Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, November 7-9. 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, November 7

Des Moines Holiday Boutique

  • Friday, November 7, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. , Saturday, November 8, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sunday, November 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • EMC Expo Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Ring in the holiday season with the 6th annual Des Moines Holiday Boutique, a gathering of local vendors at the Iowa Events Center showcasing their best gifts and collectables for the holiday season! Get a jump start on your shopping with unique and festive jewelry, gifts, children’s items, gourmet foods, and some of the BEST holiday decor. Grab your S.O., family, and/or friends for this shopping experience, open all weekend!

First Friday at Mainframe Studios

  • Friday, November 7, 5 – 8 p.m.
  • Mainframe Studios, 900 Keo 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, experience “State of the Arts: Iowa’s Artist Fellows”, celebrating 12 years of the Iowa Artist Fellows program. This Friday, experience the exceptional work of these artists and the diversity of disciplines and communities that define Iowa’s creative scene.

First Friday

DSM Flea Grand Opening!

  • Friday, November 7, 5 – 9 p.m.
  • DSM Flea, 1201 Keo Building — Room 206, Des Moines, IA 50309, (2nd Floor)
DSM Flea is opening their first official holiday retail pop-up location! Shop fashion, local jewelry, vinyl records, and more at the permanent home of DSM Flea. Munch on some pupusas and tacos by La Minerva and jam out to dylan while you browse the store!
 

  • Friday, November 7, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Create a beautiful seasonal wreath to decorate your space for the fall season! For $70, the workshop will teach you how to make the wreath, provide you with the materials, and send you home with a beautiful piece of handmade seasonal decor.

 Saturday, November 8

Social Chess Club at the Rook Room

  • Saturday, November 8, 8 a.m. – Noon
  • The Rook Room, 300 SW 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Learning chess on Duolingo? Us too. Drop by the Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe and get strategic with the monthly Social Chess Club. This club meets every second Saturday of the month and welcomes new and seasoned players alike. No registration required, and the event is free to attend! Even if chess isn’t your style, swing by and play any of the Rook Room’s 700+ games and puzzles!
 
Get Social

Mary’s Helping Hands “Born To Run” 5K + 1 Mile Fun Run

  • Saturday, November 8, 9:00 AM
  •  Confluence Brewing Co – 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315

Run with heart this fall at Mary’s Helping Hands Born to Run charity event! Choose between a professionally timed 5K or a casual 1 Mile Fun Run—both starting at 9 AM and winding through a scenic, looped trail near the brewery. It’s all about fitness, fun, and family while supporting the mission of Mary’s Helping Hands. All proceeds directly support Mary’s Helping Hands, providing clothing, diapers, and essentials to families with young children in Central Iowa—because every baby deserves a strong start.

Register to run!

Pottery and Portraits at Five Monkeys Inc

  • Saturday, November 8, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Five Monkeys Inc., 131 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Join Tiffany from Your Way Photography and Five Monkeys Inc for a mini portrait session and holiday pottery event! Register now and get one digital portrait and a $20 pottery credit toward you project. Holiday pottery encouraged, but there are so many project options to choose from!

Painting and Portraits

The Fitch Building Open Studio

  • Saturday, November 8, 6 – 9 p.m.
  • The Fitch Building, 304 15th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
You’ve heard of First Friday, but now, it’s time for Second Saturday at The Fitch Buildings’ 2025 Winter Open Studio! Check out recent work from local creators ranging from painters, printmakers, sculptors, photographers, graphic designers, and more. Plus, tickets are free!

Open Studio!

Dueling Pianos at The Shop DSM

  • Saturday, November 8, 6 – 11 p.m.
  • The Shop DSM, 901 Cherry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Looking for a fun night out or a date night? Look no further than The Shop DSM’s Dueling Piano Night! Enjoy a night of cocktails, food, and (of course) fun music. All proceeds will benefit the North High Booster Club. Get a solo ticket or reserve an entire table for all your friends! 

Tickets

LGBTQ+ and Ally Adult Prom at Bash DSM

  • Saturday, November 8, 7 -10 p.m.
  • Bash DSM, 1312 Locust Street, Suite #101, Des Moines, IA 50309

It is blast from the past at the Great Gatsby-themed LGBTQ+ Prom! Step into the Roaring Twenties at the Gayla Adult Prom for members of the LGBTQ community and allies alike. Tickets include admission, dinner, two drink tickets, and tons of fun! Expect all the jazzy vibes and a fun, safe atmosphere to be your proudest self!

Prom Tickets

Sunday, November 9

Gallery Talk: “Robert Rauschenberg: Currents, 1970″ at the Des Moines Art Center

  • Sunday, November 9, 1:30 p.m.
  • Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

“Join Art Center Associate Curator Ashton Cooper, Ph. D. and Michael Morain, Editor of dsm Magazine, for a gallery talk that explores the life and artistic pursuits of artist Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008). In the exhibition, “Robert Rauschenberg: Currents, 1970,″ dive into the journalistic topics of writing headlines, freedom of the press, and the similarities between the news landscape of Rauschenberg’s moment and our own.”

All the Info

Paint & Sip at Jasper Winery

  • Sunday, November 9, 2 – 4 p.m.
  • Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321

Join Painting With a Twist at Jasper Winery for an afternoon of painting, wine, and fun! Class is $44, which includes two hours of instruction to paint “Snowy Pines at Sunset,” all supplies, and a canvas that is yours to keep! While you are welcome to bring your own snacks, wine and apps will be available for purchase.

Paint and Sip!

Author Event with Anesa Kajtazovic

  • Sunday, November 9, 5-6:30 p.m. 
  • Reading In Public Books + Cafe, 315 5th St Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Come to Reading in Public for a reading and program from Iowa Award Winning Author, Anesa Kajtazovic. There will be complimentary refreshments, time to browse the store, and even an opportunity to pick up a signed copy of the book! FREE, but RSVP preferred. 

RSVP

Art Night with Art Is Rad at Smokey Row

  • Sunday, November 9, 6 – 8 p.m.
  • Smokey Row, 1910 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314

Wind down for the start of the week with an art project hosted by Art Is Rad, a non-profit helping people create art and build community. This week, learn how to make mosaic coasters! Registration is $10, including supplies and instruction. Grab a friend and RSVP because space is limited!

Get Artsy

Next Wednesday: DSMG Book Swap at The Boho Vase

  • Wednesday, November 12, 6-7:30 p.m.
  • Boho Vase,120 5th St Suite A, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Join us at the cutest store in Valley Junction for a casual book swap! Bring a gently used book (or two) to swap for a new-to-you book. Make sure you’re bringing books you think the girlies would love. Remaining books will be donated to a local thrift store. NO RSVP REQUIRED. Can’t wait to see you!