Make sure to check out the calendar on the right hand of the screen for more upcoming events not listed here!
1. Oktoberfest
When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Where and What: Located downtown this is the 10th annual Oktoberfest. Drink a bunch of German beers and eat some German food. You can buy advance tickets for $7.00 or tickets at the door for $10.00. Each ticket includes: 2-day admission, a mug and your first beer! Check out their official website for scheduled events, beers, and menu here.
2. The Brew Mile
When: Saturday 4 pm – 6 pm
Where and What: If you are heading out to check out Oktoberfest, why not run a race?! There are 3 different runs to choose from: The Fun Mile, The Competitive Mile, and The Elite Mile. You can choose to walk, jog, or run and dress up in your favorite German beer attire! When you register, you receive FREE admission into Oktoberfest, a collectible brew pint, and a FREE brew ticket! Check out the website for all of the details!
3. Autumn Open House at the Garden Barn
When: Friday 10 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday 2 pm – 5pm
Where and What: The Garden Barn is located in Indianola. The Garden Barn sells a lot of nature inspired decor, including things for the house and your garden. If you are looking for a unique birthday gift or even a little early Christmas shopping, definitely head out to Indianola and check it out! Check out their website.
4. Fight for Air Walk
When: Saturday at 8 am
Where and What: This walk is located at Principal Park and you can choose between a 1 mile or 3.1 mile walk. This walk is to help raise money to fight against asthma, secondhand smoke, lung cancer, emphysema, and those lost to these diseases. Check out the official website.
5. Sleepy Hollow Beer Run
When: Saturday at 10 am
Where and What: This run will take place at Sleepy Hollow and benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma society. Run the 5 k course while stopping for some beer samples along the way. Check out here for registration information!
6. Natural Playscape Celebration
When: Saturday at 10 am
Where and What: Bring the kids to Sargent Park for games and activities including: monarch maze, make a track, and a tree photo shoot. Refreshments will also be available.
7. Applefest at Living History Farms
When: Saturday 11 am – 4 pm
Where and What: Go out to Living History Farms and have your kiddos try stirring the kettle of apple butter, and try cranking the press of apple cider. There will also be fun games, activities, food and drinks available. Iowa Orchard will also be selling some goodies, including their Apple Butter I used to make Fall of the Bone Apple Butter Ribs! Check out their website for more information.
8. Illumifest, A Fall Festival of Lights
When: Saturday 2 pm – Dusk
Where and What: Located at the West Des Moines City School Campus (4200 Mills Civic Parkway). There will be activities for everyone including: a car show, carnival rides, games, FREE hot air balloon rides, an outdoor movie featuring “Brave”, fireworks and lots of food! Check out the official site here for a schedule of events!
9. SCI Star Party
When: Saturday 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Where and What: Join the Science Center of Iowa staff at Ewing Park! This is another event great for the whole family. You will be able to observe the moon and stars with several telescopes set up to use for FREE.
10. Iowa Outdoor Expo for Kids and Families
When: Saturday 9 am – 5 pm & Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
Where and What: Located at Water Works Park this is another event for the whole family! There will be LOTS of hands on activities all for free. If your kiddos have always been interested in hunting and fishing this is the perfect opportunity to show them what it is all about. There are also some great programs to see including: Reptiles Alive, Prairie Chickens of Iowa, Owls of Iowa, and more! Check out here for a schedule of events!
11. Apple and Pumpkin Fest at Wills Family Orchard
When: Saturday 9 am – 6 pm and Sunday 12 – 6 pm
Where and What: Go out to Wills Family Orchard to pick out some pumpkins and apples! There will also be lots and lots of activities too including: shopping in the orchard store, paint a gourd, toss games, check out the barnyard animals, and of course food & drinks! Check out their website for more information!
12. DSMove
When: Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm
Where and What: Located in the Drake neighborhood, there will be a soccer pitch, yoga studio, playground, skate park, and more! This event is for the whole family! The World’s Largest Bike will be available to see and LOTS more!
PLAN AHEAD …
1. Slaughter House
When: October 4th through November 2nd
Where and What: This haunted house is located in Pleasant Hill. Definitely not recommended for the kiddos, but if you are a fan of terrors and haunted house, this is a definite must this Halloween season! Check out their website for times and also a $2 off coupon.
2. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
When: October 18th – October 20th
Where and What: Tickets are on sale now for this incredible circus coming to Wells Fargo Arena! You will not want to miss taking your kiddos to “The Greatest Show on Earth” full of animals and shows! Check out the website to see times and to purchase tickets.
3. Wicked at the Civic Center
When: October 20th – November 10th
What: Tickets are on sale now! This is a popular show so make sure you get them now! Buy Tickets.
