Labor Day Weekend signifies a time to honor all who “labor” with a day off, but to many, it also marks the end of summer. Either way, it’s worth celebrating with a lot of family fun! Find a list below of fun activities to enjoy during Labor Day weekend and other links to dsm4kids resources that will help you plan a great time together.
These are just a few of our top picks, so 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 family friendly Labor Day events and activities in Des Moines:
Des Moines Area Labor Day Weekend Resources
- Outdoor Yoga Classes for Des Moines Families
- Mostly FREE Outdoor Concerts for Des Moines Families
- Des Moines Area Farmers’ Market Guide
- Outdoor Aquatic Centers, Pools & Spraygrounds in the Des Moines Area
- Lakes and Beaches Near Des Moines
Festivals & Events
Family Fun Fest
Saturday, September 4, 2021
Enjoy a FREE community event and start your Saturday with a parade at Doanes Park. Continue the fun at Pleasant Hill’s newest park, Hickory Glen Park with kids activities and fun for all. End the night with entertainment and fireworks!
The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow
Saturday, September 4 – Monday, September 6, 2011
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.
Riverview Music Festival
Saturday, September 4, 2021
Taking place at the new Riverview Park, this event will showcase a diverse roster of live music — including national, regional, and local talent — in the city’s most diverse neighborhood.
Squonk – Hand to Hand
Saturday, September 4 + Sunday, September 5, 2021
A FREE spectacle concert presented by Des Moines Performing Arts at Cowles Commons. Multiple shows will take place throughout the weekend. Propelled by giant puppet hands, “Squonk’s” original progressive rock drives a journey that is spectacular, plaintive, and comic.
Taste of the Junction Multicultural Festival
Saturday, September 4, 2021
Celebrating the flavor of Valley 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.
Iowa Star Party Public Viewing Night
Saturday, September 4, 2021
The public is invited to join the Conservancy’s Star Party Public Viewing Night from 7:30 to 10:00 pm. If you have a passion for the stars in sky and the mysteries that they hold, then, you’ll enjoy a night of looking at the dark sky through telescopes set up by the Ames Area Amateur Astronomers. Whiterock Conservancy is about an hour and 20-minute drive from Des Moines.
Water Works Pops
Saturday, September 4 + Sunday September 5, 2021
Join the Des Moines Symphony for not one but two FREE outdoor concerts at the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park. Saturday night they’ll present “Aretha: A Tribute” featuring Broadway star Capathia Jenkins. Sunday night the Symphony will pay tribute to the music of the movies with “A John Williams Celebration”.
Norwalk Music Fest
Sunday September 5, 2021
Now in it’s third year, this community celebration of live music will feature local and regional bands, food, vendors, games, and fun all day long!
Attractions
Blank Park Zoo
Friday, September 3 – Monday, September 6, 2021
The Blank Park Zoo will be open during their normal business hours throughout the Labor Day Weekend.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Friday, September 3 – Monday, September 6, 2021
The Botanical Garden will be open their normal hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday but will be CLOSED on Labor Day.
Living History Farms
Friday, September 3 + Saturday, September 5, 2021
Living History Farms will be open their normal hours over Labor Day Weekend. They will be CLOSED on Sunday and Monday.
Science Center of Iowa
Friday, September 3 – Monday, September 6, 2021
The Science Center of Iowa will be open during their normal hours over Labor Day Weekend. Visitors will be able to learn about and experience a steam locomotive and go on a train ride on Sunday and Monday. They will host the annual Mini Maker Faire from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Monday.
Adventureland & Adventure Bay
Saturday, September 4 – Monday, September 6, 2021
Adventureland Park and Adventure Bay will be open weekends only by Labor Day. Adventure Bay is open Saturday and Sunday but will be CLOSED on Monday. Adventureland will be open normal hours throughout the holiday weekend.
Sports & Recreation
Trail Rides at Jester Park Equestrian Center
Friday, September 3 + Saturday, September 5, 2021
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. University of Indiana
Friday, September 3 + Saturday, September 4, 2021
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 the Hoosiers at 2:30 pm.
Iowa State University vs. University of Northern Iowa
Saturday, September 4, 2021
Kicking off the football season with an in-state rivalry, the Cyclones take on the Panthers at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Kickoff is at 3:30 pm.
What does your family have planned for this Labor Day Weekend in Des Moines? Let us know in the Comments!
