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 3-5.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Featured Image: Sam Battaglieri
🎉Openings🎉
- Open November 17 – December 23
- Wednesdays and Thursdays are first come, first served (please check-in with our host at Marjorie), reservations are available on Fridays and Saturdays (open 12 days in advance).
- 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.
Zhoosh opened in the East Village
- Fri. | 11-6 p.m. Sat. | 10-5 p.m. Sun. | 12-4 p.m.
- 1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
I’ll let the owners speak for themselves: “Hello, friends! We are a small, woman owned, gift shop located in the East Village of Des Moines, Iowa. Being a display of things we love, our shop offers home goods, curated furniture pieces, art, and so much more. Along with those aspects we also have a room dedicated to what we call “modern rituals”. A safe space where you can find high-end sexual wellness products, hand-crafted smoking accessories, informational reading material, and more.”
- 520 Robert D. Ray Dr., Des Moines, IA 50309
And this season isn’t cut short like last year! The skating plaza will be open until March 2022. This East Village resident is pretty happy about that.
Friday, December 3
- Friday, December 3 – Events all night!
- East Village, Des Moines
If you’re not in the East Village on Friday night, you’re doing it wrong. The annual Holiday Promenade kicks off with special events all night around the Historic East Village. Check out all the deals and features at the link below, including Mrs. Claus and a build-your-own hot chocolate bar at Nosh and 5 Beers of Christmas at Peace Tree Brewing Co.
- All weekend!
- Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Have you seen pictures of those picturesque European holiday markets? This is Des Moines’ version! Christkindlmarket makes its in-person return at Principal Park this weekend making it a must-do holiday activity. Christkindlmarket Des Moines is a German-inspired Christmas market whose goal is to educate and entertain the community by exposing them to European-style foods, products and activities. It’s pet and kid friendly so go out there and enjoy some candied nuts, authentic German foods, and warm mulled wine!
- Friday, Dec. 3, 8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- Exile Brewing Company, 1514 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Grab your ugly sweater and closest friends to enjoy a night out with festive drinks and dancing at the SnowGlobe Ugly Sweater Party in the Beer Hall! This party will be rocking around the tree with Christmas mixes from DJ Marty McFly. Doors are open 8:30 – Midnight. No reservation is needed. Must be 21+ to enter the Beer Hall.
The Sound of Music at Des Moines Playhouse
- Showtimes all weekend!
- 831 42nd Street, Des Moines IA 50312
- Friday, December 3, 6 – 8 p.m.
- Art Terrarium, 106 11th St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Ceramics Invitational – First Friday at Mainframe Studios
- Friday, December 3, 6 – 8 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
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 “The Naughty List”, a show “for degenerates by degenerates” who are definitely getting coal this year, hosted by one of our favs Jack Lewis.
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, Dec. 3, 6-9 p.m.
Holiday Zoo Brew at Blank Park Zoo
- Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
- Friday, December 3, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 4
Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, December 4, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Historic Court District Downtown DSM
Oh you think farmers’ market season is totally over? Not in Iowa. But it is the last weekend of the Winter’s Farmers’ Market! End their season with a bang with this pretty impressive list of vendors who are willing to bundle up to give you the best of local products in the holiday season. Don’t let them stand in the cold for nothing!
Egg Day at the Hall with Egg King
- Saturday, December 4, 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 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Beaverdale Place, 2645 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Where are our Beaverdale people at? Stroll through Beaverdale Place on Saturday for fun samples and holiday deals at Happy DSM, Beaverdale Books, and Beaverdale Confections.
Kid-Friendly: Jingle Bell Stroll at Gray’s Lake Park
- Saturday, December 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Gray’s Lake Park, 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315
A cute idea for those with kiddos this weekend! And the weather should cooperate. Take a stroll along this holiday-themed half-mile trail where you will end by snapping a photo with Santa Claus. Snow will fall, holiday tunes will play, and you can pick up a fun craft to put together at home. It’s free! A note from DSM Parks: Please note that a holiday prop will be between your child and Santa Claus to maintain a safe social distance. Since kids will not be able to chat with Santa, we invite them to bring a letter (with address listed).
Dancing As Moving Meditation Class at Inner Space DSM
- Saturday, December 4, 1 p.m.
- Inner Space DSM, 1251 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
Feeling overwhelmed, nervous system on high alert? Come to this movement lab to slow down, to shake it out, or move with and through whatever has been asking for your attention. This honestly sounds so needed and we’re pretty sure you won’t regret it!
Wreath Making Class at Jasper Winery
- Saturday, December 4, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
- Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50321
Why not make your own wreath? We always love a good excuse to visit Jasper Winery anyway. Tulipsis Floral will be providing instruction and materials for you to built a wreath on an 18” metal frame. There will be a minimum of 2 types of evergreens with seasonal accents. Your ticket price includes a glass of wine! Hurry – tickets are almost sold out.
- Saturday, December 4, 6 p.m. / Sunday, December 5, 3 p.m.
- Wells Fargo Arena at Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Iowa Wild is the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild. It’s like the Iowa Cubs of hockey. They’re playing at home in Wells Fargo arena on Saturday and Sunday.
- Saturday, December 4, 8 p.m.
- Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Too niche of an entry? There’s got to be one of you that’s a big David Sedaris fan, right? Here’s what the event is about: “Celebrating the launch of two new books, “The Best of Me” and “A Carnival of Snackery,” join best-selling author and NPR contributor, David Sedaris for an afternoon featuring all-new stories, an audience Q&A, and a book signing. With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, Mr. Sedaris has become one of America’s preeminent humor writers.”
Sunday, December 5
Brunch at SnowGlobe DSM
- Sunday, December 5, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Exile Brewing Company, 1514 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
SnowGlobe DSM (a holiday pop-up at Exile!) is presenting a new weekend brunch menu. This weekend you can join them for brunch from 9am – 2pm. A few of our favorite items are featured above but you check out the full menu at the link below. Reservations required!
- The Cave DSM, 1437 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Sunday, December 5, 3-5 p.m.
We love going into The Cave any day, but this Sunday afternoon will be extra special. Pop in from 3-5 p.m. for live Brazilian music from Choro Moingona: an instrumental band from Des Moines that plays a Brazilian style of music called choro (or chorinho). Choro, a virtuosic predecessor to samba, arose in Rio de Janeiro during the late-19th century. It will serve to create a perfect atmosphere as you sip their impressive selection of natural wine!
Korean Fried Chicken + Sides at Harbinger with Basic Bird
- Harbinger, 2724 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
- Sunday, December 5, 4-8 p.m.
One night 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 only!
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