What to Do This Week in Greater Des Moines: Sept. 12-18

Fall is rolling in, and Greater Des Moines (DSM) is serving up the perfect mix of cozy traditions and big-time fun. This week you’ll find everything from classic fall traditions and cozy farmers’ markets to live music in small-town squares and Oktoberfest celebrations packed with rides, brews and plenty of polka. Whether your perfect weekend looks like cheering on vintage cars, sampling kettle corn, dancing to a bluesy guitar riff or raising a stein under the lights at Adventureland, there’s a lineup of events waiting for you across DSM. Families, foodies and festival lovers alike will discover plenty of reasons to get out and explore. Here are five can’t-miss happenings across the DSM region from Sept. 12-18 that will help you soak up the season in style.

Scarecrow Festival

Now – Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 | Center Grove Orchard, Cambridge
It’s officially fall at Center Grove Orchard, and their Scarecrow Festival is pure seasonal magic. Picture wagon rides, giant slides, corn pools, jumping pillows and over 30 attractions spread across the farm. Friendly scarecrows are stationed throughout the orchard for quirky photo ops, while themed weekends like Apple Fest and Costume Weekend keep things fresh all season. And let’s talk snacks: Apple nachos, caramel apples, kettle corn and those famous cider donuts are calling your name. Between the pumpkin patch, sunflower meadow and country store stocked with fall décor, it’s easy to spend the whole day soaking up autumn. The Scarecrow Festival runs through Nov. 2, and a season pass lets you return as often as you want. Fall memories, unlocked.
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You might also be interested in the Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow, happening Sept. 13-14 with jousting, costumes and plenty of medieval fun.

Oktoberfest

Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 | Adventureland, Altoona
Dust off your lederhosen and get ready for Iowa’s biggest Oktoberfest bash at Adventureland! This 21+ festival runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and it’s stacked with live music across multiple stages, polka sets, comedy shows, stein-hoisting contests and even pro wrestling. The first 1,000 guests score a free beer, but there’s also cider, cocktails and plenty of food to keep you fueled. Rides across the park are open, so you can go from roller coasters to polka dancing without missing a beat. Toss in pumpkin launching, apple cannons and screenings of the Hawkeyes and Cyclones games, and you’ve got an all-day party. Adventureland Passholders get in free, making this Oktoberfest the ultimate way to welcome fall.
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Fall Flea & Farmers’ Market

Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 | Guthrie County Historical Village, Panora
If you love a Saturday spent treasure-hunting, the Fall Flea & Farmers’ Market in Panora is where you’ll want to be. This final market of the season brings vendors, live music and a bustling community vibe to the historic Guthrie County Historical Village and Museum. From 9 a.m. to Noon, you can shop handmade goods, produce and one-of-a-kind finds while enjoying free admission to the museum. That means between browsing booths, you can wander through the Village’s historic buildings and exhibits. It’s the perfect blend of small-town charm and seasonal shopping! So, grab a coffee, bring the kids and make this your weekend kickoff.
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Knoxville Draggins Car Show

Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 | Knoxville Square, Knoxville
Car lovers, this one is for you. The Knoxville Draggins Car Show rolls into Knoxville Square this Sunday with an impressive lineup of cars — and for the first time, motorcycles too. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can stroll the square, check out everything from classics to customs and chat with the owners who make these rides shine. Bring a lawn chair and stay a while! It’s part car show, part community hangout. Whether you’re into chrome details, polished paint jobs or just want a laid-back Sunday with family, the Draggins deliver. With Knoxville’s small-town charm as the backdrop, it’s a perfect mix of horsepower and hometown vibes.
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Music at the Pavilion: Avey Grouws Band

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025 | Grinnell Iowa Central Park, Grinnell
Nothing says summer-to-fall evenings quite like live music in the park. On Tuesday, Grinnell’s Central Park Pavilion comes alive with the sounds of the Avey Grouws Band. This blues-meets-roots-meets-rock group has Billboard chart cred and a reputation for powerhouse performances led by vocalist Jeni Grouws and guitarist Chris Avey. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., you can kick back under the trees, grab Italian bites from Paparoni’s food truck and let the music do its thing. It’s free, family-friendly and the kind of night that makes you want to linger even after the last chord fades. Bring a blanket, grab a bite and enjoy one of Iowa’s most buzzworthy bands right in the heart of Grinnell.
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DSM’s September lineup of free events has arrived, filled with big energy and zero cost fun.

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.