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, June 18-20! We made some updates to our lists so that certain types of activities are grouped: new openings, live music, and markets/ pop-ups. Let us know if you like it!
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
✨Openings✨
Black Cat Ice Cream
Source: Black Cat Ice Cream Facebook
- 2511 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
- Open 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. all weekend!
Black Cat is BACK! Wow. Wow. Wow. Their new location is situated dangerously close to Drake Diner in the Drake neighborhood. The pictures from their opening was insane and we can’t wait to make this a weekly (daily) habit. Stay tuned to their social media channels for the latest on flavors.
Storyhouse Bookpub – Second weekend open!
- 505 E. Grand Ave, Suite 102
- Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. , 11 am storytime
- Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
Storyhouse Bookpub has settled into a storefront in the East Village next to Raygun! Summer hours started last weekend, but you can also shop on Thursday and Friday from 11 am – 6 p.m. Stop by, say hello, and browse for your next favorite read. Storyhouse Bookpub is a new kind of bookstore, bringing books and people together in Des Moines with special storytime events throughout the summer.
Stoked – Outdoor & Sporting Goods Company – Opening Second Weekend!
- 518 E. Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA
- Opening on Friday, June 11
- Summer Hours: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday
Another opening in the East Village! We’re excited to check out this new outdoor-goods company right around the corner from us. They are still waiting on a lot of inventory to arrive, but they already have core products in stock! They are opening with limited hours through June and will update their hours as the summer goes.
Thai Flavors is open on Ingersoll Ave.
- 2301 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50309
We are SO excited that Thai Flavors has officially opened their second location on Ingersoll Ave. Is Ingersoll a mess right now with construction? Yes. Is it worth it to try this eastside favorite? Absolutely.
Little Lion Eclectics Store Opening
- 113 W. Broadway Street, Polk City, IA, 50266
- Saturday, June 19, 12 – 4 p.m.
Little Lion Eclectics opened for the first time on June 5. Pop in again this Saturday, June 19. The shop has never-before-seen pieces, including vintage, mid century modern, wicker rattan, and more. Unique handmade pieces by local makers, too!
🧡 Markets + Pop-Ups🧡
Outside Pop-Up at Art Terrarium w/ Art Week
Source: Artists: @rararamonaml & @ooomami
- Friday, June 18, 2-17 p.m.
- Art Terrarium, 106 11th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
This Friday, pop down to Art Terrarium and check out Ramona Muse Lambert & Cat Rocketship’s Art Show/Sale for @artweekdsm . Who needs another excuse after our Intro to House Plants guide with them?
Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, June 19, 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.
Summer Picnic Pop Up at MARNe
- Saturday, June 19, starts at 10 a.m.
- MARNe, 1350 E. Locust St. #101
The geniuses behind this event really crushed it. Join the lovely ladies at MARNe for a summer picnic pop-up featuring, you guessed it, tons of local businesses! In addition to pre-sold vegan picnic boxes from @neworldkitchendsm, they will have fresh flowers from @pepperharrow_ , picnic baskets/pillows/blankets from @reallykindofamazingvintage , to-go cocktails from @bellhoptiki AND a few new goods from @shopmarne to make your picnic extra special.
Pop-Up at DSM Mercantile
- Saturday, June 19, 11 – 3 p.m.
- DSM Mercantile, 3707 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Another incredibly good pop-up if you haven’t been to DSM Mercantile yet and introduced yourself. DSM Mercantile is a true gem on the north side of Des Moines. You’ll have a great time seeing these vendors and also just browsing their every day selection.
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, June 19, 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.
Thrift & Thread Pop-Up at THE COLLECTIVE
- Saturday, June 19, 10 – 3 p.m.
- 340 SW 5th St #122, Des Moines, IA 50309
Thrifters and vintage lovers – this way! Here’s another opportunity to scour the amazing finds of Thrift & Thread. We saw them when they popped up at MARNe and we almost walked out with everything.
Heart of Des Moines Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, June 19, 2-4 p.m.
- 6th and Forest Ave.
Two women on a mission to bring health food to the River Bend neighborhood? Monika and Crystal are doing the damn thing. They need our help and we hope you’re with us. This market will run every Saturday, starting May 1 through September 25 from 2-4 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.
Friday, June 18
The Cave DSM’s Litrona Party
- The Cave DSM 1437 Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50309
- Friday, June 18, 4-8 p.m.
The Cave DSM is throwing a party this Friday evening! According to the owners, who you can meet here, “We recently brought in three limited edition wines that are so cool, unique, and delicious that we decided to sell them all by the glass for one night. We’re also using this event as a “kick-off” for us offering food at the space, so we’ll have a few different Spanish pintxos and other light snacks available.
Sunset Paddleboarding with SUPYoga DSM at Easter Lake
- Friday, June 11, Sunset Paddle, 7 p.m.
- Classes available Saturday and Sunday
- 2830 Easter Lake Dr, Des Moines, IA 50320
Only a few spots left! This class is for newbies and paddleboard experts alike. Launching approx. 90 minutes before sunset, the group will paddle around Easter Lake in the glow of the late-day sun. The group will launch from the boat ramp on the south side of the lake. Take a left at the fork, following the sign for the boat ramp. Look for the large A-frame signage that says SUP Yoga DSM. They also host intro to stand up paddleboarding classes and SUP yoga classes on Saturday and Sundays!
A Love Offering at Des Moines Community Playhouse
- Friday, June 18, 7:30 p.m.
- 831 42nd Street, Des Moines IA 50312
T’Wana Jepson has been bit before. And scratched. And kicked. And punched. And called every dirty word in the book. But so has her coworker and work mama, Miss Georgia. It comes with the territory as a nurse’s aide caring for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. You learn to not take it personally and to lean on your co-workers for support. But after T’Wana is attacked by the patient in E 204, something happens that threatens the bonds of trust and friendship. A Love Offering is a co-production of Pyramid Theatre Company and The Playhouse.
Pride Night at Selfie Wrld
- Friday, June 18, 6 – 9 p.m.
- 3800 Merle Hay Rd Suite 912, Des Moines, IA 50310
Located inside Merle Hay Mall, Selfie WRLD is exactly what it sounds like. Selfie WRLD is the first “Selfie Museum” in Iowa with 20 Instagram or Tik-Tok worthy photography stations/scenes. They’re having a Pride Night on Friday so use this as your excuse to wander through Merle Hay mall and feel like an old millennial. You can buy tickets at the door, but before you do, stop by Tally Ho To Go for dinner in the food court.
Des Moines Latino Film Festival + Art Week DSM kicks off!
- All weekend!
- Riverview Park, 710 Corning Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313
Latino Center of Iowa, in partnership with the Chicago Latino Film Festival, has created Iowa’s first Latino film festival celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the Des Moines community through food, art, music, and performances featuring films from Latin America and Spain and showcasing the work of local Latin filmmakers. It starts with a street party on Friday night!
Juneteenth Comedy Jam at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Friday, June 18, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, June 19, 7 and 9:30 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut St. Des Moines, Iowa 50309
The 4th Annual Juneteenth Comedy Jam is coming back to Des Moines Iowa for a 3 show 2 night comedy showcase displaying the finest local and regional African American comedians.
Juneteenth – Saturday, June 19
Powerlife Sunrise Yoga at Rose Farm
- Saturday, June 19, 8 – 9 a.m.
- 7197 43rd Ave Norwalk, Iowa 50211
Start of your weekend with this relaxing, beautiful opportunity. This week Rose Farm is hosting Powerlife Sunrise Yoga on their idyllic 25 acres of sprawling grounds. Stay after for Schonert’s Patisserie Coffee + Treats and take all the beautiful pictures.
Yoga with Ben from Good Vibes Movement at the Surety Hotel
- Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
- 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!
U-Pick Strawberries at Iowa Orchard
- All weekend – 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. MUST HAVE AN APPOINTMENT!
- Iowa Orchard U-Pick Patch is located at 13140 NW 102nd Avenue in Granger
Go pick your own strawberries and sugar snap peas. Looks incredible. Enough said. Make sure you have an appointment!
Freedom Day Art Show at Freedom Blend Coffee
- Saturday, June 19, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Freedom Blend Coffee, 2329 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310
Come and support local artists and as we observe African-American Independence Day. Enjoy a diverse display of artwork, great music and even better coffee! Listen to the artists tell their stories as they honor black culture and black history with their work.
515 Manifestival
- Saturday, June 12, Starts at 12 p.m.
- Western Gateway Park, Des Moines, Iowa
515 Manifestival is building a platform to help small businesses and those who have had or just started a side hustle. So to kick off the summer, 515 Manifestival is partnering with Iowa Juneteenth (Neighbors Day), for a Juneteenth event to cater to local artists and businesses. This event is meant to manifest & uplift an active community of creative folks of color; bringing artists performers & entrepreneurs together. The lineup just got dropped on Tuesday night. The stage is packed from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. so go check it out.
Juneteenth Celebration Basketball Tournament
- Saturday, June 19, 4-8 p.m.
- Willkie House, 900 17th St. Des Moines, Iowa
The Supply Hive is hosting a bunch of awesome Juneteenth events for you to take a look at. Ya know, in case basketball in 100 degree weather isn’t your thing.
Ironman is in Des Moines!
- Sunday, 4:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Cowles Commons and Water Works Park
Be aware of these closures and slower traffic around the Ironman competition on Sunday.
Weekly Open Hours at Walker Homestead
This is another perfect day trip idea. Visit Walker Homestead every Sunday, 11-5p, for food, delicious wines, and a relaxing afternoon on the farm. No reservations needed; however you can make reservations by following the button below.
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.
