Looking for things to do in Des Moines this weekend? Check out this list of all the events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, October 22-24!
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
✨Openings✨
NOW OPEN: The New Northwestern
- 321 E Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Open 3 p.m. – 11 p.m. most days, Sundays 12 p.m. – 12 a.m., Monday closed
We’ve been watching this new cocktail and wine lounge get ready to open for the last few months and we’re thrilled that it finally is! Situated in the historic building of the old Northwestern Hotel, the New Northwestern brings a fun array of drinks, wine, and small plates to share in a fun location in the East Village. Check it out and let us know what you think!
🧡🖤All Events This Weekend🧡🖤
- Friday, October 22 and Saturday October 23, 7-11 p.m.
- Linn’s Supermarket 3805 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Anybody else remember this from high school days? Linn’s Supermarket is still doing it’s thing as a classic haunted house destination for this spooky season. Linn’s is a huge haunted house that you can expect to walk through for 20+ minutes. Admission is $20!
- Friday, October 22 and Saturday, October 23
- Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St, 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 kicking off their season with a home opener on Friday night!
Dean Delray at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Friday, October 22 and Saturday, October 23
- 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 Dean Delray takes over this weekend for several shows back to back.
Ramen on the Riverwalk by Oishii Ramen
- Friday, October 22, and Saturday, October 23
- The Riverwalk Hub, 215 Water Street, Des Moines, IA
Yes, it’s pumpkin season, and spooky season, but we’re JUST as excited about ramen season. After a little hiatus, Oishii is back offering takeout and dine-in with limited options while supplies last. This is their first time offering dine in as an option, so let’s go out and support. As an extra bonus, the first 20 orders on Friday and first 20 orders on Saturday will receive a 10% off coupon for future ramen orders.
Night Eyes at Blank Park Zoo
- All weekend, 5-9 p.m.
- Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
Ready for one of Central Iowa’s sweetest family traditions at the zoo? Roam through enchanted lighting displays, a merry-not-scary treat safari, and enjoy live entertainment and games, all while learning more about and supporting wildlife! Admission to Night Eyes is $6 for members and $7 for non-members.
Scare DSM
- Friday and Saturday Nights in October, 7:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
- 97 Indiana Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
If you’re looking for the classic pop-up Halloween haunted house, head to Scare DSM. $20 per ticket. Let us know how scary it is!
Family Halloween at Living History Farms
- Friday and Saturday 5-8 p.m., Sunday 4-7 p.m.
- 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50322
As a 28-year-old woman with no children, I still get so excited about Halloween at Living History Farms. It’s something we grew up with and still happening the same today. This 30-year-tradition welcomes families into the 1876 town of Walnut Hill to enjoy safe, non-scary trick-or-treating at our historic businesses, play fun games, and take a horse-drawn wagon ride. They offer “teal pumpkin” stops for trick-or-treaters with allergies.
EggKing at 1908 Draughthouse
- 1908 Draught House, 409 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Saturday, October 23, 9 – 11:30 a.m. (or until sell out!)
509 City Vintage Market
- 509 E 5th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
- Friday, October 22, 5-8 p.m.
- Saturday, October 23, 9-5 p.m.
Howl O’Ween Pup-Up Show with 1717 Brewing Co.
- Friday, October 22, 5-8 p.m.
- 818 – A Tiny Design Empire, 520 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Bring your costumes and costumed pups for this dog-friendly Halloween party equipped with a spooky photo booth, dog treats, and costume contests! There will be prizes for best dog costume, human costume, and human + dog coordinating ‘fits! 818 will be joined by guest artists @alisonpeters.xyz and @speckleandpiedpottery ! Des Moines Beer Week and 1717 Brewing Co. will have some great merch for sale. Sample free beer, support local artists, buy some merchandise, enter to win prizes, & more!
D. Smith at The Cave DSM
- Friday, October 22, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- The Cave DSM, 1437 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Now that the weather is cozy, we can truly think of no better place than The Cave DSM to spend a Friday night in a relaxed environment surrounded by good music, friends, small plates, and wine. Stop in Friday night. Read our full write-up about The Cave DSM and it’s natural wine here.
kiss: together, with, and for Des Moines, a free community arts performance
- Friday, October 22, 5:30 p.m.
- Evelyn K. Davis Park, 1400 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
This Friday evening Ballet Des Moines + Para.Mar Dance Theatre are hosting: kiss: together, with, and for Des Moines, a free community arts performance. Youth performers from Oakridge Neighborhood and the Gregory & Suzie Glazer Burt Boys & Girls Club, DK Imamu Akachi and excerpts from choreographer Stephanie Martinez’s “kiss” will fill the basketball court at Evelyn K. Davis Park. Free and open to the public!
Yoga With The Plants at Art Terrarium
- Saturday, October 23, 8 a.m.
- Art Terrarium, 106 11th St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Join Olivia on Saturday mornings among the plants for a yoga practice that celebrates your body, offers some physical and mental challenges, and makes you feel good! All bodies, abilities, and mental states are welcomed and will be supported. Energize and flow into your weekend surrounded by all the beautiful plants at Art Terrarium.
Conquer Cancer Wig Party at Confluence
- Saturday, October 23, 6 p.m.
- Confluence Brewing Company, 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
Allison, a Des Moines resident, was diagnosed with ovarian and uterine cancer at age 27. A second opinion changed her life and gave her hope at the future she envisioned. Now she’s on a mission to change the lives of other patients. Join Allison at Confluence Brewing Company for Wig Party on Saturday, October 23rd @ 6PM.
Tickets are $27, food is provided as well as a silent auction, a photo booth, and hearing from the University of Iowa Hospital staff as well as another cancer patient. Proceeds directly benefit the research being done by the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center gynecologic research teams.
Parent + Child Spooky Pop Tarts Workshop at Rose Farm
- Saturday, October 23, 2-5 p.m.
- Rose Farmstead, 7197 43rd Ave Norwalk, Iowa 50211
Another amazing workshop down in Norwalk! This weekend, grab your little one and one of the last tickets to a spooky pop tarts workshop that transform dough into ghost-shaped Pop-tarts. After the dough is prepared, guests will create the filling, and then form and bake the pop tarts. While you’re browsing, check out their other holiday workshops coming up in the next few weeks before they sell out.
Brunch Bingo at Smash Park
- Sunday, October 24, 11 – 1 p.m.
- Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Looking for cheap mimosas or screwdrivers? Head to Smash Park for free bingo from 11 – 1 p.m. Play along casually while you eat, drink, or catch up with friends while having tons of opportunities to win free drinks or Smash Park gift cards. It’s usually held outside in The Yard, but may be inside if the weather is iffy. Either way, it’s a good chill way to get lit on a Sunday.
Ultimate Karaoke Experience at Gas Lamp
- Sundays, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- 1501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Why not make Sunday night karaoke a thing? Seems like a great way to prepare for the week if you ask us.
