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, October 8-10!
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
✨Openings✨
NOW OPEN: The New Northwestern
- 321 E Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Open 3 p.m. – 11 p.m. most days, Sundays 12 p.m. – 12 a.m., Monday closed
We’ve been watching this new cocktail and wine lounge get ready to open for the last few months and we’re thrilled that it finally is! Situated in the historic building of the old Northwestern Hotel, the New Northwestern brings a fun array of drinks, wine, and small plates to share in a fun location in the East Village. Check it out and let us know what you think!
🧡 Markets + Pop-Ups🧡
Sweet & Savory Pie Pop-Up with Pie Bird Pies and Domestic Bones at Dogpatch Urban Gardens
- Saturday, October 9, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Dogpatch Urban Gardens, 5085 Meredith Dr, Des Moines, IA 50310
What is better than getting both sweet and savory locally made pies in the same location? Pop by Dogpatch on Saturday morning to pick up your favorites and shop for other local baking goodies while you’re there!
Stitchcraft by Sophia Pop-Up at Candle Bar DSM
- Saturday, October 9, 11- 2 p.m.
- Candle Bar DSM, 130 5th St, West Des Moines, IA, 50265
Spooky Sale with Thistle’s Summit and Ash Gravity
- Saturday, October 9, 12-4 p.m.
- Across from Perkins Elementary, 4301 College Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, stay tuned to their social for the address being shared day -of!
One of Des Moines’ favorite power couples (yes, we just designated them that) is hosting a pop-up outside of their home this Saturday with an assortment of amazing goods. There will be Thistle’s Summit classic vegan and gluten free baked goods as well as mini-readings with @ashgravity (astro or tarot, book ahead at link on Ash’s profile), herbal tea blends, room sprays, flower essences, mid century modern chairs, metaphysical books, literary fiction, oracle + tarot decks. Think cool adult spooky garage sale.
Friday, October 8
- Friday, October 8, 6 p.m.
- Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines, IA.
As part of their “Live at the Ballpark Tour”, Old Dominion is performing at Principal Park this Friday and there are still some tickets left! Whether you’re in it for the country, or the pop, or just outdoor concert vibes, this’ll be a fun night. Concerts are always a good idea. Scotty McCreery, Blanco Brown & Walker County will be opening for the band starting at 6 p.m.!
Linn’s Supermarket Haunted House
- Friday, October 8, + Saturday October 9, 7-11 p.m.
- Linn’s Supermarket 3805 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Anybody else remember this from high school days? Linn’s Supermarket is still doing it’s thing as a classic haunted house destination for this spooky season. Linn’s is a huge haunted house that you can expect to walk through for 20+ minutes. Admission is $20!
- Friday, October 8, 8 p.m.
- Historic Sherman Hill, 1501 Woodland Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Charlie Berens an Emmy-winning journalist, comedian, host, and creator of the Manitowoc Minute. The Wisconsin native has been featured on Fox, CBS, Funny or Die, TBS Digital, Variety, MTV News and more. He’s performing at Hoyt Sherman Place on Friday and there’s still a few tickets left! While you’re on the website, check out other cool arts headed this way including Whitney Cummings on October 15.
Full Lineup at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- All weekend!
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Every night is a good night to visit Teehee’s. Here’s what’s up this weekend. On Friday, CHOWDOWN is up. It’s a Live monthly Improv Comedy show, entirely made-up on the spot, featuring Onnalee Kelley, Tim Overton, Thomas Matysik, Jen Kuhle, Marcos Lester, Dan Logan, and Jill Leary.
Saturday, October 9
Plant Parenting 101 Class at Art Terrarium
- Saturday, October 9, 8 a.m.
- Art Terrarium, 106 11th St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Join Olivia Saturday mornings among the plants for a yoga practice that celebrates your body, offers some physical and mental challenges, and makes you feel good! All bodies, abilities, and mental states are welcomed and will be supported. Energize and flow into your weekend surrounded by all the beautiful plants at Art Terrarium.
Revolution: The Music of the Beatles — A Symphonic Experience
- Saturday, October 9, 7:30 p.m.
- Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
This sounds cool. Will there be an older crowd there? Potentially. Do we still think it’s an amazing opportunity for a classy night out? Yes. Our love for The Beatles never dies. According to the Civic Center, “The Des Moines Symphony brings the Beatles to vivid life in Revolution, a stunning multimedia experience featuring new symphonic arrangements transcribed from the original master recordings at Abbey Road. Accompanied by hundreds of rare and unseen photos along with stunning video and animation, Revolution will take you on a magical music and visual journey featuring more than 25 top hits like “Ticket to Ride,” “Penny Lane,” “All You Need is Love,” “Get Back,” “Hey, Jude,” and much more.
Fall at Rose Farmstead
- All weekend!
- Rose Farmstead, 7197 43rd Ave, Norwalk, IA 50211
Rose Farm just keeps getting better and better by the seasons. Check it out this weekend if you snagged a ticket to any of their sold out events, or just go to say hi, snap some pics, and stop into the Shoppe for pumpkins or a perfectly curated Fall box of goodies.
Sunday, October 10
Plant Parenting 101 Class at Art Terrarium
- Sunday, October 10, 11:30 a.m.
- Art Terrarium, 106 11th St., Des Moines, IA 50309
This class is the perfect introduction to Plant Parenthood, but also a valuable refresh on skills to help your indoor plants thrive. SO MANY of our plant friends started growing plants indoors during the quarantine, and we are so pleased to be offering this engaging crash course to our community again. Invite a friend and make and evening of it!
Brunch Bingo at Smash Park
- Sunday, October 10, 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.
Ultimate Karaoke Experience at Gas Lamp
- Sundays, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- 1501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Why not make Sunday night karaoke a thing? Seems like a great way to prepare for the week if you ask us.
