Looking for things to do in Des Moines this Halloween weekend? Check out this list of all the events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, November 5-7.  

Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.


🎉Openings🎉


  • Opens Friday, November 5
  • 4041 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50310

At the site of the old Saints Pub + Patio comes another creation of Jason Simon (Alba, Eatery A, Motley School Tavern) opening this Friday. One of our favorites Karla Walsh went to a preview meal there on Tuesday night. Check out what she says at the link below! 


Proudfoot & Bird in Hotel Fort Des Moines

  • Opened in mid-October 
  • Saturday: 10:30am-2pm and 4-11pm
  • Sunday 10:30am-2pm and 4-9pm.
  •  1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Situated in the old Django location in the newly renovated Hotel Fort Des Moines, we’re excited to try Proudfoot & Bird this fall. The restaurants describes its menu as “handmade pastas, humanely raised poultry, waterfowl, prime cuts of beef, and seafood, our menu is world-class fare.” The pictures look gorgeous and could be a great spot for a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. It is reservation only right now so click that link below to secure your spot!


  • Grand opening: Wednesday, November 3
  • Tuesdays – Fridays, 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
  • 7220 University Ave, Windsor Heights, IA, 50324

Working from the Windsor Heights area? Check out this new shake place serving up “soothing aloe, energizing teas, and high protein shakes” on your commute into work or on a lunch break. 


Friday, November 5


  • Friday, November 5, Doors: 7:30 p.m., Show: 8:00 p.m. 
  • 106 11th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Art Terrarium is hosting its first ever “Garden of Acts” Variety Show in its fun, relaxing space. BYOB & indulge yourself in an hour of laughs, art & story telling with the awesome AT team. 


  • Friday, November 5, and Sunday, November 7
  • 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

We truly hope that we’re not the only ones that geek out about Living History Farms. Picture this: “A horse-drawn wagon carries you to the farmhouse, where the smell of freshly baked rolls and hot cider welcomes you. Enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal by the warmth of the stove. Make room for dessert with a lantern-lit trip outside to our historic barn, built in 1889. Or stay inside and read the 1895 Montgomery Ward catalog and play a game of checkers. After dessert, bundle up for the wagon ride back to your car.” Epic and happening each weekend through February! 


  • Friday, November 5, 6:00 p.m. 
  • Wells Fargo Arena at Iowa Events Center, 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. Ready for the hook? It’s $2 beer night! 


  • Friday, November 5, 7-10 p.m. 
  • Horizon Events Center, 2100 NW 100th Street, Clive, IA 50325

Yes, that Nelly performing with yes, our B. Well. Surprised that you didn’t know this was happening? Same here, but we’re not mad about it. *Insert “Just A Dream” joke*


Tit’s Up at Teehee’s at Teehee’s Comedy Club

  • Shows all weekend!
  • Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309

Get yo’ laughs on while supporting an independent comedy club. Every night is a good night to visit Teehee’s, and its on one of our favorite streets in Des Moines. Go to The Cave for a happy hour wine, The Walnut for dinner, and then head to Teehee’s for the show.


Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! at Des Moines Community Playhouse

  • Des Moines Community Playhouse, 831 42nd Street, Des Moines, IA, 50312
  • Friday at 7 p.m. , Saturday at 1 and 4 p.m., Sunday at 1 p.m.

Wowie wow wow – The nostalgia is real! This is the perfect family-friendly activity for you parents out there. The show opens this weekend and runs through next weekend so don’t miss this fun opportunity to see a childhood favorite come to life.


Saturday, November 6


Sweet & Savory Pie Pop-Up with Pie Bird Pies and Domestic Bones at Dogpatch Urban Gardens

  • Saturday, November 6, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
  • Dogpatch Urban Gardens, 5085 Meredith Dr, Des Moines, IA 50310

Back by popular demand! What is better than getting both sweet and savory locally made pies in the same location? Pop by Dogpatch on Saturday morning to pick up your favorites and shop for other local baking goodies while you’re there!


A Little House Christmas – A Holiday Open House Event 

  • Little House on Main, 111 Main St. SE, Bondurant IA 
  • Saturday, November 6, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The graphic says it all. Head to Bondurant to visit this incredibly cute home decor and boutique shop and get fully into the holiday spirit! 


Garage Sale at Preservation 

  • Preservation, 3619 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
  • Saturday, November 6, 9 – 5 p.m. 

Preservations First Annual Fall Garage Sale is happening this Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The team will be hangin’ behind the shop, sipping’ coffee + serving up tons of deeply discounted vintage including denim, outerwear & more. Perfect to get excited for a winter wardrobe! 


Tailgating Party at Gilroy’s

  • Saturday, November 6, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  
  • Gilroys, 1238 8th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Head to Gilroy’s for college football this weekend as they celebrate their “Tailgating Party” with All You Care To Eat Brunch + Grill Options, Bottomless Bloody Marys, Mimosas, Screwdrivers + PBR, tailgating games, koozie giveaways and a whole fleet of new, bigger TVs for all the college football in our bar + patio! Every Saturday through November 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 


Basketball: Iowa Wolves Home Opener 

  • Saturday, November 6, 7 p.m. 
  • Wells Fargo Arena, 730 3rd St Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Basketball is back! Wolves fans get your opening night tickets now. The Wolves are returning to the Well for the first time in almost two years and there are ticket specials happening now to make sure you’re there. Check them out at the link below.


SHiNE Dance Party at xBk Live

  • Saturday, November 6, 7 p.m. 
  • xBk live, 1159 24th Street, Des Moines, IA 5031

The new quarterly dance event, SHiNE, will return to xBK this Satruday. SHiNE is organized with intention by the community Sisters Assembling Safer Space Events (SASSE) to elevate radical self-expression, promote intersectional inclusion, demand consent and pursue liberation. The event is presented and co-hosted by Elevencherry Salon. 


Sunday, November 6


Gather and Grow Days at The Slow Down Coffee Co. 

  • Sunday, November 7, 1-3 p.m.  
  • The Slow Down Coffee Co, 3613 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313

Join The Supply Hive in gathering supplies for our community, while listening to stories of diversity, equity and inclusion read by the women of The Supply Hive and Say Poetry Collective. Local vendors, including Marissa Monstera and Stitchcraft by Sophia, who will be selling their wares and Des Moines’ own Jo Visuals will be taking photographic portraits. Plus, the Slow Down is one of our favorite coffee shops


Meet the Author at Beaverdale Books 

  • Sunday, November 7, 2 p.m. 
  • Beaverdale Books, 2629 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310
The graphic says it all! If you’re around Beaverdale on Sunady afternoon, stop into Beaverdale Books to meet Joseph in person, learn more about his latest story, and browse through the latest releases. 
 

Comedian Jim Gaffigan at Wells Fargo Arena 

  • Sunday, November 7, 7 p.m. 
  • Wells Fargo Arena, 730 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Gaffigan is a six-time Grammy nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, two-time New York Times best-selling author, two-time Emmy winning top touring performer, and multi-platinum-selling recording artist. He is known around the world for his unique brand of humor, which largely revolves around his observations on life and he’s visiting Des Moines on his “The Fun Tour” on Sunday night!
 

  • Harbinger, 2724 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
  • Sunday, November 7, 4-8 p.m. 

One night only! Get incredible Korean friend chicken, kimchi fried rice, sticky ribs and more inside Harbinger on Sunday nights from 4-8 p.m. It makes for the perfect Sunday dinner. Dine in only!


Want to see this in map form? We’ve recently partnered with the Deetz app to bring these weekend guides to life. Check it out by downloading Deetz at the link below.

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