Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, January 13-15. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you. Looking for live music? We have a separate guide for that. Click here to read the live music guide! 

Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.

Friday, January 13

Des Moines needed this! So excited to see this late night dessert bar option with great sweets and drinks perfect for a date night. 

  • Friday, January 13, and Saturday, January 14, Late night hours until midnight!
  • Creme, Des Moines, IA, 50309
 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by @creme_dsm

Karaoke + Specials at Mickey’s Irish Pub

  • Friday, January 13, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 
  • Historic East Village, Des Moines 

Out West in Waukee? Mickey’s has karaoke on Fridays! We get asked for karaoke recs all the time and like to share them when we see them. Mickey’s Friday drink special is $4 Seltzer’s & $5 Moscow Mules. Kitchen open till midnight. 

Dome After Dark at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
  • Friday, January 13, 6-10 p.m. 
Experience the Garden in a new light at Dome After Dark! It’s honestly very pretty and a great date idea. Most Fridays from now through February 25, stroll through the lush conservatory and Gardeners Show House illuminated with unique lighting and luminarias. This family friendly event will include food and drink available for purchase from Trellis Café. Normal admission rates apply!
see what it looks like
  • Friday, January 13, 7-9:30 p.m. 
  • Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Teehee’s is always a great weekend option for independent comedy. Here’s the lineup for their Friday night shows, but check out all their others at the link. 
 
7:00 p.m. show – Chopping It Up with Alex Car – Pastry chef and comedian Alex Carter was a contestant on Chopped Sweets and he’s going to reveal what it’s like to compete on one of the Food Network’s most popular and difficult cooking shows. Alex is also bringing four of his favorite comedians to compete in a Chopped-style comedy challenge to see who can create the best 5 minute set using 4 mystery comedy “ingredients”.
 
9:30 p.m. show – Alien Head Emoji – In one night you will see 2 stand-up comedians abducted by an improv group and brainwashed to perform LONGFORM IMPROV COMEDY SCENES! Stand-up comedians doing improv!? You read that correctly!
 
All the details + buy tickets.

Saturday, January 14

GRAND OPENING: Reading in Public Books opens in Valley Junction

  • 315 5th St Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA 50265
  • Tentative hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. 
 
 
 
 
 
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sneak peek of the space!
  • All weekend!
  • Seven Oaks Recreation, 1086 222nd Dr, Boone, IA 50036

Ok, maybe you’re a pro skier and snowboarder and this is ridiculous to you. But to us, complete novices in our late twenties? This is actually doable…and kind of fun! Drive north to Seven Oaks for a fun day of skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing. Snow tubing tickets must be purchased online. Ski/snowboard tickets are first come, first serve. They serve food and some beer in the lodge! Hit up Whatcha Smokin’ for amazing BBQ on the way back to Des Moines. 

All the details / hours.

Winter Wonderland Bags Tournament at Captain Roy’s

  • Saturday, January 14, 12-3 p.m. 
  • Captain Roy’s, 1900 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313
Dress warm and join Des Moines Parks and Recreation and Captain Roy’s for our Winter WonderBags Tournament on Jan. 14 at Captain Roy’s! (1900 Saylor Rd.) Registration is $20/team and only one player needs to register. Prizes from Captain Roy’s (swag, gift certificates) will be given to the winners of each division. Sign up online at bit.ly/wonderbags2023
 
More details + rsvp

  • Saturday, January 14, 4-6 p.m. 
  • Gravitate Coworking, 500 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309

How has modern media changed our own patterns of thought and behavior, for better or for worse? What should be our response to it? Meet new people and think through these ideas for a lovely Saturday evening in downtown. Head to dinner afterwards at Fresko or Roca. 

all the details + RSVP

80’s Ski Party at Paws and Pints DSM

  • Saturday, January 14, 3 p.m. 
  • Paws and Pints DSM, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321

Paws and Pints is embracing the cold weather by bundling up in our best 80’s ski gear. Featuring a tap takeover with Exile Brewing Co, join us on January 14th for an 80’s Ski Party! We’ll have 80’s music, shot skis, throwback beers and contests for the best dressed dogs and humans.

all the details + RSVP

Sunday, January 15

  • Sunday, January 15, 6:30 p.m. sign up, Show starts at 7 p.m. 
  • 300 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, #120, Des Moines, IA 50309

The best Comedy Taco Mic in Des Moines is going strong into 2023! Join host Damon Tucker and our community of local comics for tacos & laughs every Sunday night. Signup at 6:30, show at 7, all participants are eligible to win Fuzzy’s gift cards. Food & drink specials all night

All the details.

Korean Fried Chicken + Sides at Harbinger with Basic Bird 

  • Sunday, January 15, 4-8 p.m. 
  • Harbinger, 2724 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

One night a week only! Get incredible Korean friend chicken, kimchi fried rice, sticky ribs and more inside Harbinger on Sunday nights from 4-8 p.m. It makes for the perfect Sunday dinner. Dine in and take out available! 

All the details here.

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