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
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