Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend

Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend:

Friday, August 21st 2026 – Sunday, August 23rd 2026

Every weekend there are amazing Fun Things to do in Des Moines, Iowa! We have created a list of what we think are the most fun, most interesting family events in the Des Moines area this weekend – so you can have the best time together!

The page will be updated every week so be sure to come back and see what great kids’ events we have coming up for the weekend in Des Moines. Take a look at our full FREE, extensive event calendar to plan your weeks and days in Des Moines, Iowa.

Fridays at the Farm Featuring Luke Fox

Friday, August 21st, 2026
4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Middlebrook Farmhouse – Cumming, IA

Kick off the weekend at Middlebrook Farm with live music from Luke Fox. Grab your crew and head to the farm for a laid-back Friday evening filled with music and fresh summer air. Learn More or Register Today!

Open Skate Date

Friday, August 21st, 2026
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Skateland – Des Moines, IA

Lace up those skates and get ready to roll! Skateland brings the Friday-night energy with a live DJ, colorful light show, interactive skating games, an arcade, and plenty of snack-bar favorites. Learn More or Register Today!

Yappy Hour

Friday, August 21st, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
ARL Main – Des Moines, IA

Bring your four-legged best friend along for an end-of-summer Yappy Hour at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Enjoy games, prizes, frozen treats, and plenty of tail wags while supporting homeless pets in the community. The event is free, but an RSVP is requested. Learn More or Register Today!

3rd Annual Johnston Artisan Fair

Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
St. Paul Presbyterian Church – Johnston, IA

Shop local and discover handcrafted treasures from more than 35 Iowa artists, including pottery, jewelry, woodworking, stained glass, fiber arts, paintings, ceramics, and home décor. Homemade cinnamon rolls, walking tacos, brats, desserts, and other refreshments will also be available. Admission and parking are free, making this an easy Saturday outing for the whole family. Learn More or Register Today!

Storytime, Author Talk & Free Haircuts with Keenan Jones & Abena Sankofa Imhotep

Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Willkie House Inc. – Des Moines, IA

Celebrate back-to-school season with books, community, and fresh haircuts! Minnesota children’s author Keenan Jones and Des Moines author Abena Sankofa Imhotep will gather families for storytime, conversation, snacks, a book sale, and signing, with free haircuts from Universal Barbershop available first come, first served as time allows. Learn More or Register Today!

Vibes in the Village

Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Simon Estes Amphitheater – Des Moines, IA

Keep the Saturday fun going after the Downtown Farmers’ Market with an afternoon along the riverfront. Local artist Brian Herrin will perform live from noon to 3 PM, with food and drinks available before you head into the Historic East Village to shop, dine, and explore. Bring a blanket, settle in, and enjoy the music. Learn More or Register Today!

Paws & Pints 4th Birthday Bash

Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Paws & Pints – Des Moines, IA

Paws & Pints is turning four, and pups are invited to the party! The birthday bash includes free day passes, live music, a foam party, local vendors, giveaways, birthday specials, and plenty of surprises throughout the park. There’s even a chance to win a lifetime membership. Learn More or Register Today!

Toddler Time

Sunday, August 23rd, 2026
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Get Air Trampoline Park – Urbandale, IA

Let the littlest jumpers burn off some energy during Toddler Time at Get Air. This dedicated session gives children 46 inches and under a chance to bounce and explore the park with other little jumpers. Learn More or Register Today!

Dance Fitness with Tony Zika

Sunday, August 23rd, 2026
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Cowles Commons – Des Moines, IA

Start Sunday with music, movement, and plenty of positive energy at this free outdoor dance workout. Tony Zika leads MixxedFit®, combining energetic dance moves with body-weight toning for a community-focused workout on Cowles Commons. Bring water, invite a friend, and get ready to move! Learn More or Register Today!

Monarchs & Melodies

Sunday, August 23rd, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Blank Park Zoo – Des Moines, IA

Butterflies meet friendship bracelets at Blank Park Zoo’s Monarchs & Melodies celebration. Learn about monarchs and other important pollinators while making butterfly crafts, creating friendship bracelets, singing along to Taylor Swift favorites, and enjoying activities throughout the zoo. The event is included with zoo admission. Learn More or Register Today!

Wicked for Good: Summer Send-Off

Sunday, August 23rd, 2026
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Outlets of Des Moines – Altoona, IA

Give summer a family-friendly send-off with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at Outlets of Des Moines. Kids can enjoy bubble play, storytelling, and other interactive activities while families learn more about the foundation and its work in the community. Learn More or Register Today!

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