Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, October 13 – October 15. 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: Wednesday, October 18, Buy your tickets now!
SINGLES – The 10 besties are ready to pitch their 10 single friends. 5 men will be pitched and 5 women. This event requires a fun crowd to laugh, learn, and meet each other. Thanks for your support. This ticket give you admission and 1 drink ticket towards a wine, beer, or house cocktail. A cash bar will be available and food can be ordered from Mulberry Street Tavern before or after the event.
Friday, October 13
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Friday, October 13, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th St Des Moines, IA 50315
Spend your Friday the 13th with a spoooooky zoo brew! Dress up in this years’ (or past years’- we don’t judge!) costume and celebrate Halloween at the zoo. Sip on some delicious seasonal BOOzy brews, check out the haunted train ride, enter a costume contest, and enjoy some good ol’ fashioned trick or treating.
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Friday, October 13, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., / Saturday, October 14 & Sunday, October 15, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- 4-H Building, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317
The Planned Parenthood Book Sale is one of the largest single charitable events run exclusively by volunteers. All proceeds support sex education programs in Iowa. Enjoy bargain prices on thousands of used and collectible books, plus records, CDs, DVDs, games, puzzles, and artwork. Admission is FREE, and take an extra 50% off on items on Sunday!
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Friday, October 13, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. & Saturday, October 14, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Uptown Garage, 305 SW Walnut St, Ankeny, IA 50023
For our DSM burb residents, you’ll want to be sure to stop by the Ankeny Vintage Market! With 35+ vintage dealers from across the metro, there’s no telling what you might find. Whether it’s a wool sweater, a handcrafted wooden collectible, or perhaps some new home decor- enjoy the market in a space of live music, drinks, food and fun.
- Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14, 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.
- Wednesday, October 11 – Sunday, October 15, Noon – 9 p.m.
- Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Did you know Des Moines has a seasonal outdoor beer garden? It’s open Wednesday through Sunday, all through the Fall season. Willkommen im Des Moines Biergarten! Set among the mature trees of Water Works Park, Des Moines Biergarten is a family-friendly popup German-themed beer garden offering steins of beer and German inspired eats.
- Friday, October 13, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Captain Roy’s, 1900 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313
If you’re a cider-lover or just enjoy the overall vibes the autumn season brings- stop by Captain Roy’s this Friday for a local cider tasting event. Bringing in locally-crafted ciders from all over the metro, sample and stock up on your favs for the season. While you’re there, be sure to check out Stella Rose Boutique and Ruralcity!
- Friday, October 13 – Sunday, October 15, park opens at 6:30 p.m. – last admission at 10:30 p.m.
- Sleepy Hollow Scream Park, 4051 Dean Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317
Challenge yourself to face your fears in Sleepy Hollow’s Scream Park! Open every weekend in October, the scream park is the best way to truly have a spooky experience. With multiple themed haunted “houses”, scary attractions, and so much more- bring your friends for an unforgettable night! (Pro tip: book your tickets ahead of time! It’s not uncommon for nights to sell out quickly, so make sure you grab your spot)
- Friday, October 13, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., after party: 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Pulse Dance Fitness, 6920 EP True Pkwy Suite 115, West Des Moines, IA 50266
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- Friday, October 13, 6:30 p.m.
- Armory Parking Lot, 602 Robert D. Ray Dr., Des Moines 50309
Whether you have a fam, friends, or simply want an excuse to enjoy the cool fall outdoors with a Disney movie- check out East Village’s Fall Family Movie Night! An outdoor movie night in the city sounds like the perfect Friday night. Cozy up with some lawn chairs, blankets, and bring steaming mugs of cider or cocoa while you watch Disney’s Coco. (FYI: this one is a tear jerker, you may wanna bring tissues!)
- Friday, October 13, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Kava DSM, 300 W Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309
Looking for a chance to showcase your vocal talents? Kava DSM is hosting a karaoke night this Friday! Bring your best pals and sit back, relax, and enjoy a night of socialization and music. Peep the graphic for their special deal, buy one item get one house coffee or Kava shot FREE!
- Friday, October 13, 11:00 a.m.
- Black Magic Tattoo, 412 E 5th St Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50309
Get in the spooky spirit with Friday the 13th tattoos! Veronica Stice, owner of Black Magic Tattoos is offering a special in honor of this day, with limited designs and GREAT deals. Doors will open 11 a.m. and cash only will be accepted. Take advantage of this opportunity and be sure to give her a follow on insta for posted designs!!
Saturday, October 14
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, October 14, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
Your LAST MONTH you can get a taste of the DSM Farmer’s Market! The Downtown Farmers’ Market is an open-air street market located in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Vendors will be set up outdoors on Court Avenue and adjacent side streets. It feels especially huge since it was limited to the pandemic and it’s back to full size. It’s one of the best in the country! Don’t miss it this summer to see some of our absolute favorite small business owners from around the metro.
BIPOC Family Fall Leaf Hike
- Saturday, October 14, 9 a.m.
- Margo Frankel Woods, 6245 NW 2nd st Des Moines, Iowa 50313
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, October 14, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- 1907 Carpenter Ave (at MLK Parkway) in the parking lot of @polkcohealth.
Another extremely important market to hit up – especially if you’re near the Drake neighborhood! Shop for delicious locally-grown produce for you and your family while supporting new Iowans who have a passion for farming! Global Greens Farmers’ Market serves as a platform for former refugees to sell their produce and bolster their small farming businesses. Hosted by Lutheran Services of Iowa.
Good Vibes Movement Yoga
- Saturday, October 14, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- Surety Hotel, 206 6th Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309
Grab your yoga mat and head to the Surety for a morning of yoga, a class for both beginner and advanced yogis. In partnership with Good Vibes Movement, an instructor will lead you through the perfect flow to start your weekend feeling refreshed. When you’re done, head over to Mulberry St. Tavern for a well needed brunch, or stop by the hotel coffee bar for a caffeine pick-me-up.
Thrift & Thread Co. Pop-Up
- Saturday, October 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Art Terrarium, 520 Euclid Ave., Des Moines, IA 50313
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Halloween Bake Sale, Photos + More
- The Plant Dealer, 10095 Hickman Ct. #4 Clive, IA 50325
Join the Plant Dealer in celebrating Halloween with a bake sale, refreshments, and of course, plants. Did we mention your pup is encouraged to attend? This event is in partnership with Safe Paws, offering specialty baked doggie treats, art station for pet crafts, a spooky photobooth opportunity for you and your pet, as well as a special vendor selling all the pet goodies!
Feminine Wiles Fright Night Burlesque Revue
- Saturday, October 14, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Stoner Theater, 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Black Cat Ice Cream Adoption Event
- Saturday, October 14, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Black Cat Ice Cream, 2511 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Community Table at Des Moines Library (Franklin Ave)
- Saturday, October 14, 10:30 a.m.
- Franklin Avenue Library, 5000 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
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Sunday, October 15
DSM Girls Who Walk
The October walk schedule has been released for DSM Girls Who Walk. Gather your gal pals, or join them yourself for a great community of local Des Moines women who are looking to be active- together! Be sure to give them a follow, and check their instagram for this weekend’s walk time and location.
