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 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 · 5 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 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.
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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.
🍳 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.
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Proof Restaurant
Creative, globally-inspired American small plates utilizing hyper-local Iowa harvest ingredients in an artistic, sleek setting.
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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.
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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.
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Girl in a Coma at xBk Live
Catch an intimate live rock performance in the heart of the historic Waveland Park neighborhood venue.
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✨ 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.
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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.
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🚗 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.
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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.
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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 Ringling Bros B&B: The Greatest Show on Earth, 512: The Selena Experience, and Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers: Indigo Park Tour. 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.