Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, July 11-13. 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, July 11
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, July 11, 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 Peggy O’s food trunk while listening to the musical talents of Iowa musicians!
Saturday, July 12
Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, July 12, 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.
Christmas in July at the Des Moines Biergarten
- Saturday, July 12, Noon – 7 p.m.
- Des Moines Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
It’s Christmas in July! Embrace the holiday spirit in the balmy (and humid) Iowa summer heat. Enjoy brews from the bar, live music, games, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Pupchella at Paws and Pints
- Saturday, July 12, 3 – 6 p.m.
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Maybe you missed Coachella a while back… but have no fear! Paws & Pints has you and your furry friend covered. Get ready for the ultimate backyard carnival paw-ty with foam, live music, dog games, a photo booth, special drinks, and so much more!
Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser at the Wellmark YMCA
- Saturday, July 12, 3:45 p.m.
- Wellmark YMCA, 501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Orchard Place Moonlight Classic
- Saturday, July 12, Party at 7:30 p.m., Ride at 9:30 p.m.
- The Iowa Taproom, 215 E 3rd St #100, Des Moines, IA 50309
This is the 14th Annual Moonlight Classic! Join this one-of-a-kind nighttime bike ride through downtown Des Moines and through trails. Get there early to participate in contests with prizes for best costume, biggest team, and brightest bike and helmet lights. All proceeds will support the work of Orchard Place. Register online or day-of!
Buy-Back & Book Swap Days at Storyhouse Book Pub
- Sunday, July 13, 10 a.m. – Noon
- Storyhouse Book Pub, 505 East. Grand Avenue, Suite #102, Des Moines, IA
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Southside Sunday Market
- Sunday, July 13, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- 1111 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
Shop small and support your local Southside vendors and creators at the Southside Sunday Market! This opening weekend, get your local produce, homemade baked goods, art, and a bite to eat from your choice of over 30 vendors!
Free Patio Yoga at Big Grove Brewery
- Sunday, July 13, 10 a.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Every Sunday from June through July, start your day at Big Grove with a free and gentle restorative yoga class! This flow is open to all ages and all skill levels, so grab your mat and a friend and start your Sunday off right!
Rip the Aves Bike Race and Street Running
- Sunday, July 13
- 2716 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
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Cats N’ Mats Yoga at the Animal Rescue League
- Sunday, July 13, 9 – 10 a.m.
- Animal Rescue League Main Auditorium, 5452 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50313
Where are all of the Des Moines Girl cat lovers? You won’t want to miss Cats n’ Mats Yoga at the ARL this Sunday! For just $15, enjoy a yoga class with adoptable kittens and sip on a complimentary “meow”-mosa while you look for a new furr-ever friend!
Northside Market
- Sunday, July 13, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Highland Park Business District
Sleep in on Sunday morning and spend the rest of the day at the Northside Market! This market will celebrate and uplift the creations of local vendors.
Books & Brew at Vibrant Coffeehouse
- Sunday, July 13, 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!
NO RSVP REQUIRED: Rooftop Amor Finale Watch Party
- Sunday, July 13, 7-9 p.m.
- Republic On Grand, 401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309
Big finale energy💥 We’re recoupling with The Republic on Grand for a Love Island USA Finale Watch Party on Sunday, July 13—and it’s giving all the villa vibes. 🌴💫
We’ve got:
🍹Signature cocktails
☀Bombshell rooftop views
🥗 Food that’s 100% your type on paper
Whether you’ve been loyal since day one or just here for the chaos, this is the night to gather the group chat and settle in. Show starts at 7:30 PM, but arrive early to grab a seat and get your cocktail in hand before the drama starts 👀💅
