Don’t Miss These 5 Greater DSM Events This Week Sept. 26 – Oct. 2

Looking for a reason to explore Greater Des Moines (DSM) this week? We’ve got five good ones. From live music and Oktoberfest vibes to small-town festivals and family-friendly adventures, the DSM region is packed with things to do as September winds down. Bring your friends, bring the kids or just bring your curiosity — you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate fall, discover something new and create those “only in DSM” memories. Keep reading for this week’s top picks.

Rock Around the Clock Concert

Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 | Heritage Park, Grimes
Grimes is keeping Friday night fun alive with the Rock Around the Clock Concert at Heritage Park. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with The Ripoffs hitting the stage from 6:30-8 p.m. Expect great live music, yard games to keep you moving and food trucks dishing out tasty eats. Admission is simple — just bring a nonperishable food item or a monetary donation for the Grimes Storehouse, and you’re in. Pack up some chairs, grab your crew and ease into the weekend with a perfect mix of tunes, food and community spirit.
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Oktoberfest Ankeny

Friday, Sept. 26 – Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 | The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny
Break out the lederhosen and raise your stein — it’s Oktoberfest season! Ankeny’s District at Prairie Trail hosts the 21st annual Oktoberfest, and this year promises more of everything: more bands, more tents, more competitions and more than 50 beers on tap. Your ticket ($25 in advance or $30 at the gate!) covers admission for both days, parking, a commemorative stein and your first drink free. From festive contests to nonstop music, this weekend delivers all the German fun you could want, wrapped up in small-town hospitality and big-time party vibes.
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National Goose Day Celebration & Wild Goose Chase Around Town

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 | Grimes Public Library, Grimes
Ready for a quirky adventure? Head to the Grimes Public Library for their National Goose Day Celebration on this Saturday. From 10 a.m. to Noon, enjoy goose-themed games and activities at the library. But the real fun happens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the Wild Goose Chase — a town-wide scavenger hunt where you’ll track down costumed goose photos, collect stickers and solve clues that eventually lead you back to the library (with a prize waiting). It’s family-friendly, full of laughs and just the kind of playful small-town fun that makes a Saturday unforgettable.
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Applefest

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 | Living History Farms, Urbandale
Nothing says fall like apples, and Living History Farms is bringing the harvest spirit to life with Applefest this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Step back in time as you explore historic sites where cooks prepare apple butter, pies, cider and other orchard treats the old-fashioned way. Add in tractor parades, antique displays and food vendors selling all kinds of apple goodies, and you’ve got a perfect autumn day. From apple nachos to warm cider, it’s cozy, educational and tasty all in one. Advance tickets are recommended — this is one fall favorite that always draws a crowd.
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Latino Heritage Festival

Saturday, Sept. 27 – Sunday, Sept 28, 2025 | Western Gateway Park, Des Moines
Western Gateway Park transforms into a vibrant celebration of culture during Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival, the state’s destination two-day Latino festival. From Saturday morning through Sunday evening, you can explore authentic food, live music, dance performances, art displays and interactive cultural activities. Admission is just $5 for adults, with kids under 12 getting in free. Beyond the food and entertainment, this event gives back in a big way — last year alone, the festival awarded $35,000 in scholarships to Iowa students. Come hungry, bring your dancing shoes and experience the incredible energy of one of Des Moines’ most anticipated fall traditions.
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September’s lineup of free events across Greater DSM is here — packed with energy, excitement and fun that won’t cost you a dime.

For additional events and seasonal festivities coming up in Greater Des Moines (DSM), visit the calendar of events. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series. Plus, follow @DSMpartnership on Instagram for even more things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around DSM.