Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, November 3 – November 5. 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 Photography: Drew Dau, used with permission. 


Featured Event:

  • Saturday, November 4, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Valley Junction Activity Center, 217 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA

Artswork is bringing a day of wine, clay, provisions, and more to the Valley Junction area this weekend. Support local artists and get inspired for your holiday shopping with pottery, metal, glass, wood and other handcrafted gifts. While you’re there, sip on a single glass of wine or purchase a flight! Watch artist demonstrations and even enjoy some cuisine from Gateway Market. Check out our reel from last year’s Wine & Clay!

FYI Ticket sales end on Nov 03, 11:50 PM!


Friday, November 3


  • Friday, November 3, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309

The first Friday of the month is one of the best times to check out Mainframe Studios, located downtown. Support local artists through their exhibitions, check out workshops, and view one-of-a-kind pieces from artisans such as graphic design screen printing, paintings, photography, book/paper arts, and so much more. 


Smash Park: Murder Mystery

  • Friday, November 3, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Feeling that post-Halloween withdrawal? Join Smash Park for a night of murder, mystery and ofc on-theme cocktails to get your fix! Admission is $20 for a team of four, working together to bring down the murderer while you compete with other teams. Each member of the winning team will get a $50 Smash Park gift card (and did we mention your entry gets you a complimentary jello shot to get the game goin’?). Check it out! 


  • Friday, November 3, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Captain Roy’s, 1900 Saylor Road Des Moines, IA 50313

Leave the kids and S.O. at home (or hire a babysitter and bring them along) because it’s YOUR night out! Whether you’re looking for a solo night or a night out with your fellow mom pals, Captain Roy’s has got you covered. Join them this Friday for a special “Mom’s Night Out” by showing the bartenders a pic of your kids and get BOGO wells and domestic tall boys all night long!

  • Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4, 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 3, shows at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
  • Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309

“Monica Nevi is a native of Washington State, a collegiate basketball player, after injuries ended her career she decided to move forward with the other thing people love for women to do and pursue her strong interest in stand-up comedy”. This show is sure to be one you won’t wanna miss, whether you’re hitting up your S.O or your girlies to attend. Start your weekend off right with some fun at Teehee’s!


  • Friday, November 3, 6 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
  • Yoga & Co., 2326 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311

Nothing feels better than a good stretch, especially in this cold weather. Warm up with Yoga & Co. this Friday at their Fall Flow + Cider Bar. Enjoy a vinyasa flow with a guided meditation, sound healing and fire releasing ceremony. Afterwards, enjoy the apple cider bar and treats, plus bring home a little gift to take with you from your mindful experience!


Saturday, November 4


Iowa State Fair Flea Market

  • Saturday, November 4, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • 4-H Exhibits Building, East 30th Street and East University Avenue Des Moines, IA 50317

If you’re like us and experiencing Iowa State Fair withdrawals, then you won’t want to miss the flea market! Featuring vintage goods, home decor, collectibles, bags, and more- new vendors and merchandise are being added to this event every month, once a month. Get a head start on your holiday shopping with the Iowa State Fair flea market.

 

8th Annual Indie Author Book Expo

  • Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Iowa State Fairgrounds, Elwell Family Center, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317

Are you a fan of books? Do you like things a lil’ unique? Check out the Indie Author Book Expo at the fairgrounds this weekend! Meet over 75 authors and artists from around the country as you peruse books from all kinds of different genres. And hey, while you’re there, pop on by the flea market- it’s a busy day at the fairgrounds ;). 


Good Vibes Movement Yoga

  • Saturday, November 4, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
  • Surety Hotel, 206 6th Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309

“This isn’t just a yoga class; it’s an experience that promises tranquility, community, and a rejuvenating start to your day.” Join Good Vibes Movement for some Saturday morning yoga at the Surety. This hour-long session is great for beginners and advanced yogis! After you’ve finished your community wellness experience, enjoy a brunch at the Mulberry Street Tavern or pick up a post-workout snack/caffeine fix from the Surety Coffee Bar.


Common Love: Queer & Clothed

  • Saturday, November 4, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Park Fair Mall, 100 E Euclid Ave, #107, Des Moines, IA 50313

“We enthusiastically welcome trans, non-binary, queer folks and our affirming friends of all ages, races, sizes, and abilities to explore/find clothing that is gender-affirming and brings joy. Join us in creating a fun, loving, and judgment-free shopping space.” Join Common Love DSM for a shopping pop-up experience that is a mutual aid project created to be free for those who wish to participate. They are also accepting financial donations for those who are able, and will go back to purchasing items for folks in the future!


Mayalu Coffee + Tea Tasting

  • Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Mayalu Coffee, 4226 Fleur Dr., Des Moines, IA 50321

Support local and extend your coffee palate with Mayalu’s FREE coffee and tea tasting event. Enjoy flavors from Nepal such as white prakash and nepali breakfast, or sip on Kathmandu Cosmos or a Himalayan Coffee. Best part? If you like what you taste, it’s available for purchase! Learn more about this new coffee hot spot on our fall drinks guide and be sure to stop by Mayalu this weekend.


Kendra Morris with Lady Revel

  • Saturday, November 4, doors open 7:00 p.m., show at 8:00 p.m.
  • xBkLive, 1159 24th St, Des Moines, IA 50311

Looking for a “vibrant and varied and packed with personality” live music performance? Then you won’t want to miss Kendra Morris and Lady Revel this weekend at xBk Live. Her music can be described as powerhouse vocals mixed with upbeat, whimsical arrangement. We’d def recommend stopping by Lucky Horse or Drake Diner for a lil pre-show bite before enjoying this live concert!


21+ Pottery Peepshow

  • Saturday, November 4, 7 p.m.
  • Five Monkeys, Inc., 134 5th St West Des Moines, IA 50265

“Where Creativity Comes to Life!”, literally! Fans of burlesque and fans of pottery (or hey, fans of both) are gonna love this Pottery Peepshow event at Five Monkeys over in Valley Junction. Your ticket to this event includes a $20 credit towards a project of your choice. And hey, if you’re tired of the “paint your own bowl or mug”, no worries. This is when the “adult” pottery items come out to play. 


Sunday, November 5


Wild & Scenic Film Festival

  • Sunday, November 5, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Varsity Cinema, 1207 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
 
 
 
 
 
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