Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, August 15-17. 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 15
- August 15-16
- The Shop, 901 Cherry St, Des Moines, IA 50309
We all want to know who we can trust in the media these days. Next weekend, The Lyceum Movement is hosting the third annual Des Moines Festival of Ideas, a celebration of thought and culture for the whole community. The only event of it’s kind in the Midwest, the Festival will feature speakers from The Atlantic, The Dispatch, Aspen Institute, Iowa State, and more, to explore great ideas with beer and food. Check out the full lineup at the link below. See ya there!
Iowa State Fair
- Today – Sunday, August 17
- Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50317
It’s that time of year again! Head down to the Iowa State Fairgrounds for one of the best state fairs in the country! We know it can be overwhelming, so of course we have a guide for it 🙂
Iowa Indie Bookshop Tour
- Today – September 30
- Participating Locations Here
Now through September 30, have a hot reading girl summer and complete the Iowa Indie Bookshop Tour! See the state and visit over 40 participating indie bookshop locations for a chance to win BIG. Plus, the more stops you make, the more entries you get into special prize drawings.
Friday Concert Series at Confluence Brewing
- Friday, August 15, 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 and food from the bar while listening to the musical talents of local artists!
Pottery and Tarot at Five Monkeys Inc
- Saturday, August 15, 6 p.m.
- Five Monkeys Inc, 131 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
No weekend plans? Head to Five Monkeys Inc for a pottery and tarot event! Tickets include a tarot reading and $20 credit toward a project of your choice!
Movie in the Park at Evelyn K. Davis Park
- Friday, August 15, 6:30 p.m.
- Evelyn K Davis Park, 1400 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Cross that last item off your summer bucket list and enjoy an outdoor movie! Inside Out 2 is playing on the big screen in Evelyn K. Davis Park. Admission is free, but bring your own blanket, chairs, and snacks.
Saturday, August 16
Downtown Farmers Market
- Saturday, August 16, 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.
FREE: Museum Highlights Tour at Des Moines Art Center
- Saturday, August 16, 1:00 pm Free; no reservations required.
- Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Discover the vast variety of the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collections during our Museum Highlights Tour. This tour offers a unique journey through our galleries, featuring a selection of timeless paintings, sculptures, and more.
Roll Out at Brenton Skating Plaza
- Saturday, August 16, 6 – 10 p.m.
- Brenton Skating Plaza, 520 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
Every 3rd Saturday through September, 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.
Bouquet EP Release Party at xBk Live
- Saturday, August 16, 7 p.m.
- xBk Live, 1159 24th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
Feel In Color with an EP release party with Bouquet at xBk Live! “Mixing urgent heartfelt vocals driven by ambient guitars and drums, Bouquet holds steadfast to themselves by confidently speaking on love, loss, and mental illness with a poignant sincerity. Bouquet offers a refreshing energy in a busy landscape saturated with artists reluctant to challenge the status quo and possess an aura entirely their own.”
Southside Sunday Market
- Sunday, August 17, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Southridge Mall, 1111 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines
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Sculpted Soiree at Rive Pilates
- Sunday, August 17, 10 a.m.
- Rive Pilates, 106 SW 7th St Suite B105, Des Moines, IA 50309
You’re invited to the Pilates part and a morning of intentional movement and elevated shopping. Mat Pilates starts at 10 a.m. with shopping to follow. Enjoy a live DJ set while you shop! Tickets are limited, so get your spot ASAP!
Vintage Market & Club Cafe at Raygun
- Sunday, August 17, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Raygun, 505 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Books & Brew at Vibrant Coffeehouse
- Saturday, August 17, 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!
Grill Out Chill Out at The Good Butcher & Cheese Bar
- Sunday, August 17, 4 p.m.
- The Good Butcher & Cheese Bar, 555 17th St Ste 103, Des Moines, IA 50309
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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.
