Find 2021 Labor Day Weekend events here.
Labor Day weekend means many a-thing. Foremost, it is a day to honor and say thanks to workers. Especially, this year of all years, we salute essential workers all across the country—thank you!
Many families take advantage of the day and head to the lake one last time, while others just enjoy the day off (ultimate family BBQ, anyone?). But sadly, Labor Day weekend is also the unofficial mark to the end of sweet, sweet summertime. To help you bid adieu to fun in the sun (and also usher in those cooler evenings), we’ve compiled a list of a few family friendly things to keep you entertained in Des Moines over the three-day weekend. Cheers!
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.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, some of the following venues and events may have adjusted their hours or programming. Please check with your destinations in advance to confirm your activity.
Check out these fun things to do this Labor Day Weekend in Des Moines:
Events
FRIDAY, September 4th
Sips & Songs – CANCELLED
Sips & Songs is a FREE weekly summer community celebration of music held at the Town Square Park in The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny. Music, food, beverages, family-friendly fun — and performances by local bands of varying genres.
SATURDAY, September 5th
Farmers’ Markets
The Downtown Farmers’ Drive Through Market, Uptown Ankeny Farmers’ Market, LSI Global Greens Farmers’ Market and Indianola’s Farmers’ Markets will be open for business on Saturday. Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables to serve at your holiday weekend gatherings.
Kindness Rocks Paint Party
Join Polk County Conservation to paint kindness rocks with inspirational messages and pictures to hide throughout county parks and trails. Participants will go home with a couple of kindness rocks to place in a county park or trail. All supplies provided. Register by Thursday, September 3rd.
SUNDAY, September 6th
Sunday Tunes at Summerset
Summerset Winery will host Farhenheit Band for the Labor Day Weekend. Concerts start at 2:00 pm and rain or shine the music goes on. All ages are welcome.
Labor Day Weekend Fireworks
The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce will light up the sky this Labor Day weekend. Join them at Southeast Polk High School for a drive-in fireworks display. The parking lot will open at 7:30 PM and the show will begin at dusk.
THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND
Reggie’s Sleepout
Friday, September 4 – Monday, September 7, 2020
This year the Sleepout is coming to you! Join Iowa Homeless Youth Centers (IHYC) in the first Reggie’s Sleepout from your own backyard. Register to sleepout at home from anytime September 4-13.
Labor Day Weekend Rodeo
Friday, September 4 & Saturday, September 5, 2020
The Dallas County Fair Association will host a two day rodeo event with stock contractor Wright Rodeo Company. The action starts at 7:00 pm both nights, with after rodeo entertainment: Ted Stockton on Friday and Neil Hewitt on Saturday.
The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow
Saturday, September 5 – Monday, September 7, 2020
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 Comedy, Kilts, & Celts. Enjoy unique entertainment, merchants, food and drink and more.
Attractions
Adventureland & Adventure Bay
Adventureland Park and Adventure Bay will be open weekends only by Labor Day with Adventure Bay closing for the season on Monday, September 7th.
Blank Park Zoo
Say goodbye to summer and hello to one last hurrah at the Blank Park Zoo. They will be open during their normal business hours throughout the Labor Day Weekend.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The Botanical Center will be open their normal hours on Saturday and Sunday but will be CLOSED on Labor Day.
Living History Farms
Living History Farms will be open throughout the Labor Day Weekend.
Science Center of Iowa
The Science Center of Iowa will be open during their normal hours over Labor Day Weekend on Saturday and Sunday.
In addition to the events listed above, here are links that will help you plan a great Labor Day weekend:
- Plan a fun day trip. Central Iowa lakes will keep you cool while you make memories together kayaking and stand up paddleboarding.
- Tee off at a local public golf or mini golf course.
- Enjoy a cool treat.
- Visit an area splash pad. Many in the area will close after the holiday weekend.
- See our 100 Days of Summer Fun guide.
What does your family have planned for Labor Day Weekend in Des Moines?
