Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, November 8-10. 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


Von Maur Beauty Trends Show 

  • Saturday, November 9, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Von Maur,101 Jordan Creek Pkwy #6000, West Des Moines, IA 50266
It seems like a great weekend to grab your friends and check out the new beauty products (with freebies and giveaways!) at Von Maur. Start off the holiday season of shopping by visiting Von Maur this Saturday to get a bag of free samples, a free makeup and beauty consultation, and enter for major giveaways! Contact the Von Maur Beauty counter at Jordan Creek Town Center at 515.223.1311 to reserve your spot and to schedule your consultation today! The DSMG team will be checking it out – see ya there!

Friday, November 8


Local Art Show in the East Village 

  • Friday, November 9, 5 – 9 p.m. 
  • 333 E. Grand Avenue #113, Des Moines, IA, 50309 

Need a palate cleanser? Check out this art show in the East Village featuring five talented local artists, a live DJ, drinks, and general good vibes. Pop by before or after your dinner plans!


47th Annual Beaverdale Holiday Boutique

  • Friday, November 8, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 9, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Holy Trinity Catholic School, 2926 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310

The holiday season is finally here! Start it off with the 47th Annual Beaverdale Holiday Boutique! Browse goodies from more than 80 artisans and vendors and get your holiday shopping started early. Admission is $5 cash or $6 e-payment.


FREE: Spiritual Social Hour at Kays Spiritual Ways 

  • Friday, November 8, 4-7 p.m. 
  • Kays Spiritual Ways, 501 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 

What better weekend than to reconnect with community? Kays Spiritual Ways is aligning with THE COLLECTIVE’s bulk refill happy hour to host a ‘Spiritual Social Hour’ event that will be a welcoming gathering designed to bring like minded individuals together to connect, share experiences, and foster growth. Every second Friday of the month – check it out!


National Shot Day at Smash Park

  • Friday, November 8, 11 a.m. – Close
  • Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Looking to kick off a wild weekend? Look no further than Smash Park. Celebrate National Shot Day with select $2 shots, including lemon drop, fireball, and apple pie shots!


Champagne and Mistletoe in Uptown Ankeny

  • Friday, November 8, 5 – 8 p.m.
  • Uptown Ankeny, 299 SW Maple St, Ankeny, IA 50023

Get in the holiday spirit in Uptown Ankeny with Champagne and Mistletoe! Explore Uptown businesses and toast to the holiday deals and special event pricing. Partake in shopping and get a ticket for a carriage ride through the holiday lights!


Fall Wreath Class at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

  • Friday, November 8, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Create a beautiful seasonal wreath to decorate your space for the fall season! For $50, the workshop will teach you how to make the wreath, provide you with the materials, and send you home with a beautiful piece of handmade seasonal decor.


Gary Gulman Misfit Stand Up Tour at Wooly’s

  • Friday, November 8, 7 p.m.
  • Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Wooly’s is one of our favorite spots for entertainment in the metro, and this Friday, enjoy the comedic talents of Gary Gulman as he comes to Des Moines during the Misfit Stand Up Tour. “Over 25 years in comedy, Gary Gulman has established himself as an eminent performer and peerless writer. His most recent standup special for HBO, “The Great Depresh,” is a universally acclaimed, tour de force look at mental illness, equal parts hilarious and inspiring.”


Iowa Official Watch Party at Big Grove

  • Friday, November 8, 8 p.m. kickoff
  • Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Big Grove is the Official Watch Party Headquarters of the Hawkeyes! Grab a big table with friends and let’s celebrate a night full of football! You can hang inside or catch the game with a view from the patio, complete with fire pits and overhead heaters for ultimate comfort. Kickoff time is 8:00pm for this game on Friday, November 8th against UCLA. 


 Saturday, November 9


North Pole Craft & Vendor Show at Adventureland Inn

  • Saturday, November 9, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Adventureland Inn, 3200 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009

There are no shortage of opportunities to start your holiday shopping and source amazing locally made gifts for your friends and family! After hitting the Beaverdale Boutique, head to the North Pole Craft & Vendor Show in Altoona for over 50 additional vendors selling crafts, gifts, and more. Admission is $1 or a non-perishable food donation.


Reyes Tamales Pop-Up at Ritual Cafe

  • Saturday, November 9, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Ritual Cafe, 1301 Locust St., Ste. D, Des Moines, IA 50309

One of our favorite up-and-coming local small businesses, Reyes Tamales, is teaming up with Ritual Cafe to host a vegan tamal pop up! Even if you aren’t vegan, these delicious tamales are a must-eat! Grab a drink from Ritual Cafe while you’re at it for the perfect lunch.


Election at The Varsity Cinema

  • Saturday, November 9, 1 p.m..
  • The Varsity Cinema, 1207 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50311

You might be all election-ed out… we know we are. BUT if you are missing the hustle and bustle of campaign season or wanting to see a different race play out, get your tickets to Election at The Varsity Cinema. “Stick around after the film for a conversation with Tony Moton, a screenwriter and Iowa State professor who covered the production as an entertainment columnist for the Omaha World-Herald.”


Don’t Tell Comedy at Blank Park Zoo

  • Saturday, November 9, 7 p.m.
  • Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315

The secret is (kind of) out! Don’t Tell Comedy is coming to Des Moines… at the Blank Park Zoo! Tickets are $25 and include private access to attractions in the Discovery Center ahead of the show! The lineups of comedians are also a secret until the moment they walk on the stage.


LGBTQ+ and Ally Adult Prom at Bash

  • Saturday, November 9, 7 p.m.
  • Bash, 1312 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309

“Did you miss the chance to enjoy your Prom as your truest self? Do you just enjoy a chance to do something special with your someone special? Come on out to the 2024 Adult LGTBTQ+ and Allies Prom! This year’s theme is “Enchanted Forest,” so expect twinkling lights, beautiful foliage, some good photo ops, and a great time!” Tickets are $30 for one or $50 for two.


Sunday, November 10


Yoga & Coffee at Ritual Cafe

  • Sunday, November 10, 9 a.m.
  • Ritual Cafe, 1301 Locust St., Ste. D, Des Moines, IA 50309

Rejuvenate your mind and spirit with a morning of yoga at Ritual Cafe! This 9 a.m. class is designed for all skill levels, and all yogis are encouraged to come. Price is $20 at the door and includes a yoga class and coffee.


FEW TICKETS: Nikki Glaser: Alive and Unwell TOUR 

  • Sunday, November 10, 7 p.m. 
  • Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
 More comedic relief this weekend, anyone? Her Saturday show is sold out, but check out this Sunday night option while tickets are still available. “For nearly two decades at clubs across the country, and as the host of three hit podcasts, Nikki Glaser has honed her shockingly honest, no-holds barred style, solidifying herself as one of the funniest voices in comedy today.”