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, July 23-25!
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
✨Openings✨
RC’s Windsor Diner is OPEN!
- RC’s Windsor Diner, 6587 University Ave., Windsor Heights, IA, 50324
- Wednesday – Sunday, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. for breakfast
- Tuesday – Saturday, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. for dinner
We’ve been waiting for this gem on the cutest corner of Windsor Heights to open its doors, and it DID. Co-owners Joe Tripp (of Harbinger ) and Simon Goheen (Simon’s) describe RC’s as a local Midwest Diner with Jewish influences serving breakfast and dinner. Stay tuned to their social for some pictures that’ll definitely make you hungry.
Dough Crazy’s Storefront is Open!
- Dough Crazy, 1220 Locust St, Des Moines, IA
- 4 – 7 p.m. most weeknights, check their social for latest hours!
Edible, safe-to-eat cookie dough now has a storefront in Des Moines! Congratulate Dough Crazy by popping into their new location on Locust Street any evening or check out their social to see where their food truck is popping up all around the city! Gluten free!? They’ve got options for you too!
Black Cat Ice Cream
- 2511 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
- Friday – Sunday, 2 – 8 p.m.
Black Cat is BACK, and we’re just going to keep it on this list for the foreseeable future. Their new location is situated dangerously close to Drake Diner in the Drake neighborhood. This week they’ve been getting a beautiful mural on the side of their building. Stay tuned to their social media channels for progress updates and the latest pictures.
🧡 Markets + Pop-Ups🧡
509 City Vintage Market’s Grand Opening!
- Thursday and Friday, 5-8 p.m.
- Saturday, July 24, 9-5 p.m.
- 509 E 5th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, July 24, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
The Market has officially increased its capacity to host 165 on-site vendors, around 75% of the number at a traditional Saturday Market. We’ll take it! 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, July 24, 4-6 p.m.
- 6th and Forest Ave.
New hours! This market now operates from 4 – 6 p.m., and this week, bring your dog to the Riverbend Neighborhood Association booth for free treats! This market runs every Saturday through September 25 from 4 – 6 p.m. There will be vendors, food trucks, a health tent, kid-friendly activities, and entertainment. So basically, make your way there after a quick nap following the Downtown market! Need to know where to park? Check out the map at the button below.
Bikes, Books, and Brews with Racoon River Press at Gezellig Brewing Co.
- Saturday, July 24, 3-6 p.m.
- Gezellig Brewing Co, 403 W 4th St N Building 17 Suite 103, Newton, IA 50208
Anybody going to be in Newton this weekend? Stop into Gezellig Brewing on Saturday from 3-6 p.m. to say hi to Raccoon River Press. This is your LAST CHANCE for in-person bonus entries for their “Malibu Rising” & “One Last Stop” giveaway!
Locally Grown Showcase’s Summer Market at Snus Hill Winery
- Saturday, July 24, 9 – 3 p.m.
- Snus Hill Vineyard & Winery, 2183 320th St, Madrid, IA 50156
Take a little day trip up to Madrid for Locally Grown Showcase’s in-person indoor/outdoor Summer Market at Snus Hill Winery. There will 40+ handmade/homegrown vendors, live music, food and WINE! Locally Grown Showcase is a pop-up all local boutique that has been operating in Iowa since 2014.
Pop-Up at DSM Mercantile
- Sunday, July 25, 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.
Sunday Market at Dreiberge Coffee
- Sunday, July 25, 9 a.m. until sell out
- 111 E Grand Ave #109, Des Moines, IA 50309
After stopping at DSM Mercantile, join Dreiberge for their final Sunday Market of the summer! This Sunday, @breadbychelsab will be bringing her amazing sourdough, focaccia, and some fun surprises – you won’t want to miss this! @sweettoothfarmdsm will have all kinds of amazing and fresh produce from her farm here in Des Moines. @shopfrecklesandco is bringing the cutest bears and bunnies that make the perfect snuggle buddy or gift. And @storyhousebookpub is joining us and doing story time for all your kiddos at 10 a.m. This is going to be a perfect family and friends day!
Friday, July 23
Sunset Paddleboarding with SUPYoga DSM at Easter Lake
- Friday, July 23, 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.
Wisenheimer | Uncensored, Long Form Improv Comedy
- Friday, July 23, 7 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines IA 50309
Wisenheimer is a long form improv comedy troupe formed in 2011 in Rock Island, IL. Leslie Mitchell, Jeff De Leon, & Jen Kuhle have a myriad of improv training from nationally renown institutions, and travel the country performing at comedy festivals. In 2015, the troupe launched Wisenheimer: The Podcast – available on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher. Stick around for the 9:30 p.m. show – “Improv Comedy Deathmatch” – where three teams of comedians enter the arena to play in three round of improv comedy games with the audience acting as judge, jury, and executioner.
Weekend Events at Rose Farmstead
- All weekend!
- 7197 43rd Ave, Norwalk, Iowa, 50211
Travel just 20 minutes outside the city center of Des Moines and be greeted by the beauty of Rose Farm, family-owned and lovingly-managed by hobby farmers Karri and Patrick Rose. This weekend is the perfect opportunity to take your kids, nieces, or nephews. They are hosting many events including “Buggin’ Out At The Farm” and Powerlife Sunrise Yoga. Take a look at the above for the full schedule.
Candle Bar DSM’s Friday Happy Hour
- Friday, July 23, 2- 4 p.m.
- 130 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Looking for a different kind of happy hour? We’ve got you. Head over to Valley Junction at Candle Bar DSM for $2 off all custom poured candles through September 1 from 2- 4 p.m.
Yoga + Co Classes Around The City
Looking for a new outdoor yoga experience? Yoga + Co. hosts too many classes to even list and they’re all donation based ! Click the link below for all the details on their three Friday classes, one Saturday class, and two Sunday classes. Almost all classes are free-will donation, and all are meant to give your mind, body, and soul what they need. Your donations are also investing into your community, making the world a better place!
xBk presents Live, Local & Loud featuring Coral Thede and Sid Juwarker
- Friday, July 23, 7:30 p.m.
- xBk Live, 1159 24th Street, Des Moines, IA 50311
Where are we going to be on Friday night? xBk Live of course! We can’t get enough of Coral Thede or xBk’s newest space in the Drake neighborhood. Combine them both for a hilarious and laid back Friday night activity. Join us so we can come say hi!
Saturday, July 24
Yoga in the Park
- Southeast Lawn, Gray’s Lake Park
- Saturday, July 24, 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, July 24, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
A yoga class with a free mimosa?! Yep, this is the perfect excuse to go check out Mulberry Street Tavern! It’s the perfect Saturday morning activity. To support the Good Vibes moment community and youth outreach, please donate $10 at door for class. Don’t forget your mats!
Saturday Wine Tastings at The Cave DSM
- Saturday, July 24, 12 – 7 p.m.
- The Cave DSM, 1437 Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50309
Stop into The Cave DSM on Saturday for a break from the heat and taste the best that natural wine has to offer. Try three different wines or buy a full glass for $10. The Cave continues to be one of our favorite spots to hang in Des Moines!
Beekeeping Class with Julia McGuire at PepperHarrow Farm
- PepperHarrow Farm, 1809 S 4th Ave, Winterset, IA 50273
Have you ever wanted to learn more about bees? Why not!? Join expert beekeeper, Julia McGuire, for a fun class learning about all about beekeeping. During this class, you’ll learn about a day in the life of a beekeeper, have the ability to ask as many questions as you like, and we’ll finish off with a hive tour of the bees at PepperHarrow. Optional: registrants can opt to hold a frame from the hive for a photo, puff the smoker, etc.
Don’t care as much about bees, but want to wander through flower fields? You can do that too! Pick your own bouquet from 12 – 4 p.m. instead!
Valley Junction Summer Fest
- Historic Valley Junction
Head down to Valley Junction to check out the Summer Fest – a block party at the Valley Junction Train Station for a silent disco, food vendors, beer garden, and a live art exhibit!
Chicago Comedy Showcase at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Saturday, July 24, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. shows
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines IA 50309
Teehee’s is getting occupied by some of the best comedians from the other side of the river. Recruited straight from Chicago, this comedic force will be one you won’t soon forget.
Sunday, July 25
RAGBRAI 2021 begins!
We’re not RAGBRAI experts, but we do know that the party is going to be wherever Ragbrai is. Check out the official website at the link below to see where the riders are stopping this year!
Yoga on the Commons
- Sundays, 9 a.m. through the end of August
- 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
It’s back! 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, July 25, 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
- 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.
