Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, November 22-24. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you. Scroll to the end for the 411 on our next Pitch a Friend!
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Featured Image: Photo by Lee Chinyama on Unsplash
Featured Event
Indianola’s “Home for the Holidays,” including “Fire Lane” sponsored by TruBank
- Saturday, November 23, 4-8 p.m.
- 125 West Salem Ave Indianola, Iowa
There’s a lot happening just 30 minutes south of Des Moines in the cute town of Indianola this weekend! The 2024 Indianola Home for the Holidays and Lighted Parade is going to be spectacular, and is a PERFECT excuse to go support the unique boutiques and other small businesses (Adorn, Savor The Rise, Feed & Foster, just to name a few!) that are part of the historic downtown square. Don’t miss a stop at Pamela’s Place for everything vintage and an exclusive National Balloon Classic pop-up holiday store.
There will be an artist’s avenue of art selections, classic holiday activities like horse drawn wagon rides, and a “Fire Lane” sponsored by TruBank. What is “Fire Lane”? Hot air balloon pilots will have decked out baskets to light up (and heat up) the night with a candle glow! 😲
Friday, November 22
Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market
- Friday, Nov. 22: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday. Nov. 24: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Iowa Events Center (Hall B), 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Missing the Downtown Farmers’ Market? Well, we’ve got you covered. For one weekend only, get your Market fix at the Iowa Events Center. Catch your favorite vendors, check out some new ones, and get stocked up for the holiday season!
THE FIRST Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village
- Every Friday through December 20, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Historic East Village
View this post on Instagram
Holiday Sip & Shop at the AC Hotel
- Friday, November 22, 5 – 8 p.m.
- AC Hotel, 401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
View this post on Instagram
Opening Night and Tree Lighting at Brenton Skating Plaza
- Friday, November 22, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Brenton Skating Plaza, 520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
Whether you like it or not, winter is coming. On the plus side, that means it’s time for ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza! While skating won’t be open until Sunday, come for the hot cocoa and Insta pics with Santa, and stick around for the 6 p.m. tree lighting!
Wicked Pre-Screening and Sing Along at The Varsity Cinema
- Friday, November 22, 6 p.m.
- Varsity Cinema, 1207 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
It’s been all over your feeds, and now it is finally time for Wicked to come to the big screen! For those of you who know all the words and want to sing along, the front rows at The Varsity Cinema are still available at the Wicked Sing Along. The pre-screening will start at 6 p.m. complete with a live pianist, and the show will start at 7 p.m.!
Mixology Game Night at the Science Center of Iowa
- Friday, November 22, 6 – 9 p.m.
- Science Center of Iowa, 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309
View this post on Instagram
Silent Book Club at The Slow Down Coffee Co.
- Friday, November 22, 6 – 8 p.m.
- The Slow Down Coffee Co., 3613 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
For all our Des Moines Girlies looking for a quiet Friday night activity, check out the Silent Book Club at The Slow Down Coffee Co. All introverted bookworms are welcome to come and go as they please. Grab a drink or a bite and settle in with a good book and good, quiet company.
Shrek Rave at Wooly’s
- Friday, November 22, 9 p.m.
- Wooly’s, 504 East Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
You’ve seen the TikToks, and now it is coming to Des Moines. Get ready to rave at Wooly’s at the Shrek Rave! Tickets are $25 for the 21+ event. Embrace your inner feral club rat because who cares? “It’s dumb, just come have fun!”
Saturday, November 23
Christmas Wreath Workshop at Wilson’s Orchard and Farm
- Saturday, November 23, 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. & Sunday, November 24, 11 a.m. or 3 p.m.
- Wilson’s Farm & Orchard, 3201 15th Ave., Cumming, IA 50061
Spruce up your holiday decorations and have fun while you’re at it at Wilson’s Farm & Orchard Christmas Wreath Workshop! For $65, learn how to make a custom wreath for your living space. Instruction, materials, and a drink are included, and add on bottomless cider mimosas for $20. Space is limited, so sign up now!
Slap Soda Grand Opening
- Saturday, November 23, 10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Slap Soda, 164 SE Laurel St, Waukee, IA 50263
Pending a final inspection, celebrate the grand opening of Slap Soda’s first physical location! Check out the updated menu and plan out your order (if you’re that type of girlie). Swing by at any time during the day for drink discounts and prize drawings!
Paw-liday Market at Paws & Pints
- Saturday, November 23, 4 – 8 p.m.
- Paws & Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Don’t want your furry friend to miss out on the holiday market fun? Join Paws & Pints’ for a festive and fun Paw-liday Market! Find the paw-fect gift for your humans and pups, and snap a pic with the one, the only Santa Paws! This is a market you won’t want to miss.
KPOP Skate Night at Skateland
- Saturday, November 23, 7 – 9 p.m.
- Skateland Des Moines, 5621 Meredith Dr, Des Moines, IA 50310
KPOP fans and roller skaters unite! “Skate to your favorite K-pop hits, show off your moves, and have an awesome time with friends! With neon lights, great music, and a fun atmosphere, this is a night you don’t want to miss!” K-pop songs will play from 7 – 9 p.m., but feel free to show up early to skate to other hit songs!
Wicked Rowdy Sing Along at Fleur Cinema
- Saturday, November 16, 7 p.m.
- Varsity Cinema, 1207 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
Can’t make Friday’s sing-along or want to see the film again? Fleur Cinema is hosting a “rowdy sing along” of Wicked for all the fans who want to sing their hearts out to all the hit musical numbers.
Sunday, November 24
Tea & Coffee Tasting at Mayalu Coffee
- Sunday, November 24, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Mayalu Coffee, 4226 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
View this post on Instagram
Des Moines Makers’ Market and Bar Hop
- Sunday, November 24, 1 – 6 p.m.
- Big Grove (555 17th St.), Lua Brewing (1525 High St.), Exile Brewing Co. (1514 Walnut St.)
It’s the weekend of holiday markets, so why not add one more with a fun bar hop twist! Over 30 vendors are participating at three bar locations (Big Grove, Lua Brewing, Exile Brewing Co.) with a variety handmade goods available for purchase. Browsing is free, booze is available, and supporting local vendors is awesome! Make sure to hit all three spots.
NEXT PITCH A FRIEND ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
- Thursday, December 12, 7 – 10 p.m.
- SingleSpeed Brewing Co., 303 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
