Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, November 17 – November 19. 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.
Featured Event
- Friday, November 17 – Sunday, November 19
- Monday – Thursday, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday, 2 p.m. – 12 a.m. & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- The Republic on Grand, 401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 (6th Floor of the AC Hotel)
There’s nothing we love more than a good ol’ pop-up, ESP if it’s holiday-themed. This year, for the first time ever, the East Village is getting their very own on the rooftop of the Republic on Grand! From November 17 – January 7, you’ll have the chance to sip on crafted cocktails and some tasty snacks. If you’re looking for a way to spread some holiday cheer with some of your fav people, Rudolph’s Rooftop is the perfect spot for a girls’ night out or date night with your S.O.
Friday, November 17
- Friday, November 17, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, November 18, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. & Sunday, November 19, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Hy-Vee Hall, Iowa Events Center, 730 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Betcha thought you were out of chances to visit the DSM Downtown Farmer’s Market? YOU’RE IN LUCK! This weekend only, enjoy all the best parts of the downtown farmer’s market indoors. Check out some late-seasonal produce, holiday gifts and collectibles, baked goods, and so much more. While you’re there, be sure to check out the vendors sponsored by Spark DSM Minority Business Incubator and support local!
Taylor Fest at Wooly’s
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Friday, November 17, doors open at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m.
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
“Dance party for Swifties, by Swifties”. This 21+ only event is the perfect place to hang with your local community of Taylor Swift afficiandos, enjoy some bevs and dance your heart out to every era (Oh yeah BTW, your fav era fits are highly encouraged <3 ). Grab your girlies and make this a night to remember with everything T-Swift this Friday at Wooly’s!
East Village Holiday Promenade
- Friday, November 17, ends at 8 p.m.
- Historic East Village, Downtown Des Moines
This week’s highlights:
- Sip & Sifted: Treats + Santa Pics
- Eden: Meet & Greet with the Nutcracker’s Dew Drop Fairy
- Storyhouse Bookpub: Cider-Walk Sale
- Indie House: Trouser Town Vintage Pop-Up
- Kin DSM: Kindred Auras Pop-Up
It’s that time of year again for the Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village! Bundle up in your favorite coat and chilly weather gear as you stroll through the streets of East Village. Almost every single business will have extended hours to make sure you can get your holiday shopping done! Whether it’s grabbing a clothing item from Marne, a book from Storyhouse Bookpub, a warm drink from Vibrant Coffeehouse + Kitchen, or some stationary for your holiday gift-giving from Ephemera– there’s something for everyone. The Holiday Promenade is open every Friday starting November 17 – December 15.
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Friday, November 17, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
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Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Glow Beer Yoga. Bet you’ve never seen these three words in the same sentence! Smash Park is hosting an hour of relaxed, fun yoga of traditional postures, but with a beer in hand. If you’re a yogi or beer-lovin’ lady, then this event is for you! Your ticket includes not only an hour of yoga, but two free drink tickets too. Sign-up, bring your yoga mat (or beach towel), grab a pint and get sweatin’!
- Friday, November 17 & Saturday, November 18, 7 p.m. – midnight
- Creme, 543 28th St, Des Moines, IA 50312
We couldn’t love Midnight Munchies more. 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, November 17, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- The Garden, 525 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Iowa Pop Art is inviting YOU to their event a The Garden this Friday, celebrating LGBT+ artists around the Des Moines metro. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind show with live painting on stage and art to browse and purchase! While you’re there, take advantage of the delicious discounted drinks and apps. And hey, stay after the show for one of the Garden’s famous drag shows!
- Friday, November 17, doors 6:30 p.m. and show 7 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
For those who love love. For those who are lovesick. For those who have no opinion on love. Teehee’s has something for everyone- throwing a Lovesick Comedy Night with a fast-paced show of stand up comedy and improvisation. Every act will alternate, sure to make you laugh. This show is perfect for anyone who loves anyone. Bring your besties, your S.O., or yourself for a night you won’t forget (and probably love).
Saturday, November 18
Totally Rad Vintage Fest
- Saturday, November 18, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St Des Moines, IA 50309
IDK about you guys, but the promo for this event has been all over my FYP this past month- so it’s def one to check out! If you’re a vintage-lover with a heart for the 80’s, 90’s and Y2K (hard to believe that’s considered vintage now- LOL), then the Totally Rad Vintage Fest is your jam! Not only does this event include these decade-specific vintage vendors, but you can check out their free-play vintage arcade, rad rewind museum, and plenty of photo ops. Bring your friends, fam or S.O. to explore this wave of vintage nostalgia.
Fall Into Art & Wine: Fall Craft Show
- Summerset Winery, 15101 Fairfax St, Indianola, IA 50125
Enjoy artistically crafted items from pottery and woodwork, to jewelry and knitwear all in the beautiful scenic view of this Indianola winery. Wander through the wide variety of local vendors and harvest-inspired goodies while you sip on delicious wine from Summerset. Perfect for a girls’ fall afternoon or a day out with your mom, the Fall Into Art & Wine event will get you into the autumn spirit.
Sunday, November 19
Des Moines Makers Market + Bar Hop
- Sunday, November 19, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Exile Brewing Co., 1514 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Lua Brewing, 1525 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Looking for the best way to spend your Sunday afternoon? Support over 30 local DSM makers and 3 Des Moines bars with the Des Moines Makers Market + Bar Hop! Whether you start at Exile and end at Big Grove, or start at Lua and end at Exile, you can really make this bar hop your own. Order a drink at each location and peruse vendors showcasing their woodworking, art, home decor, clothing, candles, and so much more. Everything will be available for purchase, just in time for the early holiday season.
Captain Roy’s Turkey Fun Run & Chili Cook-Off
- Sunday, November 19, 10 a.m.
- Captain Roy’s, 1900 Saylor Road Des Moines, IA 50313
Gonna be out of town for your traditional Turkey Trot and looking for one to participate in early? Or, perhaps you’re looking for an excuse to get outside and enjoy the fall weather (and some good homemade chili). Captain Roy’s is hosting a FREE fun run 5k course with no official start time and no time tracking, because hey…they’re makin’ it fun! After the race, buy your $5 pass to enjoy chili from home chefs across the metro and vote on your fav. Want to submit your own chili? Email captainroydsm@gmail.com!
Mending Workshop
- Sunday, November 19, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Savor the Rise, 107 E Salem Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
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Holiday Sip & Shop at Middlebrook Mercantile
- Sunday, November 19, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Middlebrook Mercantile, 4125 Cumming Avenue, Cumming, IA 50061
The holiday season really is here with all of these great opportunities across the Des Moines metro to explore local vendors for clothing, handmade goods, crafts, and so much more. Explore Middlebrook Mercantile’s Holiday Sip & Shop event and make sure to grab a coffee or mimosa while you’re there. The Grazing Table will also be offering charcuterie cups for you to snack on too!
