Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, September 12-14. 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, September 12
Author Afterparty at Storyhouse Bookpub
- Friday, September 12, 7 p.m.
- Storyhouse Bookpub, 505 E Grand Ave Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309
Ain’t no party like an (author) afterparty! Join Storyhouse Bookpub, Megan Bannen and Elise Wayland with Denise Williams to celebrate the releases of The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam and Rivals to Lovers. For $10, jump on this chance to mingle with readers and authors over drinks and dessert before a Q&A and book signing.
La Lucha es Libre Gallery at the Des Moines Public Library
- Friday, September 12, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Central Library, 1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
“The Des Moines Public Library, Latinx Immigrants of Iowa, and the Mexican Consulate of Omaha, Nebraska are partnering to present the photo exhibition of La Lucha es Libre in celebration of Latinx Heritage Month. La Lucha es Libre is an intimate look at everyday life in Tlaxcala, Mexico, as seen through the sport of lucha libre as a metaphor for identity, dignity, and resilience.” Check out the exhibit and get a first look at the opening reception this Friday! Can’t make it? The photos will be on display through the end of the month.
- Friday, September 12, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Skateland Des Moines, 5621 Meredith Dr, Des Moines, IA 50310
Three awesome things: BINGO, skating, AND arcades?? Skateland has it all this Friday. Receive three bingo cards for your group of up to four with the purchase of skating admission. Bingo will go from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., and skating and arcade games will last the entire evening. Win prizes, skate a lot, and have fun!
Pottery and Tarot at Five Monkeys Inc
- Friday, September 12, 6 p.m.
- Five Monkeys Inc, 131 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
No Friday night plans? Head to Five Monkeys Inc for a pottery and tarot event! Tickets include a tarot reading and $20 credit toward a project of your choice!
 Saturday, September 13
Downtown Farmers Market
- Saturday, September 13, 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, September 13, 8 a.m.
- Big Yellow Bike, 501 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Enjoy the transition from summer to fall with an end-of-season ride through the heart of Des Moines! Sign up for this breezy ride looping from RAGBRAI GP to Cumming and back. Embrace the good vibes and fun stops all along the way!
- Saturday, September 13, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Evelyn K. Davis Park, 400 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
The Multicultural Fall Festival is back for another year! Head to Evelyn K. Davis Park for a celebration of all the different cultures in Des Moines, a showcase of community resources, and food and entertainment galore! Go a little early to catch the parade walking from the United Way Building and finishing at the park.
Pink Pony Takeover at Bomb Bar
- Saturday, September 13, 8 p.m.
- Bomb Bar, 209 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Grab your dancing shoes, put on your hottest fit, and be ready to sing your heart out at the PINK PONY TAKEOVER at Bomb Bar. Super ultra modern music for a super ultra modern dance party. No cover. Be there or be square.
Sunday, September 14
Find Your Speed 5K/10K at SingleSpeed Brewing Co.
- Sunday, September 14, 9 a.m.
- SingleSpeed Brewing Co., 303 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Have you been going on your hot girl walks and thought about upgrading to a hot girl run? Then this is the running event for you! At SingleSpeed’s first ever Find Your Speed 5K/10K, find your pace and get rewarded with a cold beverage and a celebration at the finish line.
Fall Sip N’ Thrift at Captain Roy’s
- Sunday, September 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Captain Roy’s, 1900 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313
Sip on mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and coffee as you stroll through the vintage and thrift vendors at Captain Roy’s! Browse popular vendors from all over the Des Moines area and find your next fit or unique collectable. Why not make it a brunch while you’re there? Their full food menu will also be available to order.
Porchfest DSM in Waveland Park
- Sunday, September 14, Noon – 6 p.m.
- Waveland Park
“2025 Welcomes our FIRST annual PorchFest DSM, a rolling music festival held on the welcoming front porches and front yards of the residents of Waveland Park in Des Moines, Iowa, on September 14, 2025. This family friendly, free event will feature eight musical acts from a variety of genres performing throughout our beautiful neighborhood… Festival attendees can migrate from one performance to the next and sit a spell on front lawns and sidewalks to enjoy 45-60 minute sets of live music.
Free Shadowboxing Class at Big Grove Brewery
- Sunday, September 14, 1 a.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
If you enjoyed yoga on the patio at Big Grove, you’ll love boxing! This Sunday through the end of October, learn all about shadowboxing at this FREE class! Instruction will cater to all levels – newbies and experienced boxers alike. No equipment necessary, but attendees are welcome to bring a mat or hand wraps.
Ben Millett Hand Quilting at the Des Moines Art Center
- Sunday, September 14, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Porter’s Patio Pub Crawl
- Sunday, September 14, 1 p.m.
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Join a patio bar crawl for a cause! Join Paws and Pints in partnership with the Porter-Rinsky Foundation to help save the lives of dogs and cats in need. Stop at Des Moines’ top dog-friendly patios, starting at Paws & Pints to grab a $20 punch card, which includes a beverage at every stop along the way! Hit up Exile, Big Grove, Confluence, Either/Or, and of course, Paws & Pints for an afternoon of pub crawl fun!
Paint a Friend at Smokey Row
- Sunday, September 14, 6 p.m.
- Smokey Row, 1910 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Wind down for the start of the week with an art project hosted by Art Is Rad, a non-profit helping people create art and build community. This week, bring a friend for a Paint a Friend project! Registration is $10, including supplies and instruction. RSVP because space is limited!
