Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, September 16-18. 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.
Friday, September 16
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION:
Twisted Vine Brewery, 112 SE 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
World Food & Music Festival
- Friday, September 16 – Sunday, September 18
- 1205 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Another Des Moines favorite is returning this weekend with the World Food and Music Festival. It’s title pretty much speaks for itself, and you can expect a great variety of food and music all weekend. Some of the acts include Jeff & the Effects, Sharane Calister, and the Unfortunate Sons.
- Friday, September 16 – Saturday, September 17
- 4023 Urbandale Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310
Head over to Des Moines’ neighborhood gem, Beaverdale, this weekend and you’ll be sure to catch several great shows. Beaverdale’s Fall Festival will have numerous merchant and food vendors and multiple stages. Local acts include the Sons of Gladys Kravitz, Cover That!, The Maytags, Standing Hampton and much more!
U-Pick Apples at Winterset Cidery
- Friday, September 16, 1 p.m. – dusk; Saturday, Sept. 17, 1 p.m – 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 18 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Winterset Cidery, 1638 Hwy 169, Winterset, IA 50273
As cute and picturesque as it sounds! Head over to beautiful Madison County for apple picking of your favorite varieties like Honey Crisp, Ruby Mac, and Jonathan. Apple pricing is $5 per pound to eat or bake. You can also bring a photographer for those perfect Instagram shots..and ya know…just the memories.
-
Friday, Sept. 16, 7 p.m.
- Raygun’s Mezzanine, 505 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Celebrate the launch of Denise’s newest romp Do You Take this Man with Rachel, 2022’s All-Iowa Reads author for The Butterfly Effect. Plan to mingle with the authors while savoring treats from local baker, Cua’s Keki. Then, both authors will give short readings from their books and chat about their stories and the writing process before taking questions. $6 tickets!
-
Saturday, September 17, 11 a.m.
- Storyhouse Bookpub, 505 E Grand Ave Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309
On Saturday morning, head back to Storyhouse with your little ones. Join @pintsbybeth will be reading ice cream stories & sampling Beth’s First Signs of Fall Flight : 🍏 Apple Crisp, 🍪 Oatmeal Cookie Chunk & ☕️ Salted Caramel.
Back Country’s Sidewalk Sale in Beaverdale
- Friday September 16, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 9/17: 10-5 p.m.; Sunday 9/18: 12-4
- Back Country, 2702 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
We love Backcountry, Beaverdale, and the use of this meme. Stop in during the Beaverdale Fall Festival.
Jazz, Jewels, and Jeans: An Oakridge Neighborhood Fundraiser at Willow on Grand
- Friday, September 16, 6:30 – 10 p.m.
- Willow on Grand, 6011 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
Feeling philanthropic? Support Oakridge this Friday. The Oakridge Neighborhood Services provides safe, affordable housing and comprehensive wraparound programs to our shared community. The regular ticket price is $150, but young professionals (under 35) can attend for $75.The evening will feature two live jazz bands, the Nola Jazz Band and Freddy Gazzo, plus cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres. A prize pull and silent auctions of jewelry, experiences and other desired items will round out the festive event, where wearing jeans is encouraged!
Saturday, September 17
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, Sept. 17, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
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, Sept. 17, 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.
- Saturday, September 17 – Sunday, September 18, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Sleepy Hollow, 4051 Dean Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317
It’s the last weekend of the “Fall Faire” at Sleepy Hollow. Each weekend has its very own theme which changes some of the look, entertainment, and activities that there are for you to experience. This weekend is Steampunk, Pets, & Pirates. Performances begin at 11:00am so wander the grounds and check out the many vendors as you plan your day.
Fleet Feet Des Moines Free Social Run
- Fleet Feet, 521 East Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Are you a runner or a track star? Join this free 3 mile route every Saturday morning with Fleet Feet for a social jog. All levels welcome and a great way to get into the running community if you’re into that sort of thing.
DSM Biergarten Opens in Water Works
- Thursday: 2-10pm, Friday: 2-10pm, Saturday: 12-10pm, Sunday: 12-10pm
- Lauridsen Ampitheater, Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
- Thursdays – Sundays through October!
-
Saturday, September 17, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Lua Brewing, 1525 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Lua is releasing two Oktoberfest-style beers, bringing in authentic German 1 liter tankards, and throwing a huge party to mark the occasion in true München style. They’re converting the parking lot into a huge Oktoberfest tent, bringing in a stage with awesome live bands, and releasing authentic Oktoberfest food and beer. This is Lua’s largest event of the year. Admission only tickets are $5 or $18 to go home with some drinkable souvenirs.
-
Saturday, September 17, 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. (Midnight)
- The Hall, 111 S 11th Street, Suite 200, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Another great Oktoberfest-style event for you this weekend in Valley Junction. Head to The Hall for german fare, straight from Germany Oktoberfest-style beer, and costume contests. Compare, contrast, or hit up both on Saturday!
Iowa Cubs Rivalry Night
- Games all weekend! Saturday, Sept. 17, game’s first pitch is 6:08 p.m.
- Principal Park, 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
“Whether your team won or lost on the football field this weekend, catch your Iowa Cubs as they welcome back rivals of their own, the Memphis Redbirds, affiliates of the St. Louis Cardinals. Take advantage of this ✨special 24-hour offer for $5 General Admission tickets ✨to the Saturday, September 17th game against the Redbirds! First pitch is scheduled for 6:08 pm and gates will open at 5:00 pm.”
Sunday, September 18
- Sunday, Sept. 18, 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.
Plant Care for Kiddos Class with Art Terrarium
- Sunday, Sept. 18, 2-3:30 p.m.
- Art Terrarium, 106 11th St., Des Moines, IA 50309
We love Art Terrarium classes. This Sunday class is for kiddos. During this interactive and creative learning session, you and your child will explore what kinds of environments our houseplants come from and how that informs what we do to take care of them. Each participant will mix their own soil, and repot a 4” tropical or desert houseplant to take home. Registration is for a single child. Check out some of their other classes at the link below!
- Sunday, September 18, 12 – 3 p.m.
- Cowles Commons, 300 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Community Flow with Rooted Fitness
- Sunday, Sept. 18, 5:30 p.m.
- Riley Park, 5300 Urbandale Ave, Des Moines, IA
We love everything that Rooted Yoga + Fitness does and stands for, including this community yoga flow on a Sunday evening. If you’re in the Beaverdale area, go check out this class. This is a free-will donation flow, and we are asking for pantry or refrigerated items to stock the @north_dsm_community_fridge. This outdoor flow will be at Riley Park.
2022 Iowa Dog Jog with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa
- Sunday, Sept. 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Horizon Events Center, 2100 NW 100th Street, Clive, IA 50325
Here’s another fundraising opportunity for a good cause. “The Iowa Dog Jog is about bringing together animal lovers like you to a 5K walk, run, or wag for pets in need. We gather to celebrate all things dog and have a good time, but together we will fundraise to help provide food, shelter, medical care, and much more to over 10,000 pets who enter the doors of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa each year.” Check out our full dog-friendly guide at the link below.
