We love fall in Des Moines! The temperatures are cooler, the leaves are changing, and there are tons of events and festivals to enjoy. Fall is a great time in Des Moines for families!
Fall Festivals and Celebrations
Beaverdale Fall Festival | September 20-21
Enjoy food, vendors, music, and even a parade! There are also carnival rides, games, and inflatables.
Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival | September 21-22 at Western Gateway Park
Iowa’s only 2-day Latino Heritage Festival is a great way to spend a few hours or a whole day. Immerse yourself in Latino heritage including, art, music, dancing, and of course, amazing food! Kids will love the fun activities at various locations around the festival grounds.
Ongoing Fall Fun
Downtown Farmers Market is one of the best in the country! It is a great time of year to get fresh apples, pumpkins, baked goods, and all the other amazing vendors there. The market runs from 8 am-noon through October 26.
Valley Junction Farmer’s Market and Music in the Junction: Enjoy the wonderful Valley Junction Farmer’s Market every Thursday through the end of September from 4 pm to 8 pm in Historic Valley Junction. Bring a chair and enjoy live music from 6 pm to 8:30 pm. Shows are free and open to music lovers of all ages.
Living History Farms: Fall is a great time to take a trip back to Iowa’s past. Regular admission fees will get you and your family access to lots of fun activities. This fall you can enjoy Apple Fest (9/14), Indigenous Iowans Day (10/12), and a Medicine Show (10/19).
Iowa Arboretum and Brenton Arboretum: You could spend the whole day exploring the main campus and the sprawling woodland trails of Iowa Arboretum in Madrid or Brenton Arboretum in Dallas Center. And don’t miss the brand new Treehouse Village (purchase tickets in advance).
There is no better way to see the fall foliage color change while admiring the fall flowers in bloom. The views are breathtaking. Don’t forget your camera, it is a great place for taking photos! We recommend stopping at Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ on the way home for mouth watering Texas style pit barbecue!
What are your “can’t miss” fall events or traditions? Drop them in the comments so I can add them to my family list!
