Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, October 11-13. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
- Tuesday, October 1st – Saturday, November 2nd, Monday – Sunday evenings
- The Republic on Grand, 401 E. Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Fancy a rooftop? The Republic on Grand is hosting a halloween pop-up every evening throughout the month of October- no reservation required! Space is first come, first served, so be sure to get there early. Closer to Halloween they’ll host a costume party with a live DJ too! Be on the lookout for other surprises as we dive into this spooky season.
Friday, October 11
Gallery Night in the Historic Valley Junction
- Friday, October 11, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Historic Valley Junction
Art appreciators and small business supporters unite for Valley Junction’s bi-annual Gallery Night! This event supports local businesses and artists from the area and all over the world by showcasing art and one-of-a-kind creations in galleries all over Valley Junction. Shop and eat local while enjoying this fun and free event!
Halloween Zoo Brew
- Friday, October 11, 6 – 9:30 p.m.
- Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA, 50315
“Lions and tigers and BOOze, oh my!” All of our 21+ Des Moines Girls, dress up and drink up at Halloween Zoo Brew! Enjoy the Blank Park Zoo after hours for a spooky night of adult trick or treat with local brew samples, live music, a haunted train ride, and more! Tickets are $20, and additional food and drink are available for purchase.
Saturday, October 12
Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market
Photo Credit: @dtfarmersmarket
- Saturday, October 12, 8 a.m. – Noon
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
There are only three weeks left to enjoy the 49th season of the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market! The Market is an open-air street market located in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Vendors will be set up outdoors on Court Avenue and adjacent side streets. It’s one of the best in the country! Don’t miss it this season and see some of our absolute favorite small business owners from around the metro.
Indigenous Iowans Day at Living History Farms
- Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322
“Ioway Farm represents the Indigenous People who lived in 1700 on the land that would eventually become the state of Iowa. Today we dig deeper into how the Ioway lived, along with other Indigenous Peoples who have inhabited—and still inhabit—this land. Take part in hands-on activities, crafts, and demonstrations all day long.” All the activities are included in general admission — view the full schedule here!
Free classes all day at Pulse Dance Fitness Studio
- Saturday, October 12, All day!
- Pulse Dance Fitness Studio, 6920 EP True Pkwy, Suite #115, West Des Moines, IA, United States, Iowa
Dance for a cause on Saturday! Pulse is hosting a free day of classes for Can Do Cancer for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You do not need a membership or class pass to attend these classes. The Pulse team asks for a minimum $5 CASH or VENMO donation, although more is welcome! All proceeds go towards CAN DO CANCER. Go try out this fun dance fitness studio in West Des Moines!
Fall Tailgate Paw-ty
- Saturday, October 12, Noon – 3 p.m.
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Tailgate season is in full swing, and Paws and Pints is hosting the ultimate TAIL-gate for you and your pup! Enjoy free passes day passes, all of the football games you could ever dream of, and a scavenger hunt for FREE Fi swag! If that isn’t enough, the bar has some unbeatable specials: $29 for domestic/well drinks or $49 for the full open bar!
Plant Yoga at Art Terrarium
- Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.
- Art Terrarium, 520 Euclid Avenue, Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50313
“Join Clara, the owner of Zen AF Yoga, as she will guide you through a beginner level class to help gently stretch out your body, Zen your mind, and enjoy the fresh plants around you. All ages are welcome to sign up! Plus enjoy a 15% discount on any plants you purchase after class!” Class registration is $20.
Heart of Des Moines Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, October 12, 4 – 7 p.m.
- 6th & Washington in River Bend
It is the last weekend to enjoy the Heart of Des Moines Farmers’ Market! Market vendors range from fresh produce, handmade goods, food, live entertainment, and plenty of fun. Shop local, support the community, and celebrate the closing of the fourth year of the Heart of Des Moines Farmers’ Market! Don’t forget to check out the neighborhood BlockTOBER celebration, too!
Iowa Wild Opening Night vs. Manitoba Moose
- Saturday, October 12, 6 p.m.
- Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309
SPORTS FANS, it is time. Hockey season is officially here! It is the Iowa Wild’s opening night against the Manitoba Moose. The first 1,500 get a magnet schedule to keep track of all the upcoming games, and of-age individuals get 2 for 1 Confluence Beers until puck drop.
The National Parks at Wooly’s
- Saturday, October 12, 7 p.m.
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
“The National Parks was formed by frontman Brady Parks in early 2013 in Provo, Utah. To date, the band has independently released two full-length albums (and a standalone single, “As We Ran”), which together have amassed more than 13.2 million Spotify streams.” Tickets start at $20 for a wild (spirit) night!
Muffins at Mystic
- Sunday, October 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Mystic Moon Gifts, 2007 SE 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
Mystic Moon Gifts, muffins, mystery, and so much more! Start your Sunday off with a mystical muffin and pick up a mystery bag, priced from $10 – $25. Plus, Laura Meleney will be available for mini tarot readings and dream interpretation. You won’t want tomiss this!
Treasures on the Tracks at the Des Moines Heritage Center
- Sunday, October 13, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Des Moines Heritage Center, 120 E 5th St., Des Moines, IA 50309
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Potteryfest at Jasper Winery
- Sunday, October 13, 1 p.m.
- Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
“Come experience the second annual Potteryfest! Enjoy an afternoon at Jasper Winery and view the work of diverse and talented independent ceramic artists of all levels.Pottery available for purchase, as well as refreshments from Jasper Winery and food courtesy of a variety of local vendors [Best Spuds, Hotel Luna, HQ Restaurant, and Cafe Vivia]. Music by Jeff Kessler.”
Drag Me to Halloween at The Garden
- Sunday, October 13, 6 p.m.
- The Garden, 525 East Grand Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309
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Jukebox the Ghost with Bermuda Search Party at Wooly’s
- Sunday, October 13, 7 p.m.
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Top off the weekend with some live music at Wooly’s! “Jukebox the Ghost formed in college in 2006 and has been a steadily growing cult favorite and a globally touring band ever since…. they have played over 1,000 shows across the country and around the world.” This weekend, they’re in Des Moines for only $22.50 per ticket!
