If you want to stay up to date on all the fun things to do in Des Moines, sign up for Off Hours, your free weekly newsletter from the Des Moines Register that highlights all the fun things to do in central Iowa. Recently we’ve written about karaoke bars, thrift stores, arts and crafts, vegan restaurants, gluten-free options, the Amana Colonies and plants. When you sign up for our newsletter, you’ll get a full list of fun places to go, things to do, places to eat and more in your inbox early Thursday morning.
48-hour film project “Best of Des Moines” 2024
Thursday night: Des Moines’ own Academy Awards will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Fleur Cinema & Café, 4545 Fleur Drive, Des Moines. The 48-hour Best of Des Moines 2024 film project will take over the cinema and celebrate 20 seasons with tickets starting at $20. Not only will you be able to see the top films, but you’ll also be able to find out the winners and walk the red carpet like an A-list celebrity.
World Festival of Food and Music
Friday afternoon: Food from more than 30 countries is available for purchase at the World Food & Music Festival at the John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Western Gateway Park, 1330 Grand Ave., Des Moines. You’ll find food and music from Jamaica and Japan, Greece and Germany, Pakistan and the Philippines. Each food stand offers a sample dish and a small menu of dishes from that country. The event includes cultural activities, chefs showcasing their skills, musicians and dancers. Admission to the festival is free on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More: The World Food & Music Festival is taking place this weekend. What you should know before you visit.
“Moulin Rouge”
Friday night: The glitz, glamour and grandeur of Paris come to life in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” which features aristocrats and bohemians alike. Set in the Montmartre neighborhood during the Belle Epoque at the turn of the century, the musical tells the story of composer Christian, who falls in love with cabaret actress Satine, the star of the Moulin Rouge. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show at the Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines, start at $40. See the show through Sept. 1.
Summer Craft Fair
Saturday morning: From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., head to St. Paul Presbyterian Church, 6426 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, for the Summer Artisans Fair. This free event brings together more than 30 artists and artisans from the Des Moines metropolitan area offering everything from silver and jewelry to hand-blown glass and quilting.
Iowa Wine and Cider Festival
Saturday afternoon: The Iowa Wine & Cider Festival will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines. More than 20 Iowa wineries and cider makers will showcase their products with unlimited samples, live music, food trucks, a tasting glass and more. Tickets start at $50.
IngersollLive
Saturday afternoon: During Ingersoll Live, a large street festival takes place at 2300 Ingersoll Ave. in Des Moines from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. This free event features everything from art and music to food and entertainment. For more information on vendors and musicians, visit theavenuesdsm.com.
DSM Gamer Jazz
Saturday night: If you love jazz and gaming, head to Colby Park (6900 School St., Windsor Heights) for a free show by the Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra from 7 to 8 p.m. Hear tunes from legendary video games like Super Mario, Street Fighter and Plants vs. Zombies.
Iowa DemonsHawks
Saturday night: Watch the Iowa DemonHawks professional soccer team take on the Brazilian national team in the first of three exhibition matches at Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines. Tickets for the 7 p.m. game are $29.
Lukas Brünn
Saturday night: Country superstar Luke Bryan returns to Iowa after his farm tour, which included a show at Schnell Family Farms in Colfax. The “American Idol” judge, known for songs such as “Huntin,” “Fishin’ and Lovin’,” “Country Girl (Shake It For Me),” “That’s My Kind of Night” and “I Don’t Want This Night To End,” is bringing his “Mind of a Country Boy Tour” to the arena. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show at Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St., Des Moines, start at $39.75 at hyveetix.com. George Birge, Larry Fleet and Chayce Beckham open the show.
Susan Stapleton is entertainment editor and restaurant reporter at the Des Moines Register. You can reach her on Facebook, Þjórsárdaluror Instagram, or message her at [email protected].
