Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Thursday, September 25
Brightside Aesthetics Fall Open House
- Thursday, September 25, 4-7 p.m.Â
- 16349 Sheridan Ave, Suite 102, Clive, IowaÂ
A Thursday event? Yes, that’s right! Let’s kick off the fun a little early today. We’re going to check out this beautiful medspa run by established, board-certified dermatologists. There’s going to be treatment demos, giveaways, and swag bags for the first 25! Join us in stopping by.
Friday, September 26
Des Moines’ Original 21st Annual Oktoberfest
- Friday, September 26, 3 p.m. – Midnight and Saturday, September 27, Noon – Midnight
- The District at Prairie Trail, 1250 SW District Dr, Ankeny, IA 50023
Celebrate Des Moines’ Original 21st Annual Oktoberfest at its new home in The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny! Enjoy all the classic German traditions, more than 50 beers, live music, and plenty of fun. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day-of, which includes two-day admission, free parking, a commemorative acrylic Oktoberfest stein, and your first drink FREE!
Ballet Des Moines Presents Forward at Hoyt Sherman Place
- Friday, September 26, 7 p.m. and Saturday, September 27, 7 p.m.
- Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
It is back and better than ever! The 2025-26 Ballet Des Moines season opens this weekend with Forward. Driven by transformation and charged with energy, this show explores what it means to evolve: artistically, emotionally, collectively. Forward will include works from Jennifer Archibald, Tom Mattingly, and Eric Trope. Tickets start at $35.
- Friday, September 26, 8 p.m.
- xBk Live, 1159 24th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50311
“Dance to your favorite KPOP songs all night long! Party all night to your favorite hits from BTS, BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, TWICE, NCT, NewJeans, and more! Local dance cover groups will also be taking the stage throughout the night.”
Speakeasy Comedy with Anthony Pappaly and Lukas McCrary
- Friday, September 26, shows at 7 and 9 p.m.
- Saturday, September 27, shows at 7 and 9 p.m.
Want a little more stand up in your life AND to support DSMG? Use the links below with our DSMGirl affiliate code to book your spot at these upcoming comedy shows. We’ll get a kick back to support the work we do on this platform, and you’ll get a great night out!
 Saturday, September 27
Iowa Latino Heritage Festival in Western Gateway Park
- Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28
- Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Don’t miss Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival: the only two-day Latino Heritage festival in Iowa! Enjoy two days jam-packed a diverse combination of art exhibits, food vendors, and musical performances. Admission is $5.
Downtown Farmers Market
- Saturday, September 27, 7 a.m. – Noon
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
The Market season is winding down! For one more month, enjoy the 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 27, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- 3232 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
Looking for another great local market to enjoy? Check out The Market on Hubbell, featuring 30 amazing local vendors! Shop small at the fall market and support local creators.
- Saturday, September 27, Noon – 7 p.m.
- HiFi Brew Lounge, 103 S 11th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
It is the weekend of Oktoberfest! HiFi Brew Lounge is taking it to the next level and combining this traditional German festival with a music festival! Enjoy the return of festival beer, food specials, tie dye, a stein holding contest, and so much much more!!!
- Saturday, September 27, 3 – 6 p.m.
- 1620 Pleasant St, Des Moines, IA 50314
Head out to the Sherman Hill Neighborhood and enjoy the unseasonably warm September weather at the neighborhood block party! Chow down on your favorite picnic foods and bring a side to share. Plus, enjoy the DSM Party Pod with tons of exciting games to play at the party. Bring the whole family, a group of gal pals, or show up to meet new neighborhood friends 🙂
- Saturday, September 27, 6 p.m.
- Confluence Brewing, 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
Even though summer is officially over, the weather is hanging on for what promises to be one more sunshine-filled weekend! Embrace the warm evening at Confluence Brewing’s first ever outdoor movie. Watch The Goonies at this free-to-attend event and support the brewery by purchasing an app or drink while you watch!
Des Moines Symphony Season Debut: Triumph – Tchaikovsky 5
- Saturday, September 27, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, September 28, 2:30 p.m.
- Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Symphony is back, baby! “Shostakovich’s shining Festive Overture, filled with triumphant brass fanfares and woodwind virtuosity, opens the season. Eighth Blackbird, America’s groundbreaking sextet, explores the rhythmic vitality and color of Viet Cuong’s Vital Sines. Tchaikovsky’s lush and expressive Symphony No. 5, with its unforgettable “fate” motif, brings the Season Debut to a triumphant close.” Tickets start at $22.
Sunday, September 28
Plant Sound Bath at Art Terrarium
- Sunday, September 21, 11 a.m.
- Healing Lotus Massage, 3810 Ingersoll Ave Suite C, Des Moines, IA
Southside Sunday Market
- Sunday, September 28, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- 1111 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
It is the last weekend of the Southside Sunday Market! Be sure to support these local vendors one last time in 2025 by purchasing fresh produce, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, and prepared food. Get it before it’s gone!
The RAD Run at Water Works Park
- Sunday, September 28, 9 a.m.
- Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Get ready to lace up your sneakers and party like it’s 80s! The Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence is turning 40 and celebrating with a totally tubular 5K for all ages and abilities. Show up in your brightest neon, biggest hair, and RADDEST retro gear for The RAD Run!
Oktoberfest Bingo at Smash Park Des Moines
- Sunday, September 28, 10 a.m.
- Smash Park Des Moines, 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
The Oktoberfest activities continue this Sunday at Smash Park! Bring your friends and family to Oktoberfest BINGO brunch complete with food, fun Bingo, and beer (of course).
Pups and Pumpkins at the Animal Rescue League
- Sunday, September 28, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Animal Rescue League, 5452 NE 22nd St, Des Moines, IA 50313
Potterfest at Jasper Winery
- Sunday, September 28, 1 – 5 p.m.
- Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Head on out to Jasper Winery for the third annual Potteryfest! Spend the afternoon viewing the work of diverse, talented independent ceramic artists. Pottery (and wine!) will be available for purchase. Enjoy throwing demonstrations, food, and live music as well!
Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, September 26-28. 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.
Thursday, September 25
Brightside Aesthetics Fall Open House
- Thursday, September 25, 4-7 p.m.Â
- 16349 Sheridan Ave, Suite 102, Clive, IowaÂ
A Thursday event? Yes, that’s right! Let’s kick off the fun a little early today. We’re going to check out this beautiful medspa run by established, board-certified dermatologists. There’s going to be treatment demos, giveaways, and swag bags for the first 25! Join us in stopping by.
Friday, September 26
Des Moines’ Original 21st Annual Oktoberfest
- Friday, September 26, 3 p.m. – Midnight and Saturday, September 27, Noon – Midnight
- The District at Prairie Trail, 1250 SW District Dr, Ankeny, IA 50023
Celebrate Des Moines’ Original 21st Annual Oktoberfest at its new home in The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny! Enjoy all the classic German traditions, more than 50 beers, live music, and plenty of fun. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day-of, which includes two-day admission, free parking, a commemorative acrylic Oktoberfest stein, and your first drink FREE!
Ballet Des Moines Presents Forward at Hoyt Sherman Place
- Friday, September 26, 7 p.m. and Saturday, September 27, 7 p.m.
- Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
It is back and better than ever! The 2025-26 Ballet Des Moines season opens this weekend with Forward. Driven by transformation and charged with energy, this show explores what it means to evolve: artistically, emotionally, collectively. Forward will include works from Jennifer Archibald, Tom Mattingly, and Eric Trope. Tickets start at $35.
- Friday, September 26, 8 p.m.
- xBk Live, 1159 24th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50311
“Dance to your favorite KPOP songs all night long! Party all night to your favorite hits from BTS, BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, TWICE, NCT, NewJeans, and more! Local dance cover groups will also be taking the stage throughout the night.”
Speakeasy Comedy with Anthony Pappaly and Lukas McCrary
- Friday, September 26, shows at 7 and 9 p.m.
- Saturday, September 27, shows at 7 and 9 p.m.
Want a little more stand up in your life AND to support DSMG? Use the links below with our DSMGirl affiliate code to book your spot at these upcoming comedy shows. We’ll get a kick back to support the work we do on this platform, and you’ll get a great night out!
 Saturday, September 27
Iowa Latino Heritage Festival in Western Gateway Park
- Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28
- Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Don’t miss Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival: the only two-day Latino Heritage festival in Iowa! Enjoy two days jam-packed a diverse combination of art exhibits, food vendors, and musical performances. Admission is $5.
Downtown Farmers Market
- Saturday, September 27, 7 a.m. – Noon
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
The Market season is winding down! For one more month, enjoy the 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 27, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- 3232 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
Looking for another great local market to enjoy? Check out The Market on Hubbell, featuring 30 amazing local vendors! Shop small at the fall market and support local creators.
- Saturday, September 27, Noon – 7 p.m.
- HiFi Brew Lounge, 103 S 11th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
It is the weekend of Oktoberfest! HiFi Brew Lounge is taking it to the next level and combining this traditional German festival with a music festival! Enjoy the return of festival beer, food specials, tie dye, a stein holding contest, and so much much more!!!
- Saturday, September 27, 3 – 6 p.m.
- 1620 Pleasant St, Des Moines, IA 50314
Head out to the Sherman Hill Neighborhood and enjoy the unseasonably warm September weather at the neighborhood block party! Chow down on your favorite picnic foods and bring a side to share. Plus, enjoy the DSM Party Pod with tons of exciting games to play at the party. Bring the whole family, a group of gal pals, or show up to meet new neighborhood friends 🙂
- Saturday, September 27, 6 p.m.
- Confluence Brewing, 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
Even though summer is officially over, the weather is hanging on for what promises to be one more sunshine-filled weekend! Embrace the warm evening at Confluence Brewing’s first ever outdoor movie. Watch The Goonies at this free-to-attend event and support the brewery by purchasing an app or drink while you watch!
Des Moines Symphony Season Debut: Triumph – Tchaikovsky 5
- Saturday, September 27, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, September 28, 2:30 p.m.
- Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Symphony is back, baby! “Shostakovich’s shining Festive Overture, filled with triumphant brass fanfares and woodwind virtuosity, opens the season. Eighth Blackbird, America’s groundbreaking sextet, explores the rhythmic vitality and color of Viet Cuong’s Vital Sines. Tchaikovsky’s lush and expressive Symphony No. 5, with its unforgettable “fate” motif, brings the Season Debut to a triumphant close.” Tickets start at $22.
Sunday, September 28
Plant Sound Bath at Art Terrarium
- Sunday, September 21, 11 a.m.
- Healing Lotus Massage, 3810 Ingersoll Ave Suite C, Des Moines, IA
Southside Sunday Market
- Sunday, September 28, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- 1111 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
It is the last weekend of the Southside Sunday Market! Be sure to support these local vendors one last time in 2025 by purchasing fresh produce, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, and prepared food. Get it before it’s gone!
The RAD Run at Water Works Park
- Sunday, September 28, 9 a.m.
- Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Get ready to lace up your sneakers and party like it’s 80s! The Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence is turning 40 and celebrating with a totally tubular 5K for all ages and abilities. Show up in your brightest neon, biggest hair, and RADDEST retro gear for The RAD Run!
Oktoberfest Bingo at Smash Park Des Moines
- Sunday, September 28, 10 a.m.
- Smash Park Des Moines, 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
The Oktoberfest activities continue this Sunday at Smash Park! Bring your friends and family to Oktoberfest BINGO brunch complete with food, fun Bingo, and beer (of course).
Pups and Pumpkins at the Animal Rescue League
- Sunday, September 28, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Animal Rescue League, 5452 NE 22nd St, Des Moines, IA 50313
Potterfest at Jasper Winery
- Sunday, September 28, 1 – 5 p.m.
- Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Head on out to Jasper Winery for the third annual Potteryfest! Spend the afternoon viewing the work of diverse, talented independent ceramic artists. Pottery (and wine!) will be available for purchase. Enjoy throwing demonstrations, food, and live music as well!
