Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, March 8-10. 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 8
Spring Arts & Crafts Show at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
- All Weekend!
- Iowa State Fairgrounds Varied Industries Building, 3000 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317
Calling all crafters! Make your plans to attend the Spring Arts & Craft Show this weekend at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Admission is only $7 for all weekend admission to Iowa’s largest craft show. With over 300 exhibitors from seven states, you’re going to need all three days to check out all the arts and crafts at this show!
International Women’s Day Market at Big Grove
- Friday, March 8, 5-8 p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
We’re Des Moines Girl, of course we celebrate International Women’s Day! Celebrate with us at Big Grove Brewery’s annual International Women’s Day local vendor market. Support over 14 women-owned local business vendors, and don’t forget to swing by Girls on the Run and Barely’s Angels informational tables!
Rooted Yoga + Fitness’ Third Birthday
- Friday, March 8, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Class and After Party!
- Rooted Yoga + Fitness, 2708 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310
Happy Birthday, Rooted Yoga + Fitness! Sign up for a vinyasa flow class to celebrate this amazing fitness community. This class is FREE to attend, so in lieu of payment, Rooted Yoga + Fitness is asking for food donations to give to a local community fridge. Be sure to stay after for an open-house-style birthday party full of treats, drinks, and celebratory cheer!
Dome After Dark at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Friday, March 8, 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!
Wine, Food & Beer Showcase at Des Moines Marriott Downtown
- Friday, March 8, 6-9 p.m.
- Des Moines Marriott Downtown, 700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Wine, food & beer? Count us in! Get your tickets in advance to save $10 and reserve your spot to test all the most popular food and drinks from a fantastic lineup of vendors. All proceeds will go to support the Des Moines Metro Opera’s music education program.
The Great Pick 2 Scavenger Hunt at The Picker Knows
- Friday, March 8, 7-10 p.m.
- The Picker Knows, 1208 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50265
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Love Letters at Hoyt Sherman Place
- Friday, March 8, 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 9, 7 p.m.
- Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314
Looking for some arts and culture this weekend? Get your tickets to the ballet! “Ballet Des Moines once again brings back the father of American ballet, George Balanchine, alongside work from internationally renowned choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. This triple bill concludes with the world premiere of Love Letters, Tom Mattingly’s ode to the queer community of Iowa.”
BAEWATCH PARTY at Lefty’s Live Music
- Friday, March 8, 9:30 p.m.
- Lefty’s Live Music, 2307 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
It’s another Baewatch Party: SPRING FLING EDITION! Spread the love, celebrate the love, and share the love! Uplift and embrace the lesbian and queer community in Des Moines at Lefty’s Live Music. Doors open at 9:30 p.m., and the event cover is $10. Get there early because the first 20 people in the door get a free gift!
Good Day DSM Grand Opening
- Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Good Day DSM, 1515 SW Main Street, Ste. 105, Ankeny, IA 50023
Set your alarms because Good Day DSM is opening its doors at 10 a.m. this Saturday! Celebrate the grand opening by purchasing a dozen delicious macarons and receiving a FREE reusable gift box upgrade! But wait, there’s more! Spin the prize wheel and receive a raffle entry with every purchase. You won’t want to miss this!
Aura Photographs at KIN DSM
- Saturday, March 9, Times Vary
- KIN DSM, 333 E Grand Avenue, Ste. 106, Des Moines, IA 50309
There are still a few slots remaining for aura portraits and readings at KIN DSM! Reserve your spot to learn about your aura and the energy in your auric field. Just in case you miss this weekend, KIN DSM will host another set of sessions on Saturday, March 23.
Community Farmers’ Spring Craft Market of Pleasant Hill
- Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Berean Church, 5299 E University, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
It is the weekend of arts and crafts fairs! Along with checking out the Spring Arts & Crafts Fair, head over to Pleasant Hill for the Community Farmers’ Craft Market. This local market features over 70 local crafters, artisans, bakers, and more! Plus, admission is free!
S.P.E.R.M. Ride 2024 at The Ridgemont
- Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m.
- The Ridgemont, 7460 Hickman Road, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
We know that title got your attention! Grab your bikes, your helmets, and your wallet for a day full of biking, eating, and drinking during the St. Paddy’s Easy Ride in March (SPERM). The group will meet at The Ridgemont in Windsor Heights at 10 a.m. with drink deals and breakfast food galore! At noon, head to University Tap for even more drinks and food before pedaling to Water Works and wrapping up the day downtown at El Bait Shop/High Life Lounge.
Rok the Wok Grand Opening
- Saturday, March 9, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Menards Parking Lot, 12000 Hickman Road, Clive, IA 50325
With all these weekend events, we’re getting hungry! Catch us in line at Rok the Wok for their grand opening this weekend at the Menards in Clive. Support the local food scene and order a crab rangoon (or two) with your delicious meal!
Book and Puzzle Swap at Uptown Garage Brewing
- Saturday, March 9, Noon – 2 p.m.
- Uptown Garage Brewing, 305 SW Walnut Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
Sick of the books on your shelf? Finished all the puzzles in your closet? Bring your gently used books and puzzles to trade with others looking to refresh their collections! Make sure your puzzles aren’t missing any pieces… no one likes an incomplete puzzle!
Gallery Night at The Little Book
- Saturday, March 9, 5-7 p.m.
- The Little Book, 520 Euclid Avenue, Ste. 102, Des Moines, IA 50313
We love local business, and we love local art! Get a taste of both at The Little Book’s next gallery night, showcasing art by Rosie K. Art. In the artist’s words, “In my artistic exploration, I delve into the realm of hard-edge, bright-colored geometric art… My paintings invite viewers to immerse themselves in a world where the rigor of geometry meets the exuberance of color, sparking a dialogue between order and exuberance, precision and passion.”
- Sunday, March 10, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Izaak Walton League, 4343 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50321
Can’t get enough of the fairs, markets, and craft shows? We’ve got your Sunday fix at Uncle Ikes Flea Market! Take the day to browse through all the fun crafts, arts, and goodies at the Izaak Walton League. Looking for more information? Join the flea market Facebook group!
Canines & Crossfit at Paws and Pints
- Sunday, March 10, 11 a.m.
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321
Get your sweat on Sunday morning with Canines and Crossfit! For just $10 at the door, participate in a class led by CrossFit Valley Junction. Proceeds go to support rescue dogs find their forever homes. If that isn’t a reason to work out, we don’t know what is!
Red Carpet Gala at Fleur Cinema
- Sunday, March 10, 3:30 p.m.
- 4545 Fleur Dr Des Moines, IA, United States, Iowa 50321
The Fleur Cinema & Café, in partnership with Community Choice Credit Union, is excited to announce the revival of the original Red Carpet Gala. The fundraiser event, slated for Sunday, March 10th, celebrates movies’ biggest night. All proceeds will be donated to Greenlight Grants in support of Iowa filmmakers.
Local Music Showcase at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Sunday, March 10, 3-6 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50309
Teehee’s is great for laughs any day of the week, except the second Sunday of every month. Instead of comedy, treat your ears to an afternoon of local music from the DSM music scene. Showcase lineup includes both first-time talent and seasoned performers. The best part? Admission is FREE!
A Red Carpet Affair at The Varsity Cinema
- Sunday, March 10, 5 p.m. Red Carpet Arrival, 6 p.m. Show
- The Varsity Cinema, 1207 25th Street, Des Moines, IA 50311
It’s cinema’s biggest night of the year! Celebrate it by watching The Oscars LIVE on the big screen. Enjoy games, giveaways, food, and drinks in your fanciest red carpet attire. Red carpet arrivals begin at 5 p.m. for the 6 p.m. livestream. Make sure to secure your tickets!
