Looking for things to do in Des Moines this weekend? Check out this list of all the events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, June 11-13! We made some updates to our lists so that certain types of activities are grouped: new openings, live music, and markets/ pop-ups. Let us know if you like it!
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
✨Openings✨
Storyhouse Bookpub Grand Opening!
- 505 E. Grand Ave, Suite 102
- Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Storyhouse has settled into a storefront in the East Village next to Raygun! Summer hours start Saturday, June 12. Stop by, say hello, and eat cake by Bay Laurel Baking Co. Storyhouse Bookpub is a new kind of bookstore, bringing books and people together in Des Moines with special storytime events throughout the summer.
Stoked – Outdoor & Sporting Goods Company – Opening!
- 518 E. Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA
- Opening on Friday, June 11
- Summer Hours: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday
Another opening in the East Village! We’re excited to check out this new outdoor-goods company right around the corner from us. They are still waiting on a lot of inventory to arrive, but they already have core products in stock! They are opening with limited hours through June and will update their hours as the summer goes.
Fleetwood at Saylorville is OPEN!
- 6170 NW Polk City Dr, Saylorville Lake Marina, Polk City, Iowa 50226
- Open 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. all weekend!
It’ll be hot enough to be waterside at the newly-renovated Fleetwood at Saylorville this weekend. The only floating bar & restaurant in Iowa offers the perfect setting to sit back and relax! You can enjoy a great view in the best atmosphere. We think a place like this is overdue!
Thai Flavors is open on Ingersoll Ave.
- 2301 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50309
We are SO excited that Thai Flavors has officially opened their second location on Ingersoll Ave. Is Ingersoll a mess right now with construction? Yes. Is it worth it to try this eastside favorite? Absolutely.
Little Lion Eclectics Store Opening
- 113 W. Broadway Street, Polk City, IA, 50266
- 10 – 4 p.m.
Last weekend, Little Lion Eclectics opened their storefront for the first time ever! The shop has never-before-seen pieces, including vintage, mid century modern, wicker rattan, and more. Unique handmade pieces by local makers, too!
Early Bird Brunch is now open in West Des Moines
- 9250 University Ave Ste 107 West Des Moines, IA 50266
After opening two locations in Nebraska successfully, Early Bird Brunch set its sights on West Des Moines, and we’re all the better for it. Stop in this weekend and let us know what you think!
🧡 Markets + Pop-Ups🧡
Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, June 12, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
The Market has officially increased its capacity to host 165 on-site vendors, around 75% of the number at a traditional Saturday Market. We’ll take it! The Downtown Farmers’ Market returns for its 2021 season with a modified, but in-person market. The scaled-back Market will focus on providing only fresh produce and farm and artisan packaged food from local vendors in a safe, socially-distanced way.
Farmhouse Summer Market at The West Place
- Saturday, June 12, 10 -5 p.m.
- Sunday, June 13, 10-4 p.m.
Looking for a day excursion and a mini-drive this beautiful weekend? Head to Milo (about 40 minutes southeast of Des Moines) for this summer market in farm country, with an amazing line up of vendors including our friends Moonlight Macrame Co and The Traveling Bean Co! Head down there Saturday or Sunday for a fun girls trip. The market is being held outside, but there is also an inside store. It’s $5 for a single day pass and $8 for a weekend pass.
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, June 12, 9 a.m. – 1 pm.
- 3200 University Ave, Des Moines, IA
Did you know that we have an organization here that runs a program for former refugee farmers? How cool is that? This program, Global Greens, reconnects former refugee farmers with the land as they build their new life in the U.S. The farmers access space to grow food, learn more about U.S. agriculture, and start their own business by selling produce at this Farmers’ Market. So go check it out!
Heart of Des Moines Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, June 12, 2-4 p.m.
- 6th and Forest Ave.
Two women on a mission to bring health food to the River Bend neighborhood? Monika and Crystal are doing the damn thing. They need our help and we hope you’re with us. This market will run every Saturday, starting May 1 through September 25 from 2-4 p.m. There will be vendors, food trucks, a health tent, kid-friendly activities, and entertainment. So basically, make your way there after a quick nap following the Downtown market! Need to know where to park? Check out the map at the button below.
Awkward Company Vintage Pop-Up at KIN DSM
- Saturday, June 12, 11 – 4:30 p.m.
- KIN DSM, 333 E. Grand Ave #106, Des Moines IA 50309
We don’t really need an excuse to pop into KIN, but if you need one, this is the day! Awkward Company Vintage will be there stocked up with with midcentury, bohemian home goods and some exceptional summer threads. Plus, you’ll then be in the East Village for a drink at Ernie’s.
Young Ferments Pop-Up at The Slow Down Coffee Co.
- Saturday, June 12, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- 3613 6th Ave., Des Moines, IA
Similarly to the event above, we don’t NEED a reason to go into The Slow Down Coffee Co., but if you haven’t been to this north side gem, this is the perfect excuse! Not only will you get stocked up on local kimchi, kraut, and more, but The Slow Down also has goodies from Art Terrarium, Betty Walker Studio, and their own merch that you’ll want. It’s basically going to be a one-stop market, so take advantage!
Friday, June 11
Sunset Paddleboarding with SUPYoga DSM at Easter Lake
- Friday, June 11, Sunset Paddle, 7 p.m.
- Classes available Saturday and Sunday
- 2830 Easter Lake Dr, Des Moines, IA 50320
Only a few spots left! This class is for newbies and paddleboard experts alike. Launching approx. 90 minutes before sunset, the group will paddle around Easter Lake in the glow of the late-day sun. The group will launch from the boat ramp on the south side of the lake. Take a left at the fork, following the sign for the boat ramp. Look for the large A-frame signage that says SUP Yoga DSM. They also host intro to stand up paddleboarding classes and SUP yoga classes on Saturday and Sundays!
Iowa Cubs Games
- Friday, June 11, at 7:08 p.m. with fireworks!
- Games also on Saturday (7 pm..) and Sunday (1 p.m.)
- Principal Park, 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Iowa Cubs are back in town this weekend, so expect fireworks tomorrow night! We feel silly that we didn’t have these games on here before, but grab tickets for your tickets on Friday, Saturday or Sunday!
Saturday, June 12
Yoga in the Park Begins!
- Southeast lawn at Gray’s Lake Park
- 9 a.m.
The 2021 Yoga in the Park season, presented by @UnityPointDSM, kicks off Saturday morning at 9 a.m. with Ofelia Mohr on the southeast lawn at Gray’s Lake Park. NEW THIS YEAR: complete your waiver online before class using this link!
Barre & Brews: Pure Barre & Peace Tree Pop Up Class
- Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m.
- Peace Tree Brewing Co. – 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
There are a couple of good reasons to visit Peace Tree Brewing Co. this weekend, and this is the first! Pure Barre West Des Moines is hosting a morning class at Peace Tree Brewing Co. that benefits Girls On The Run Central IA. Good cause? Good workout? Good drinks? In.
Annual Run To Exile
- Saturday, June 12, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- 1514 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA US 50309
The Annual Run to Exile is back for the 9th year with a 5k and 10k on Saturday morning. They describe themselves as a one-of-a-kind excuse to drink delicious craft beer, cunningly disguised as a road race. I mean, if we were forced to run on Saturday morning, it would DEFINITELY be here.
Show Your Pride Tattoo Flash Event with Black Magic Tattoo
- Saturday, June 12, Starts at 11 a.m.
- Black Magic Tattoo, 412 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA, 50309
For $60, choose from a selection of pre-drawn tats and raise some money for Iowa Safe Schools. Cash only, and first come, first served!
Bikes, Books and Brews with Raccoon River Press
- Saturday, June 12, 3- 6 p.m.
- Firetrucker Brewery, 716 SW 3rd St, Ankeny, IA
Where are our Ankeny ladies at? Raccoon River Press is hosting it’s third pop-up at Firetrucker on Saturday! It is a newly-formed, independent book seller and publisher in West Des Moines, Iowa that is 100% women-owned and operated. They’ll be set up with lots of books and are excited to say hi!
The Cave DSM’s Wine Tasting
- The Cave DSM
- 1437 Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50309
- 12 – 7 p.m.
We are so excited to share that we chatted with Heather and Nick Leo, the founders of The Cave DSM, to give you an introduction to natural wine. Read it here, and then go meet them at their Saturday tasting! There will be 5 different wines available that you can pick from to create your own sampling flight. Want a full bottle instead? They’re allowing on-premise drinking of anything you grab off the shelves on any day, with a $5 corkage fee.
Silent Disco at Peace Tree Brewing Co.
- Saturday, June 12, 7 – 9 p.m.
- Peace Tree Brewing Co. – 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
In case you’ve been living under a rock, it’s PRIDE MONTH! This silent disco event at Peace Tree is the perfect way to bookend your day. 🕺🏻 DJs and headphones available to check out from @silentdiscodsm for a parking lot dance party! 💃🏻 Event is FREE to attend! Sat. 6/12 from 7-11pm. All ages 7-9pm. 🧗♀️ @climbiowaeast will be open and are offering free climbing sessions, but spots are filling up fast!
Sunday, June 13
Valley Junction Arts Festival
- Sunday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- 137 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Here’s your perfect Sunday activity! The festival features a juried exhibition of fine art and crafts from 40 local and regional artists across our area, giving the public the opportunity to meet, interact with, and purchase from local artists offering original work. Plus this year, they added a special Antique Marketplace featuring some of the best local antique dealers, featuring unique finds, vintage items, and collectibles. It’s two great experiences together on one big day! This event is held rain or shine. Admission is free.
Free Pride Outdoor Workout with Black Collar Crossfit
- Sunday, 11 a.m.
- Sands Volleyball Club, 6214 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Black Collar Crossfit is hosting an outdoor workout in collaboration with Capital City Pride on Sunday at Sands Volleyball Club! The class will be friendly for all ability levels and is free! Participants are encouraged to dress in pride colors!
Sundays at Rose Farmstead
- Sunday, June 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- 7197 43rd Ave Norwalk, Iowa 50211
Rose Farmstead is another amazing excursion to get just outside of the city. There is something for everyone when you visit Rose Farmstead for Sundays at the Farm. Stop in The Shoppe for specialty goods + beautiful floral arrangements. This Sunday there will be live music and an ice cream truck! Take in the sweeping pasture views near the pond, and take a photo in front of the sweet greenhouse. It’s the cutest. Trust us.
Weekly Open Hours at Walker Homestead
This is another perfect day trip idea. Visit Walker Homestead every Sunday, 11-5p, for food, delicious wines, and a relaxing afternoon on the farm. No reservations needed; however you can make reservations by following the button below.
Ultimate Karaoke Experience at Gas Lamp
- 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- 1501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Why not make Sunday night karaoke a thing? Seems like a great way to prepare for the week if you ask us.
