DES MOINES, Iowa — It's almost Labor Day Weekend! If you're not traveling for the holiday, there are plenty of events happening around the metro to help you celebrate the occasion.
Local 5 rounded up five events taking place in and around Des Moines to help you make the most of your long weekend.
Have an event you want featured in Local 5's Weekend Guide? Text us at 515-457-1026 or email us at news@weareiowa.com
- When: Friday, Aug. 30, 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 31, 2-10 p.m.
- Where: Various locations
- Friday: TOTJ Gallery (1312 Maple St., West Des Moines)
- Saturday: Railroad Park Pavilion (4th St. and Railroad Place, West Des Moines)
- Price: Free
Get ready for a weekend of music, culture and family fun. On Friday, enjoy spoken word and jazz performances at Jazzin' in the Junction. Then, on Saturday, head back to Valley Junction for the festival itself, featuring arts and craft vendors, food trucks, face painting and other activities honoring Valley Junction's rich and diverse history.
- When: Friday, Aug. 30, 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 31, 6 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 1, 1 p.m.
- Where: Principal Park (1 Line Dr., Des Moines)
- Price: Tickets start at $11
There's only a few more weeks for fans to catch an Iowa Cubs game. Take advantage of your extra time this Labor Day weekend and dedicate one evening (or afternoon) to cheering on your hometown team at Principal Park. As always, the Friday game will feature a fireworks show after the game!
- When: Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1, 12-10 p.m.
- Where: 4200 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway, Des Moines
- Price: $10 per car
Learn more about Tai Dam culture at this annual event organized by Des Moines' Tai Village. The festival will feature cultural dancing, live music and 12 food and drink vendors. Organizers say they hope the event makes an impact in the community at large.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 31, Sunday, Sept. 1 and Monday, Sept. 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Where: Sleepy Hollow (4051 Dean Ave., Des Moines)
- Price: $23 for a weekend pass when purchased online
- Prices subject to change at the front gate
Jugglers, minstrels, jesters, oh my! Head out to Sleepy Hollow for this year's Fall Faire, featuring performances, comedic acts and vendors. This weekend's theme is Celtic Ceilidh, described as "a celebration of dance and culture plus Highland Games."
- When: Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park (2251 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines)
- Price: Free
The Des Moines Symphony is putting on not one, but two free concerts this weekend. On Saturday, the symphony will perform the music of Billy Joel, including songs such as "Uptown Girl" and "My Life." The symphony will be accompanied by Michael Cavanaugh, who played Joel in the Broadway production "Movin' Out."
Then, on Sunday, head back to Water Works Park for the symphony's Dance Away With Me set, featuring classics like Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" alongside pop favorites. Whichever performance you attend, make sure to bring your picnic blankets or chairs.