Looking for things to do in Des Moines this weekend? Check out this list of all the events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, December 17-19.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Friday, December 17
- Last weekend open!
- Reservations are available on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Good News Darling, 717 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
There’s not a whole lot that we love more than a good holiday cocktail pop-up. It’s big city vibes and we’re here for it. Take a look at the holiday-inspired cocktail menu at the link below.
The East Village Holiday Promenade
- Friday, December 17 – Last Friday night of the season!
- East Village, Des Moines
If you’re not in the East Village on Friday night, you’re doing it wrong and this is your last opportunity in 2021’s Holiday Promenade. Check out all the deals and features at the link below, including bringing the family to Storyhouse Bookpub for a reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and meet the Grinch! Plan for a fun photo opportunity and a lively storytime starting at 6:30 p.m.
- Showtimes all weekend, December 17-19
- Staplin Center, Valley High School, 3650 Woodland Ave, West Des Moines, IA
Join Ballet Des Moines for the annual holiday tradition of The Nutcracker, Iowa’s only professional performance of this beloved ballet, including a new cast of characters and seven performances over two weekends two choose from. This weekend -the last weekend – is at Staplin Center! Ticket prices range from $30-80.
- Friday, December 17, 3-6 p.m.
- Saturday, December 18, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- 205 County Line Road, Des Moines, IA
Did you know that Des Moines has a student run grocery store benefitting the Animal Rescue League of Iowa? Come and support your local Central Market for all holiday needs this season! In addition to their regular store items of produce, bee products, ice cream and more, they will have wreaths, holiday signs, centerpieces, ornaments, and more – all made by students! Go check it out.
The Sound of Music at Des Moines Playhouse
- Showtimes all weekend!
- 831 42nd Street, Des Moines IA 50312
Tit’s Up at Teehee’s at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Shows all weekend!
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Get yo’ laughs on while supporting an independent comedy club. Every night is a good night to visit Teehee’s, and its on one of our favorite streets in Des Moines. Don’t miss Friday night’s “Wicked Wonderland”- a twisted holiday variety show.
Miracle on Ingersoll Holiday Pop – Up
- All weekend!
- 3124 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Gift Card Giveaway: Holiday Sweater Party at Peace Tree – Des Moines Branch
- Friday, December 17, 7- 10 p.m.
- 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Saturday, December 18
Egg Day at the Hall with Egg King
- Saturday, December 18, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (or sell out!)
- The Hall, 111 S 11th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Regardless of if you haven’t gotten your hands on an Egg King sandwich or if you go every week, things just got a whole lot easier! Come brunch with them at the Hall this Saturday. Find yourself a table, order on the app, grab yourself some drinks and enjoy the large TV screens. Pretty chill and delicious.
- Saturday, December 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. or until sold out
- THE COLLECTIVE, 340 SW 5th St #122, Des Moines, IA 50309
Nicole Ryn is hosting a pop – up of these holiday treat boxes as part of a month long bake sale fundraiser benefitting @ywrcgirls, @des_moines_refugee_support, and @furry_friends_refuge. 100% of all profits will be donated and added to the total amounts on December 31st. Each box will come in compostable and reusable gift packaging, and be completely plant based. Accepting preorders now until Friday at noon. A handful of walk ups welcome! Order now. What an amazing thing to do! Plus a bonus reason to go into THE COLLECTIVE.
- Saturday, December 18, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Peace Tree, 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Domestic Bones asked 10 makers and bakers who all happen to have women owned businesses if they wanted to come together for one last event during the holiday season. Grab a 🍺 while you’re there because @peacetreedmbranch is just the best and we couldn’t do this without their support. Here are the list of vendors; @piebirdpies @6degreesofdelicious @nixonandnorman @nidahandcrafts @reddragonherbsandteas @domesticbones @redthreadupcycles @prairierosedesserts @siftnsprinkle and @ladyfern.clay!
West End’s Shop Hop
- Saturday, December 18, Shop hours
- Art Terrarium, Moglea, West End Salvage, Golden Hour, CK Design Co, and The Cave DSM
Join us at the West End Shop Hop and keep up the momentum of shopping small this holiday season. Hosted by the small businesses of downtown’s West End, enjoy 10% off at each shop with a Shop Hop passport! Passports are available at each shop now! Visit all 6 shops on Sat., December 18 (& get your Shop Hop passport signed or stamped) to get a free coffee, cocktail, or beer from West End Salvage!
Hall of Laureates Holiday Open House: Tour the World Food Prize Building
- Saturday, December 18, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Hall of Laureates, 100 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 USA
This is particularly special to us because this is where our founder had her first internship ever! Just once, each December, the community is invited to join the World Food Prize at the Hall of Laureates for their Holiday Open House. Come and hear holiday music and experience the spectacular acoustics in this beloved historic building. There is no admission charge, but they encourage guests to bring a donation for Food Bank of Iowa. Most needed items include canned meat and fish, canned fruit and vegetables, canned soup, pasta sauce, breakfast items (including cereal), 100% fruit juice, and personal and paper products (such as soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper).
AC Hotel’s Sip and Shop
- Saturday, December 18, 2-4 p.m.
- AC Hotel and The Republic on Grand, 401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
See some of your favorite local businesses this Saturday for more last minute local gift shopping at the AC Hotel. They Sip + Shop back this holiday season. Grab a drink from the lounge bar, enjoy live music by the talented Bruce Day and make your way up to the Republic to complete your Saturday evening!
A Holiday Vintage Mini-Market with Rumors Vintage, Poweshiek Trading Post, and DSM Stash
- Saturday, December 18, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Rumors, 4211 Chamberlain Ave, Des Moines
Enjoy complimentary food and drinks, and get your gift wrapped by Rumors for free. Enter Rumors’ raffle in store for a chance to win a gift basket with items from all 3 shops. Afterwards, at 7:30 p.m. Rumors and RPM will be hosting a Christmas party in the shop! All are welcome.
- Saturday, December 18, 5-9 p.m.
- University Ave between 23rd and 24th St
The lighting ceremony for the Dogtown Chromatic Light and Music Experience is happening this Saturday night. Expect performances from the Isiserettes, Bridges 2 Harmony, and DJ cDisiac. Special reason to browse through Dogtown businesses too!
- Saturday, December 18, 7-8 p.m. is registration
- Around the Deetz app!
Starting between 7-8 p.m. the Deetz app is going to launch a bar crawl around Des Moines. Get together with a group of friends who are down to go wherever the night takes them.
Sunday, December 19
Bread by Chelsa B at Rose Farmstead
- Sunday, December 19, 12-5 p.m. (or until sold out!)
- Rose Farmstead, 7197 43rd Ave Norwalk, Iowa 50211
If you haven’t been out to Rose Farmstead yet this month, now is your chance! This is the last weekend open for awhile. If you aren’t one of the lucky ones attending their sold out classes, we recommend going on Sunday to pick up some truly incredible bread from Bread by Chelsa B as well. Get there on the early side though – she’s been known to sell out quickly! We’ll be getting the holiday bread and cardamom buns!
- Kinship Brewing Company, 255 NW Sunrise Dr., Waukee, IA 50263
- Sunday, December 19, 1-3 p.m.
Buddy the Elf will be hosting a fun-filled family event complete with carols, crafts, and drama games for ALL ages! We will be showcasing some of Wagner Theater’s budding artists as well. If your child is interested in singing a solo or duet please reach out. Kinship will get a holiday makeover as we decorate, sing carols, have cookies and enjoy family time! Parents grab a beer while kids of all ages work with us on some fun holiday themed drama games and improv too. Tickets are $10 per child or $25 for a family!
Holiday Community Flow at Rooted Yoga + Fitness
A Community Flow starts at 4:30 and is a 45-minute all-levels free-will donation flow. All donations this month will go to @dsm.mutual.aid + @desmoinesblm’s winter warmth fundraiser to purchase propane to keep unhoused folks warm this winter. Please sign up for this beforehand if you plan on attending. The holiday party will kick off at 5:30 p.m.. They’ll have snacks, drinks, and lots of winter cheer for you. You don’t need to be a member and you don’t need to go to the flow beforehand. Ugly sweaters highly encouraged 😉
