The "S" in Des Moines may be silent, but our city's local events have lots to say for themselves. As one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the Midwest, Des Moines draws in people from near and far to experience its slew of special events. No matter how long you've lived here, or how new you are to the area, there are endless Des Moines destinations just waiting to be discovered.
Keep scrolling to dive into Des Moines' event calendar, and in the meantime, you can check out some of the area's most sought-after neighborhoods.
Upcoming Events
Stage Your Spotlight!
December 26 - 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Unleash your talent at Thursday Night Open Mic at Java Joes Theatre! Whether you’re a comedian, musician, or improv artist, grab a 5- or 10-minute slot to shine. Expect an evening filled with laughter and creativity, where everyone is welcome to join the excitement!
127 N Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023
Celebrate Our Everyday Heroes
November 8, 2024
10:00am to 9:00pm
Join Hero Day at Paws & Pints with Homes for Heroes on the 2nd Friday of each month! Enjoy 25% off food and beverages, plus a free day pass for your pup. Celebrate military personnel, veterans, first responders, and educators while connecting with the Homes for Heroes team in a spirit of gratitude and community.
Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Drive - Des Moines, IA
Celebrate the Paw-lidays at Santa Paws
Nov 11, 2024 to Dec 30, 2024
Get into the festive spirit at the Santa Paws Pop-Up Bar at Paws & Pints! Experience a holiday wonderland with delicious seasonal bites, photos with Santa, and a Paw-liday Market for unique gifts. While pups can’t enter the restaurant, they’re welcome on the patio. Reserve soon—spaces fill up quickly!
Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Drive - Des Moines, IA
Unique Treasures at Artists Avenue
November 23, 2024
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Explore creativity at Artists Avenue, a fine art shopping event in Downtown Indianola! Meet 12 talented local artists showcasing paintings, pottery, photography, and jewelry. It’s the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts this holiday season, coinciding with the “Home for the Holidays” event on the Square for extra festive fun!
117 East Salem Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125
Skate South Sunday Family and Friends Fun Day
Recurring Sundays through Nov 24, 2024
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Looking for a fun way to spend Sunday afternoons with family and friends? Skate South has you covered! Every Sunday, enjoy hours of skating fun, where all ages can glide, spin, and skate to great music in a friendly and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a perfect way to create new memories and stay active, so grab your skates (or rent a pair) and make it a Sunday tradition!
Skate South, 10494 County Line Road, Des Moines, IA 50320
Our Favorite Year-Round Events
Science Center of Iowa/Blank IMAX Dome Theater Year-round
Open all year, the Science Center of Iowa (SCI) allows you to learn about science in an engaging and entertaining way. Catch the interactive exhibits and live science demonstrations while you learn all about scientific phenomena, from astronomy to dry ice.
401 W Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway | Des Moines, IA 50309
Blank Park Zoo Year-Round
Blank Park Zoo hosts a series of events throughout the year. Join us for DISCOVER the WILD Days, held monthly from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, to learn about our conservation efforts and how we care for our animals. Additionally, don't miss our fun-filled Halloween events like Halloween Zoo Brew, a spooky evening for adults, and Night Eyes, a merry family-friendly tradition featuring light displays, treats, and more. Become a Zoo Member to access exclusive events year-round. Join us in supporting wildlife conservation and enjoying exciting zoo experiences!
7401 SW 9th Street | Des Moines, IA 50315
Des Moines Civic Center Year-round
Spend a night with your loved ones at the theatre! Watch local and touring crews perform a hit musical, or buy a ticket to a stand-up comedian's show when you need a laugh. Des Moines Civic Center is there for you with masterpieces of art, whatever you need, whenever you need them.
221 Walnut Street | Des Moines, IA 50309
Wells Fargo Arena at Iowa Events Center Year-round
If you're tired of watching a game from your couch, head down to the Wells Fargo Arena to catch it live! Whether you're more interested in watching the local high school's wrestling championships or the collegiate basketball team's home competitions, you'll find it at the Arena. Unobstructed sights, no commercials, and seating that might replace your chair as your favorite furniture are only some of the benefits of attending.
730 3rd Street | Des Moines, IA 50309
Tours at Hoyt Sherman Place Year-round
Built in 1923, this theater is part of the Des Moines historic district. Boasting elegant banquet, meeting, and theater areas, Hoyt Sherman Place offers tours, is open for special events, and allows bookings for corporate meeting rooms. Book a day now and experience history in the 21st century.
Historic Sherman Hill, 1501 Woodland Avenue | Des Moines, IA 50309
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Year-round
Feast your eyes on seven acres of vibrant blooming buds, all from 10 distinct gardens. Enjoy an afternoon in the rose garden, or explore the iconic conservatory, home to tropical and desert plants! Stop by the Trellis Café for brunch and then visit the Gardeners Show House to get inspiration for growing your own plants!
909 Robert D. Ray Drive | Des Moines, IA 50309
Some Highlights of Des Moines
When you spend the day in Des Moines, make sure to set your sights on some of the city's artistic attractions. Dripping with diversity, the Des Moines arts scene features everything from performing arts stages to sprawling art routes.
There's no better way to celebrate a city's culture than with a fun-filled festival. Think of Des Moines festivals as networking events—ones where you get to know your neighbors in the midst of good food, music, and most importantly, company!
When the weather forecast calls for sunshine in Des Moines, there's no doubt you'll find our residents out and about. With more than 150 miles of water passages, there's always a lake or river to be explored in the area. And if you prefer dry land adventures, there are tons of trails to embark on, too!
Do you consider yourself a foodie? Or maybe more of a shopaholic? Either way, you'll fit right in throughout Des Moines' shopping and dining districts. Des Moines has enough dining options to devote an entire day to eating (hey, we won't judge you). But if you want to break up your meals, there's a lengthy shopping list of must-visit stores in Des Moines.
Find Your Fun in Des Moines
Ready to Dive into Des Moines?
If you're thinking of buying a home in or relocating to the Des Moines area, then it's time to contact VIA Group Realtors! We want to help you explore the area, discover its fun and unique communities, and find the perfect home for your personalized needs!