This Week's Greater Des Moines Events Guide: Oct. 3-9

October is in full swing, and Greater Des Moines (DSM) is packed with ways to soak in the season! This week, you’ll find everything from funky fall festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations to glowing nighttime adventures and harvest markets bursting with autumn flair. Whether you’re ready to raise a stein, shop local makers, hunt for pumpkins or gather with your neighbors for food and live music, there’s no shortage of community spirit. Family-friendly fun meets adults-only celebrations, with everything from scavenger hunts and farmers markets to food trucks, pints and plenty of live music. Here are five can’t-miss events happening across the DSM region Oct. 3-9 to keep your fall calendar looking festive and full.

Glowing Nature

Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 | Jester Park Nature Center, Granger
Light up your Friday night (literally) at Jester Park Nature Center’s Glowing Nature program. Explore the fascinating world of creatures that glow, from mushrooms to bioluminescent water, in a hands-on learning experience that’s as fun as it is educational. The evening kicks off with a presentation, then heads outdoors for a “glow and seek” adventure to discover what lights up the night. This family-friendly event is free and open to all ages, so bring your curiosity (and maybe a jacket — it’s fall after all!). No registration is required, which makes this an easy last-minute addition to your weekend plans. Science, nature and a touch of magic. It’s the kind of Friday night activity that’ll leave you glowing, too.
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Chilltoberfest

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 | Copper Creek Lake Park, Pleasant Hill
Get ready for a fall version of your favorite summer hangout — Chilltoberfest is here! Hosted by the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, this adults-only celebration keeps the “Chill on the Hill” vibes alive with live music, food vendors and beer gardens, all with an autumn twist. Head to Copper Creek Lake Park this Saturday for a night of high-energy entertainment from FTM Dueling Pianos that will keep the crowd singing along. Tickets are $12 and include your first drink, making it an easy excuse to grab your crew and make a night of it. Gates open early, so grab a drink and settle in for a community party that’s as lively as it is laid-back.
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Wauktoberfest

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 | Waukee Downtown Triangle, Waukee
Break out the lederhosen and raise your steins — it’s time for the 4th Annual Wauktoberfest! This Saturday, the Downtown Waukee Triangle transforms into a lively hub of German music, dancing, competitions and of course, plenty of authentic food and drink. Hosted by the Waukee Area Historical Society, Wauktoberfest isn’t just about fun — it’s also a fundraiser that helps preserve and share the rich history of the Waukee area. From 3-9 p.m., you’ll find live entertainment, traditional games and a welcoming community atmosphere that feels straight out of Bavaria. Every ticket sold supports free workshops and educational programs, so your good time goes right back into the community. Prost to an afternoon of culture, connection and plenty of German flair!
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Pumpkins & Pints Harvest Market

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 | Uptown, Ankeny
Fall shopping meets festive sipping at the Pumpkins & Pints Harvest Market in Uptown Ankeny! On Saturday, the Ankeny Market & Pavilion transforms into a vibrant evening farmers market filled with seasonal goods, food trucks, local makers and of course — pumpkins. The Ankeny Area Historical Society will be on hand with seasonal gourds, while Uptown Garage Brewing Co. keeps the pints flowing with craft beer and cider. With a vendor lineup spanning everything from handmade jewelry and baked goods to farm-fresh produce and global eats, you’ll want to arrive hungry and ready to browse. Don’t miss this cozy evening market — it’s the perfect way to kick off spooky season in style. Bonus: Mark your calendar for Halloween in Uptown on Oct. 9!
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Middlebrook Fall Festival

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 | Middlebrook Farm, Cumming
If your perfect fall day includes live music, crisp air and delicious eats, the Middlebrook Fall Festival is calling your name. Middlebrook Farm is the place to be this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Settle in on the Farmhouse porch with tunes by Joshua Sinclair, browse farm-fresh produce and local vendors and treat yourself to goodies from food trucks like General Lee’s Smoke Shack, Hotsy Totsy, Benny’s Beans, Nick’s Kettle Korn and Wilson’s Orchard & Farm. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and make it a cozy day of shopping, eating and soaking in the autumn atmosphere. Free, family-friendly and full of charm, this fall festival is an easy pick for your weekend bucket list.
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October’s lineup of free events across Greater DSM is here and packed with energy, excitement and fun — all free!

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.