Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend

Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend:

Friday, September 11th 2026 – Sunday, September 13th 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.

Moms, Coffee + Muffins

Friday, September 11th, 2026
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Burn Boot Camp – Waukee, IA

Preschool moms can start Friday morning with movement and connection at Burn Boot Camp Waukee. This free strength-training camp welcomes all fitness levels, with modifications available for every exercise. No membership or previous experience is required, so drop off the kiddos, grab a friend, and enjoy some time for you. Learn More or Register Today!

Monarch Tagging

Friday, September 11th, 2026
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Forest Ave Library – Des Moines, IA

Get an up-close look at one of nature’s most incredible fall journeys! Families will learn about monarch butterflies, their migration, and the citizen science project that has tracked them since 1992. Des Moines Parks and Recreation will even show participants how monarchs are tagged and released right at the library. This program is designed for children and accompanying adults, and caregivers should plan to participate alongside their children. Learn More or Register Today!

Come From Away

Friday, September 11th – Sunday, September 13th, 2026
Program Times Vary
Des Moines Playhouse – Des Moines, IA

Looking for a theater night this weekend? Come From Away tells the moving true story of the small Newfoundland community that welcomed thousands of stranded airline passengers following the September 11th attacks. It’s a powerful story of kindness, connection, and humanity during an extraordinary moment in history. Parents should note that the production includes mature themes surrounding September 11th, terrorism, grief, racism, xenophobia, and adult language. Learn More or Register Today!

Downtown Farmers’ Market

Saturday, September 12th, 2026
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Historic Court District – Des Moines, IA

Start Saturday with one of Des Moines’ favorite traditions. The Downtown Farmers’ Market fills the Historic Court District with local farmers, makers, baked goods, flowers, fresh produce, ready-to-eat treats, live entertainment, and plenty to explore along the way. Grab your coffee, bring the family, and spend the morning supporting Iowa growers and small businesses. Learn More or Register Today!

The Fall Festival

Saturday, September 12th, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Bentley Ridge Tree Farm & Nursery – Grimes, IA

Grab your favorite flannel because fall is arriving at Bentley Ridge! Spend the day shopping local vendors, grabbing a bite from the food truck, enjoying ice cream and kettle corn, and letting the kids play and meet miniature horses. While you’re there, wander through colorful displays of mums, pumpkins, and festive fall plants for a little seasonal inspiration. Learn More or Register Today!

Apple & Pumpkin Fest

Saturday, September 12th – Sunday, September 13th, 2026
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wills Family Orchard – Adel, IA

Ready for a classic Iowa fall day? Head to Wills Family Orchard for u-pick apples and pumpkins, cider donuts, hay wagon rides, a corn maze, and plenty of activities for all ages. Activity passes are $12 per person plus tax, with children ages 2 and younger free. Passes include favorites like corn pools, pedal tractors, duck races, slides, a low ropes course, and more. Learn More or Register Today!

Renaissance Faire Experience

Saturday, September 12th, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Grimes Public Library – Grimes, IA

Hear ye, hear ye! If a full day at the Renaissance Faire isn’t in the cards, the Grimes Public Library is bringing a smaller-scale version of the fun indoors. Adults can enjoy crafts while kids take part in their own activities and costumes are encouraged. Learn More or Register Today!

Fall Goat Cuddling

Saturday, September 12th – Sunday, September 13th, 2026
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Howell’s Pumpkin Patch – Cumming, IA

Goat cuddles and pumpkin picking? That sounds like a pretty great fall weekend to us. Howell’s kicks off its limited-time Fall Goat Cuddling experience alongside plenty of classic farm fun. Take a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch and corn maze, race around on pedal go-karts, or let the kids explore duck races, the mud kitchen, giant slides, pedal tractors, wiggle cars, and more. Learn More or Register Today!

Renaissance Faire

Saturday, September 12th – Sunday, September 13th, 2026
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sleepy Hollow – Des Moines, IA

Step into a world of magic and imagination at Iowa’s largest Renaissance Faire. Tucked into the hills and trees of Sleepy Hollow, this immersive weekend brings art, entertainment, costumes, and plenty of medieval-inspired fun to Des Moines. It’s an adventure the whole family can enjoy, and kids ages 12 and younger receive free admission. Learn More or Register Today!

Social Saturday: Great Outdoors

Saturday, September 12th, 2026
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Des Moines Art Center – Des Moines, IA

Mix art and adventure during Social Saturday, this weekend, at the Des Moines Art Center. Families and friends can explore crafts in the Art School studios, a scavenger hunt, storytime, guided gallery experiences, café treats, and more. The afternoon also includes gallery talks and a conversation with artist Elle Pérez and Associate Curator Ashton Cooper. Registration is required for the artist conversation. Learn More or Register Today!

Cy-Hawk Game Day

Saturday, September 12th, 2026
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Paws & Pints – Des Moines, IA

Cyclones, Hawkeyes, and pups are all invited to get in on the rivalry fun at Paws & Pints. Dress your dog in team gear to receive a free day pass, then settle in for game-day food and drink specials, quarter-by-quarter giveaways, and the game playing with sound on the screens. Whether you’re cheering for cardinal and gold or black and gold, this is one game-day gathering where the pups might steal the show. Learn More or Register Today!

Up-Down Family Hours

Sunday, September 13th, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Up-Down DSM – Des Moines, IA

Want to introduce the kids to some old-school arcade fun? Up-Down Des Moines opens its doors to all ages during its monthly Family Hours, giving families a chance to play together before the arcade returns to its regular adults-only atmosphere. Challenge the kids to a favorite classic or discover a new game together for an easygoing Sunday outing. Learn More or Register Today!

Game On: Board Games for Families and Friends

Sunday, September 13th, 2026
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Johnston Public Library – Johnston, IA

Gather your crew for an afternoon filled with board games and snacks at the Johnston Public Library. Choose from strategy games, games of chance, and plenty of other options, whether you’re learning something new or showing off your skills. This all-ages event is drop-in, so families can come and go throughout the afternoon. Children ages 10 and younger must attend with an adult. Learn More or Register Today!

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