Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, August 29-31. 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 29
- Thursday, August 28 – Saturday, August 30
- Historic Valley Junction
It’s going down in Valley Junction this weekend! On Thursday, The Junction Speaks, featuring rich storytelling of the area. Friday is Jazzin’ in the Junction with performances from local artists. To top it off, Saturday is the Multicultural Street Festival with live music, food, drink, and games for everyone! Plus, the entire weekend is free!
Labor Day Weekend Patio Fest at Confluence Brewing
- Friday, August 29 – Monday, September 1
- Confluence Brewing, 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
It is a party on the patio all weekend long! Take advantage of the long weekend Friday through Monday at Confluence Brewing. No tickets required for full afternoons and evenings of live music, food, and signature brews.
The Top Off at Elevencherry Salon
- Friday, August 29, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Elevencherry Salon, 106 11th St #105, Des Moines, IA 50309
It is the last Friday of the month, so you know what that means! Stop by Elevencherry Salon for The Top Off, a monthly cocktail party to giggle, sip, and unwind. This month, sip on the Principessa di Sol, which features sun ripened raspberries, and check out permanent jewelry by Good and Golden.
Speakeasy Comedy with Matt Ross and Josh Francis
- Friday, August 29, Shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- 1159 24th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
ARL Yappy Hour at Either/Or
- Friday, August 29, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Either/Or, 6222 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Grab your pup and get ready to yap at Either/Or! Wrap up the work week with good food, great drink, and even better human and pet company. Either/Or will be serving food and drink for the humans and Frosty Paws ice cream for the pups. Don’t have a dog? No worries! Come for the vibes and to support a great cause.
Feel Good Fest at The Shop DSM
- Friday, August 29, 7 p.m. – Midnight
- The Shop DSM, 901 Cherry Street Des Moines, IA 50309
Feel Good Fest is the wellness party of the summer! Fuse movement, music, and mindfulness during a night to connect, recharge, and release. Experience sound baths, rooftop yoga and dance, DJ sets, live performances, and food truck and juice pop ups. Get your ticket ahead of time or RSVP at the door!
Movies on the Yard at Johnston Town Center
- Friday, August 29, 7:50 p.m.
- Johnstown Town Center, 6243 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131
There are only so many of those perfect summer nights left… take advantage of them with an outdoor movie! Wicked is playing on the big screen at Johnston Town Center. Admission is free, but bring your own blanket, chairs, and snacks.
Garden Party and Drag Show at The Garden DSM
- Friday, August 29, 10 p.m.
- The Garden DSM, 525 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Close out the summer with a night of epic drag and midnight karaoke! Enjoy the talents of Dominique Cass, Romeo DeMornay Sanchez, Peaches Diamond, Jade Knight, and Ava Tremaine Cass. No cover on Friday, and food will be served until closing. Secure your spot while tickets last!
 Saturday, August 30
Downtown Farmers Market
- Saturday, August 30, 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, August 30, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
“A floating garden is the perfect way to add some green and interest to your home. Kokedama is a unique gardening style from Japan that allows people to create a garden outside of a pot! This is a preregistered, self-guided activity that does not include admission. Price is per project. Add an admission ticket to your purchase to enjoy the beauty of the Botanical Garden before or after making your Kokedama. Registration required. $10 per project.”
- Saturday, August 30, 5 p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Football season is here! For all our Hawkeye fans, Big Grove Brewery is hosting a watch party for all the loud and proud black and gold fans! Enjoy game day food and drink specials, including buckets of Limited Edition RAGBRAI Neighborhood Beer and Squeeze Hard Seltzers. Kickoff is at 5 p.m., but get there early to snag a spot!
GRAND OPENING: Salon Bounce
- Saturday, August 23 | 1:00 pm
- Free; no reservations required.
“Born from a need for better curls, Salon Bounce is where curl artistry meets hair rebellion. Whether you’re bouncing back from a bad cut, bouncing into your bold era, or just need a place that gets it, we got you.” And they open on August 30 at 7 p.m. with hair care deals, merch specials, photo shoots, and sips and bites!
Decades: Back to the 80s Concert at Water Works Park
- Saturday, August 30, 7:30 p
- Des Moines Water Works Amphitheatre, Des Moines, IA 50321
It is totally 80s this Saturday night at Water Works Park! Join the Symphony for a free, family-friendly performance of all your 80sfavorites. Costumes are encouraged, and the funkiest fits will win the Dressed to the Decades Costume Contest!
Sunday, August 30
Jac Fest at xBk Live
- Sunday, August 31, 2 p.m. Doors, 3 p.m. Show
- xBk Live, 1159 24th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
“Jac Fest featuring music by Ramona and the Sometimes and Odd Pets, plus raffles, limbo contest, and good times! All are welcome! All funds go to our dear Jac, who is currently working very hard to get rid of brain cancer.” Tickets are $20 plus fees!
Disco Divas: Back to the 70s Concert at Water Works Park
- Sunday, August 31, 7:30 p.m.
- Des Moines Water Works Amphitheatre, Des Moines, IA 50321
Enjoyed the 80s performance on Saturday night? Put on your platform shoes and get ready for Disco Divas: Back to the 70s on Sunday Night! Join the Symphony for a free, family-friendly performance of all your 70s favorites. Costumes are encouraged, and the grooviest fits will win the Dressed to the Decades Costume Contest!
