Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, October 3-5. 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, October 3
Windsor Heights Fall Festival
- Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4
- Colby Park, 6900 School St, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
It is time for the Annual Windsor Heights Fall Festival! This free festival has something for everyone, including a run, pancake breakfast, fireworks, live music, a parade, and so much more! Click here for the full schedule of events. You won’t want to miss a single thing!
First Friday at Mainframe Studios
- Friday, October 3, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keo Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
It is the first Friday of the month, and you know what that means: First Friday at Mainframe Studios! This month, experience “Pen & Ink”, an exhibition curated by Iowa artist Maddy Fusco. This exhibition showcases the multimedia work of 46 central Iowa artists and the ways in which they transform simple lines into intricate art and expressive sketches.
- Friday, October 3, 6:20 p.m.
- Colby Park, 6900 School St, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
It might be the last nice weekend of the season, so enjoy it with an outdoor movie! Get a little spooky with The Nightmare Before Christmas playing on the big screen at Colby Park. Admission is free, but bring your own blanket, chairs, and snacks (and hang out to enjoy the rest of the Windsor Heights Fall Fest!).
Listening Party at Nightmare on Ingersoll
- Friday, October 3, 7-9 p.m.
- The Station on Ingersoll, 3124 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Put on your favorite Taylor Swift fit and enjoy themed drinks, great food, and fun photo ops all while listening to The Life of a Showgirl at one of Des Moines’ favorite Halloween pop-up bars!
Swiftie Inspired Piercing Pop Up at Shelf Love DSM
- Friday, October 3, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- 2326 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Listen to The Life of a Showgirl throughout the day and get a new piercing from The Whimsical Peony at Shelf Love DSM in the Drake neighborhood. Can’t make it Friday? Enjoy an entire weekend of Taylor-themed events all weekend long!
Rewind: The Ultimate 2000s Night at Wooly’s
- Friday, October 3, 8 p.m.
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
It is the ultimate 2000s night at Wooly’s. Do we need to say more???
 Saturday, October 4
October Flea Market at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
- Saturday, September 6, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Iowa State Fairgrounds 4H Building, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
Looking for a fun Saturday or Sunday activity? Take a stroll through the September Flea Market in the 4H Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds! Admission and parking are free, so take your time browsing the antiques, merchandise, and more!
Downtown Farmers Market
- Saturday, September 27, 8 a.m. – Noon
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
The Market season is winding down! For one more month, enjoy the 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.
 Candle Bar DSM Candle Making & Listening Party
- Saturday, October 4, 8-10 a.m.
- Candle Bar DSM, 130 5th St Suite A, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Candle Bar DSM is providing a relaxing listening event where you get to make your own candle! You can take cute photos with their Taylor themed backdrop, enjoy a mocktail or mimosa with some goodies from Sugarcoated DSM!
Vintage in the Valley
- Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Des Moines Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Refresh your fall wardrobe with a sustainable, pre-loved vintage sale! Vendors from all over will be in Water Works Park with a variety of vintage items to peruse. Are you a vendor? Spots are still available!
- Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Des Moines Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Held in conjunction with Vintage in the Valley, Harvest and Handmade will also be at Water Works Park! Make the most of this family-friendly event with vintage and handmade vendors, local artists, live music, food, fall activities, and more! A $5 donation to the Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation is suggested to enjoy everything this event has to offer.
- Saturday, October 4, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Confluence Brewing, 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
Head on out to Confluence Brewing for the annual Confluence Oktoberfest! This full day of themed activities includes Oktoberfest wooden cask tapping, a stein holding contest, live music, and food from Peggy-O’s. This is one you won’t want to miss!
- Saturday, October 4, 3 – 7 p.m.
- Rose Farm, 7197 43rd Ave, Norwalk, IA 50211
The leaves are changing and Rose Farm is fully embracing it! Celebrate the change of the seasons with food, drinks, pumpkin painting, and live music. All ticket-holders will receive a fall harvest charcuterie picnic box and welcome cocktail. Get your tickets!
Sunday, October 5
Super Spooky Flea Market at Captain Roy’s
- Sunday, October 5, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Captain Roy’s, 2009 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313
Autumnal Artisan Market at Surety Hotel
- Sunday, October 5, 1 – 5 p.m.
- Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
It is the weekend of markets! Surety Hotel will host eclectic mix of makers, art, music, and more. Shop local, jam out to live music, and sip and snack around the space. Plus, if you support a vendor, you’ll also receive a discount on food & beverage from Mulberry Street Tavern!
Showtune Sundays at The Blazing Saddle
- Sunday, October 5, 2 – 6 p.m.
- The Blazing Saddle, 416 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
The first Sunday of every month is SHOWTUNE SUNDAYS at The Legendary Blazing Saddle, hosted by the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus. $15 beer bust gets you all you can drink draft beer, and all proceeds benefit the DMGMC and the mission of singing music that matters.
The Fall Drop at Sleepy Hollow
- Sunday, October 5, 2 – 6 p.m.
- Sleepy Hollow, 4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
The Jonas Brothers at Casey’s Center
- Sunday, October 5, 7:30 p.m.
- Casey’s Center, 233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309
