Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, September 19-21. 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, September 19
Beaverdale Fall Festival
- Friday, September 12, 7 p.m.
- 4023 Urbandale Ave. #13254, Des Moines, IA 50310
Fall is finally here! Welcome the new season with open arms at the longstanding Beaverdale Fall Festival! The celebration will include food, music, a parade, carnival, games, and so much more. New to the area and want to hit all the highlights at the festival? Check out our Beaverdale Neighborhood Guide here.
Fall Festival Sale at Adorn
- Friday, September 19, 3 – 6 p.m. and Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Adorn DSM, 2606 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
In conjunction with the Beaverdale Fall Festival, Adorn DSM is having a Fall Festival SALE this weekend! Take note of the shortened hours to take advantage of these awesome fall deals!
- Friday, September 19, 7 p.m.
- Historic East Village, Between Porchlight and DSM Street Collective
The East Village just got even cooler. This Friday, check out the first ever Art in the Alley! This is the perfect opportunity to showcase talented artist and makers and check out what our local artists have been up to lately. Food, drink, and even tarot readings will be available for purchase!
Oktoberfest at Des Moines Biergarten
- Friday, September 19 – Sunday, September 21
- Des Moines Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Celebrate the season at Oktoberfest at the Des Moines Biergarten! From 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., enjoy great beer, live music, incredible food, and entertainment for everyone all weekend long! Check out the full schedule of events here.
 Saturday, September 20
Downtown Farmers Market
- Saturday, September 20, 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.
- Saturday, September 20, 8 a.m.
- Rose Farmstead, 7197 43rd Avenue, Norwalk, Iowa 50211
Find your zen in the great outdoors overlooking the beautiful gardens at Rose Farm! Powerlife will lead an all-levels class at 8 a.m. – just bring your mat, water bottle, and a friend! Stay after for VIP access to The Shoppe and a half-price bucket of flowers after class!
- Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Dallas County Fairgrounds, 28057 Fairground Rd, Adel, IA 50003
Embrace the changing seasons with one of our favorite fall activities: vintage shopping (but make it local)! Get your ticket to the Vintage and Made Fair, featuring over 150 vendors selling handmade and vintage goods, food, and drink. Admission is $10 at the door.
- Saturday, September 20, 2 p.m.
- xBk Annex, 1159 24th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
Have you been staring at the sewing machine you bought off of Facebook Marketplace with no idea how to get started? xBk has you covered! Sign up for their beginner sewing class to learn all the basics. Bring your own sewing machine, and xBk will provide the supplies, pattern, and instruction. Spots are limited!
- Saturday, September 20, 2:30 – 6 p.m.
- The Hub Spot, 215 Water St, Des Moines, IA 50309
“Celebrate the end of summer with the Downtown Neighborhood Association at The Hub Spot! After the market wraps up, stick around for an afternoon of food trucks, drinks, live music, games, and community fun. Whether you’re downtown every day or just stopping by, all are welcome to join this celebration of summer and city life. Come hang out, meet your neighbors, and enjoy the best of downtown Des Moines!”
Roll Out at Brenton Skating Plaza
- Saturday, September 20, 6 – 10 p.m.
- Brenton Skating Plaza, 520 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
It is the last Saturday to bring your own skates to Brenton Skating Plaza for a Funk House State Jam! Skate, dance, and vibe by the water to live DJ sets and music, breakdancing, fire dancers, pop-up art installations, and so much more.
Sunday, September 21
Plant Sound Bath at Art Terrarium
- Sunday, September 21, 11 a.m.
- Healing Lotus Massage, 3810 Ingersoll Ave Suite C, Des Moines, IA
Vinyl Market at Big Grove Brewery
- Sunday, September 21, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Join Big Grove and five local record vendors for a vinyl market on the Big Grove patio! Find old favorites, discover new ones, and enjoy the food, drinks, and vibes at Big Grove. All music lovers and vinyl enthusiasts are welcome!
Paint & Sip at Jasper Winery
- Sunday, September 21, 2- 4 p.m.
- Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Join Painting With a Twist at Jasper Winery for an afternoon of painting, wine, and fun! Class is $44, which includes two hours of instruction to paint “”Rustic Sunflower with Pumpkin,” all supplies, and a canvas that is yours to keep! While you are welcome to bring your own snacks, wine and apps will be available for purchase.
Books & Brew at Vibrant Coffeehouse
- Sunday, September 21, 2 – 5 p.m.
- Vibrant Coffeehouse, 520 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Bring your current read to Vibrant Coffeehouse on Sunday for Books & Brew and enjoy an afternoon of quiet reading, quiet music, and your favorite brew! The event is free, but space is limited and given on a first-come, first-served basis. Can’t decide on a book? Take a chance on a mystery read with Vibrant’s Blind Date with a Book selection!
