# Things to Do in Des Moines, IA with Friends \| WonderKit

Things to do in Des Moines, IA with friends — what's on this week, buzzy bars, group-friendly restaurants. Updated daily.

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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.

## Happening Today

Events and things to do this Sunday afternoon in Des Moines

### Ringling Bros B&B: The Greatest Show on Earth
Experience the reimagined family spectacle featuring high-flying acrobats, daring feats, and modern circus arts.
- Venue: Casey's Center
- Location: Downtown, Des Moines
- Date: 2026-10-04 1:00 PM
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Families with kids
- Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/Z7r9jZ1A7x37K

### 512: The Selena Experience
A high-energy tribute celebrating the timeless music, style, and legacy of the Queen of Tejano music.
- Venue: The Ingersoll
- Location: Ingersoll Grand, Des Moines
- Date: 2026-10-04 1:00 PM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Music lovers
- Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/512-the-selena-experience-des-moines-iowa-10-04-2026/event/06006470D71D371A

## 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.
- Venue: Hoyt Sherman Place
- Location: Sherman Hill, Des Moines
- Date: 2026-10-05 7:30 PM
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Music enthusiasts
- Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/bruce-hornsby-the-noisemakers-indigo-park-des-moines-iowa-10-05-2026/event/0600645AE1DBE7BE

### 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.
- Location: Granger \(Des Moines metro\)
- Cost: $
- Best for: Nature lovers
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Fall%20Foliage%20Walk%20at%20Jester%20Park%20Granger%20(Des%20Moines%20metro)

### Girl in a Coma at xBk Live
Catch an intimate live rock performance in the heart of the historic Waveland Park neighborhood venue.
- Venue: xBk Live
- Location: Waveland Park, Des Moines
- Date: 2026-10-05 7:00 PM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Live music fans
- Link: https://www.eventim.com/obj/media/US-eventim/teaser/us1/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcm9kLXNpaC5zZWV0aWNrZXRzdXNhLnVzIiwia2V5IjoiMTcxZDlhZWMtMzExMC00MGRjLWJkMTgtZWVlNTlkNmQ2MjdlIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo2MDB9LCJqcGVnIjp7InF1YWxpdHkiOjYwfSwicG5nIjp7ImNvbXByZXNzaW9uTGV2ZWwiOjksInF1YWxpdHkiOjYwfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2MH19fQ==

## 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.
- Location: Downtown, Des Moines
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Brunch seekers
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Django%20Downtown%2C%20Des%20Moines

### Proof Restaurant
Creative, globally-inspired American small plates utilizing hyper-local Iowa harvest ingredients in an artistic, sleek setting.
- Location: Downtown, Des Moines
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Foodies
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Proof%20Restaurant%20Downtown%2C%20Des%20Moines

## 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.
- Venue: Hoyt Sherman Place
- Location: Sherman Hill, Des Moines
- Date: 2026-10-07 7:30 PM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Film and music fans
- Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/b-jim-hensons-labyrinth-in-concert-40th-des-moines-iowa-10-07-2026/event/06006428B1B08926

### 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.
- Location: East Village, Des Moines
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Plant lovers and photographers
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Autumn%20Conservatory%20Stroll%20East%20Village%2C%20Des%20Moines

## 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.
- Location: Winterset, IA \(45 min from Des Moines\)
- Cost: $$
- Best for: History buffs and weekend road-trippers
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Historic%20Winterset%20%26%20The%20Covered%20Bridges%20Winterset%2C%20IA%20(45%20min%20from%20Des%20Moines)

### 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.
- Location: Pella, IA \(50 min from Des Moines\)
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Culture seekers and pastry lovers
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Dutch%20Heritage%20Weekend%20in%20Pella%20Pella%2C%20IA%20(50%20min%20from%20Des%20Moines)

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