We’re back, baby! Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this Valentine’s and Galentine’s weekend, February 14-16. 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.
DSMG Meet Up
Gals + Pals at Crème
- Saturday, February 15, 12-4 p.m.
- Crème, 543 28th Street, Des Moines, Iowa
Use this February monthly meet up as your excuse to celebrate friendship! Come solo, come with friends, this will be a fun afternoon to connect with other people in the Des Moines community in a fun environment, that also supports small businesses. Win, win, win! The Crème storefront is going to be packed full of bite-sized snacks! Purchase a box to fill with your choice of 1-dozen assorted mini cookies and bars, cake truffles, savory bites and more! Yummy drinks also available. (YES, gluten-free and vegan options will be available!) NOTE: Boxes are limited! If we’re out, we’re out!
♡Friday, February 14♡
Cupid’s Cocktail Tour
- Friday, February 14, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
- Coa Cantina, 425 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Want to hit the hottest bars in the East Village this Valentine’s? For $55/ticket, start at Coa Cantina for two long stemmed roses, two specialty cocktails at Coa Cantina, one specialty shared cocktail at Bellhop, and two specialty Cocktails at Lamp.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ Valentine Ball w/Special Guest D. Smith
- Friday, February 14, 7 p.m.
- xBk Live, 1159 24th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50311
“For the lovers, the love-haters, and those looking for love: The Dirty Rotten Scoundrels present their first annual Valentine Ball! With special guest Dustin Smith of the Maytags, we will be transforming xBk into a retro school dance straight from the 1950s. Free giveaways, a photo booth, special drinks, and a whole lotta lovin’, it’s sure to be an absolute blast from the past! Whether you’re looking for a fun date nite, or vowing never to date again, it’s absolutely the only place you’ll want to be on Valentines Day.”
Des Moines Home + Garden Show
- All Weekend!
- Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Working on renovating your house in 2025 or manifesting a dream garden? The Des Moines Home + Garden Show is a vibrant marketplace where you can shop in the warm indoors for home-related products and services, connect with industry experts, and enjoy informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals. Now take 50% off tickets with the code above!
Heartland Swing’s Valentine’s Day Dance
- Friday, February 14, 7:15 – 10 p.m.
- Dance-a-Cross, 1970 Grand Ave. #37, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Join Heartland Swing for a Valentine’s themed dance on February 14th! Grab your friends and join us at Dance-a-Cross in WDM from 7:15-10:00pm! Just $7/person, and everyone is welcome! No partner required and there will be a lesson for the first 45 minutes.
Saturday, February 15
Self Love Weekend With Beaverdale Businesses
- Saturday, February 15, and Sunday, February 16
- Adorn DSM, 2606 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Beaverdale is a cute idea always! Support four local businesses in the center of Beaverdale for a self-love weekend. AdornDSM will be open and offering permanent bracelets from 10 -3 p.m. Beaverdale Nutrition will be open 9-2:00 with shakes & teas plus beautiful goods from lovely pop-up vendors Oak + Canvas and Macrame x Jess.
2025 Shiver On The River at Captain Roy’s
- Saturday, February 15, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Captain Roy’s, 1900 Saylor Road Des Moines, IA 50313
“Join your fellow village idiots for Shiver on the River, the premier event for pointless jackassery and top fuel feats of trivial competitions. Compete in winter games—each one more insignificant than the last—, enjoy food and drink and stay cool!” General admission tickets are available for $20, game registration are $10 per event.
Bollywood Dance Workshop with Ishara Dance
- Saturday, February 15, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Dance Vision, 8711 Thomas Avenue, Johnston, Iowa, 50131
Escape the snow and cold with a Bollywood Dance Workshop on Saturday! Ishara Dance is hosting a Duet Dance Workshop to learn some bollywood moves. Bring a partner – bestie, bae, sibling – or just bring yourself. No experience needed!
Galentine’s Day Disco Cherries Paint and Sip
- Saturday, February 15, 6-9 p.m.
- Studio 211, Mainframe Studios,900 Keosauqua Way #211, Des Moines, IA 50309
Look at this cute paint and sip at Mainframe Studios! Artist, Teri will guide you through each step. Bonus…there will be a circle template to get the perfect cherry. This is an adult session for 18+ and Teri will be serving special Cherry Daiquiri mocktails. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks, including those with alcohol.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince In Concert
- Friday, February 14 or Saturday, February 15, 1:30 p.m.
- Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Want to get in your feels this weekend? “Projected onto a giant screen and accompanied by a live symphony orchestra, you can join in on Harry’s adventures as never before. Nicholas Hooper’s wonderful score and this classic tale combine to deliver all the adventure, humor, and suspense you remember in an experience you’ll never forget.” RIP Dumbledore. 😔
Ignit Yoga’s Partner Yoga
- Sunday, February 16, 7-8 p.m.
- Ignit Studio, 200 SE 37th st suite 100, Grimes, Iowa 50111
In the Grimes area? Check out Ignit’s partner yoga on Sunday night for an all ages, all yoga levels class.Whether you’re practicing with a friend, loved one, or fellow yogi, this session will focus on building trust, communication, and balance through partnered stretches. Save your spot for $15/person or $30/pair.
Covert Cupid: Blind Book Auction at RinP
- Sunday, February 16, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
- Reading in Public Bookstore + Cafe, 315 5th St Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA 50265
“Two of RinP’s resident romance readers will present five anonymous romance novels across a variety of sub-genres. After each “contestant” is introduced, the bidding of hearts begins! Be one of the first five book lovers to raise your paddle and secure your date with your chosen match—sight unseen!While you’re mingling, enjoy delicious sugar cookies + refreshing beverages as you vie for your perfect literary match. Space is limited to 25 spots, so grab your ticket before they’re gone and prepare for an evening of bookish love, laughter, + sweet treats.”
Des Moines Makers Market & Bar Hop
- Sunday, February 16, 1-6 p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery & Taproom, 555 17th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309 / Lua Brewing / Exile Brewing Co
Looking for a fun place to shop this Sunday? 35 makers and small businesses will be at Big Grove, Lua, and Exile presenting a wide variety of handmade goods such as woodworking, original art, jewelry, knit goods, home decor, metal working, prints, soap, paintings, candles and so much more! This event is FREE.
Après Ski party at The Bartender’s Handshake
- Sunday, February 16, 3 p.m.
- The Bartender’s Handshake, 3615 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Cheese Bar and The Bartender’s Handshake are teaming up for an Apres Ski party on Sunday! There will be fondue, spritzes, and the patio will be open for those who want the full winter experience. Alpine attire recommended!
