Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, November 14-16. 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 Photo by Sam Battaglieri on Unsplash

Friday, November 14

Heartland Swing: November Swing featuring Junction Jazz Society

  • Friday November 14, Lessons: 7:15 – 9 p.m. / Dance at 8-10:30 p.m. 
  • Heartland Swing, 900 Keosauqua Way,  Studio 108, Des Moines, IA 50309-1501, United States
Come on out with your friends for a night of live music and dance! “Join us for our November swing dance on November 14th featuring live music by Junction Jazz Society! Grab your friends and join us at Mainframe Studios, Ste. 108 from 7:15-10:30pm! Just $15/person, and everyone is welcome! No partner required.”
 
More details.

48th Annual Beaverdale Holiday Boutique

  • Friday November 14, 5:30 – 8:30 pm and Saturday, November 15, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Holy Trinity Catholic School & Church, 2926 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310

The holiday season is finally here! Start it off with the 48th Annual Beaverdale Holiday Boutique! Browse goodies from more than 70 artisans and vendors and get your holiday shopping started early. Admission is $5 cash or $6 e-payment.

Holiday Shopping Alert!

Republic on Grand: Rudolph’s Rooftop

  • All weekend!
  • East Village, 401 E. Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA  50309

Warm up with a seasonal cocktail, while the decor and holiday soundtrack provide quintessential yuletide vibes. Perfect for a sunset view of the East Village during happy hour, or stop in during East Village Promenade!

The deets.

Champagne and Mistletoe in Uptown Ankeny

  • Friday, November 14, 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!

Shrek Rave at Wooly’s

  • Friday, November 14, 9 p.m.
  • Wooly’s, 504 East Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

You’ve seen the TikToks, and now it is coming to Des Moines. Get ready to rave at Wooly’s at the Shrek Rave! Tickets are on sale now for the 21+ event. Embrace your inner feral club rat because who cares? “It’s dumb, just come have fun!”

Les Miserables In Town at Des Moines Civic Center

  • Friday, November 14 – 16, Showtimes all weekend!
  • Des Moines Civic Center,221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

There are still tickets available for the world’s most popular musical, Les Misérables! Catch a performance at the Des Moines Performing Arts Center on Friday night, Saturday afternoon or evening, or Sunday afternoon or evening. Tickets start at $40.

Check out remaining tickets.

 Saturday, November 15

Dog DNA Day at Animal Rescue League 

  • Saturday, November 15, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
  • Animal Rescue League, 5452 N.E. 22nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50313

“Solve your pup’s DNA mystery and give back to pets in need with one of our most popular events – DNA Day! Will they have shepherd genetics? Lab? Terrier? Or maybe just a whole lot of cute. Reserve your kit for only $69 (regularly priced at $75). Remember – there is no sales tax and 100% of the proceeds help homeless pets!”

Register and learn more.

Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra’s Fall Concert

  • Saturday, November 15, 4 p.m. 
  • Urbandale High Performing Arts Center, 7111 NW Aurora Ave., Urbandale, IA 50322

It is time to inaugurate the next generation of gamers and musicians! On November 15, we will host our very first Honor Orchestra concert, which will feature high school students assembled from across the Greater Des Moines metro playing songs of gaming past and present. Our regular orchestra will then take to the stage to bring to life the sweeping melodies and resounding anthems of many more gaming classics from Mario to Zelda to RuneScape. With both ensembles led by the legendary Phil Peters, this will be a video game music celebration for all ages and all generations of gamers you don’t want to miss!

More info.

Come to Jesus 2025 at Exile Brewery

  • Saturday, November 15, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Exile Brewing, 1514 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
It’s Exile’s 11th annual celebration of the famous Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout, Jesus on a Forklift! Kick off the morning with a Pancake Breakfast, Beers, and Bluegrass. Each package includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, a commemorative glass, a four-pack of stout, and one pour of Jess on a Forklift. Hang out, drink beer, eat pancakes, and jam out to live music all morning long.
 
Come to Jesus

Fire Cider Workshop at AllLove Wellness

  • Saturday, November 15, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
  • AllLove Wellness, 8527 University Blvd Suite 1, Clive, IA 50325

Flu season is upon us, and fire cider is just one way to naturally combat illness. In this wellness class, local herbalist, Lindsey Coyne, will discuss the uses of fire cider and demonstrate how to make the basic recipe. All attendees will learn to prepare and take home a jar of herbal tonic. All materials will be included, and all are welcome to come and learn!

Sign Up!

Look Local First Holiday Sip ‘n Shop at the Des Moines Heritage Center

  • Saturday, November 15, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Des Moines Heritage Center, 120 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Find the perfect holiday gift at the 2nd Annual Look Local First Holiday Sip & Shop! Shop for handmade gifts, sip on seasonal drinks, and support local vendors. Entry is free, and so are mimosas for all 21+ shoppers! Get there early because the first 50 guests will receive a free swag bag.

Shop Local

Santa Paws Snow Day at Paws and Pints

  • Saturday, November 15, Noon – 3 p.m.
  • Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
The holiday season is officially upon us, and all of the pups should be in on the action! Santa Paws is coming to town, and this Saturday, enjoy free entry at Paws and Pints and a fun-filled foam party. Enjoy festive food and drinks, holiday decor, photo ops, and tons of foamy fun!

Foamy Fun

The Black Jacket Symphony Presents AC/DC’s ‘Back in Black’ at Hoyt Sherman Place

  • Saturday, November 15, 7:30 p.m.
  • Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

Get your tickets for a live concert unlike any other! Enjoy the iconic Back in Black album live in its entirety and a few of AC/DC’s most memorable hits, performed by The Black Jacket Symphony. Get your tickets now for the live rock-and-roll magic!

Tickets

Sunday, November 16

Stoneware Pie Plate Workshop at Five Monkeys

  • Saturday, November 16, 11 a.m.
  • Five Monkeys Inc, 131 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and Five Monkeys has the perfect way to add a personal touch to your dessert! For $70, reserve your spot for the Stoneware Pie Plate class and make a lasting piece to add to your kitchen collection. This dish will make the perfect conversation piece or gift for a loved one!

Get Crafty

The Big Vintage Market at Big Grove Brewery

  • Sunday, November 16, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Big Vintage Market is BACK and better than ever! Head on over to Big Grove Brewery for the fun brunch edition of the vintage clothing pop-up. Shop vintage clothing, browse the $10 racks, refresh your wardrobe, and drink and munch on all the classic Big Grove menu items.
 
RSVP

Books & Brew at Vibrant Coffeehouse

  • Sunday, November 16, 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!

Curl Up with a Book

Pour Your Own Epoxy at Confluence Brewing

  • Sunday, November 16, 3 – 5 p.m.
  • Confluence Brewing, 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315

Sign up for a fun and hands-on activity this Sunday and craft your own epoxy river charcuterie board or lazy susan! Each project will feature fine hardwoods accented with up to two epoxy colors of your choice. Leave your project with the experts, and once the finishing process is over, your finished project will get shipped to you! Totally worth it, if you ask us…

Learn How!

Honeymoon Phase Tour at Shelf Love DSM

  • Sunday, November 16, 6 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. 
  • The Varsity Cinema, 1207 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
“Shelf Love DSM is proud to present an evening with bestselling author Amy Daws to celebrate the release of Honeymoon PhaseThe pre-order for Karla’s titles are coming soon✨”
Honeymoon Phase Tour at Shelf Love DSM

Our locally-inspired holiday content is dropping soon!

12 Days of Giveaways, local gift guides, stocking stuffer recommendations, and best holiday pop-ups. Make sure you’re subscribed to the dsmg newsletter and following along on Instagram.
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