09/10/2026
Looking for things to do in Des Moines this September?
🎨 Domino Effect
📍 Cowles Commons, Downtown Des Moines
🗓 Now through September 30
An interactive installation with giant illuminated dominoes, music, light and movement.
🍁 Beaverdale Fall Festival
📍 Downtown Beaverdale
🗓 September 18–19
Live music, food, vendors, competitions, a parade and plenty of Beaverdale fun.
✨ Illumifest
📍 West Des Moines City Campus
🗓 September 19 | 4–9 PM
A free fall festival with activities, entertainment, food vendors and more.
🍺 Oktoberfest
📍 The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny
🗓 September 25–26
German food, beer, live music, competitions and two days of Oktoberfest fun.
🍎 Applefest
📍 Living History Farms, Urbandale
🗓 September 26 | 9 AM–4 PM
Celebrate apple season with historic demonstrations, apple treats, cider and family activities.
🎶 Porchfest DSM
📍 Waveland Park, Des Moines
🗓 September 27 | 12–6 PM
A FREE neighborhood music festival with 16 bands performing on porches throughout Waveland Park.
September might just be one of the best months to get out and explore the Des Moines metro.
Which one are you adding to your calendar? 👇 Save this post and send it to someone who needs some fall plans!