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, September 24-26!
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
🧡 Festivals, Markets + Pop-Ups🧡
Oktoberfest 2021
- Downtown Des Moines, 4th Street, South of Court Ave.
- Friday, September 24, 3PM – 1AM
- Saturday, September 25, 3PM – 1AM
Des Moines’ original Oktoberfest returns for the 17th year with all your favorite authentic celebrations including a huge selection of German and craft beers, delicious German food, live music, bier maiden and stein holding competitions, a Silent Disco and much more. Admission at the gate is $15!
LAST WEEKEND: Heart of Des Moines Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, September 25, 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 last chance to do so until next year! Come celebrate the end of their first full season on Saturday. Check out the map at the button below.
Domestic Bones Pop-Up At Peace Tree Brewing Co.
- Saturday, September 25
- Pick up at Peace Tree Brewing Co., 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Kimberly makes incredible hand pies that serve as the perfect drinking snack or on-the-go meal. This month, she’s offering spicy chicken sausage, ham and 3 fancy cheeses, or vegan samosa available in limited quantities. Place your order through her website. You’ll love her handmade pastry and flavor combinations! Keep refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. They reheat like a dream and make an easy dinner or perfect lunch to take to school or the office.
Bread by Chelsa B + Good Burt Shop at KIN DSM
- Saturday, September 25, 11-5 p.m.
- KIN DSM, 333 E Grand Ave #106, Des Moines, IA 50309
Awkward Company Vintage at Renovation Jungle
- Saturday, September 25, 11-6 p.m.
- Renovation Jungle, 607 37th street, Des Moines
Stop into the cutest little plant shop on Saturday and get a free mini plant with any purchase! Awkward Company Vintage will be set up outside with all sorts of radical vintage pieces so it’s a great two for one stop.
Locally Grown Showcase’s Fall Market at Snus Hill Winery
- Saturday, September 25, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Snus Hill Winery, 2183 320th St, Madrid, IA 50156
Looking for a little drive out of town? Check out Locally Grown Showcase’s Fall Market. 40+ handmade vendors will be set up inside and outside the winery with live music all day. Food vendors will be serving up breakfast, lunch, sweets and coffee!
Zeitgeist Collections First Pop-Up Ever!
- Saturday, September 25, 1-8 p.m.
- Rooftop above Scenic Route Bakery, 350 E Locust St Ste 104, Des Moines, IA 50309
Let’s welcome Kate to Des Moines! She’s opening a second hand clothing store boutique in town after moving from Los Angeles. She’s hosting her first pop up this Saturday on the rooftop above Scenic Route Bakery! Check it out before or after popping into Kin DSM.
Madison County Fall Crawl
- All around Madison County!
- Sunday, Sep 26, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CDT
It’s going to be an absolutely beautiful weekend to go out to Madison County. This weekend, head out to one of our favorite areas of Central Iowa and visit small businesses like Pepperharrow Farm, Pammel Park Coffee Co., Lone Oaks Farm, Iris Aisle, and Winterset Cidery.
DSM Mercantile Pop-Up with The Side Garage and The Red Door Press
- Saturday, September 25, 11 – 3 p.m.
- DSM Mercantile, 3707 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
The Slow Down Coffee Co.’s Fall Pop-Up
- Sunday, September 26, 10 a.m. – 1 -p.m.
- The Slow Down Coffee Co., 3613 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Venture back to the North Side on Sunday to say hi to DSM Mercantile’s neighbor – The Slow Down Coffee Co.! They’re hosting a fall pop-up with art by @marissa.monstera, delicious macarons by @mimismacs, and candles, incense and sprays from @soyyouwantacandle.
Friday, September 24
Planter Art with Image Transfers Class at Art Terrarium
- Friday, September 24, 6 p.m.
- Art Terrarium, 106 11th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Feeling crafty? Spend your Friday evening with the amazing folks at Art Terrarium. Get creative and collage magazine images directly to planters for a unique piece of functional art. This magical technique is a foolproof way to design a personalized planter!
Pork + Pinot by Winefest Des Moines
- Friday, September 24, 6-9 p.m.
- Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Feel like doing something fancy? Spend the evening sipping wine and sampling swine-centric cuisine at this professional pork competition. Local chefs are putting their best foot forward with creative and delicious concoctions. Each recipe will be paired with the perfect glass of wine. Included in your ticket are all pork samples and wine pairings, the Sammons Financial Lounge, live music, and more. You will not want to miss this social soiree.
Pizza on the Prairie
- Friday, September 24, 4:30 – 8:30 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!
The Supply Hive’s 2021 UpCycled Fashion Show
- Friday, September 24, 5-10 p.m.
Help support The Supply Hive’s biggest event of the year! They’re kicking it off on Friday night with music + a photo booth at Lauridsen Skatepark from 5-8pm then you can follow up over to @the.bartenders.handshake where you can find them waiting for the online release of our up-cycled fashion show that goes live at 9PM CST. 🤩
Saturday, August 25
LAST WEEKEND: Sunrise Yoga with Powerlife at Rose Farmstead
- Rose Farmstead, 7197 43rd Ave Norwalk, Iowa 50211
- Saturday, August 25, 8 a.m.
It’s the last yoga session of the year at Rose Farmstead. Head out to this beautiful area and start your morning off right with a Powerlife flow at 8 a.m. Remember to pack your mat + a water bottle. After your yoga session, pop into The Shoppe for VIP access to floral arrangements, candles, tea towels, coffee, soaps + home accents.
Skate DSM’s Streetstyle Open
- Thursday, September 23 – Sunday, September 25
- Lauridsen Skatepark, Des Moines, IA 50309
Jethro’s BBQ and Skate DSM are stoked to present the first ever Des Moines Streetstyle Open! Come be part of the excitement September 23rd – 25th, skate contests will be held at locations throughout the Des Moines region, each event will have cash prizes. The Des Moines Streetstyle Open is modeled after what is known as the “best” international skate competition, the Copenhagen Open. This multi-day event will take place throughout the Des Moines metro with skate contests moving from spot to spot, with the final contest held at the Lauridsen Skatepark. This event will feature some of the world’s best skaters, as well as talented skaters from the Midwest and of course, right here in Des Moines
LSI Global Greens Farm Tour
- Saturday, September 25
- Valley Community Center, 4444 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Ever wonder where the magic takes place for the majority of the Global Greens farmers? Now is your chance to find out! Join LSI on a guided tour of the Global Greens Farm for a chance to learn more about our program, the farmers, and their produce. The tour is FREE!
Tit’s Up at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Saturday, September 25, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. shows
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Every night is a good night to visit Teehee’s, but it’s extra special when Coral Thede is on the stage with her best-selling show, Tit’s Up! Inspired by the quick-witted and colorful world of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Tits Up! will lift your spirits. It’s a night of sought after stand-up from new talent and esteemed performers alike.
Sunday, September 25
Spritz + Sun Salutations at Yoga Admirer
- Sunday, September 25, 11:30 a.m.
- Secret Admirer, 110 Southwest 5th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
What better way to start your Sunday than with a few rounds of sun salutations, spritzes, and Bloody Marys. Secret Admirer is hosting this all-levels lead class on their patio, overlooking the downtown skyline, at 11:30 a.m. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early to grab your spot. Your ticket includes a cocktail to enjoy after class; choose between a souped-up Bloody Mary or our go-to Aperol Spritz. If you haven’t been to Secret Admirer yet, this is your chance!
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.
