Fall Arts & Entertainment Guide

9/2/2026

This month we begin trading the corn sweat, swimming pools, tank tops and shorts for crunchy leaves, crisp air, hoodies and blue jeans. What us central Iowans are fortunate we don’t have to trade in are the events we have the opportunities to go to. 

The weather changes, but so do the themes of the events we have the pleasure of attending. Art exhibits still cycle through renowned artwork. One community even revived its art festival. Concert venues still schedule rockers, rappers, pop stars and country singers. Our high-quality theaters and performers say, “The show must go on!” and continue bringing us excellent performances. We trade I-Cubs bats for Iowa Wolves basketballs and Iowa Wild hockey pucks, and the Buc doesn’t stop there with local sports. 

If that wasn’t enough, there are still plenty of festivals, conventions, block parties and more to fill up your evenings and weekends. Look for the details right here in our Fall Arts and Entertainment guide. 

Art

DES MOINES ART CENTER 

4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines
desmoinesartcenter.org

Current and upcoming exhibits

• Through Sept. 20: “Topographies. Mapping Being and Belonging” by Sky Hopinka
• Through Nov. 29: “La Despedida” by Elle Pérez 
• Sept. 5 through Jan. 10: “Artists on Fire” by Todd Hido
• Sept. 10 through Dec. 6: “La Défense” by Valentin Noujaïm 

OLSON-LARSEN GALLERIES

542 Fifth St., West Des Moines
olsonlarsen.com

Current and upcoming exhibits

• Through Sept. 26: “In The Abstract” 
• Through Sept. 25: “John Preston Mini Solo”

ANDERSON GALLERY

Harmon Fine Arts Center, 1310 25th St., Des Moines
andersongallery.wp.drake.edu

Upcoming exhibits

• Sept. 10 through Oct. 18: “(Not) At Home.” Featuring the work of Katie Garth, Lois Harada, Tom Jones, Sean Morrissey and Henry Payer.
• Nov. 5 through Dec. 18: Exhibition curated by Dr. Crasnow’s Curatorial Seminar. Featuring artists from Mainframe Studios.

MAINFRAME STUDIOS 

900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines
mainframestudios.org
Mainframe Studios hosts “First Fridays” every first Friday of the month, featuring a changing theme, with the artist’s works on display alongside live music and food. 

First Fridays

• Sept. 4: Fashion Forward
• Oct. 2: Steam
• Nov. 6: Black Art and Culture
• Dec. 4: Clay

MOBERG GALLERY 

2411 Grand Ave., Des Moines
moberggallery.com

Upcoming exhibits

• Through Feb. 28: Edgard Camacho

POLK COUNTY HERITAGE GALLERY

Polk County Administration Building, 111 Court Ave., Des Moines
polkcountyheritagegallery.org

Upcoming exhibits

• Through Sept. 24: “The Friday Group”
• Sept. 30 through Nov. 4: “By The Blade: Defining Collage”

ANKENY ART CENTER

1520 S.W. Ordnance Road, Ankeny
ankenyartcenter.org

Upcoming exhibits

• Through Sept. 22: Ankeny Quilters Guild and Anna Drake
• Oct. 1 through Nov. 24: Group Show featuring Lindsey Harrison, Kate Chandler, Chase Lilleholm and John Shymanski
• Dec. 4 through Jan. 26: Member Show

 

Stage

ACTORS, INC. – AMES COMMUNITY THEATER

120 Abraham Drive, Ames
actorsinc.org
Season 71: A Guide to Resilience, Humor, and Absurdity 

• Sept. 10-12, 17-20: “Come From Away”
• Oct. 28-31, Nov. 6-8: “Evil Dead The Musical”

ANKENY COMMUNITY THEATRE 

1932 S.W. Third St., Ankeny
ankenycommunitytheatre.com

• Sept. 25 through Oct. 4: “Clue”
• Dec. 4-13: “A Wonderful Life”

CLASS ACT PRODUCTIONS

201 First Ave. S., Altoona
captheatre.org

• Oct. 2-4: CAP Radio Hour: “Poe’s Dark Tales”
• Nov. 5-8, 13-15, 20-22: “Something Rotten! JR.”

DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS 

Des Moines Civic Center, Cowles Commons, Stoner Theater, Temple Theatre, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines
dmpa.org 

• Through Sept 20: “Wicked”
• Oct. 3: “Bluebird Improv” 
• Oct. 6-11: “Hold On To Your Butts”
• Oct. 11: “The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short”
• Oct. 17: “Velveteen, A New Musical”
• Oct. 20-25: “Spamalot”
• Oct. 27: “Ailey II”
• Nov. 4: “Wild Wolves of Yellowstone. National Geographic Live” 
• Nov. 6: “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock Live”
• Dec. 1-6: “Maybe Happy Ending”
• Dec. 18-20: “Waitress”
• Dec. 21: “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” 

DES MOINES COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE

831 42nd St., Des Moines
dmplayhouse.com 

• Sept. 11 through Oct. 4: “Come From Away”
• Oct. 27: “Final Act Ensemble: Halloween Show”
• Dec. 4-27: “Annie”

IOWA STAGE THEATRE COMPANY 

Stoner Theatre, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines
iowastage.org

• Oct. 2-11: “Reefer Madness”
• Dec. 11-20: “A Christmas Carol”

TALLGRASS THEATRE COMPANY

2019 Grand Ave., Suite 100, West Des Moines
tallgrasstheatre.org

• Sept. 12 to Sept. 28: “Blithe Spirit”
• Nov. 7 to Nov. 23: “The Boxcar Children”
• Dec. 19-21: “The A Sisters and Friends at The Velvet Lounge”

ABOUT TIME THEATRE COMPANY 

2019 Grand Ave., Suite 100, West Des Moines
www.abouttimetheatre.com

• Oct. 2-11: “Building the Wall”

CAROUSEL THEATRE COMPANY 

117 E. Salem Ave., Indianola
www.carouseltheatre.org

• Sept. 10-13: “110 Stories”

DES MOINES YOUNG ARTISTS’ THEATRE

4801 Franklin Ave., Suite 1166, Des Moines
www.dmyat.org

• Oct. 23 through Nov. 1: “The Addams Family: School Edition”

TALLGRASS THEATRE COMPANY

2019 Grand Ave., Suite 100, West Des Moines
tallgrasstheatre.org

• Sept. 11-27: “She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition”
• Nov. 6-22: “POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive”

CASEY’S CENTER

223 Center St., Des Moines 
www.iowaeventscenter.com/caseys-center

• Nov. 26-29: “Disney On Ice Presents Find Your Hero”

 

Live Music

DES MOINES CIVIC CENTER

221 Walnut St., Des Moines
dmpa.org 

• Sept. 17: Made in the Midwest: Dickie
• Oct. 2: Live at the Temple: Alysha Brilla
• Oct. 15: Made in the Midwest: Tae and The Neighborly
• Oct. 23: Live at the Temple: Oh He Dead
• Nov. 7: Made in the Midwest: Nola Jazz Band Quartet
• Nov. 14: Made in the Midwest: GreenTTea and The Tempos
• Nov. 21: Live at the Temple: Mama Said String Band
• Dec. 3: Made in the Midwest: MoonShrom

DES MOINES SYMPHONY

Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines
dmsymphony.org

• Sept. 26-27: Season Debut. Unity – American Mosaic and West Side Story
• Oct. 31, Nov. 1: Beautiful Monsters – John Williams and Symphonie Fantastique
• Nov. 21-22: Renewal – Four Seasons and Bolero
• Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Pops: Cirque – Symphonic Cinema

CASEY’S CENTER

Casey’s Center, 223 Center St., Des Moines 
www.iowaeventscenter.com/caseys-center

• Oct. 8: Zach Top “Cold Beer and Country Music Fall Tour at 8 p.m.
• Oct. 22: Thomas Rhett at 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 29: Ella Langley: The Dandelion Tour at 7 p.m.
• Nov. 20: Zac Brown Band Love and Fear at 7 p.m.

CENTRAL IOWA WIND ENSEMBLE 

Staplin Performing Arts Center, 3650 Woodland Ave., West Des Moines
www.ciwe.org

• Oct. 11: Under the Big Top
• Dec. 11: Memories, Music and Mistletoe 

HOYT SHERMAN PLACE 

1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines
hoytsherman.org

• Sept. 10: Tig Notaro: Out of Nowhere at 7 p.m.
• Sept. 11: Jefferson Starship Runaway Again Tour at 8 p.m.
• Sept. 13: Hoyt Sherman Place Celebrates 250th Anniversary of American Independence at 1 p.m.
• Sept. 18: Whose Live Anyway? at 7:30 p.m.
• Sept. 20: John Crist Live! at 7 p.m.
• Sept. 29: Tell It Like It Is: Iowa Storytellers Project “Voyages” at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 2: Lauren Alaina: The Stages Tour 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 5: Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers at 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 7: Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert 40th Anniversary at 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 9: Leonid and Friends at 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 13: Snarky Puppy at 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 15: Becky Robinson: The Beasts In Me Tour at 8 p.m.
• Oct. 16: Big Head Todd and the Monsters at 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 17: The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Bon Jovi’s “Slippery When Wet” at 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 27: Ben Folds and A Piano at 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 1: Daughtry – 20 Years Unplugged Tour at 7 p.m.
• Nov. 6: Justin Willman: One for the Ages Tour at 7 p.m.
• Nov. 7: Gary Owen: No Hard Feelings Tour at 8 p.m.
• Nov. 8: Micky Dolenz – 60 YEARS OF THE MONKEES at 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 10: Everclear – Lucky 7 Tour at 7 p.m.
• Nov. 12: Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox at 8 p.m.
• Nov. 13: Larry Fleet at 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 14: Derrick Stroup: Running Hot Tour at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
• Nov. 16: A Motown Christmas at 7 p.m.
• Nov. 17: Andy Grammer – Greater Than Pt. II: A One Man Show at 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 20: Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees at 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 21: Kenny G at 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 22: Shaun Cassidy – Unwrapped at 8 p.m.
• Dec. 1: A Drag Queen Christmas at 7:30 p.m.
• Dec. 4: Dusty Slay: The Neighborhood Guy at 7 p.m.

VIBRANT MUSIC HALL

2938 Grand Prairie Parkway, Waukee
www.vibrantmusichall.com

• Sept. 4: It’s A 2000’s Party: Waukee at 9 p.m.
• Sept. 5: 38 Special: 50 Year Legacy Tour at 7:30 p.m.
• Sept. 18: Night Ranger at 7:30 p.m.
• Sept. 20: Polyphia Tour MMXXVI at 7:30 p.m.
• Sept. 25: Studio One Presents: Bleachers Forever at 7:30 p.m. 
• Sept. 27: Highly Suspect & Yelawolf – The War Within Tour at 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 2: Clint Black: Back On The Blacktop Tour at 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 3: Tucker Wetmore: The Brunette World Tour at 6:30 p.m.
• Oct. 7: Rise Against: Ricochet 2026 at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 9: Taste Of Chaos at 5 p.m.
• Oct. 14: gymclassheroes. & Lupe Fiasco – Back To Basics Tour at 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 18: BEAT: Belew/Vai/Levin/Bozzio Performing the Music of KING CRIMSON at 8 p.m.
• Oct. 24: Kansas at 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 30: Aries Spears at 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 5: Rodney Carrington at 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 14: Alicia Villarreal – Bendita Locura Tour 2026 at 8 p.m.
• Nov. 25: Sabaton: Legends on Tour at 7 p.m.

WOOLY’S

504 E. Locust St., Des Moines
firstfleetconcerts.com/first-fleet-venues/woolys

• Sept. 3: Ugly Kid Joe at 7:30 p.m.
• Sept. 4: Lakeview at 7 p.m.
• Sept. 6: Agarron De Bandas at 9:30 p.m.
• Sept. 10: Lily Rose at 7 p.m.
• Sept. 11: All Shall Perish at 7 p.m.
• Sept. 12: GURNFEST X at 6 p.m.
• Sept. 13: Pokey LaFarge at 8 p.m.
• Sept. 14: Lil Skies at 7 p.m.
• Sept. 18: Ensiferum at 7 p.m.
• Sept. 19: Blade Rave at 9 p.m.
• Sept. 21: Saxsquatch at 8 p.m.
• Sept. 23: Icon For Hire at 7 p.m.
• Sept. 24: Gogol Bordello at 7 p.m.
• Sept. 25: Hemlock at 6:30 p.m.
• Sept. 26: Tanner Usrey at 7 p.m.
• Sept. 27: Alana Springsteen at 7:30 p.m.
• Sept. 29: Ripe at 8 p.m.
• Sept. 30: Mon Rovîa – Bloodline Tour at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 1: Jervis Campbell at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 2: Obsession Rave at 9 p.m.
• Oct. 3: Saturn Ascends at 8 p.m.
• Oct. 5: Kylie Morgan at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 8: The Ultimate Doors – A Tribute to the Doors at 8 p.m.
• Oct. 9: The Urge at 8 p.m.
• Oct. 10: The Haunt at 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 11: Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 13: PeelingFlesh at 6:30 p.m.
• Oct. 15: An Evening With Geordie Greep at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 16: Danielle Nicole at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 17: Daft Disko at 9 p.m.
• Oct. 22: “Business In The Front, Party In The Back” Tour with TVBOO at 8 p.m.
• Oct. 24: Twiztid at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 25: Drowning Pool x Saliva at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 28: All Them Witches at 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 29: Spite at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 31: Winyah at 8 p.m. 
• Nov. 1: Brother Ali at 7 p.m.
• Nov. 4: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at 7 p.m. 
• Nov. 7: Colby Acuff at 7 p.m.
• Nov. 10: Kurt Vile + The Violators at 7 p.m.
• Nov. 13: Boogie T at 8 p.m.
• Nov. 18: Tropidelic at 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 29: HARBOUR at 7 p.m. 

 

Sports

COLLEGE HOOPS AT THE CASEY’S CENTER

• Dec. 21
  730 Third St., Des Moines
  www.iowaeventscenter.com/events/detail/iowa-hawkeyes-vs.-alabama-crimson-tide
  The Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball team ditches Carver Arena for a neutral-site game at the Casey’s Center against Alabama. 

IOWA WOLVES

Casey’s Center, 233 Center St., Des Moines
iowa.gleague.nba.com

IOWA WILD

Casey’s Center, 233 Center St., Des Moines
iowawild.com

Home games:

• Oct. 9: vs. Rockford IceHogs at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 10: vs. Rockford IceHogs at 6 p.m.
• Oct. 21: vs. Milwaukee Admirals at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 23: vs. Manitoba Moose at 7 p.m.
• Oct. 24: vs. Manitoba Moose at 6 p.m.
• Oct. 30: vs. Charlotte Checkers at 7 p.m.
• Nov. 1: vs. Charlotte Checkers at 3 p.m.
• Nov. 5: vs. Rockford IceHogs at 10:30 a.m.
• Nov. 13: vs. Grand Rapids Griffins at 7 p.m.
• Nov. 14: vs. Grand Rapids Griffins at 6 p.m.
• Dec. 1: vs. Chicago Wolves at 7 p.m.
• Dec. 5: vs. Grand Rapids Griffins at 6 p.m.
• Dec. 6: vs. Grand Rapids Griffins at 3 p.m.
• Dec. 9: vs. Milwaukee Admirals at 7 p.m.
• Dec. 18: vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms at 7 p.m.
• Dec. 19: vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms at 6 p.m. 
• Dec. 29: vs. Texas Stars at 6 p.m.
• Dec. 31: vs. Texas Stars at 6 p.m.

IOWA CUBS

Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines
iowacubs.com

• Sept. 8 vs. Toledo at 6:38 p.m. 
• Sept. 9 vs. Toledo at 12:08 p.m. 
• Sept. 10 vs. Toledo at 6:38 p.m. | Iowa Oaks
• Sept. 11 vs. Toledo at 7:08 p.m. | Friday Night Fireworks
• Sept. 12 vs. Toledo at 6:08 p.m. | Catch On The Field
• Sept. 13 vs. Toledo at 1:08 p.m. | Kids Run The Bases

IOWA STATE FOOTBALL

Jack Trice Stadium, 1732 S. Fourth St., Ames
cyclones.com

Home games:

• Sept. 5 vs. Southeast Missouri at 12 p.m.
• Sept. 19 vs. Bowling Green at 11 a.m.
• Sept 26 vs. Utah
• Oct. 3 vs. West Virginia 
• Oct. 31 vs. Oklahoma State
• Nov. 14 vs. Cincinnati 
• Nov. 28 vs. Kansas State

IOWA STATE BASKETBALL

Hilton Coliseum, 1705 Center Drive, Ames
cyclones.com

Men: Non-conference home games (times TBA): 

• Nov. 6: vs. Southern Miss
• Nov. 10: vs. Southern
• Nov. 15: vs. Niagara
• Dec. 2: vs. Alcorn State
• Dec. 6: vs. Purdue
• Dec. 13: vs. North Carolina Central
• Dec. 21: vs. Northern Arizona
• Dec. 29: vs. New Hampshire

Big 12 home games (dates and times TBA): 
Kansas, Oklahoma State, West Virginia, Arizona, BYU, Cincinnati, Kansas State, TCU and Utah

Women:
Dates and times TBA

DRAKE FOOTBALL

2719 Forest Ave., Des Moines
godrakebulldogs.com

• Oct. 3 vs. Dayton at 12 p.m.
• Oct. 17 vs. Marist at 12 p.m.
• Oct. 24 vs. Butler at 12 p.m.
• Nov. 7 vs. San Diego at 12 p.m.

DRAKE BASKETBALL

Knapp Center, 2601 Forest Ave., Des Moines
godrakebulldogs.com

• Men’s home games 
  Dates and times TBA
• Women’s home games
  Dates and times TBA

DES MOINES BUCCANEERS

MidAmerican Energy RecPlex, 6500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines
bucshockey.com
The Tier 1 USHL developmental hockey franchise continues to serve up a chance for amateur hockey players to enhance their ability to succeed at the next level.

Home games:

• Sept. 17 vs. Youngstown Phantoms at 12 p.m.
• Oct. 2 vs. Omaha Lancers at 7:05 p.m.
• Oct. 3 vs. Tri-City Storm at 6:05 p.m.
• Oct. 10 vs. Lincoln Stars at 6:05 p.m.
• Oct. 16 vs. Waterloo Black Hawks at 7:05 p.m.
• Oct. 30 vs. Youngstown Phantoms at 7:05 p.m.
• Oct. 31 vs. Youngstown Phantoms at 6:05 p.m.
• Nov. 13 vs. Dubuque Fighting Saints at 7:05 p.m.
• Nov. 20 vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks at 7:05 p.m.
• Nov. 21 vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks at 6:35 p.m.
• Nov. 27 vs. Chicago Steel at 7:05 p.m.
• Nov. 28 vs. Chicago Steel at 6:35 p.m.
• Dec. 4 vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders at 7:05 p.m.
• Dec. 15 vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders at 7:05 p.m.

 

Events

SEPTEMBER

• SEPTEMBER THROUGH OCTOBER: Des Moines Farmers Market. Located in the Historic Court District, Iowa’s largest farmers’ market will cater to all of the local fall cravings every Saturday morning. dsmpartnership.com/desmoinesfarmersmarket
• SEPT. 1-30: Country Celebration at Center Grove Orchard. The orchard is celebrating all month long with horse-drawn wagons, rope making, corn shelling and more. 32835 610th Ave., Cambridge
• SEPT. 3-5: Taste of the Junction Multicultural Festival. Fun for the whole family includes face and mural painting, inflatables, crafts, food, and live music and street performances. Railroad Park Music Pavilion, 425 Railroad Place, Valley Junction, West Des Moines; www.facebook.com/tasteofthejunction
• SEPT. 4-7: Labor Day Weekend Patio Fest. Confluence Brewing Company hosts several musicians throughout the weekend, featuring the brewery’s own beer garden. Confluence Brewing Company, 1235 Thomas Beck Road, Des Moines; www.confluencebrewing.com
• SEPT. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20: The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow. Immerse yourself in the days of olde with performances from jousting, acrobats, fire breathing and more. Each week has a theme: Viking Invasion, Magic and Mischief and Party Like a Pirate. Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Ave., Des Moines; www.sleepyhollowrenfaire.com (same as cover)
• SEPT. 10, 17, 24: Confluence Brewing Summer Concert Series. Free to attend, with Kevin Presbey, Jake Schrodt and Matt Cox performing in that order. Confluence Brewing Company, 1235 Thomas Beck Road, Des Moines; www.confluencebrewing.com
• SEPT. 10, 17, 24: Music in the Junction. Sept. 10 is Cedar Falls Rock and Roll Revue. Sept 17 is Gut Feeling. Sept. 24 is Jason Wells Band. Historic Valley Junction, 100 to 300 Block of Fifth Street and Railroad Park; valleyjunction.com/events
• SEPT. 11-13: GalaxyCon. A three-day festival of fandom. Celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors, cosplayers and so many more descend onto Des Moines to display fandoms from all over the galaxy. Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines; galaxycon.com/pages/galaxycon-des-moines.
• SEPT 11-13: Wauketoberfest. Bake-offs, brat tosses, dachshund dashes, food of the German variety and ice-cold brews. Downtown Waukee Triangle, Ashworth Drive and Sixth Street; www.waukeehistory.org
• SEPT. 12: Touchdown Tailgate. The Civic Center once again hosts its Cy-Hawk watch party, complete with jumbotron TV, food and drink vendors present at Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines; www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/touchdown-tailgate
• SEPT. 12-13, 19-20, 26-27: Apple and Pumpkin Festival. There is plenty for the kids to enjoy with corn pools, spider webs, duck races and corn mazes, plus fresh apple- and pumpkin-related food ready to be taken home and enjoyed. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Wills Family Orchard, 33130 Panther Creek Road, Adel; www.willsfamilyorchard.com/apple-and-pumpkin-fest/
• SEPT. 13: PorchFest. 20 acts this year will perform on the front porches of residents in Union Park. This free event brings people into one of Des Moines oldest neighborhoods for 45-minute-long sets on various porches. A map of the performances can be found on their website. Union Park, 2009 Saylor Road, Des Moines; www.porchfestdsm.org 
• SEPT. 13: 2026 Des Moines Concours d’Elegance. This is the premier automotive exhibition in Des Moines. The vehicles on display are vintage and classic, celebrating the fine art, design and innovation of motor vehicles through the years. John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Western Gateway Park, 1330 Grand Ave., Des Moines; www.desmoinesconcours.com
• SEPT. 16: Pickle for a Purpose. Pickleball tournament to help support Dorothy’s House, an organization that supports survivors of human trafficking in Iowa. Hickory Glen Park, 1000 S.E. 68th St., Pleasant Hill; www.dorothyshouse.org
• SEPT. 18-19: Beaverdale Fall Festival. One of Des Moines premier neighborhoods hosts its annual Fall Festival, complete with parade, car show, live music, food vendors and so much more. Beaver Avenue and Urbandale Avenue; www.fallfestival.org
• SEPT. 19: Recovery Festival. A community event that celebrates recovery and connects individuals and families with local resources and support services. There will also be live entertainment, speakers, food and more. 710 Corning Avenue, Des Moines; www.kingdomlivingia.com/festival
• SEPT. 19: Fly Iowa Festival. The first Fly Iowa event, hosted by the Iowa Aviation Promotion Group, designed to elevate the scale, scope and community impact of this festival. Pilots, educators, visits are all welcome. 3405 N. Eighth Ave., Winterset; lyiowa2026.com
• SEPT. 19: Brenton Night Roll. Skate to your favorite music and get groovy. 18-plus. Brenton Skating Plaza, 520 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines; 
• SEPT. 19: Adventureland’s Oktoberfest. Adventureland is normally prepared for family fun, but its Oktoberfest is 21-plus and prepared for a day of polka music, games, contests and, of course, rides. 3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona; www.adventurelandresort.com/discover-adventureland-resort/oktoberfest
• SEPT. 19: Hot Rods for Heroes. All proceeds benefit the Blue Star Mothers of Iowa, who send care packages to Iowans serving in the military. Des Moines Area Community College, 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny; www.bluestarmothersofiowa.com
• SEPT. 20: DSM Open Street Festival on S.W. Ninth Street. The Friends of SW 9th invite the southside to enjoy community attractions with food, games, music and fun. 3305 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines; www.friendsofsw9th.com
• SEPT 20: Indianola Art Festival. The Indianola Arts Commission is bringing back its annual Art Festival. The return year will feature 30 artists with various live entertainment including music, food and more. Buxton Park, 705 N. Buxton St, Indianola; indianolaiowa.gov/1065/Indianola-Art-Festival
• SEPT. 20: Halfway to St. Pat’s Charity Car Show. The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick is holding a fundraising car show to benefit the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Bring your classic or unique vehicle. Registration is 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Trophies will be awarded at 3 p.m. Vendors and food will be available. Charlie’s Filling Station, 305 Grand Ave.,
  West Des Moines; www.friendlysonsiowa.com
• SEPT 24-26: Des Moines Area Quilters Guild annual show. Iowa State Fairgrounds 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines; www.dmaqg.org
• SEPT. 25 through NOV. 1: The Slaughterhouse Haunter House. Enter at your own risk. 500 Locust St., Des Moines; slaughterhousedm.com
• SEPT 25-26: Oktoberfest. Two days, one big prost. Celebrate all of the traditional German style at the 22nd annual Oktoberfest. Go in traditional garb, or go as yourself, either way, have a beer. The District at Prairie Trail, Southwest District Drive, Ankeny; oktoberfestdsm.com
• SEPT. 25-27: Iowa’s Largest Arts and Crafts Show. More than 250 exhibitors from seven different states present and sell the finest products that Midwesterners can craft. Iowa State Fairgrounds, East 30th Street and East University Avenue, Des Moines; www.iowastatefairgrounds.org/event-calendar/iowa
• SEPT. 26: 2026 Iowa Outdoor Expo. Whether you are looking to cast a line, do some skeet shooting, bow shooting, slingshot shooting, BB gun shooting, or see animal presentations, the Iowa Outdoor Expo has you covered. 4343 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines; desmoines-ikes.com/tag/iowa-outdoor-expo/
• SEPT. 26: Iowa State Armwrestling Championship. $30 entry fee. Start training now. Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St., Des Moines; www.facebook.com/events/1272994067127516
• SEPT. 26: Applefest. The name speaks for itself. All things related to apples’ history, like how past cooks prepared them, served them, or turned them into cider. Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale; lhf.org
• SEPT. 26: Wild Boar Challenge. Not to worry, competitors are not trying to catch boars here but will try to catch their breath. Participants navigate hay bales, mud, barbed wire and more on this 5-mile trek. Wildwood Hills Ranch, 2552 Union Lane St., St. Charles; www.wildboarchallenge.org
• SEPT. 26: Log Cabin Days Festival. The annual festival brings you in for a taste of Indianola’s history. Warren County Fairgrounds, 1400 W. Second Ave., Indianola; warrencountyhistory.org/event/log-cabin-festival
• SEPT. 26-27: Latino Heritage Festival. This is the largest and longest-running Latino celebration in Iowa with two vibrant days of music, food, dance, art and coming together of various communities celebrates in Des Moines. Western Gateway Park, 100 Grand Ave., Des Moines; latinoheritagefestival.org

OCTOBER

• RECURRING WEEKLY THROUGH NOVEMBER: The Haunting at Exile. This pop-up includes both the upstairs dining room and beer hall spaces. Halloween-themed drinks, dishes and decor create a unique and memorable experience for anyone looking to enjoy the holiday. Exile Brewing Company, 1514 Walnut St., Des Moines;
  www.exilebrewing.com
• WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER: Phantom Fall Festival. Adventureland hosts its Phantom Fall Festival each weekend throughout October with an array of ghosts, ghouls, goblins and eerie attractions. 3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona;
  www.adventurelandpark.com
• OCT. 1 through NOV. 6: Pumpkin Fest. Center Grove Orchard is packed with pumpkins following the harvest season, with fun on the farm during the day and night. Center Grove Orchard, 32835 610th Ave., Cambridge;
  www.centergroveorchard.com
• OCT. 1-4: Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Presents: The Greatest Show on Earth. The Ringling Bros. have reinvented themselves for the new generation of viewers, bringing a fast-paced, high-energy circus back to stardom. Casey’s Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines; www.ringling.com
• OCT. 2-4: Panda Fest. After launching in 2024 with 13 events being wildly popular, this festival brings Asian street food, activities, market fairs and live entertainment. Outlets of Des Moines, 801 Bass Pro Drive, Suite 125, Altoona; www.pandafests.com
• OCT. 3: Des Moines Whiskey Festival. Access to premium and reserve-level whiskey, great for both the long-time enjoyers and the first-time tasters. Meridian Event, 7001 Westown Parkway, Suite 100, West Des Moines; www.dsmwhiskeyfest.com
• OCT. 3: Downtown Des Moines End of Summer Block Party. Food trucks, vendors, drinks, live music, games and plenty of community related fun to end the summer season. HubSpot 215 Water St., Des Moines; desmoinesdna.com
• OCT. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25: Apple and Pumpkin Festival. There is plenty for the kids to enjoy with corn pools, spider webs, duck races and corn mazes, plus fresh apple- and pumpkin-related food ready to be taken home and enjoyed. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Wills Family Orchard, 33130 Panther Creek Road, Adel; www.willsfamilyorchard.com/apple-and-pumpkin-fest
• OCT. 4: Des Moines Super Hero Heart Run. A run, and for some, a fly, to support Help-A-Heart and Heart Heroes. Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines; heartheroes.org/superhero-heart-run
• OCT. 10: Spooky Sprint – Des Moines. A run that the whole family can enjoy with runs at most paces and fitness levels. Big Creek State Park, 8550 N.W. 142nd Ave., Polk City; runsignup.com/Race/IA/PolkCity/SpookySprintDesMoines
• OCT. 10: Indigenous Iowans Day. Explore the native cultures that have shaped our state. Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale; www.lhf.org
• OCT. 10: 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. One Line Drive, Des Moines; act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=walk_homepage
• OCT. 10-11: Madison County Covered Bridges Festival. Experience the delightful sights that is Madison County’s Covered Bridges with their annual festival celebrating their beauty and history with vendors and entertainment throughout the weekend. Starting at 9 a.m. in Winterset Square, Winterset; www.exploremadisoncounty.com 
• OCT. 11: Des Moines Jazz Hall of Fame Gala. Guitarist Rod Leaverton and saxophonist Bryan Schumacker become the 53rd and 54th inductees to the CJC Des Moines Jazz Hall of Fame. Community Jazz Center of Greater Des Moines, 1326 Walnut,
  Des Moines; www.cjc-dsm.org
• Oct. 16-18: Capital City Gaming Con. A weekend full of fun and games held annually. Meet local vendors, attend events and make new friends, all while playing the hobby’s best games. Hilton Garden Inn, 205 S. 64 St., West Des Moines; www.capitalcitygamingcon.com
• OCT. 17: SCI’s Big Blast: This year’s theme is Sprinkled with Stardust. This is the Science Center’s annual fundraising event. Science Center of Iowa, 401 W Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Des Moines; www.sciowa.org
• OCT. 17-18: Des Moines Lapidary Society 2026 Gem, Jewelry, Mineral and Fossil Show. Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines; dmlapidary.org
• OCT. 17-18: Great Iowa Pet Expo. A trade show acts a mall for your pets, education from experts helps you care for them the best, and entertainment includes free contests, pet performances and more. 2100 N.W. 100th St., Clive; greatiowapetexpo.com
• OCT. 18: IMT Des Moines Marathon. This annual marathon has taken runners through Des Moines since 2002. 1001 Grand Ave., West Des Moines; desmoinesmarathon.com
• OCT. 23-25: Family Halloween at Living History Farms. A townful of treats for the area’s tricksters. Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale; lhf.org/event/halloween
• OCT. 24: Ninth Annual Fall Festival. Hosted by the Valerius Elementary School in Urbandale, there will be 40 vendors, games, train rides, face paint and more fun for the family. 3305 92nd St., Urbandale; www.facebook.com/VALFallFest

NOVEMBER

• NOV. 6-8: Des Moines Holiday Boutique. Gathering 200 businesses for the premier shopping event of the season, this showcase features exceptional, high-quality vendors displaying the newest trends in holiday gifts, jewelry, children’s goods, gourmet delicacies, and more. EMC Expo Center, Iowa Events Center, 730 Fourth St., Des Moines; www.desmoinesholidayboutique.com
• NOV. 7: 25th annual Red Tie Gala. Help support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa. Prairie Meadows, 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona; www.rmhdesmoines.org 
• NOV. 7: Living History Farms race. Race across the grounds and see 300 years of Iowa history in the process. Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale; www.lhf.org
• NOV. 7-9: Pumpkin Destruction. Frustrated by pumpkin spiced everything? Take out some of those frustrations at this fun annual event that sends pumpkins flying, splattering and crumbling. Center Grove Orchard, 32835 610th Ave., Cambridge; www.centergroveorchard.com
• NOV. 8: Girls on the Run 5K. This helps supports an organization that helps girls recognize their potential. Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines; www.gotrcentraliowa.org/5k
• NOV. 26: Des Moines Turkey Trot. Don’t worry, you won’t be running against real turkeys in this race. They would beat you to the finish line, anyway. Starting at 9 a.m. on Court Avenue, Des Moines; www.desmoinesturkeytrot.com
• NOV. 27: Winterset Festival of Lights. Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a magical light display, live musical performances and a great selection of food and beverages. Santa makes an appearance, and “Elf” will show at the end of the night. From 5-8 p.m. at Winterset Courthouse, 112 S. John Wayne Drive, Winterset; www.madisoncounty.com/special-events
• NOV. 27-29: 42nd annual Festival of Trees and Lights. Designed to benefit Blank Children’s Hospital, this event features beautifully adorned trees, local musical acts, dance ensembles and an appearance by Santa himself. Iowa Events Center, 833 Fifth Ave., Des Moines; www.unitypoint.org/giving/blank-childrens-hospital-foundation/ways-to-give/events/festival-of-trees-and-lights
• NOV. 28: Christmas in Olde Town. Downtown Altoona turns into a bustling winter wonderland. S.E. Second Street, Altoona; www.visitaltoona.com

DECEMBER

• DEC. 3-6, 10-13: ChristkindlMarket. More than 700 years of European culture, food, shopping and entertainment all in one, two-weekend festival. There are activities for kids, artisanal products to make for a great late Christmas present, and for the adults, Glühwein. Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines; christkindlmarketdsm.com 
• DEC. 4: Light Up Polk City from 6-8 p.m. in the Polk City town square; www.polkcityia.gov
• DEC. 4: City of Clive Mayor’s Tree Lighting. Clive Public Library, 1900 N.W. 114th St., Clive; www.cityofclive.com/parkandrecreation
• DEC. 5: Family Christmas at Living History Farms. 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale; lhf.org
• DEC. 11-12: Winter Solstice Market. Holiday shopping all in one market, previously voted best holiday market in Iowa. 116 S. First Ave., Winterset Courthouse Square; madisoncounty.com/special-events
• DEC. 12: Santa 5K run. Santa’s big jolly belly isn’t known for exercise, but it is at this 5K. 521 E. Locust St., Des Moines; fleetfeet.com/s/desmoines
• DEC. 12: Peppermint Trail. Winter festival located along Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines; theavenuesdsm.com/peppermint-trail
• DEC. 5 through DEC. 28: Holiday Hullabaloo. Experience a family-friendly holiday event with festivities and entertainment every weekend through the dates posted. Southridge Event Center, 1111 Army Post Road, Des Moines; www.holidayhullabaloo.com ♦