Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, November 18-20. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you. Looking for live music this weekend? We’ve got a separate guide for that. Click here to check it out.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Featured Image: Photo by Kyle Kempt on Unsplash
Friday, November 18
Opening Weekend: Brenton Skating Plaza
Source: Phil Roeder, Flickr
- Friday, 5-11 p.m. // Saturday, 12 – 11 p.m. // Sunday, 12- 6 p.m.
- 520 Robert D. Ray Dr., Des Moines, IA 50309
The 2022-23 season at Brenton Skating Plaza will officially begin this Friday, Nov. 18. Online registration for skating sessions is now open and walk-up admission will be allowed if space allows. Each skating session will be limited to 210 people (160 reserved, 50 walk-ups). Opening night will feature a visit from Santa and holiday tree lighting.
East Village Holiday Promenade
- Friday, November 18, 5-9 p.m.
- Historic East Village, Des Moines
If you’re not in the East Village on Friday night, you’re doing it wrong. The annual Holiday Promenade kicks off with special events all night around the Historic East Village. Check out all the deals and features at the link below from all your favorite shops and restaurants in the East Village. This happens for five Fridays in a row and you don’t even have to worry about parking! Free metered parking from 5-9 p.m.
The Nutcracker at Eden
- Friday, November 18, 5-9 p.m.
- Eden, 418 E 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
While you’re wandering through the East Village Promenade, Eden is getting a special visit from The Nutcracker. Starting Friday evening at 6 p.m., leading up to opening night, all purchases will receive a discount code in their bags towards this year’s Ballet Des Moines’ The Nutcracker, courtesy of @balletdesmoines ✨🩰. The Nutcracker is on at Hoyt Sherman from Dec. 8-11.
View this post on Instagram
2022 Des Moines Whiskey Festival with with Adam Doleac & Maddie Poppe
-
Friday, November 18, 5:30 PM // Saturday, Nov 19, 12 p.m. – 6:30 PM
- The River Center, 340 SW 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
You can still grab a ticket for this great indoor event on Friday or Saturday! If Whiskey is your go-to or you just need something to do, check out this two-day festival. Spend your day tasting new whiskeys, listening to endless music, and eating your way around the festival. So many fun filled options! Don’t forget about the cigar truck or the outdoor game patios.
Iowa Wild vs. Milwaukee Admirals
- Friday, November 18, 7 p.m.
- Wells Fargo Arena, 730 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Iowa Wild is the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild. It’s like the Iowa Cubs of hockey. They’re playing at home in Wells Fargo arena on Friday night and then away for the rest of the weekend.
Saturday, November 19
Holiday Farm Shop at Pepperharrow Farm
- Saturday, November 19, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Pepperharrow Farm, 1809 S 4th Ave, Winterset, IA 50273
View this post on Instagram
Storytime with Storyhouse Bookpub at Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Saturday, November 19, 11 a.m.
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
View this post on Instagram
- Friday, November 18, Element Hotel — 575 S Prairie View Dr, West Des Moines 5 – 7 p.m.
- Saturday, November 19, ARL Main — 5452 NE 22nd Street • Des Moines 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday, November 20, West End Architectural Salvage — 22 9th S. • Des Moines 12 – 4 p.m.
Need holiday family photos taken? Want them to include your pet and go to a good cause? Book a time at Santa N’ Paws this weekend all over town. When you sign up and reserve a 5-minute time slot, you won’t have to wait in line and will be given priority! It costs $10 to reserve your time slot which will go towards the photo package you purchase at check in.
- Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20 shows
It was such a Taylor week and we’re thrilled to have this other millennial icon Taylor in Des Moines this weekend. I mean, you’ve seen her two Netflix specials, right? She’s one of the best comedians out there. The shows are all basically sold out except single seats, but keep your eyes on the tickets – you may be able to snag one!
- Sunday, November 20, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Rose Farmstead, 7197 43rd Ave, Norwalk, IA 50211
Get Social at @rosefarmstead with Social Hour Events for their first ever community event to kick off a rejuvenating Sunday. They’ll have breakfast charcuterie, Christmas coffee, a mimosa bar, photo ops, an optional Winter Grapevine Wreath workshoppe, and dozens of potential new besties! Rose Farmstead is so gorgeous this time of year. We take any excuse to go. PLUS, upon registration, you’ll automatically be entered to win one of the following prizes from a local Des Moines business!
✨ 5-pack of classes from @wearepowerlife
✨ A candle from @candlebardsm
✨ Gift card & t-shirt from @bronze.515
Book Talk and Signing with Abena Imhotep
- Sunday, November 20, 2-3:30 p.m.
- Gateway Dance Theatre, 315 E 5th Street #12, Des Moines, 50309
Friendsgiving at Peace Tree with Hey Schweetie
- Sunday, November 20, 4-7 p.m.
- Peace Tree Brewing DM Branch, 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
View this post on Instagram
