Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, August 22-24. 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.
Friday, August 22
- Friday, August 22 – Sunday, August 24
- Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
And so continues our annual food festival lineup, and it’s absolutely near the top of the list. It’s a great reason to browse through the familiar streets to eat VERY good food when it’s all together in one place. The vendor list represents 25 countries!
25 Years of Community Access Program Celebration at the Des Moines Art Center
- Friday, August 22 – Sunday, August 24
- Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Join the Des Moines Art Center’s Community Access Program to celebrate 25 years of awesome programming! Enjoy no-cost art activities all weekend, including a Community Access Teaching Artist Exhibition + Opening Reception on Friday, Community Access Teaching Artist Demonstrations and Art Activities on Saturday, and a THREADS Dance Performance + Reception on Sunday.
Friday Concert Series at Confluence Brewing
- Friday, August 22, 6 – 9 p.m.
- Confluence Brewing, 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
Ready for good beer and to take advantage of the good weather? This summer, Confluence Brewing is offering a FREE concert series featuring some of our favorite local artists. Enjoy drinks from the bar and food from Peggy O’s while listening to the musical talents of Bittersweet Nation!
Movie in the Park at Gray’s Lake Park
- Friday, August 22, 6:30 p.m.
- Gray’s Lake Park, 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315
Cross that last item off your summer bucket list and enjoy an outdoor movie! Moana 2 is playing on the big screen at Gray’s Lake Park. Admission is free, but bring your own blanket, chairs, and snacks.
 Saturday, August 23
Ingersoll LIVE 2025
- Saturday, August 23, 3 – 10 p.m.
- 2800 Block of Ingersoll Avenue
Check out the most fun block party on our favorite street! Ingersoll LIVE, presented by Bankers Trust, is the ultimate neighborhood block party featuring two stages of live music, family-friendly entertainment, food trucks and community vendors. All entertainment and activities are free and open to the public.Â
The Boho Vase’s Grand Opening in Valley Junction!
- Saturday, August 23, 10-4 p.m.Â
- The Boho Vase, 120 5th St Suite A, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
The owner of The Candle Bar, Maria, is now bringing her original store – The Boho Vase – to the Valley Junction too! This dried floral bar and overall cutie shop. We’re so excited to see The Boho Vase back open and can’t wait to see the space for ourselves.
Downtown Farmers Market
- Saturday, August 23, 7 a.m. – Noon
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
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 summer to see some of our absolute favorite small business owners from around the metro.
Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus Hot Cakes ‘n Sausage
- Saturday, August 23, 11 a.m.
- The Garden DSM, 525 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Paws & Pints “21 in Dog Years” Birthday Bash
- Saturday, August 23, 10 a.m.
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Paws & Pints is turning 3! If you’re a regular or just want to pop in with your four-legged friend, check out their all day specials and pop-ups.Â
Iowa Wine and Cider Festival at Jasper Winery
- Saturday, August 23, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway Des Moines, IA 50321
Just a few tickets remain for the 2025 Iowa Wine and Cider Festival! A $50 ticket to the second annual festival includes unlimited wine and cider samples, a complimentary tasting glass, live music, local vendors, and so much more! Tickets are selling fast, so jump on this one quickly!
- Saturday, August 23 | 1:00 pm
- Free; no reservations required.
Join our 2025 Iowa Artist Ben Millett and Des Moines Art Center Senior Curator Laura Burkhalter for a gallery talk about Millett’s solo exhibition on view in the lower Richard Meier galleries. Learn more about the exhibition and hear from Millett about his process and practice.
Sunday, August 24
Southside Sunday Market
- Sunday, August 24, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Southridge Mall, 1111 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines
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Exile Book Fair at Exile Brewery
- Sunday, August 24, Noon – 4 p.m.
- Exile Brewery, 1514 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Calling all DSMG readers! Exile Brewery is hosting its first ever book fair in collaboration with Wandering Raccoon Books, Red Door Press, and Glitter Factory DSM. Enjoy books, swap recs, and drink a beer during ALL DAY happy hour! Stick around for live music after the event.
2 FOR 1 Comedy Tickets in Ankeny – August 29 & 30
Let’s have a good laugh in Ankeny, shall we? Get your tickets 2 for 1 for a limited time.
