Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, December 8 – December 10. 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.
Friday, December 8
- Friday, December 8, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday, December 9, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. & Sunday, December 10, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- ZHOOSH, 313 E. 5th St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Get your holiday vintage fix this weekend with Awkward Vintage Company’s very on pop-up at ZHOOSH over in East Village! For all things naughty and nice, browse eclectic home goods and apparel. If you’re already out for the Promenade, then you get first look at their products/vintage finds.
Rudolph’s Rooftop
- Friday, December 8 – Sunday, December 10
- Monday – Thursday, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday, 2 p.m. – 12 a.m. & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- The Republic on Grand, 401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 (6th Floor of the AC Hotel)
This week: Rudolph’s Ugly Sweater Party on Saturday, December 9th! There’s nothing we love more than a good ol’ pop-up, ESP if it’s holiday-themed. This year, for the first time ever, the East Village is getting their very own on the rooftop of the Republic on Grand! From November 17 – January 7, you’ll have the chance to sip on crafted cocktails and some tasty snacks. If you’re looking for a way to spread some holiday cheer with some of your fav people, Rudolph’s Rooftop is the perfect spot for a girls’ night out or date night with your S.O.
East Village Holiday Promenade
- Friday, December 8, ends at 8 p.m.
- Historic East Village, Downtown Des Moines
This week’s highlights:
- Storyhouse Bookpub: Meet the Grinch, Happy Home Coffee Pop-Up & Betty Walker Studio Pop-Up
- Kin DSM: Kindred Aura Pop-Up (few spots left, book ahead!)
It’s that time of year again for the Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village! Bundle up in your favorite coat and chilly weather gear as you stroll through the streets of East Village. Almost every single business will have extended hours to make sure you can get your holiday shopping done! Whether it’s grabbing a clothing item from Marne, a book from Storyhouse Bookpub, a warm drink from Vibrant Coffeehouse + Kitchen, or some stationary for your holiday gift-giving from Ephemera– there’s something for everyone. The Holiday Promenade is open every Friday starting November 17 – December 15.
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Friday, December 8, 6 p.m. – 1o p.m.
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Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive Des Moines, IA 50309
Enjoy the beauty of the botanical garden under the stars inside the classic domed conservatory at the Great Des Moines Botanical Garden. Every Friday from November 25 – March 29, you can experience the illumination of Dome After Dark, an event with live entertainment, food and drink, and so much more! Be sure to check out their programming for fun themed nights starting in December. This event is perfect for a date night or G.N.O during these chilly months!
- Friday, December 8 & Saturday, December 9, 7 p.m. – midnight
- Creme, 543 28th St, Des Moines, IA 50312
We couldn’t love Midnight Munchies more. So excited to see this late night dessert bar option with great sweets and drinks perfect for a date or date with yourself night. We also love Creme in the daytime for a quick break, loading up on local sweets, or sending some quick emails.
Did you know that our friends over at Rooted Yoga + Fitness have been working on a new space?! That’s right- they’ve expanded from one to studios at their Beaverdale location! Join the team and other fellow DSM yogis for their holiday party this Friday and see the new space for yourself. Think of it as an open house, with a holiday twist and refreshments available. Want to practice in their new studio? It officially opens for classes on December 9th.
- Friday, December 8, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Oliver + James Salon, 1417 Walnut St C, Des Moines, IA 50309
Ever wondered if you should get bangs? Or, maybe how to become an expert at french braiding? Bring all your questions to the experts at Oliver + James Salon at their open house this Friday! They’ll be hosting a mini bar of holiday sweet treats/refreshments and deluxe samples- as well as doing mini style sessions for those who have burning Q’s about the hair world.
Saturday, December 9
Romance-A-Palooza at Storyhouse Bookpub
- Saturday, December 9, 7 p.m.
- Storyhouse Bookpub, 505 E Grand Ave Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Rumors Vintage Holiday Mini Market
- Rumors Vintage, 211 Chamberlain Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Can’t get enough vintage? At DSMG we’ve got all the insights into everything vintage- ESP the fun holiday pop-ups and mini markets! Check out Rumors this weekend for their event, featuring four pop-up vendors; Run 4 The Roses, Jive Finds, Thrift 36five, and B’s Knees Vintage. View hand-picked items from these vintage curators such as collectibles, home goods, clothing, and more. Stop in to shop thrift AND get in on some holiday surprises 😉
Peppermint Trail
- The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand, and the Roosevelt Cultural District
Shop until you drop this Saturday at the Peppermint Trail from sunrise to past sunset! Check out all the small businesses on Ingersoll & Grand, as well as in the Roosevelt Cultural District for fun specials both shopping and dining! Enjoy holiday festivities like trolley rides, visits from Santa, Gingerbread contests, decorated window displays, carolers, and so much more.
Friends Brunch at Gilroy’s
- Gilroy’s, 1238 8th St West Des Moines, IA 50265
Central Perk is coming to Gilroy’s! JK, but get in on all the Friends-themed goodies this weekend with a themed brunch featuring food and drink from the show and an all out Friends marathon on the TV! Wear your fav merch or your 90’s garb and celebrate one of the biggest sitcoms to ever exist on television. 10% of brunch sales will be donated to Urban Dreams, for their substance abuse department in honor of Matthew Perry.
Meow-ga at Smash Park
- Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
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Sunday, December 10
Puppy Yoga at Paws & Pints
- Sunday, December 10, 11 a.m.
- Paws & Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
More of a dog person? Looks like the DSM area is full of fur legged yoga events this weekend. Join Powerlife and Paws & Pints for a Puppy Yoga class! Not only can you bring your own pooch (FYI make sure they’re registered with P&P before you go!), but there will be adoptable puppies ready to explore “downward dog” and other fun yogi poses with you. Enjoy a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa and get ready to stretch, bark and refresh this Sunday.
Pop-Up Book Shop at Jasper Winery
- Sunday, December 10, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Curl up with a good book and a glass of wine this holiday season- brought to you by Beaverdale Books and Jasper Winery! Looking for some cozy solace this weekend, or need to find the best remedy for the “Sunday Scaries”? Beaverdale Books is hosting a pop-up book shop at the winery where you can pair your fav book with a nice glass (or bottle, we don’t judge) of wine. Either take your pairing to-go, or stay in for awhile and get a spot by the fireplace.
White Elephant Game Exchange
- Sunday, December 10, 4 p.m.
- Peace Tree Brewing Co., 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Looking to try your luck at bringing home a new game to play with your family over the holidays? Peace Tree Brewing is hosting a white elephant game exchange where participants can bring a game they don’t want anymore (with all the pieces and material in tact), wrap it up, and join in on the exchange! Participants are allowed 2 steals and other trading can happen after the game is over.
