Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, February 23-25. 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.
The Top Off at Elevencherry
- Friday, February 23, 4-7 p.m.
- Elevencherry Salon, 106 11th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
It is the last Friday of the month, so you know what that means! Stop by Elevencherry Salon for The Top Off, a monthly cocktail party for “grown adult humans” to giggle, sip, and unwind. Get your tarot read and your aura photographed while sipping on the cocktail of the month, the French Manhattan, or the N/A option, Ghia NA Spritz!
Owen Jewelry Design’s Grand Opening
- Friday, February 23, 5-9 p.m.
- Owen Jewelry Design, 601 East Locust Street, Ste. 101, Des Moines IA 50309
We are all about supporting local small businesses! Owen Jewelry Design is celebrating the grand opening of a new gallery and shop location in Downtown Des Moines. Celebrate small businesses and shop local with small bites from HOQ Restaurant, sweet treats from Cake Baby, and drinks from Peace Tree. Plus, get 15% off on all gallery products!
Dome After Dark at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Friday, February 23, 6-10 p.m.
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309
Experience the Garden in a new light at Dome After Dark! Most Fridays through the end of March, stroll through the lush conservatory and Gardeners Show House illuminated with unique lighting and luminarias. This family-friendly event will include food and drink available for purchase from Trellis Café. Normal admission rates apply!
Harry Potter in Concert at the Des Moines Civic Center
- Friday, February 23, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 23, 1:30 p.m.
- Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut Street Des Moines, IA 50309
Calling all Potterheads (and live music lovers)! Get your tickets for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix In Concert performed by our very own Des Moines Symphony. Tickets start at $35 for both the Friday and Saturday shows.
Party! Party! The Ultimate Karaoke Band at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Friday, February 23, Doors Open at 7:30 p.m. for 8 p.m. Show
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street Des Moines, IA 50309
Normally, we love Teehee’s for a good laugh. On Friday, catch us there jamming to Party! Party! The Ultimate Karaoke Band. This FREE event will be fun-filled, song-filled, and shot-filled because all karaoke singers get a free shot!
Shrek Rave at Wooly’s
- Friday, February 23, Doors Open at 8 p.m. for 9 p.m. Rave
- Wooly’s, 504 East Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
You’ve seen the TikToks, and now it is coming to Des Moines. Get ready to rave at Wooly’s at the Shrek Rave! Embrace your inner feral club rat because who cares? “It’s dumb, just come have fun!”
BAEWATCH PARTY at Lefty’s Live Music
- Friday, February 23, Doors Open at 9 p.m. for 10 p.m. Performances
- Lefty’s Live Music, 2309 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
Spread the love, celebrate the love, and share the love! Uplift and embrace the lesbian and queer community in Des Moines at the Baewatch Party at Lefty’s Live Music! Doors open at 9 p.m. with gender-affirming clothing fittings and giveaways. Stick around for drag performances by Daddy Complex and Grimm Foxx at 10 p.m., followed by DJ Jaide Knight.
50s Dad Brunch at Confluence Brewing Co.
- Saturday, February 24, 9-11 a.m.
- Confluence Brewing Co., 1235 Thomas Beck Road, Des Moines, IA 50315
Brunch, booze, AND supporting a local brewery? Your Saturday morning can’t get much better than this! Get your ticket for Confluence Brewing Company’s 50s Dad Brunch. Tickets include brunch, a much, and two pours of beer (and for a little extra, a 4-pack to-go!). Channel your inner 50s dad and dress accordingly.
Vintage Market with Upcycled DSM and Big Acai
- Saturday, February 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Valley Junction, 115 and 117 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
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DIY in the Junction in Historic Valley Junction
- Saturday, February 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Historic Valley Junction, 137 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Already in Valley Junction for the Vintage Market? Make plans to discover-it-yourself with all-day classes offered at a variety of local businesses. Pick a class (or two or three…) and register directly with the business. Classes include soy candle making, decorative wood burning workshops, caramel apple and chocolate-covered strawberry making, and more!
10th Annual Frozen Ride at the Greenbelt Bike Trail
- Saturday, February 24, 10 a.m.
- The Front Row, National Salon Resources, 2029 NW 100th St, Clive, IA 50325
Bundle up, bikers! Or as much as you have to with the 55°F forecast! The 10th Annual Frozen Ride will start at 10 a.m. The Front Row. Enjoy biscuits, gravy, and a bloody mary bar before riding off to the other stops on the ride, including NORM’S, The Key, and Kenny’s Garage before wrapping up with an After Party back at The Front Row. No sign-up or registration is required, but organizers will collect donations for the Clive Greenbelt Trail.
Love in the Apocalypse Fundraiser at Black Magic Tattoo
- Saturday, February 24, 11 a.m.
- Black Magic Tattoo, 412 E 5th Street, Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50309
If it isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be. Throw caution to the wind and head over to Black Magic Tattoo to get a flash tattoo! All proceeds from the cash-only anti-Valentine tattoo fundraiser will go to the Iowa Abortion Access Fund (just in case you needed a little extra push to get that tattoo!).
6th Annual Smasharitaville at Smash Park Des Moines
- Saturday, February 24, Noon-Midnight
- Smash Park West Des Moines, 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Celebrate National Margarita Day with $2 margaritas at Smash Park Des Moines! It is 5 o’clock somewhere, and at Smash Park, it is 5 o’clock all day Saturday! Make sure to stay out until 6:30 p.m. and jam out to The Punching Pandas.
- Sunday, February 25, All Day!
- Pulse Dance Fitness Studio, 6920 EP True Pkwy Suite 115, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Celebrate Pulse Dance Fitness Studio’s one-year anniversary on Sunday! Take a class, check out new fitness gear (and get 20% off!), and register for raffles.
Val Air Ballroom Sneak Peak
- Sunday, February 25, Noon-4 p.m.
- Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Have you ever seen a Guinness World Record broken live and in person? This may be your chance! Check out Val Air Ballroom’s new space while Jon Locker attempts to break the world record for the most guitar amplifiers played simultaneously. Be on time because the record attempt will happen at noon sharp! Make sure to stick around to enjoy live music and free beer, wine, and cocktails.
Board Game Exchange at Big Grove
- Sunday, February 25, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 1555 17th Street, Des Moines, IA
Sick of your current board games and puzzle stash? Find them a new home (and take another one in return) at Big Grove’s board game exchange! This free event will feature an exchange table for all games, and bring your own for an afternoon of board game fun. Brunch and drink specials, including bottomless mimosas, are available until 3 p.m.!
