Ringling Bros B&B: The Greatest Show on Earth
Experience the reimagined family spectacle featuring high-flying acrobats, daring feats, and modern circus arts.
familyspectaclelive-show
Things to do in Des Moines, IA
Find current events, restaurants, family activities, and quick getaway ideas in Des Moines, IA. WonderKit curates these picks daily so the page stays useful for both local search and trip planning.
11 hand-picked things to do in Des Moines, IA right now · 5 with confirmed dates
Filter Des Moines, IA by group
A perfect 3 days in Des Moines, IA
A sample plan built from this week's Des Moines, IA picks — the same day-by-day itinerary WonderKit drafts for your group in about a minute.
Day 1
MorningJim Henson's Labyrinth: In Concert 40th Anniversary
Experience the fantasy classic on the big screen with a live band performing David Bowie's iconic score alongside the film.
AfternoonDjango
A vibrant downtown French brasserie known for classic weekend brunch, exceptional raw bar selections, and hearty seasonal comfort plates.
Evening512: The Selena Experience
A high-energy tribute celebrating the timeless music, style, and legacy of the Queen of Tejano music.
Day 2
MorningFall Foliage Walk at Jester Park
Crisp October air makes this lakeside park north of the city prime territory for spotting changing autumn leaves and local wildlife along the shore.
AfternoonProof Restaurant
Creative, globally-inspired American small plates utilizing hyper-local Iowa harvest ingredients in an artistic, sleek setting.
EveningBruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers: Indigo Park Tour
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Bruce Hornsby brings his eclectic mix of pop, bluegrass, and jazz piano to the historic Hoyt Sherman stage.
Day 3
MorningAutumn Conservatory Stroll
Step into the tropical dome to escape the crisp outdoor air, then explore the outdoor garden terraces showcasing late-season blooms and changing foliage.
AfternoonRingling Bros B&B: The Greatest Show on Earth
Experience the reimagined family spectacle featuring high-flying acrobats, daring feats, and modern circus arts.
EveningGirl in a Coma at xBk Live
Catch an intimate live rock performance in the heart of the historic Waveland Park neighborhood venue.
🎪 Happening Today
Events and things to do this Sunday afternoon in Des Moines
512: The Selena Experience
A high-energy tribute celebrating the timeless music, style, and legacy of the Queen of Tejano music.
musictributelive-concert
Plan a trip to Des Moines, IA
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🍂 This Weekend in Des Moines, IA
Live music, outdoor autumn strolls, and cultural happenings
Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers: Indigo Park Tour
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Bruce Hornsby brings his eclectic mix of pop, bluegrass, and jazz piano to the historic Hoyt Sherman stage.
concertlive-musichistoric-venue
Fall Foliage Walk at Jester Park
Crisp October air makes this lakeside park north of the city prime territory for spotting changing autumn leaves and local wildlife along the shore.
outdoorsfall-foliagenature
Girl in a Coma at xBk Live
Catch an intimate live rock performance in the heart of the historic Waveland Park neighborhood venue.
indie-rocklive-musicnightlife
🍳 Eat & Drink
Cozy neighborhood brunch spots and seasonal autumn flavors
Django
A vibrant downtown French brasserie known for classic weekend brunch, exceptional raw bar selections, and hearty seasonal comfort plates.
brunchfrenchcocktails
Proof Restaurant
Creative, globally-inspired American small plates utilizing hyper-local Iowa harvest ingredients in an artistic, sleek setting.
fine-diningfarm-to-tableinnovative
✨ New & Notable
Fresh exhibitions, anniversary screenings, and seasonal happenings
Jim Henson's Labyrinth: In Concert 40th Anniversary
Experience the fantasy classic on the big screen with a live band performing David Bowie's iconic score alongside the film.
filmlive-scoreanniversary
Autumn Conservatory Stroll
Step into the tropical dome to escape the crisp outdoor air, then explore the outdoor garden terraces showcasing late-season blooms and changing foliage.
gardensnatureindoor-outdoor
🚗 Quick Escape
Charming weekend getaways within a short drive of Des Moines
Historic Winterset & The Covered Bridges
Just a 45-minute drive southwest, explore the famous historic covered bridges, browse the courthouse square antique shops, and visit the John Wayne Birthplace Museum.
historicday-tripsmall-town
Dutch Heritage Weekend in Pella
Drive 50 minutes southeast to experience authentic Dutch bakeries, windmills, brick-lined canals, and boutique shopping reminiscent of the Netherlands right in central Iowa.
culturalbakeryday-trip
Frequently asked
What are the best things to do in Des Moines, IA?
Current local highlights in Des Moines, IA include Ringling Bros B&B: The Greatest Show on Earth, 512: The Selena Experience, and Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers: Indigo Park Tour. WonderKit refreshes this guide daily so the picks reflect real local happenings.
What's happening in Des Moines, IA this week?
The sections above show this week's events, weekend plans, and new-and-notable openings in Des Moines, IA, updated daily.
Where do locals eat in Des Moines, IA?
The "Eat & Drink" section above lists restaurants and food spots locals are recommending in Des Moines, IA right now.
Plan a trip to Des Moines, IA
Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Des Moines, IA trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.
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