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, January 7-9.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Friday, January 7
- Friday, January 7, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Mainframe Art Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309
Have you visited this beautiful, colorfully painted building downtown? Every first Friday of the month Mainframe Art Studios open their doors for something special. Drinks and eats courtesy of Tangerine Food Company. First Friday events are free and open to the public. Masking is encouraged. Come wander through art. Is there anything better in the dead of winter?
Ski, Snowboard, or Tube at Seven Oaks
- All weekend!
- Seven Oaks Recreation, 1086 222nd Dr, Boone, IA 50036
Ok, maybe you’re a pro skier and snowboarder and this is ridiculous to you. But to us, complete novices in our late twenties? This is actually doable…and kind of fun! Drive north to Seven Oaks for a fun day of skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing. Snow tubing tickets must be purchased online. Ski/snowboard tickets are first come, first serve. They serve food and some beer in the lodge! Hit up Whatcha Smokin’ for amazing BBQ on the way back to Des Moines.
Dome After Dark at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
- Friday, January 7, 6-9 p.m.
- Friday, January 7, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, January 8, 7:00 p.m.
- Des Moines Funny Bone, 560 S Prairie View Dr #100, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Stand up comedy is our sunshine in the winter. Here’s Nick Hoff’s bio: Nick Hoff is a comedian best known as the host of his own show on SiriusXM radio. He has been on MTV and can often be seen in commercials for Miller Lite, Pepsi and Amazon where Nick has been cast by some of the top directors in the business including Peter Farrelly, Craig Gillespie, James Mangold and Philip Seymour Hoffman. He has been a comedy writer for Life & Style magazine as well as a featured act in Netflix’s “Wild West Comedy Festival”.
Saturday, January 8
Yoga with Ben from Good Vibes Movement at the Surety Hotel
- Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave. Des Moines, IA, 50309
- Saturday, January 8, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Good Vibes Movement (GVM) is a local organization providing resources, support & enrichment to the people of Des Moines. GVM serves a diverse and underrepresented community, located in the Riverbend and King Irving neighborhoods, as well as youth citywide. To support their community and youth outreach, PLEASE donate $10 at door for the class. You get a free mimosa at brunch after, so you’re doing good for the community and getting your buzz on. Don’t forget your mats!
Egg Day at the Hall with Egg King
- Saturday, January 8, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (or sell out!)
- The Hall, 111 S 11th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Regardless of if you haven’t gotten your hands on an Egg King sandwich or if you go every week, things just got a whole lot easier! Come brunch with them at the Hall this Saturday. Find yourself a table, order on the app, grab yourself some drinks and enjoy the large TV screens. Pretty chill and delicious.
- Saturday, January 8, Showtime at 10:30 a.m.
- Uptown Garage Brewing Co., 305 SW Walnut St. Ankeny, IA
Ankeny – this one is for you! Uptown Garage is hosting Ankeny’s first drag show and liquid brunch on Saturday morning. There will be craft beers, canned cocktails, and ciders to start the first full weekend of 2022 off with a bang! Non-ticketed event but VIP options available.
- Saturday, January 8, 12 p.m. | Free for all attendees!
- Art Terrarium, 106 11th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Children (and adults!) of all ages are invited to join for an enchanted story hour amongst the plants. Art Terrarium has invited Storyhouse Bookpub to bring a special selection of favorite planty stories to share with you and your family. Make an afternoon of stories and explore the Art Terrarium’s jungle space with a scavenger hunt created by their staff just for you!
Children Ages 9-17 Art Classes at Mainframe Art Studios
- Saturday, January 8, Various Times
- Jess Quinn Studios, Studio #407 Mainframe Studios, 900 Keo Way, Des Moines
We’ll let Jess Quinn, owner of Art Adventures describe her classes to you: “Each day that your child comes to Art Adventures they will have the opportunity to explore drawing and painting with different mediums and a range of subject matter. They will create a different masterpiece each day they come. Ages 5-10 students will have a guided art project. Ages 9-17 students will choose the project they work on, drawing, painting, collage, etc. Sign up for one Art Adventure or many! Space is limited to 8. Taught by Jess Quinn, a certified art educator and artist.”
No Sleep: Stand Up Comedy at Wooly’s
- Saturday, January 7, 7:00 p.m. doors, 8:00 p.m. show
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
We haven’t been to this yet, but we’re excited to go this year. Here’s what Wooly’s has to say about it: “NO SLEEP spans the strata of comedy, music, and culture. Its live stand-up comedy experience is the largest and most revered single night of independent comedy in the state.”
The Glory Hole at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Saturday, January 8, 9:30 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
This is our favorite independent comedy club on one of our favorite streets: Walnut St. in downtown’s West End. The show is described as follows: “The Gloryhole is a place where friends new and old can come together for a good time. Tcreating that same sense of comradery and teamwork in a late night comedy setting. Leave your phones in the car and be prepared to laugh at all of those things you probably shouldn’t laugh at. Hosted by Matt Weis.”
Sunday, January 9
Cabin Fever Day at Confluence Brewing Co.
- Sunday, January 9, 12 – 5 p.m.
- Confluence Brewing Co., 1235 Thomas Beck Road, Des Moines, IA, 50315
Join Confluence for its annual Cabin Fever Day. It’s a great reason to get out of the house and play some board games with friends. They’re running a throwback mug special, bring in any past Confluence event mug and get $1 off beers* from 12-5pm.
Brunch Bingo at Smash Park
- Sunday, January 9, 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.
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