salad dressing to beef and bone broth. It’s pretty cool. Stop by and say hi to Farmer Jenny!
DSM Mercantile Pop-Up
- Sunday, August 22, 12-4 p.m.
- DSM Mercantile, 3707 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
DSM Mercantile is back with a great pop-up line-up for your Sunday. If you haven’t been into DSM Mercantile yet and introduced yourself, go do see at this modern day general goods store. DSM Mercantile is a true gem on the north side of Des Moines and with this line up, you’re sure to find something that becomes your new favorite gift to yourself. Check it out this Sunday to support these amazing local gems: @pammelparkcoffee @Pepperharrow_ @jessdessertsdsm ☕️ 💐 🧁
BONUS THIS SUNDAY ONLY: A portion of the sales will go to @flourish_fund! Each year, a woman or gender non-conforming business owner (or idea owner) applicant is chosen to win this fund, which greatly impacts their venture and our community as a whole. *Disclaimer: Des Moines Girl applied for for the Flourish Fund this year.
Friday, August 20
Sips and Songs – Last Friday of the Season!
- Friday, August 20, 6-10 p.m.
- 1500 SW Main Street, Ankeny, IA
Ankeny friends! The last Sips & Songs for the 2021 summer season on August 20. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with Ryne Doughty on stage and then at 8 p.m. it’s Dueling Pianos! The Town Square park is built for this with plenty of space for social distancing. The concert is free. There will be beverages available for purchase in the park.
Mid-Life Crisis Comedy Showcase Presented by Comedy DSM
- Friday, August 20, 8-10 p.m.
- Mistress Brewing Company, 1802 North Ankeny Boulevard #108, Ankeny, IA 50023
Sunset Paddleboarding with SUPYoga DSM at Easter Lake
- Friday, August 20, Sunset Paddle, 7 p.m.
- Classes available Saturday and Sunday as well!
- 2830 Easter Lake Dr, Des Moines, IA 50320
Want to try something new? 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! 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.
Pizza on the Prairie
- Friday, August 20, 5 – 9 p.m.
- Wallace Centers of Iowa, 2773 290th Street, Orient, IA 50858
Oh, you don’t know about Pizza on the Prairie? You’re about to! It’s exactly what it sounds like, and it is truly magical. Come to the prairie on Friday nights for handmade-from-scratch brick oven pizza packed with straight-from-the-farm veggies & local meats! Walk the prairie path and enjoy the outdoor art along the way! Reservations are required, but you do get to choose your arrival time from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There’s only a few tickets left, so get them quickly!
Time Trials and Los Guapos at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Friday, August 20, Time Trial (7:00 p.m.) and Los Guapos (9:30 p.m.)
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Two cool shows back to back! The early show is Time Trials. A stand up showcase/competition involving…Mario Kart? This will be one to remember. Put on your cap, overalls, mustache, eat your mushrooms and grab tickets for a unique all-comedy show experience. The late show is Los Guapos, which has an amazing poster and fantastic description, but we honestly wouldn’t know what to expect. Can someone go and let us know?!
Saturday, August 21
Yoga in the Park
- Southeast Lawn, Gray’s Lake Park
- Saturday, August 7, 9 a.m.
The 2021 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. NEW THIS YEAR: complete your waiver online before class using this link!
Yoga with Ben from Good Vibes Movement at the Surety Hotel
- Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave. Des Moines, IA, 50309
- Saturday, August 21, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Good Vibes Movement (GVM) is a local organization providing resources, support & enrichment to the people of Des Moines. GVM serves a diverse and underrepresented community, located in the Riverbend and King Irving neighborhoods, as well as youth citywide. To support their community and youth outreach, PLEASE donate $10 at door for the class. You get a free mimosa at brunch after, so you’re doing good for the community and getting your buzz on. Don’t forget your mats!
Never Settle Day: Free Outdoor Workout
- Pioneer Park, 1602 E. Pioneer Road
- Saturday, August 21, 4-6 p.m.
Support The Supply Hive and @blaisetraining at a FREE outdoor workout with healthy food and meal/workout plans included.
Comedy Kickback – Back to School Edition at Teehee’s
- Saturday, August 21, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. shows
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
This is a chill experience where you get to hangout and enjoy a great evening of comedy. The Black Iowa Streams crew is putting on a showcase featuring some of Iowa’s funniest black comedians.
Adult Overnight Adventures at Blank Park Zoo
- Friday, August 20 – Saturday, August 21
- Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
Adult Overnight Adventures are overnight programs where participants spend the night at the Zoo to experience exhibits after hours. Yes, as an adult, you can just go sleep at the zoo overnight in your own tent! The evening includes ambassador animal programs, a full meal and drinks, a night-time scavenger hunt, breakfast and a guided morning hike. How are we just hearing about this? $125 for two and $50 for each additional person.
Sunday, August 22
Yoga on the Commons
- Sundays, 9 a.m. through the end of August
- 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Start off your Sunday with a beautiful yoga practice. This yoga series is in partnership with Janet Casson Yoga and is held on Cowles Commons – a beautiful space in the middle of downtown. All levels welcome! Be sure to sign your waiver before you go!
Brunch Bingo at Smash Park
- Sunday, August 8, 11 – 1 p.m.
- Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Looking for cheap mimosas or screwdrivers? Head to Smash Park for free bingo from 11 – 1 p.m. Play along casually while you eat, drink, or catch up with friends while having tons of opportunities to win free drinks or Smash Park gift cards. It’s usually held outside in The Yard, but may be inside if the weather is iffy. Either way, it’s a good chill way to get lit on a Sunday.
Ultimate Karaoke Experience at Gas Lamp
- Sunday,s 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- 1501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Why not make Sunday night karaoke a thing? Seems like a great way to prepare for the week if you ask us.
