Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, September 5-7. 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 5
- Friday, September 5, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keo Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
It is the first Friday of the month, and you know what that means: First Friday at Mainframe Studios! This month, experience “Bienvenidos a Iowa”, an inspiring exhibition curated by Colectivo Luchart. This exhibition embraces welcoming any and all to celebrate the richness of culture, community, and belonging, featuring immigrant, Latino/a/x, and Indigenous artists.
First Friday in the Historic East Village
- Friday, September 5, 5-8 p.m.
- Historic East Village
Before or after checking out Mainframe, head to the other side of downtown for the Historic East Village’s First Friday! Take part in an evening of outdoor activities as you stroll, dine, and shop your way through the neighborhood.
 Saturday, September 6Â
- Saturday, September 6 – Sunday, September 7
- Upcycled DSM, 115 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Upcycled DSM is back and better than ever, bb! After a month of cleaning post-flood, the Upcycled DSM team reset, revamped, and got the shop all ready for a jam-packed weekend of fresh finds, gifts, and all the pink disco-ball vibes you’ve been missing.
September Flea Market at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
- Saturday, September 6, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Iowa State Fairgrounds 4H Building, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
Looking for a fun Saturday or Sunday activity? Take a stroll through the September Flea Market in the 4H Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds! Admission and parking are free, so take your time browsing the antiques, merchandise, and more!
Downtown Farmers Market
- Saturday, September 6, 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 6, 8 – 10 a.m.
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Experience the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden with all of your senses! This Seasonal Shinrin-yoku Series or “forest bathing” encourages participants to immerse themselves in a forest atmosphere. Enjoy all the benefits of forest bathing and wrap up the event with a nature-based tea ceremony. Plus, admission is included with registration!
- Saturday, September 6, 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 Saturday! 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!
CYHAWK Watch Party at Big Grove Brewery
- Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
The rivalry runs deep… who will you support? Black and gold fans, head down to Big Grove to cheer on the Hawkeyes with game day food special and $20 buckets of Limited Edition RAGBRAI Neighborhood Beer. Doors open at 10 a.m., so get there early to snag a seat and buy your beer before kickoff at 11 a.m.!
- Saturday, September 6, 11 a.m.
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Don’t let your dog miss out on the ultimate college football showdown! Bring your pup, wear your gear, and cheer on your favorite Iowa football team. Enjoy the game, a special gameday menu, raffles, prizes, and more throughout the game!
Boss Babe Pop-Up at Jasper Winery
- Saturday, September 6, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
This Saturday, head over to Jasper Winery for the third annual Boss Babe Pop-Up! Check out unique local vendors, live entertainment, outdoor yoga, and community spirit. Get there early because the first 100 attendees will receive swag bags!
MAN’S BEST PARTY: A SABRINA CARPENTER DANCE NIGHT at Wooly’s
- Saturday, September 6, 8 a.m.
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
“Celebrate with us the release of Sabrina’s new album, Man’s Best Friend, along with other hits from Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, Addison Rae, Tate McRae, Taylor Swift, ReneĂ© Rapp, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and more!” Tickets are on sale now!
The Bomb Shelter Comedy Showcase at Beechwood Lounge
- Saturday, September 6, 8 p.m.
- Beechwood Lounge, 416 East Walnut Street Des Moines, IA 50309
“A high caliber comedy show of some of the best comics in Des Moines or anywhere else: the Bombshelter at the Beechwood is a Des Moines legacy comedy show! We’re back in September with David Kousgaard and Ed Burroughs headlining! Along with them are Erin Clough, Sam Hirchak, Wade Taylor and… you? One lucky comic will get a 5 minute lottery spot! Hosted by Gideon Hambright and Dan Umthun!Come join us for this incredibly fun, high energy monthly event.While the show is free to the public, donations of $5 are encouraged and accepted!”
Sunday, September 7
Valley Junction Vintage, Thrifted, & Handmade
- Sunday, September 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Historic Valley Junction
This weekend, Valley Junction Vintage, Thrifted, & Handmade will bring over 50 vendors and food trucks to the heart of Valley Junction! Spend the day browsing the 100-200 blocks of 5th Street and support Iowa business owners. While you’re in the neighborhood, stop in at some of the local businesses!
Matcha Affogatos at HOTORI
- Sunday, September 7, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- HOTORI, 1417 Walnut St suite d, Des Moines, IA 50309
Check out HOTORI and enjoy matcha affogatos from @mrnamho from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. – a great way to break up a Sunday afternoon!
Porchfest DSM in Union Park
- Sunday, September 7, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Union Park
“PorchFest DSM 2025 in Union Park is an organic, walking music festival featuring talented performers from Des Moines and around Iowa. Now in our 4th year, we’ll feature 20 bands including genres of Americana, Country, Jazz, Rap, Punk, Indie, Bluegrass, Roots, Christian, and more! Individual artists and full bands play from 11:30am – 5pm, on the porches of Union Park Neighborhood homes, north of the East Village and just up the hill from Birdland Marina, surrounding beautiful Union Park.”
Showtune Sundays at The Blazing Saddle
- Sunday, September 7, 2 – 6 p.m.
- The Blazing Saddle, 416 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
The first Sunday of every month is SHOWTUNE SUNDAYS at The Legendary Blazing Saddle, hosted by the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus. $15 beer bust gets you all you can drink draft beer, and all proceeds benefit the DMGMC and the mission of singing music that matters.
Art Night with Art Is Rad at Smokey Row
- Sunday, September 7, 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. Registration is $10, including supplies and instruction. RSVP because space is limited!
Our fall DSMG meetups are rolling out.Â
Join us IRL for a gathering to meet other girlies and cool people in Des Moines. The next meet up? A book swap with The Boho Vase on Wednesday, September 10.Â
