September 25, 2026
By: Greater Des Moines Partnership
Your Guide to Events Happening in Greater DSM This Week: Sept. 25 – Oct. 1
Fall is officially here, bringing a new lineup of seasonal fun to communities across Greater Des Moines (DSM). Raise a stein at one of the region’s biggest Oktoberfest celebrations, spend a day surrounded by apples or get creative with flowers straight from the field. You can also celebrate the music, food and traditions of Latino cultures that help shape Iowa or get a jump on October with the start of one of the DSM’s biggest fall attractions. From Ankeny and Urbandale to Cumming, Cambridge and Des Moines, this week gives you plenty of reasons to venture beyond your usual spots. Here are five can’t-miss things to do across DSM Friday, Sept. 25 – Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.
![Oktoberfest Des Moines]()
22nd Annual Des Moines’ Original Oktoberfest
Friday, Sept. 25 – Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 | The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny
Grab your lederhosen and get ready to say “Prost!” because Oktoberfest is back! The two-day celebration in Ankeny brings German traditions together with plenty of its own personality, including the tapping of the Golden Keg, stein-holding contests, a Bier Maiden competition, German lawn games and even a Shotski World Record attempt. Fill your stein with German, craft or local beer, grab some German food and stick around for a packed live music lineup, polka lessons, dueling pianos and dancing. There’s even a free arcade and hair-braiding bar to check out between festivities. Read this story for a look at what to expect.
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![Applefest]()
Applefest
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 | Living History Farms, Urbandale
Apple season is here, and Living History Farms is celebrating the harvest with an entire day dedicated to one of fall’s favorite fruits. Head to Applefest from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and make your way through the historic sites to see how cooks of the past turned apples into everything from butter and cider to cakes and pies. You can even stop by the Print Shop to print an apple recipe to take home, then pick up more apple goodies and treats from local food vendors. All activities are included with general admission, making this an easy fall outing for the whole family. Advance tickets are recommended.
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While you’re in Urbandale, swap something you’ve already read for a new-to-you book during the Book Swap at Barista’s Bouquet from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
![floral workshop at Middlebrook Farm]()
Cut and Create Floral Workshop
Saturday Sept. 26, 2026 | Middlebrook Farm, Cumming
Trade the flower shop for the flower field during the Cut and Create Floral Workshop at Middlebrook Farm. This beginner-friendly class with The Budding Optimist starts right in the garden, where you’ll cut flowers and learn how to build a bouquet “in hand.” Sarah will walk you through choosing blooms and balancing different shapes, textures and colors while also sharing tips for harvesting flowers and caring for the stems once you get them home. Your $30 advance registration includes a variety of seasonal flowers and a mason jar, with snips available to use during the workshop. No floral design experience is required, just bring a little creativity and leave with your own freshly picked arrangement.
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![Latino Heritage Festival]()
Latino Heritage Festival
Saturday, Sept. 26 – Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 | Western Gateway Park, Des Moines
Celebrate the music, food, art and traditions of Latino cultures at Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival, the state’s largest and longest-running Latino celebration. Western Gateway Park comes alive for two days with Latin music and dancing, food vendors, artist displays, cultural and educational booths and activities for kids. Come hungry, bring the family and spend some time experiencing the cultures and communities that are part of DSM’s story. Admission is just $5 for adults and free for children younger than 12, with free parking available courtesy of Nationwide at the Nationwide ramp at 1100 Walnut St.
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![Pumpkin Fest at Center Grove Orchard]()
Pumpkin Fest
Thursday, Oct. 1 - Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 | Center Grove Orchard, Cambridge
October has arrived and Center Grove Orchard is kicking off its biggest celebration of the year. Pumpkin Fest fills the farm with pumpkins, fall activities, live entertainment and all kinds of ways to soak up harvest season, whether you’re coming for the games, the perfect pumpkin photo or simply a day at the orchard. The fun continues on select October evenings with Pumpkin Nights, when the farm stays open after hours for seasonal photo opportunities, games and special activities. Pumpkin Fest runs through Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, but this Thursday is your first chance to experience it for yourself.
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September is wrapping up, but the free fun continues with events happening across DSM as October begins.
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