There is a LOT going on this weekend! Check out all of the Fall & Halloween activities, and even a few runs! As always make sure to check my events and activities calendar on the lower right hand of the page.
1. World Food Festival
When: Friday and Saturday 11 am – 10 pm and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
Where and What: Located in Historic East Village, this all weekend event is going to be filled with lots of food from around the world and live music. There will also be cooking demonstrations. $1.00 for tastes and all entrees are $5.00 or less. It is FREE to attend. For more information and schedules of performances and cooking demonstrations check out here.
2. Fall Festival: “Appel Pluk”
When: Thursday 5 pm – 8 pm, Friday 10 am – 4 pm, and Saturday 10 am – 2 pm
Where and What: The Pella Historical Society is hosting the Appel Pluk! Come and drink wine and beer, while eating cheese and chocolate! Doesn’t get any better then that, right? There will be live music, Vermeer Mill Tours, apple themed games, and lunch. Admission is $5 per family or $2 per person. Check out here for more information!
3. Run DMU 5k
When: Friday at 6 pm
Where and What: Need to get some exercise Friday evening? Sign up for the Run DMU 5k! Located at Des Moines University, this run is $25 per person ($35 day of race) and $15 youth 12 and under. The funds for this race go towards educational offerings at Des Moines University. There is also a new route this year! Check out here for more information.
4. King of BBQ Competition
When: Friday 6- 10 pm
Where and What: Located in the Merle Hay Mall parking lot. Lots of BBQ sampling, beer garden, and live music! No cover charge! This would be a great date night! Check out their website for more information.
5. Harvest Moon Walk
When: Friday and Saturday 6 – 8 pm
Where and What: Geisler Farms in Bondurant. Explore their 10 acre corn maze underneath the full moon! Make sure to bring your flash lights so you can read the map that is provided for you. The admission is $7 and afterwards there will be beverages available in the barn. For more information about this event and Geisler Farms check out their website.
6. Puppy Mill Awareness Dog Walk
When: Saturday at 10 am
Where and What: Here is an event you can bring your furry friend to! Meet at Grays Lake and walk! Registration includes the walk and a t-shirt. All dogs must be up to date with their Rabies vaccination. Register online here!
7. Fall Family Hike
When: Saturday 9 – 11 am
Where and What: Located at the Iowa Arboretum in the Cafferty Building. Take a hike with Mike Havlik and learn about nature, sing songs, and see a few animals. This is an activity for the whole family! $10 per family for members and $15 per family for nonmembers. For more information about the Iowa Arboretum check out their website.
8. Fall Festival at the Franklin Library
When: Saturday at 11 am- 3 pm
What: Come to the Franklin Library for games, prizes, live performances, and food! This is an event for all ages! Check out the Des Moines Public Library for more information on this event and other events to come.
9. Halloween Hustle Dance Party
When: Saturday at 11 am
Where and What: Located at the Beaverdale Books Store. This is for kiddos ages 3 and up! Come dance and listen to Halloween stories. Your little ones will receive a coloring page and book mark and it’s all FREE! Check out Beaverdale Books Store for more information!
10. Apple Festival at Penoach Vineyard & Winery
When: Saturday 11 am – 5 pm
What: Come to Penoach Vineyard & Winery in Adel. There will be lots of vendors including Picket Fence Creamery, Deer Creek Creations, Dallas County Orchards and much more! There will be live music from 1- 5 pm along with wagon rides, face painting, clowns, crafts, pumpkin and apples for purchasing and much more! It is FREE admission, but they are asking for a donation of a non-perishable food item for the pantry. For more information about Penoach Vineyard & Winery check out their website.
11. Metro Arts 5k Rock ‘n run
When: Saturday 4 pm – 9 pm
Where and What: This is the 2nd annual Rock ‘n Run and will held at the Clive Aquatic Center. While running “rock out” to local bands and at the end enjoy a FREE concert by The Nadas! This is a family friendly event with different vendors, children activities, and cold beer! $35 to register, late registration is $40. For more information check it out here.
12. Doors to the Past-Tour of Historic Sherman Hill
When: September 21st & 22nd 10 am – 4 pm and September 28th & 29th 10 am – 4 pm
Where and What: Have you ever driven through the Sherman Hills area? It’s a gorgeous area with a lot of beautiful homes and condominiums. This is also where Gateway Market and Smokey Row are located. Purchase tickets and walk through to look inside these beautiful homes. Tickets are on sale at Gateway Market, Hoyt Sherman Place, and Dahls. For more information on ticket prices and the tour check out their official website.
13. Octagon Festival
When: Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
Where and What: Located on Main Street in Ames. Get out an enjoy the weather and check out some artwork! There will be live music, food and children art activities available also! For more information check out their website.
