Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, October 20 – October 22. 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.
Friday, October 20
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Friday, October 20, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Brenton Skate Plaza, 520 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
Artist Amy Putney Koenig and Kizzi are throwing their skate party, and you’re invited! All you gotta do is show up, bring friends (or yourself), bring skates and join a community of other roller skaters. Dress in your wooliest sweater and bundle up for a cool evening at the skating plaza.
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Friday, October 20, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Peace Tree Brewing, 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
If you have a way with words or enjoy the hearing those who do- local DSM poet Kelsey Bigelow is hosting a night of poetry at Peace Tree Brewing with her fellow poet fam. This event is for those who love poetry and for those who are new to spoken word and are looking to get into it. With different styles and topics, you’re sure to find a fav. While you’re there, check out the brews Peace Tree has on tap as well as their newest beer, “Crushin’ Cranberry”!
- Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21, 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 18 – Sunday, October 22, 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 20 – Sunday, October 22, 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)
Saturday, October 21
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, October 21, 8 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.
Crack the Vault
- Saturday, October 21, 6 p.m.
- The New Northwestern, 321 E Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, October 21, 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.
Great Iowa Pet Expo
- Saturday, October 21, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. & Sunday, October 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Horizon Events Center, 2100 NW 100th St, Clive, IA 50325
Whether you have a pet or are a simple animal lover, the Great Iowa Pet Expo is your one-stop shop for all things pet! With vendors across the state, you can browse various pet products from treats and accessories, to different pet services offering grooming, lodging and more. The mission of the Great Iowa Pet Expo is to educate Iowans on the importance of regular pet care, encouraging pet ownership that lasts a lifetime. Support the mission and stop by this weekend! (P.S enjoy some furry friends and cuddly critters while you’re there too 🙂 )
“Ghoul’s Night Out” in East Village
- Start at Ephemera, 505 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Need an opportunity to explore the East Village? Ghoul’s Night Out is the best chance to discover all the local eats and shops, while getting in on some pretty cool deals unique to the Halloween spirit! Costumes are encouraged as you take to the streets, drinking some spooky sips and browsing the various shops for their specialty displays, promotions, and so much more. This promo list is LONG, with so many awesome things to do- see for yourself why this is going to be a night to remember!
Grateful Life & Zhoosh Pop-Up Event
- Saturday, October 21, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Zhoosh + Grateful Life Wellness, 321 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Sunday, October 22
Art Terrarium Triple Pop-Up
- Sunday, October 22, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Art Terrarium, 520 Euclid Ave Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50313
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Wander Women Fall Fest
Fill you afternoon with outdoor adventure at Wander Women’s “Wanderer’s Fall Fest”. Start with a community hike or mountain bike meet up, basking in the gorgeous water works park. Afterward, hang around and socialize with the wander community, test your mind with some nature trivia, and enjoy local vendors selling custom bouquets, fall goods, merch and more! You are welcome to come and go as you please, with times for activities listed in the event details. This is a FREE event, but RSVP is encouraged!
Highland Happening
Celebrate Divine Times Vintage’s 1-Year Anniversary with a big vintage market in Highland Park! Join avid collectors and vintage sellers alike with over 30 vendors, food trucks and special happenings all over the neighborhood. Support local and get your friends, family or S.O together for a fun filled day in the Highland neighborhood.
The farmers market opens at 8 in October, not 7 am.
Thanks!