Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, August 19-21. 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.
Featured Image: Hidden Des Moines
Friday, August 19
- Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 East Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50317
- Friday, August 19 – 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!
DSM Restaurant Week
- August 19-28
- All around town.
Oh you haven’t heard of restaurant week? It’s only the greatest week of the year. This is the week that you get to try all the fancy new restaurants that we’ve been talking about for months, but for a pretty big deal! Some of the best local restaurants in Des Moines create a specific menu for lunch and dinner that is set a pre-determined price. Dinner ranges from $40-80 while lunches are $15-25. This is the move for all date nights through August 28.
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!
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Friday, August 19, and Saturday, August 20, shows: 7 p.m. and 9-9:30 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
We love this lineup at Teehee’s – Des Moines’ independent comedy club on Walnut Street. Of particular note is, “Who Wants to Be A Millennial?” on Saturday night. It’s exactly what you think it is. According to the website, ‘Contestants are hand-picked for their exceptionally high level of crotchetiness and are competing against each other to answer a series of multiple-choice questions related to millennials.”
Saturday, August 20
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, August 20, 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!
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, August 20, 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.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: Little Artists Storytime with Daisy Chain Coffee
- Saturday, August 20, 11 a.m.
- Storyhouse Bookpub, 505 E Grand Ave Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309
It’s World Honey Bee Day and Storyhouse is celebrating with its favorite neighborhood beekeeper, Daniel from Daisy Chain! Bring the family for honeybee stories, a learning moment with Daniel,
and honey tasting.
Pop Ups at KIN DSM: Aura Readings + Good Burt Shop
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Saturday, August 20, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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KIN DSM, 333 E Grand Ave #106, Des Moines, IA 50309
Cake Decorating Class 101 at Molly’s Cupcakes
- Saturday, August 20, 2-3:30 p.m.
- Molly’s Cupcakes, 322 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309-2015, United States
This could be a fun Saturday afternoon activity! Each class includes a beverage and a tutorial on designing your own 6-INCH cake. Choose between THREE beginner designs (taught by our staff) and take your masterpiece home. No experience is required. This a beginner’s class meant to teach the basics and provide a fun day out. This class is recommended for individuals aged 14-years-old and up. Gluten-Free and vegan options are available.
The Cave DSM’s Two Year Anniversary
- Saturday, August 20, 12-9 p.m.
- The Cave DSM, 1437 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Saturday is the two-year anniversary of The Cave DSM, the cutest natural wine shop and place to hang on Walnut St. in downtown, so come out and celebrate this milestone. @bagelaire will be there with a pizza bagel popup from 6 p.m. until closing and there is no corkage fee all day, so take this as your excuse to go hang out! Flyer art (and all of our logos/designs) by the wonderful @its_tonyleo.
- Sunday, August 21, 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.
“Sunday Best” Brunch at Willow on Grand
- Sunday, August 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Willow on Grand, 6011 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
- Sunday, August 21, 3:30 – 6 p.m.
- The Royal Mile, 210 4th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Join Smitten Singles for a date crawl! Every 45min singles will move from location to location, meeting different small groups of people along the way. At the end, everyone will gather together for continued conversation. Your $25 ticket price ($15 for SmittenSingles.com Members) covers the event planning fee and appetizers at the first and the final locations.
- Sunday, August 21, 5:30 p.m.
- Riley Park, 5300 Urbandale Ave, Des Moines, IA
Fuzzy’s Comedy Open Mic
- Sunday, August 21, 6:00 p.m. sign up, Show starts at 7 p.m.
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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!
