TLC & Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue
Legendary hip-hop and R&B icons take over the grandstand for an unforgettable night of classic 90s anthems at the fair.
concertlive-musicfair
Things to do in Des Moines, IA
Find current events, restaurants, family activities, and quick getaway ideas in Des Moines, IA. WonderKit curates these picks daily so the page stays useful for both local search and trip planning.
11 hand-picked things to do in Des Moines, IA right now · 6 with confirmed dates
Filter Des Moines, IA by group
A perfect 3 days in Des Moines, IA
A sample plan built from this week's Des Moines, IA picks — the same day-by-day itinerary WonderKit drafts for your group in about a minute.
Day 1
MorningMaria Bamford at Hoyt Sherman Place
Spend an evening of sharply observed, inventive stand-up comedy inside the historic and acoustically pristine Hoyt Sherman theater.
AfternoonProof
An inventive globally-inspired menu featuring hyper-seasonal local ingredients, tucked into a sophisticated space in downtown Des Moines.
EveningSail On - The Beach Boys Tribute
Transport yourself back to the golden era of surf rock with faithful, high-energy renditions of classic Beach Boys hits.
Day 2
MorningDes Moines Art Center Summer Galleries
Beat the midday August heat by wandering through world-class modern and contemporary collections housed in a stunning multi-architect building.
AfternoonEl Patio
A historic staple serving legendary cheese dip and classic Mexican comfort plates in a lively, vibrant atmosphere.
EveningBigXThaPlug at Iowa State Fair
Catch high-energy performances at the state fair grandstand as the weekend ramps up with major touring acts.
Day 3
MorningTLC & Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue
Legendary hip-hop and R&B icons take over the grandstand for an unforgettable night of classic 90s anthems at the fair.
AfternoonBest of the Worst
Live at xBk Live.
EveningExtreme Dwarfanator Wrestling
An action-packed, high-flying sports entertainment spectacle hosted at Des Moines' premier indoor-outdoor entertainment hub.
🎉 Happening Today
Events and things to do tonight in Des Moines
Best of the Worst
Live at xBk Live.
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Plan a trip to Des Moines, IA
Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Des Moines, IA trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.
🎡 This Weekend in Des Moines, IA
Top picks for the upcoming weekend around town
Sail On - The Beach Boys Tribute
Transport yourself back to the golden era of surf rock with faithful, high-energy renditions of classic Beach Boys hits.
tribute-bandclassic-rocklive-music
BigXThaPlug at Iowa State Fair
Catch high-energy performances at the state fair grandstand as the weekend ramps up with major touring acts.
hip-hopconcertfair
Extreme Dwarfanator Wrestling
An action-packed, high-flying sports entertainment spectacle hosted at Des Moines' premier indoor-outdoor entertainment hub.
wrestlingentertainmentsports
🍽️ Eat & Drink
Buzzy spots, seasonal menus, and local favorites
Proof
An inventive globally-inspired menu featuring hyper-seasonal local ingredients, tucked into a sophisticated space in downtown Des Moines.
fine-diningglobalcocktails
El Patio
A historic staple serving legendary cheese dip and classic Mexican comfort plates in a lively, vibrant atmosphere.
mexicancasualpatios
✨ New & Notable
Limited-time experiences and cultural highlights
Maria Bamford at Hoyt Sherman Place
Spend an evening of sharply observed, inventive stand-up comedy inside the historic and acoustically pristine Hoyt Sherman theater.
comedytheaterlive-performance
Des Moines Art Center Summer Galleries
Beat the midday August heat by wandering through world-class modern and contemporary collections housed in a stunning multi-architect building.
art-museumindoorexhibits
🚗 Quick Escape
Weekend road trips within a 2-3 hour drive
Okoboji Lake Weekend Getaway
Head northwest for a classic lakeside escape featuring sandy beaches, historic amusement park rides at Arnold's Park, and waterfront dining.
lakeweekend-tripoutdoor
Historic Galena Exploration
Drive east across the Mississippi to discover 19th-century architecture, independent boutiques, hillside wineries, and rolling scenic bluffs.
historic-townshoppingscenic
Frequently asked
What are the best things to do in Des Moines, IA?
Current local highlights in Des Moines, IA include TLC & Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue, Best of the Worst, and Sail On - The Beach Boys Tribute. WonderKit refreshes this guide daily so the picks reflect real local happenings.
What's happening in Des Moines, IA this week?
The sections above show this week's events, weekend plans, and new-and-notable openings in Des Moines, IA, updated daily.
Where do locals eat in Des Moines, IA?
The "Eat & Drink" section above lists restaurants and food spots locals are recommending in Des Moines, IA right now.
Plan a trip to Des Moines, IA
Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Des Moines, IA trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.
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