Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, March 24-26. 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, March 24
Dome After Dark at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Friday, March 24, 6-10 p.m.
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Midnight Munchies at Creme
- Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25, 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 or date with yourself night. We also love Creme in the daytime for a quick break, loading up on local sweets, or sending some quick emails.
- Friday, March 24, 11 p.m. – close
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Karaoke for a cause? Yes, please. Sign us up! Put your shower singing skills to the test at Teehee’s Comedy Club every Friday from 11 p.m. to close. Admission is free and all performer tips will be donated to an awesome charity they’ve chosen for the week!
Saturday, March 25
- Saturday, March 25, 9 a.m.
- DSM Book Festival, Capital Square, 400 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Book lovers, this weekend is for you! If you’re an early riser, head on out to Books & Beans at the Des Moines Book Festival featuring Storyhouse Bookpub, author Denise Williams, and Daisy Chain Coffee for the perfect pairing – novel and coffee recs!
- Saturday, March 25, 2 p.m.
- DSM Book Festival, Capital Square, 400 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Come to the main stage at the Des Moines Book Festival and show your support for Iowa poets Kelsey Bigelow and Hannah/Charlie Hall at their spoken word performance “The Heavy and Hopeful.”
- Saturday, March 25, 12–3 p.m.
- Polk County Heritage Gallery, 111 Court Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309
Visit the Polk County Heritage Gallery to catch their current exhibition “Old School, New School: An Exhibition in Printmaking” before it finishes its run on March 31st. This weekend there will be screen printing and block-printing demos and unframed prints for sale. Former Des Moines artist Rob Stephens, aka Good Kid Rob, will have a variety of prints on site for purchase.
- Saturday, March 25, 4–6 p.m.
- Gravitate Coworking, 500 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Get your thinking caps on because we’ve got a question for you. What makes up Iowa culture? How is it similar to and different from the states that surround us? These are the types of questions you can expect to hear asked and answered at The Lyceum Movement’s Big Conversations event. Chris Kramer, the Director of Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and Nu Huynh of the Asian Alliance are the featured speakers. Tickets are $10.
Gallery Talk at Des Moines Art Center
- Saturday, March 25, 1:30 p.m.
- Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312
As part of the “Art Center: 75 Years of Iowa Art” exhibition, the Des Moines Art Center is hosting a Gallery Talk with artists Mary Young Bear-Brown, Sarah Young Bear-Brown, and Daniel Young Bear-Brown. The family’s beadwork pieces are on display and featured in a gallery titled “The Art of Our Time.” Come see these intricate, stunning works of art for yourself!
- Saturday, March 25, 6-8:30 p.m.
- Good Vibes Movement, 1600 6th Ave., Des Moines, IA 50314
If you’re looking for an open mic night to try out some new material, Good Vibes Movement is the place to be! They’ve featured artists from all sorts of genres – singers, storytellers, poets, comedians, and more. Their doors open at 5 and you can sign up on site. Performances will begin right at 6. This is an all ages show.
Sunday, March 26
Books, Beer and Board Games at Peace Tree
- Sunday, March 26, 2-4 p.m.
- Peace Tree Brewing Co., 317 E Court Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309
Books, beer, and board games – what more could you want for your Sunday afternoon!? Get yourself out to Peace Tree for a fundraiser and silent auction. Several Des Moines area businesses will have items featured in the auction and all proceeds will go to The Spark Foundation. The Spark Foundation’s mission is to “uplift[] diverse voices and perspectives in children’s literature” by providing access to books for low-income and underfunded communities. What the Fries food truck will be on site, the Rook Room will have plenty of games on hand to play, and the first 25 guests will receive a free children’s book!
- Sunday, March 26, 12-3 p.m.
- Pots & Shots, 9500 University Ave. Suite 1101, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Gather all your plants and plant care accessories that you’re no longer interested in and bring them to Pots & Shots for The Green Exchange. Swaps can encompass everything from extra pots or planters and macrame hanging baskets to cuttings and sickly plants in need of some TLC – anything planty related goes. Exchange your unwanted items for some fresh, new-to-you goodies!
- Sunday, March 26, 1 p.m.
- Gray’s Lake, 2102 Fleur Dr., Des Moines, IA 50315
Join Des Moines Girl at our March meet up this weekend! We’ll be soaking up the sunshine and basking in the warm(ish) temps with a walk around Gray’s Lake. We’d love to connect with you!
