Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, December 1 – December 3. 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, December 1
- Friday, December 1, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Thistle’s Summit, 340 SW 5th St #122, Des Moines, IA 50309
Last month’s grand opening for Olio Oddities was such a BLAST, that Olio and Thistle’s Summit will be extending their hours this Friday to give you an extended chance to buy some cute, zany, and let’s face it- odd gifts for your loved ones this holiday season. While you’re there, be sure to snag a classic OCP or any other of the glorious vegan goodies that Thistle’s Summit has to offer. (P.S. A gift from Olio would make for a GREAT Secret Santa or White Elephant.)
Rudolph’s Rooftop
- Friday, December 1 – Sunday, December 3
- Monday – Thursday, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday, 2 p.m. – 12 a.m. & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- The Republic on Grand, 401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 (6th Floor of the AC Hotel)
There’s nothing we love more than a good ol’ pop-up, ESP if it’s holiday-themed. This year, for the first time ever, the East Village is getting their very own on the rooftop of the Republic on Grand! From November 17 – January 7, you’ll have the chance to sip on crafted cocktails and some tasty snacks. If you’re looking for a way to spread some holiday cheer with some of your fav people, Rudolph’s Rooftop is the perfect spot for a girls’ night out or date night with your S.O.
- Friday, December 1, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Yoga & Co., 2326 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Looking for some Friday night plans? Yoga & Co. has you covered! Bring “warmth and wellness” to your chilly Friday night with a pop-up market featuring local vendors sporting vintage gear and handmade gifts, as well as some live music from Franco Caramelino! With a free cider bar and snacks, Yoga & Co. is also offering giveaways and deals for all of your fellow yogis.
East Village Holiday Promenade
- Friday, December 1, ends at 8 p.m.
- Historic East Village, Downtown Des Moines
This week’s highlights:
- Storyhouse Bookpub: Handcrafted Felt Toys & Stack Caricatures and Art Pop-Up
- East Fifth Studio: Tin Types, Polaroids, Chain Stitching & Preservation Pop-Up
It’s that time of year again for the Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village! Bundle up in your favorite coat and chilly weather gear as you stroll through the streets of East Village. Almost every single business will have extended hours to make sure you can get your holiday shopping done! Whether it’s grabbing a clothing item from Marne, a book from Storyhouse Bookpub, a warm drink from Vibrant Coffeehouse + Kitchen, or some stationary for your holiday gift-giving from Ephemera– there’s something for everyone. The Holiday Promenade is open every Friday starting November 17 – December 15.
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Friday, December 1, 6 p.m. – 1o p.m.
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Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive Des Moines, IA 50309
Enjoy the beauty of the botanical garden under the stars inside the classic domed conservatory at the Great Des Moines Botanical Garden. Every Friday from November 25 – March 29, you can experience the illumination of Dome After Dark, an event with live entertainment, food and drink, and so much more! Be sure to check out their programming for fun themed nights starting in December. This event is perfect for a date night or G.N.O during these chilly months!
- Friday, December 1 & Saturday, December 2, 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.
Tis the season for all things Christmas in Des Moines! This weekend ONLY, peruse the classic German-inspired Christkindlmarket at Principal Park. This 750-year old tradition (not in DSM, we aren’t that old lol) is a staple shopping centre full of sights, smells and wonderful gift ideas. Enjoy lively polka music, browse vendors selling handcrafted items, and try a mug of steaming hot Glühwein.
- Friday, December 1, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
Art. Music. Good vibes. I mean c’mon, what more could you want for your Friday night? This month’s “First Friday” at Mainframe celebrates local individual ceramicists and potters, including some cool pieces from the Des Moines Public School’s Central Academy High School. Not only can you browse exquisite art, listen to some live music and enjoy light refreshments- but you can also meet new Executive Director of Mainframe Studios, Julia Franklin.
- Friday, December 1, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- CamBam Custom Floral, 10536 Justin Dr, Urbandale, IA 50322
Looking for a more “hands-on” experience to ring in the holidays this weekend? CamBam is hosting a Wreath Workshop this Friday night! Learn from floral experts on how to create a dazzling, custom holiday wreath. Your ticket includes all of the supplies needed, expert instruction, and an individual charcuterie box. Make this a date night and invite you S.O.! Couples working on a wreath together only need to purchase one ticket (we love a good deal 😉 ).
Saturday, December 2
December Storytimes at Storyhouse Bookpub
- Saturday, December 2, 11 a.m.
- Storyhouse Bookpub, 505 E Grand Ave Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Merry Mid-Mod Market & Holiday Hop
- Funky Finds Vintage & Retro, 1731 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Love everything mid-century modern? This holiday hop event is for you! For all things retro, eclectic and totally vintage, Iowa Mid-Century Modern is hosting the first EVER Merry Mid-Mod Market event. Start at Funky Finds Vintage & Retro and browse through their collections, as well as the pop-up market next door to their storefront, supporting local vintage curators from the metro! Haven’t had enough yet? Head out and “hope around” to check out Divine Times, Atomic Garage, and AOK Antiques (just to name a few the brick and mortar shops all around DSM)!
CASA Holiday Sale
- CASA, 130 S Sheldon Ave, Ames, IA 50014
If you find yourself in Ames this weekend, or are looking for the opportunity to do so, be sure to stop by the Creative Artists’ Studio of Ames (CASA) for their Holiday Sale! CASA provides a space for local artists in Ames to work, learn and share their work with the public. This holiday event will also include live music and refreshments for people to enjoy. Meet local artists who specialize in pottery, painting, and more- browsing their work for sale for some cool gift-giving!
Holly & Ivy at Salisbury House
- Salisbury House & Gardens, 4025 Tonawanda Dr, Des Moines, IA 50312
In celebration of 100 years since the groundbreaking of the Salisbury House, this years’ Holly & Ivy event will feature all kinds of holiday events, adornments, and festive cheer. Enjoy live music, visit with Santa, enjoy pop-up holiday photo ops, interactive workshops, tour the grounds (decorated by local designers and artists), and so much more! While you’re there, order a sweet treat, coffee, hot cocoa, wine or cocktail/mocktail from “Santa’s Sweet Shop”. This makes for a sweet date idea, or a fun get together with your gals!
Jingle Bell Stroll
- Gray’s Lake Park, SE Lawn, 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315
Going for a walk this weekend? City of Des Moines Parks & Recreation is hosting a Jingle Bell Stroll on the SE Lawn of Gray’s Lake with games, crafts, holiday music, and of course some hot cocoa to sip on! If you’ve got any kiddos in your life (your own, nieces, nephews, friends, etc) then this event is the perfect place for them too. So whether you’re out and about alone, with friends, or looking for a kid-friendly event this weekend- head on over to the Jingle Bell Stroll.
- Gravitate Coworking, 500 Locust Street Des Moines, IA 50309
Sunday, December 3
Jingle & Mingle: The Supply Hive
- Sunday, December 3, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Hankering for some freshly-baked Christmas treats? The Supply Hive is hosting a toy drive and cookie swap this Sunday at Big Grove! Maybe you’ve been holding onto that childhood toy for too long and it’s time to part ways, OR you simply couldn’t resist purchasing that cute toy at the store and need to find a home for it. Bring any toy to the swap, and fill up a cookie tin for FREE! Don’t have any toys? Then bring your cold hard cash of $10 to fill up a cookie tin with festive treats. All donations will be used in the Give Joy Toy Shop.
IA Brewery Run: 3k Winter Beer Run
- Sunday, December 3, 12 p.m.
- Confluence Brewing, 235 Thomas Beck Road Des Moines, IA 50315
What’s better than a 5k? A 3k (esp when you get some seasonal swag and a pint of your fav draft at the end). Join the Iowa Brewery Running Series as they host the Winter Beer Run, open to runners, walkers, joggers and everyone in between. Not only do you get some cool perks when you participate, but this running series supports local community organizations that work to help people right here in the Des Moines metro. Get active this weekend and sign-up early to reserve your spot!
