Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, October 17-19. 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 17
Golden Hour Leaf Peep Hike at Jester Park
- Friday, October 17, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Jester Park, 12130 Northwest 128th Street, Granger, IA, 50109
The leaves are changing, and fall is in full swing! Spend the evening hiking with fellow Wander Women and take in the changing of the seasons. Learn all about tree identification and some nerdy tree facts. Stick around after the hike for tea, snacks, and socializing. Registration is limited to 30 hikers, so grab a spot while they last!
Glow in the Park Foam Party at Paws and Pints
- Friday, October 17, 6 p.m.
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Author Afterparty at Storyhouse Bookpub
- Friday, October 17, 7 – 9 p.m.
- Storyhouse Bookpub, 505 E Grand Ave Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309
“Join us Friday, October 17 at 7pm for The Author Afterparty featuring Carson Faust & Anna North – Celebrating the releases of If the Dead Belong Here and Bog Queen Carson Faust’s debut novel about a girl gone missing and Anna North’s mystery about a preserved body recovered from an ancient bog are sure to both haunt and and heal as they reveal how our past shapes the present.”
Saxsquatch at Wooly’s
- Friday, October 17, 8 p.m.
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
“Dean Mitchell, better known by his stage name Saxsquatch, is an American musician known for playing cover versions of songs on the saxophone while wearing a Bigfoot costume.” And he’s coming to Des Moines! Get your tickets for this fun-filled and saxophone-heavy concert!
EDM Night at xBk Annex
- Friday, October 17, 8 p.m.
- xBk Annex, 1163 24th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
Love EDM? Love free events? Love supporting local music venues? Check one, two, or all three of these off your list this Friday at EDM Night at xBk Annex. No tickets required – just bring yourself, a friend, and the EDM energy!
Rocky Horror Picture Show at Big Grove Brewery
- Friday, October 17, 8 p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Join Big Grove and Capital City Pride for an evening of cult-classic chaos and a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Sip on themed cocktails, and enjoy your first one on the house if you come dressed in a Rocky Horror-themed fit! $5 donation suggested, and bring your own blanket!
 Saturday, October 18
Downtown Farmers Market
- Saturday, October 18, 8 a.m. – Noon
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
The Market season is winding down! For two more weekends, enjoy the 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’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.
- Saturday, October 18, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Confluence Brewing, 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
Confluence is celebrating lucky number 13! Join the party as they celebrate 13 years of great beer with live music, FIVE new beers, and a heck of a good time! Be sure to use the link to pre-order your share of the new brews.
- Saturday, October 18, 6 p.m.
- Mars Cafe, 2318 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Come enjoy local talent at Mars Cafe at Strings and More! Doors and sign up start at 6 p.m., and performances start at 6:30 p.m. Share music, spoken words, or take it all in while sipping on a tasty bev!
- Saturday, October 18, 7 and 9 p.m.
- HiFi Brew Lounge, 103 South 11th Street West Des Moines, IA 50265
Want a little more stand up in your life AND to support DSMG? Use the links below with our DSMGirl affiliate code to book your spot at these upcoming comedy shows. We’ll get a kick back to support the work we do on this platform, and you’ll get a great night out!
Sunday, October 19
Highland Happening Vintage Market at Highland Park
- Sunday, October 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Highland Park, 521 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
October Soup Hike at Jester Park
- Sunday, October 19, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Jester Park, 12130 Northwest 128th Street, Granger, IA, 50109
It’s soup season, baby! As the leaves change and the weather gets colder, sign up for a spot and take part in a soup hike. Explore the scenic Jester Park and warm up with a well-deserved soup lunch. Registration is limited, so be sure to sign up to get your soup!
Vintage at Val Air
- Sunday, October 19, Noon – 6 p.m.
- Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265
We can’t get enough of these fall vintage markets! This Sunday, take part in Vintage at Val Air. The entire parking lot will be full with over 60 vendors selling vintage clothing, handmade goods, vinyl records, and food and drink. The vibes will be great, and the vintage finds will be even greater!
Books & Brew at Vibrant Coffeehouse
- Sunday, October 19, 2 – 5 p.m.
- Vibrant Coffeehouse, 520 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Bring your current read to Vibrant Coffeehouse on Sunday for Books & Brew and enjoy an afternoon of quiet reading, quiet music, and your favorite brew! The event is free, but space is limited and given on a first-come, first-served basis. Can’t decide on a book? Take a chance on a mystery read with Vibrant’s Blind Date with a Book selection!
