Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, March 1-3. 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, March 1
Japanese Hinamatsuri Weekend at the Des Moines Art Center
- All Weekend!
- Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
Check out the Des Moines Art Center’s Hina Doll Display in celebration of Hinamatsuri, an annual traditional Japanese celebration on March 3. “Rooted in centuries-old customs, this festival originally emerged as a joyous occasion dedicated to commemorating the growth of family daughters and hoping for prosperity for the household. Central to the festivities is the arrangement of exquisite Hina dolls, symbolic representations of familial well-being and the blossoming of spring.” The display is free to view all weekend in the Macomber Lobby of the Art Center.
First Friday at Mainframe Studios
- Friday, March 1, 5-8 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA, 50309
It is the first Friday of the month, and you know what that means: First Friday at Mainframe Studios! This month’s theme is The Future is Art, featuring the 2024 Des Moines Public Schools Student Art Exhibit. Support the work of student artists from local schools and appreciate the diverse youth perspective of young local artists! As always, First Fridays are free and open to the public.
Puppies Night Out at Paws and Pints
- Friday, March 1, 5-7 p.m.
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Drive, Des Moines, IA 50310
Calling all puppy owners and puppy lovers! Grab your puppy (and your friends with puppies) and head over to Paws and Pints for Puppies Night Out. Paws and Pint’s Small Dog Park will be reserved for all pups under eight months old. Make sure you bring proof of age-appropriate vaccinations because all puppy parents will receive a free pint during puppy playtime!
Dome After Dark at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Friday, March 1, 6-10 p.m.
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309
Experience the Garden in a new light at Dome After Dark! Most Fridays through the end of March, stroll through the lush conservatory and Gardeners Show House illuminated with unique lighting and luminarias. This family-friendly event will include food and drink available for purchase from Trellis Café. Normal admission rates apply!
Taylor Swift Trivia Night at Uptown Garage Brewing
- Friday, March 1, 6 p.m.
- Uptown Garage Brewing, 305 SW Walnut Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
Taylor Swift? Trivia? “Taylor-made” cocktails? Sign us up! Mark your calendars because Uptown Garage Brewing in Ankeny is hosting a Taylor Swift trivia night. Trivia is free to play while sipping on Taylor Swift-themed cocktails and jamming out to Taylor’s Version of all your favorite songs. Don’t forget to bring your friendship bracelets!
Sierra Ferrell Shoot for the Moon Tour at Val Air Ballroom
- Friday, March 1, Doors Open at 6 p.m. for 7 p.m. Show
- Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Looking for some live music? Get your tickets for Sierra Ferrell’s Shoot for the Moon Tour, performing at the newly renovated Val Air Ballroom. The West Virginia-born singer/songwriter/instrumentalist will perform her label debut Long Time Coming at the local historic live music venue. General admission tickets are $30. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show.
Les Misérables at the Des Moines Performing Arts Center
- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Performances, Times Vary
- Des Moines Performing Arts 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.
March Flea Market at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
- Saturday, March 2, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, March 3, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Varied Industries Building, E 30th Street & E University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317
Looking for a fun Saturday or Sunday activity? Take a stroll through the March Flea Market in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds! Admission and parking are free, so take your time browsing the antiques, merchandise, and more!
Beer Pilates and Yoga at Smash Park
- Saturday, March 2, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
- Smash Park Des Moines, 6625 Coach Light Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266
We’re in our fitness girl era, so catch us at Smash Park on Saturday morning for Beer Pilates & Yoga. For $5, enjoy an hour of pilates, yoga, and raffles, and top it all off with a Michelob Ultra after class. Register in advance, and don’t forget your mat or towel!
Soul Food Festival at the Forest Avenue Library
- Saturday, March 2, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Forest Avenue Library, 1326 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314
This Saturday, swing by the Forest Avenue Library for the annual Soul Food Festival! For just $10, you can enjoy a delicious meal AND support the library. Check out a book, and make sure to buy a few extra a la carte and dessert items to really show your support.
Mid Winter Patio Party at Peace Tree Brewing
- Saturday, March 2, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Peace Tree Brewing, 317 E Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Winter in the Midwest means pulling out the patio furniture in March just to pull it back in when it snows later this month… BUT while the weather is warm, stop by Peace Tree Brewing for the Mid Winter Patio Party and try some of their new local brews!
Battle of the Bands at xBk Live
- Saturday, March 2, Doors Open at 6 p.m. for 6:30 p.m. Show
- xBk Live, 1159 24th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50311
xBk Live is the place to go for a night of music and fun! Get your tickets for Battle of the Bands, featuring Jordan Beem, Luke Fox, and The Get Down. Ticket proceeds will go to support HOPE Agency DSM, a nonprofit empowering individuals with special needs to lead independent and productive lives. General admission tickets are $30 and selling quickly!
Emo Nite at Wooly’s
- Saturday, March 2, Doors Open at 9 p.m. for 10 p.m. Event
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Embrace your inner and outer emo at Emo Nite! Pull together your best emo fit and get your tickets for a night full of your favorite emo hits. Doors open at 9 p.m. for the 10 p.m. event.
- Sunday, March 3, All Day!
- Smash Park Des Moines, 6625 Coach Light Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266
It’s National Moscow Mule Day! Celebrate at Smash Park with $2 mules all day long.
Bingo Brunch at Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co.
- Sunday, March 2, Noon – 3 p.m.
- Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co., 309 Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
What better way to spend a Sunday morning than playing bingo and munching on brunch and sipping on a mimosa. Grab your gal pals and head to Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company! There is NO entry fee and plenty of great prizes.
