Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, October 6 – October 8. 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, October 6

  • October 4-7
  • Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

 50 comedians from around the country coming to Teehee’s to make the masses of Des Moines laugh this week! series of showcases and headliner shows featuring Sam Tallent and Kristen Toomey!


  • Friday, October 6 – Saturday, October 7, times vary
  • Windsor Heights Fall Fest, Colby Park, 6900 School St, Windsor Heights, IA 50324

Kick off the fall season with Windsor Heights’ Fall Fest. With so many events (we’ll let the graphic do the talking), this is a perfect chance to experience festivities with family, friends, S.Os., co-workers and more. Depending on the event, times vary so we recommend check out their website for all the details.


  • Friday, October 6, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Mainframe Studios, 900 Keo Way, Des Moines, IA 50309

Every First Friday event is free and open to the public, featuring a theme that provides an opportunity to experience the extensive variety culture and forms of creative expression that exists in our community. This month, Mainframe is celebrating the art of growth and recovery. Whether you’re an artist or not, enjoy the wonder of local artistic talent across the Des Moines metro. 


  • Friday, October 6 and Saturday, October 7, 7 p.m. – midnight
  • Creme, 543 28th St, Des Moines, IA 50312

We couldn’t love Midnight Munchies more. So excited to see this late night dessert bar option with great sweets and drinks perfect for a date or date with yourself night. We also love Creme in the daytime for a quick break, loading up on local sweets, or sending some quick emails.


  • Wednesday, October 4  – Sunday, October 8, Noon – 9 p.m. 
  • Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321

Did you know Des Moines has a seasonal outdoor beer garden? It’s open Wednesday through Sunday, all through the Fall season. Willkommen im Des Moines Biergarten! Set among the mature trees of Water Works Park, Des Moines Biergarten is a family-friendly popup German-themed beer garden offering steins of beer and German inspired eats.


  • Friday, October 6, 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Gravitate Coworking, 500 Locust Street Des Moines, IA 50309

Lots of events for artists this weekend! If you’re familiar with Timothy Immel’s work, or simply enjoy supporting local artists- then you’ll want to check out the opening night of Immel’s art exhibition. Admission is free, but RSVP is encouraged! Peruse large acrylic paintings and various mediums while you sip on beer or wine. Meet other like-minded people and explore the Gravitate’s newest artists on showcase.


Saturday, October 7


 Downtown Farmers’ Market 

  • Saturday, October 7, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
  • Des Moines’ Historic Court District

Your LAST MONTH you can get a taste of the DSM Farmer’s Market! 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 feels especially huge since it was limited to the pandemic and it’s back to full size. 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.


Iowa State Fair Flea Market

  • Saturday, October 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • 4-H Exhibits Building, East 30th Street and East University Avenue Des Moines, IA 50317

If you’re like us and experiencing Iowa State Fair withdrawals, then you won’t want to miss the flea market! Featuring vintage goods, home decor, collectibles, bags, and more- new vendors and merchandise are being added to this event every month, once a month. Get a head start on your holiday shopping with the Iowa State Fair flea market.


Global Greens Farmers’ Market

  • Saturday, October 7, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 
  • 1907 Carpenter Ave (at MLK Parkway) in the parking lot of @polkcohealth.

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.


DUG Unplugged

  • Saturday, October 7, doors open at 5:30 p.m., show at 6:30 p.m.
  • Dogpatch Urban Gardens, 5085 Meredith Dr, Des Moines, IA 50310

Set up as a “listening show”, get ready for some R&R at Dogpatch this weekend with musicians Sara Routh and D. Smith. Non-alcoholic refreshments will be provided, but you can also BYOB and snacks! Enjoy the urban gardens of Dogpatch and sit back and relax with live music in what looks to be a cool, fall evening. 


Heartland Bazaar Vintage Clothing Market

  • Saturday, October 7, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Heartland Bazaar Vintage Market, 4211 Chamberlain Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312
 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Heartland Bazaar (@heartlandbazaar)


  • Saturday, October 7, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Park Fair Mall, 100 E Euclid. #107

“We enthusiastically welcome trans, non-binary, queer folks and our affirming friends of all ages, races, sizes, and abilities to explore/find clothing that is gender-affirming and brings joy. Join us in creating a fun, loving, and judgment-free shopping space.” Join Common Love DSM for a shopping pop-up experience that is a mutual aid project created to be free for those who wish to participate. They are also accepting financial donations for those who are able, and will go back to purchasing items for folks in the future!


Autumn Welcome Tea + Vintage PopUp

  • Saturday, October 7, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Des Moines Mercantile, 3707 6th Avenue Des Moines, IA 50313

Ring in the fall season and sip on a cup of tea from Red Dragon Herbs & Teas while you wander around for collectibles, goods, and so much more. Your neighborhood general store is hosting this autumnal event with a popup from GLDN Goods. Adorn your coziest sweater and head over to Des Moines Mercantile this weekend! You never know what you might find. 


Olio Oddities: Grand Opening

  • Saturday, October 7, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Thistles Summit Bakery (Loft), 340 SW 5th St #122, Des Moines, IA 50309
If you’re someone who LOVES weird stuff, adorns their kitchen with eccentric vintage items, or perhaps you have a shelf of silly wonders- Olio Oddities is your home decor go-to! This collab is meant for people a lil more on the weirder side, a collection of home goods and accessories that are sure to be a conversation starter. Attend their grand opening this weekend in the loft of Thistle Summit downtown, and be sure to give them a follow on Insta for all the updates!

Sunday, October 8


Vintage Market at Captain Roy’s

  • Sunday, October 8, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Captain Roy’s, 1900 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313
 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Captain Roy (@captroys)


The Boho Vase’s 1-Year Birthday Celebration

  • Sunday, October 8, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • The Boho Vase, 221 SW 3rd St Ankeny, IA 50023

Celebrate with Boho Vase with their 1-Year Birthday Celebration of their brick + mortar in Ankeny! This locally-owned business has been bringing color to the DSM metro and is hosting a party with vendors from vintage and clothing pop-ups to sweet treats and coffee. Check out their store, grab some goodies, and even take part in a tarot card reading. While you’re there, make sure to head over and visit the other small businesses in the area!


Autumn Pike: Chichaqua Bottoms

  • Sunday, October 8, 10 a.m.
  • Wander Women Autumn Pikes, Chichaqua Bottoms, 8700 NE 126th Ave, Maxwell, IA 50161

“What do you get when you combine the two best things in the world, pies and hikes? Pikes! Join Wander Women and Pie Bird Pies on the tastiest collaboration nature’s ever seen as we wander through our favorite parks in Central Iowa and enjoy Des Moines’ best pies!” Pies + Hikes = <3 Need we say more? Wander Women is hosting their latest pike at Chichaqua Bottoms this Sunday! 


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