TLC & Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue
Legendary hip-hop and R&B icons take over the grandstand for an unforgettable night of classic 90s anthems at the fair.
concertlive-musicfair
Things to do in Des Moines, IA with friends
What's on in Des Moines, IA this week — the spots locals are packing, buzzy restaurants, and weekend plans worth texting the group chat about.
11 hand-picked things to do in Des Moines, IA right now · 6 with confirmed dates
How we pick spots for a group
- Buzzy, higher-energy rooms that take a crowd
- What's on right now over evergreen tourist stops
- Bookable tables and shared plates a group can split
🎉 Happening Today
Events and things to do tonight in Des Moines
Best of the Worst
Live at xBk Live.
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🍽️ Eat & Drink
Buzzy spots, seasonal menus, and local favorites
Proof
An inventive globally-inspired menu featuring hyper-seasonal local ingredients, tucked into a sophisticated space in downtown Des Moines.
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El Patio
A historic staple serving legendary cheese dip and classic Mexican comfort plates in a lively, vibrant atmosphere.
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🎡 This Weekend in Des Moines, IA
Top picks for the upcoming weekend around town
Sail On - The Beach Boys Tribute
Transport yourself back to the golden era of surf rock with faithful, high-energy renditions of classic Beach Boys hits.
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BigXThaPlug at Iowa State Fair
Catch high-energy performances at the state fair grandstand as the weekend ramps up with major touring acts.
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Extreme Dwarfanator Wrestling
An action-packed, high-flying sports entertainment spectacle hosted at Des Moines' premier indoor-outdoor entertainment hub.
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✨ New & Notable
Limited-time experiences and cultural highlights
Maria Bamford at Hoyt Sherman Place
Spend an evening of sharply observed, inventive stand-up comedy inside the historic and acoustically pristine Hoyt Sherman theater.
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Des Moines Art Center Summer Galleries
Beat the midday August heat by wandering through world-class modern and contemporary collections housed in a stunning multi-architect building.
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🚗 Quick Escape
Weekend road trips within a 2-3 hour drive
Okoboji Lake Weekend Getaway
Head northwest for a classic lakeside escape featuring sandy beaches, historic amusement park rides at Arnold's Park, and waterfront dining.
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Historic Galena Exploration
Drive east across the Mississippi to discover 19th-century architecture, independent boutiques, hillside wineries, and rolling scenic bluffs.
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Frequently asked
What are the best things to do in Des Moines, IA with friends?
Group-friendly highlights in Des Moines, IA right now include TLC & Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue, Best of the Worst, and Sail On - The Beach Boys Tribute. WonderKit updates this guide daily so plans stay current.
Where do locals go out in Des Moines, IA?
The "Eat & Drink" section above lists buzzy restaurants and bars in Des Moines, IA — the spots locals are actually packing this week.
Where's the best nightlife in Des Moines, IA?
Check the sections above for current events, buzzy bars, and weekend plans in Des Moines, IA worth texting the group chat about.
Plan a friends 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.