Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, February 3-5. 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, February 3
FREE – First Friday: The Center Street Sepia Club Revival at Mainframe Studios
- Friday, February 3, 5-9, p.m.
- Mainframe Art Studios, 900 Keo Way, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Mainframe (that colorfully painted building downtown) is pleased to host a special evening honoring the history of Center Street when it was a hub for Black culture and commerce. The lineup is STACKED all evening and with food, drink and music, it is the perfect opportunity to come make a night of it with family and friends to kick off Black History Month.
NEW: “In Confidence” Speakeasy Opening in Hotel Fort Des Moines
- Friday, February 3, 5:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
- Hotel Fort Des Moines, 1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Described as Des Moines’ newest hidden drinkery, tucked behind a secret wall in the wine bar, you’ll find a beautifully designed speakeasy space with delicious cocktails, mocktails, and food. We don’t want to spoil too much. Go see it for yourself.
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, February 3, 6-10 p.m.
Midnight Munchies at Creme
- Friday, Feb 3, and Saturday, Sat Feb 4, Late night hours until midnight!
- Creme, 543 28th St, Des Moines, IA 50312
Des Moines needed this! So excited to see this late night dessert bar option with great sweets and drinks perfect for a date night.
Glow Dodgeball Tournament at Smash Park
- Friday, February 3, Check In at 5:30 p.m., Tournament starts at 6 p.m.
- Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Smash Park’s FIRST EVER Glow Co-Ed Dodgeball Tournament! $10 per team, and teams must be co-ed. Honestly, don’t know what the glow part entails, but it sounds fun.
ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT: Don’t Tell Comedy (Drake Neighborhood)
- Drake Neighborhood
- Friday, February 3, 7 p.m.
A secret comedy show in unknown location? Sounds so fun. Grab tickets to comedy’s “worst kept secret” coming to Des Moines on Friday.The precise location, and other show details, are sent to you at 12:00 PM on Feb 3, 2023, if you buy a ticket. This show will be happening at an undisclosed Indoor location in the Drake Neighborhood.
Saturday, February 4
- 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.
FREE: Iowa State Fair Flea Market
- Saturday, February 4 – Sunday, February 5, 9:00 – 3 p.m.
- 4-H Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
- Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave. Des Moines, IA, 50309
- Saturday, February 4, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Good Vibes Movement (GVM) is a local organization providing resources, support & enrichment to the people of Des Moines. GVM serves a diverse and underrepresented community, located in the Riverbend and King Irving neighborhoods, as well as youth citywide. To support their community and youth outreach, donate $10 at door for the class. Don’t forget your mats!
Valentine’s Photo Shoot at ARL
- Saturday, February 4, 10-2 p.m.
- Animal Rescue League of Iowa, 5452 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50313
- Saturday, February 4, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- The Slow Down Coffee Co. 3613 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Doing some shopping on the North Side? As you stroll in and out of DSM Mercantile, THE COLLECTIVE, and others, pop into The Slow Down for caffeination and to visit Pints By Beth and The Clear Co. Sounds like a perfect galentine’s morning!
Home Sweet Cone Re-Opens!
- Saturday, February 4, 12-9 p.m.
- Home Sweet Cone, 1118 SE University Avenue, Waukee, IA, 50263
Seeking out ice cream near Waukee during this “heat wave” of 40 degrees that we’ll have this weekend? Home Sweet Cone is re-opening on Saturday for all of our ice cream cravings. Home Sweet Cone is women/veteran owned and has several vegan and gluten free/dairy free options!
Good Day DSM opens in Valley West for Macarons + Coffee
- Saturday, February 4, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Valley West Mall, Upper Level across from Maurice’s
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Luau Paw-ty at Paws and Pints
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
- Saturday, Feb. 4, Starting at 4 p.m.
Join us for special Tiki Drinks, a Hog Roast and other Hawaiian Food Features, a Luau Photo Booth in the dog park, Beach Balls, Palm Trees, Leis, Grass Skirts, Hawaiian Shirts and Doggy Pools!”
- Saturday, February 4, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. shows
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
James Kennedy at Platform
- Saturday, February 4, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- Platform DSM, 400 Walnut Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, United States
Yes, the James Kennedy from Vanderpump Rules is DJing at Platform on Saturday night. If you’re feeling like dancing and seeing a “Bravo-lebrity”, check out the show.
