Things to Do This Weekend in Des Moines
March in Des Moines means spring is teasing us with warmer days and the city is waking up from winter hibernation. This weekend brings the perfect mix of indoor cultural experiences and outdoor activities as patios start reopening and farmers markets return. Whether you're catching live music in the East Village, exploring art installations downtown, or hitting the trails at Gray's Lake, the capital city has something for everyone ready to shake off cabin fever.
Our Top Picks for This Weekend
Downtown Farmers Market Opening Weekend
The legendary Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market kicks off its season this Saturday along Court Avenue. Expect smaller early-season crowds, fresh baked goods, early spring vegetables, and local craft vendors. It's not the massive summer spectacle yet, but opening weekend has a special energy as vendors and regulars reunite after winter.
It's a Des Moines institution and opening day feels like the city's official welcome to spring.
Arrive by 8am for the best selection of pastries and to snag street parking on the south side of Court Avenue before it fills up.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
With temperatures climbing into the 50s, it's prime time to walk among the 31 sculptures in this world-class outdoor art museum in downtown Des Moines. The park sits between the Des Moines Art Center and Western Gateway Park, offering Instagram-worthy moments with pieces by Deborah Butterfield, Keith Haring, and Jaume Plensa. Completely free and accessible year-round.
It's one of the finest outdoor sculpture collections in the country, and spring weather makes it perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Park in the Cowles Commons garage on Grand Avenue for easy access, and grab coffee at a nearby East Village café to sip while you explore.
Live Music at Wooly's or Vaudeville Mews
Check the weekend lineups at these two East Village music venues for local and touring acts. Wooly's hosts bigger national indie and alternative bands in an intimate setting, while Vaudeville Mews showcases local talent and up-and-coming artists in a grittier basement venue. Both are within a block of each other on East Locust Street.
Des Moines has a surprisingly vibrant music scene, and these venues consistently book quality acts across multiple genres.
Street parking is free after 6pm and on weekends along Locust and Grand—arrive early to snag a spot before shows start.
Gray's Lake Trail
This 1.9-mile paved loop around Gray's Lake just south of downtown is Des Moines' most popular recreational trail. With spring arriving, you'll see runners, cyclists, and families out enjoying the water views and skyline backdrop. The trail connects to the larger trail system if you want to extend your adventure toward Water Works Park or downtown.
It's the perfect distance for a casual walk or run with stunning city views, and the trail is well-maintained year-round.
Park at the main lot off Fleur Drive on the east side—it's larger and less crowded than the west side parking areas.
Brunch in Valley Junction
Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines comes alive on weekend mornings with several excellent brunch spots along 5th Street. The neighborhood's walkable downtown area features antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants in restored historic buildings. After brunch, browse the local shops or catch live music if there's a street festival happening.
Valley Junction offers small-town charm just minutes from downtown Des Moines with consistently good food and unique shopping.
Most restaurants don't take reservations, so arrive before 10am or after 1pm to avoid the peak brunch rush on Saturdays.
Blank Park Zoo
The zoo on the south side of Des Moines is perfect for families this weekend as animals become more active with warmer weather. March means you might catch new baby animals, and the indoor exhibits like the Discovery Center provide backup if weather turns. It's smaller than major city zoos but well-designed and manageable for young kids.
It's an affordable family outing with quality exhibits, and early spring means smaller crowds than summer weekends.
Admission is cheaper if you buy tickets online in advance, and the zoo opens at 9am—go early before afternoon nap time hits.
East Village Brewery Crawl
The East Village neighborhood packs several excellent breweries within walking distance. Start at Confluence Brewing on 5th Avenue, hit up Lua Brewing on Locust, and finish at Exile Brewing on Walnut. Each has distinct vibes and beer styles, plus food options or food trucks. The compact neighborhood makes bar-hopping easy without driving.
Des Moines has developed a strong craft beer scene, and the East Village concentration lets you sample multiple breweries safely on foot.
Most breweries offer flights so you can taste multiple styles—pace yourself and grab food at Fong's Pizza between stops.
Principal Riverwalk
This downtown riverwalk along the Des Moines River connects multiple parks, public art installations, and the historic Court Avenue Bridge. Spring is ideal for walking or biking the paved paths, and you'll pass by the Principal building, the Women of Achievement Bridge, and several riverside parks. The riverwalk connects to the larger trail network spanning the metro.
It showcases downtown Des Moines from a unique perspective and offers peaceful river views right in the urban core.
Access the riverwalk from the parking lot at Principal Park or from Court Avenue—both have easy entry points to the trail system.
Insider Tips for This Weekend
Downtown parking is free on weekends at most metered spots and city-owned garages, but the Cowles Commons garage on Grand Avenue and the 4th & Court garage are your best bets for central access to multiple attractions.
March weather in Des Moines is unpredictable—mornings might start in the 30s and afternoons hit 60s. Layer your clothing and keep a light jacket handy even if the forecast looks warm.
The farmers market accepts cash and cards, but smaller vendors prefer cash. Hit an ATM before you go, and bring reusable bags since plastic bags aren't always available.
If you're planning to visit multiple breweries or bars in the East Village, use rideshare or park once and walk—the neighborhood is compact and parking gets tight on weekend evenings.
Many Des Moines restaurants don't take reservations for parties under six people. For popular brunch spots in Valley Junction or downtown, arrive early or be prepared to wait 30-45 minutes during peak times.
The trail system around Gray's Lake and along the rivers can get muddy after rain. Check recent weather and stick to paved sections if we've had precipitation in the past day or two.
Common Questions About This Weekend in Des Moines
What to Expect This Weekend in Des Moines
Mid-March marks the beginning of spring in Des Moines, though Iowa weather keeps us honest with unpredictable temperature swings. This weekend, you'll notice the city shaking off winter—patios start opening at restaurants along Ingersoll and in the East Village, the farmers market returns to Court Avenue, and locals emerge for walks around Gray's Lake and along the riverwalk. Trees are still bare, but early spring flowers might be poking through in protected areas. Expect afternoon temperatures in the 50s, perfect for outdoor activities with a light jacket. The energy downtown shifts noticeably as people remember what it's like to be outside again. Sports fans might catch early season baseball buzz around Principal Park, and local breweries start featuring lighter spring beers. It's not quite full spring yet, but this weekend captures that hopeful transition period when Des Moines residents are ready to reclaim outdoor spaces and the city's event calendar starts filling up again. Pack layers, embrace the unpredictable weather, and enjoy the city coming back to life.