It’s hard to believe Labor Day Weekend is just right around the corner (sniff, sniff). If you, too, are feeling a bit nostalgic about another summer gone by, don’t start singing the blues just yet. There are great ways for families to celebrate the unofficial end of summer in Des Moines.
These are just a few of our top picks, be sure to check out our Event Calendar for more fun activities, and sign up for our Weekend Fun Guide, to receive great ideas, just like these, right to your inbox. Have a fun Labor Day Weekend!!!!
Check out these fun events happening this Labor Day Weekend in Des Moines:
Des Moines Area Labor Day Weekend Resources
- Outdoor Yoga Classes for Des Moines Families
- Family Friendly Outdoor Summer Concerts in Des Moines
- Des Moines Area Farmers’ Market Guide
- Outdoor Aquatic Centers, Pools & Spraygrounds in the Des Moines Area
- Lakes and Beaches Near Des Moines
Festivals & Events
The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow
Saturday, September 2 – Monday, September 4, 2023
You’ll go back in time to an era when royalty ruled, knights jousted, and the arts came alive! The theme for Labor Day weekend is Celtic Ceilidah. Enjoy unique entertainment, merchants, food and drink and more.
Taste of the Junction Multicultural Festival
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Celebrating the flavor of the Junction, the people, culture and cuisines. Fun for the whole family with inflatables, face painting, food vendors, beer garden and live music. FREE and open to the public.
Water Works Pops
Saturday, September 2 + Sunday September 3, 2023
Join the Des Moines Symphony for not one but two FREE outdoor concerts at the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park. There is no reserved seating; concert attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Bring your picnic basket and a bottle of wine, or purchase food from a variety of food trucks at the concerts!
Norwalk Music Fest
Sunday, September 3, 2023
Now in it’s sixth year, this community celebration of live music will feature local and regional bands, food, vendors, games, and fun all day long!
Attractions
Living History Farms
Friday, September 1 + Saturday, September 2, 2023
Living History Farms will be open their normal hours over Labor Day Weekend. They will be CLOSED on Sunday and Monday.
Adventureland & Adventure Bay
Saturday, September 1 – Monday, September 4, 2023
Adventureland Park and Adventure Bay will be open weekends only by Labor Day. Both parks will be open normal hours throughout the holiday weekend. Adventureland will host “Kids Fest” on Saturday and Sunday. A two-day celebration packed with live music, tasty treats, thrilling rides, and awesome attractions throughout the park.
Blank Park Zoo
Friday, September 1 – Monday, September 4, 2023
The Blank Park Zoo will be open during their normal business hours throughout the Labor Day Weekend.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Friday, September 1 – Sunday, September 3, 2023
The Botanical Garden will be open their normal hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday but will be CLOSED on Labor Day.
Science Center of Iowa
Friday, September 1 – Monday, September 4, 2023
The Science Center of Iowa will be open during their normal hours over Labor Day Weekend. They will host the annual Mini Maker Faire from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Monday (Labor Day).
Sports & Recreation
Trail Rides at Jester Park Equestrian Center
Friday, September 1 + Saturday, September 2, 2023
Make a reservation to enjoy the natural beauty of Jester Park from horseback. The minimum age to ride is 8 years old. All riders under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult on the ride.
University of Iowa vs. Utah State
Friday, September 1 + Saturday, September 2, 2023
It’s FRYfest! A celebration of all that is Hawkeye. Several events are planned to kick off another Hawkeye football season in Iowa City on Friday. Then on Saturday, the Hawkeyes will play Utah State at 11:00 am.
Iowa State University vs. University of Northern Iowa
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Kicking off the football season with an intrastate rivalry the Cyclones take on UNI at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Kickoff is at 1:00 pm.
Grandview University vs. MidAmerica Nazarene University
Saturday, September 2, 2023
The Vikings hosts their first home game of the 2023 football season in Duke Williams Stadium against the Pioneers of MidAmerica Nazarene University. Kickoff is at 6:00 pm.
Simpson College vs. Augustana College
Saturday, September 2, 2023
The Storm face the Augustana Athletics for their home opener at Bill Buxton Stadium. The game starts at 6:00 pm.
What does your family have planned for this Labor Day Weekend in Des Moines? Let us know in the Comments!