Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, August 12-14. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you. Looking for live music this weekend? We’ve got a separate guide for that. Click here to check it out.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Friday, August 12
- Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50317
- Thursday, August 11 – Sunday, August 21
Somehow it’s that time of year again – time for a bucket of cookies! Whether you’re looking for music or food, the Iowa State Fair has it this weekend. Check out their entertainment calendar to see the hundreds of acts taking stage. From purchasing tickets to see a big name or stopping for a free show at the Iowa Craft Beer Tent, this is where the majority of the live music scene will be for the next ten days or so!
Iowa Arts Summit at Mainframe Studios
- In Person Event on Friday, August 12
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
Are you an artist, creative, or community leader? Make sure to register for this if you haven’t already! “The biennial Iowa Arts Summit brings together creatives, nonprofit professionals and community leaders for a day of networking, learning and celebrating the arts in Iowa. Hear from Iowa’s most creative minds to learn how they are transforming their organizations and communities, and learn about the integral role creatives play in community development and explore ways of strengthening support systems for Iowa’s creative workforce. The three-day program features inspirational virtual sessions from leading state and national voices in the arts Aug. 10-11 and culminates in an in-person, collaborative conference and workshop on Aug. 12 at Mainframe Studios in Des Moines.”
GRAND OPENING Thistle’s Summit Gluten Free Goodies in THE COLLECTIVE’s old space
- Friday, August 12, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. AND Saturday, August 13, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Thistle’s Summit, 340 SW 5th St #122, Des Moines, IA 50309
We’re so excited that Thistle’s Summit has opened its brick and mortar space where THE COLLECTIVE used to live. We profiled Marti + Ash’s story in creating Thistle’s Summit in a Behind The Biz article here. TLDR: It’s an amazing gluten free, vegan bakery that you should DEFINITELY try. Furry friends are more than welcome. They are encouraged. Daily giveaways will be taking place as well! Click on the link below for details.
Iowa Cubs Games
- Games all weekend!
- Principal Park, 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Iowa Cubs are back in season and in town so expect fireworks Friday night. Grab tickets to watch them take on the Louisville Bats on Friday, Saturday or Sunday!
NOW OPEN: Big Grove Brewery Taproom in Des Moines
- Fridays: 3 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- Saturdays: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.
- Sundays: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- 555 17th St., Des Moines, IA, 50309
The doors are open! Go check out this popular brewery’s new taproom nestled in between Sherman Hill and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Leave yourself extra time as it was POPPIN’ all of last weekend and there may be a wait.
LIMITED SPOTS LEFT: Sunset Stand Up Paddleboarding at Easter Lake
- Sunset paddles available on Friday evenings; classes available all weekend!
- 2830 Easter Lake Dr, Des Moines, IA 50320
There’s only a few more weekends and a few more spots left this season! How about paddle boarding on Easter Lake? You have your choice of an intro to paddle boarding class or a stand up paddle boarding yoga class! We love to go at sunset when the weather is nice. Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga uses specialized yoga paddleboards for a new challenge to your practice and connects you with nature, all leading to a sweet floating savasana. Not ready to try SUP Yoga? More interested in just paddling around? Choose their intro long class for the paddling basics and a leisurely paddle around the lake. It’s a great way to use $20!
-
Friday, August 12, and Saturday, August 13, shows: 7 p.m. and 9-9:30 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
“On Friday, Teehee’s is getting occupied by some of the best comedians from the other side of the river. Recruited straight from Chicago, this comedic force will be one you won’t soon forget. Saturday brings AJ Grill. An Iowa native, AJ won the 2016 Penguins Comedy Club’s “Funniest Person in Iowa” competition. Since then, he has performed all over the country in clubs, colleges, and DIY venues. AJ is a regular at the Milwaukee Improv and has been selected to perform in numerous comedy festivals throughout the country.”
Saturday, August 13
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, August 13, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
It’s supposed to be HOT this Saturday so get down to the farmers’ market and show your support early. New here? The Downtown Farmers’ 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!
Heart of Des Moines Farmers Market
- Saturday, August 13, 4-7 p.m.
- 6th and Washington, Des Moines, IA, 50314
Have you heard of this farmers’ market? It takes place on the second Saturday of each month. Described as, “Women and neighbors on a mission to bring healthy food, opportunity, and joy to the River Bend neighborhood we love”, don’t miss the opportunity to swing by on the North Side. Vendors this Saturday include: Sweet Tooth Farm, The Afterthoughts LLC, Cake It Away Baby, Des Moines Finest Honey, Do the Math 24/7, Duck Eggs DSM, and many more!
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, August 13, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- 3200 University Ave, Des Moines, IA (near Drake University)
Another extremely important market to hit up – especially if you’re near the Drake neighborhood! Shop for delicious locally-grown produce for you and your family while supporting new Iowans who have a passion for farming! Global Greens Farmers’ Market serves as a platform for former refugees to sell their produce and bolster their small farming businesses. Hosted by Lutheran Services of Iowa.
Yoga in the Park
- Saturday, August 13, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- Southeast Lawn, Gray’s Lake Park, 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315
The 2022 Yoga in the Park season is on! Join a local yoga instructor at 9 a.m. on the southeast lawn at Gray’s Lake Park for a practice for all skill levels. Classes will not be held in the event of rain.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: Little Artists Storytime with Betty Walker Studio
- Saturday, August 13, 11 a.m.
- Storyhouse Bookpub, 505 E Grand Ave Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309
If you’ve been into Storyhouse Bookpub, you might have wondered who the artist behind the amazing bear between the bookcases is. It’s Betty Walker! She’ll be down at the Bookpub this Saturday morning making stamp art outside. Don’t miss it!
River Run Garbage Grab 2022
-
Saturday, August 13, 8 a.m.
-
From Saylorville to Yellow Banks Park, click here for site information.
Pots & Shots Goes Back To School
- Saturday, August 13, 12 – 3 p.m.
- Sunday, August 14, 12 -3 p.m.
- Pots and Shots, 9500 University Ave. Suite 1101 West Des Moines, IA 50266
Out in the Western suburbs? This one’s for you. This plant shop + cocktail bar fusion is hosting take-and-go event featuring Cake Creations by Alexis where they will have various plant + cocktail gift baskets available for $29.99, as well as an assortment of cheesecake options for purchase. Perfect for a back to school gift for the teacher in your life!
Des Moines’ Philosophical Barbecue: Finding Calm in Troubled Times
- Saturday, August 13, 5-7 p.m.
- Fort Des Moines Park, 7200 Southeast 5th Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
Anybody else read and love The Daily Stoic? We are! The teachings of one stoic, Marcus Aurelius, still resonates today. If you are interested in philosophy, if you are a lifelong learner, if you are a human being, there’s something in Marcus Aurelius for you. Join Des Moines Lyceum’s first annual Philosophical BBQ for burgers, brats, beer, and wisdom. Tickets are $20 and include dinner!
Sunday, August 14
- Sunday, August 14, 9-10 a.m.
- Cowles Commons, 300 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
We love the summer yoga options around Downtown Des Moines! Des Moines Performing Arts is offering Yoga on the Commons every Sunday morning at Cowles Commons. Each week’s practice will be held by a different instructor. Classes will be offered as a free-will donation, with all proceeds benefiting Des Moines Performing Arts.
VegLife Des Moines’ Vegan Summer Market
- Sunday, August 14, 12 – 3 p.m.
- Cowles Commons, 300 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Sunday, August 14, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Lucky Gal Tattoo, 1800 NW 86th St, Suite 9, Clive IA
- Creative Images, 2649 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
TWO LOCATIONS! Did you need a sign to get that new tattoo? This is it. Des Moines area mutual aid organizations are coming together for a fundraiser on Sunday at two tattoo parlors – one in Clive and one in Beaverdale. All tips and profits will be split between local mutual groups: The Supply Hive, Des Moines BLM, Des Moines Mutual Aid and Iowa Trans Mutual Aid.
Fuzzy’s Comedy Open Mic
- Sunday, August 14, 6:00 p.m. sign up, Show starts at 7 p.m.
-
300 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, #120, Des Moines, IA 50309
Every Sunday night Fuzzy’s hosts a comedy open mic night. Sign up starts at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. There will be food and drink specials all night with participating comics winning Fuzzy’s gift certificates. This event is free, and all are welcome!
