Des Moines Art Center

Join us for the opening celebration of <a href="https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/let-us-gather-in-a-flourishing-way/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">“Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way: Contemporary Latinx Painting”</a> in the Anna K. Meredith Gallery. Inspired by a 2008 poem of the same name by former US Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera, “Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way” celebrates the vision and creativity of Latinx painters. Organized by the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, the exhibition showcases 58 artists who actively enrich the landscape of contemporary painting, introducing new approaches to form, materials, and subject matter.
Bring family and friends to be the first to view the artwork, and kick off the evening with complimentary lite bites from Lara’s Bakery &amp; Market. Drinks available for purchase at a cashless bar (credit and debit cards only), plus the bar features a specialty ‘Harvest Margarita’ cocktail. Music by DJ Lizz with Latino Events Entertainment. Remarks from Kelly Baum, John and Mary Pappajohn Director and CEO, will take place at 6 pm.Lilian Martinez (American, born 1986) Garden Club, 2024 Acrylic on canvas Gift of Pamela and David Hornik, 2025 2025:9

Local Event: Exhibition Opening Celebration: “Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way: Contemporary Latinx Painting”

Polk County

Des Moines

Iowa

Exhibition Opening Celebration: “Let Us Gather...

Join us for the opening celebration of “Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way: Contemporary Latinx Painting” in the Anna K....

Exhibition Opening Celebration: “Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way: Contemporary Latinx Painting”

Smash Park Des Moines

Registration Fee: $10.00 Fri, Oct 23, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm The spelling bee you remember from school just got a lot more fun! We’re mixing increasingly difficult words with liquid courage to find out who can actually spell when the pressure is on and the drinks are flowing. 📆 When: Friday, Oct 23rd at 7 PM 🎟️ Participation: $10/person (21+ - includes a drink ticket) | Free to watch, cheer, and heckle 🏆 Bragging rights &amp; prizes for our top spellers!

Local Event: Adult Spelling Bee

Adult Spelling Bee

Registration Fee: $10.00 Fri, Oct 23, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm The spelling bee you remember from school just got a lot more fun!...

Terra Park

Come hear Chris Jones, candidate for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, talk about solutions to Iowa's water problems!&nbsp;Joining Chris will be Iowa House Rep. Larry McBurney &amp; Candidate for Iowa House Jill Alesch.
Starts at Noon and goes until 1:30pm.Bring the whole family. The shelter is adjacent to trails, a wonderful playground, and Terra Lake has great fishing. A light lunch will be provided. Depending on attendance the seating could be limited so bring a lawn chair. This is a open air shelter so dress appropriately.
Hosted by the Johnston Area Democrats For Additional Information Email: contact@johnstonareadems.org

Local Event: Discuss Iowa's Water Problems with Chris Jones, candidate for Secretary of Agriculture, Iowa

Johnston

Discuss Iowa's Water Problems with Chris Jones,...

Come hear Chris Jones, candidate for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, talk about solutions to Iowa's water problems! Joining...

Discuss Iowa's Water Problems with Chris Jones, candidate for Secretary of Agriculture, Iowa

Paws and Pints 6218 Willowmere Drive Des Moines, IA 50321

Trick or Treat with Your Pup! 🎃 Sunday, October 25 | 12–4 PM
It’s time for a Spooktacular Sunday at Paws &amp; Pints! 👻 Bring your pup, break out their best costume and join us for one of our favorite annual Halloween traditions.
From trick-or-treating to costume contests, we’re making Halloween extra fun for the whole pack!
What to Expect:
🏆 Costume Contest at 2:30PM Enter day-of for just $10, with proceeds benefiting a local rescue. Show off your pup’s best look for a chance to win prizes, including a ONE-YEAR MEMBERSHIP, gift cards and more!
🍬 Trick-or-Treat Stations Grab your pup and make your way around the park for festive treats and surprises.
📸 Halloween Photo Booth Capture your pup in all their spooky, silly and adorable outfits.
🐶 FREE Day Passes for Pups in Costume Come dressed to impress and your pup gets to play for free!
🎃 And More Festive Fun! Costumes, dogs, treats and Halloween fun all afternoon long.
Mark your calendars, start planning those costumes and bring your whole pack for a Halloween celebration you won’t want to miss!
New to Paws &amp; Pints? Prep your pup for their first visit: 🐶Bring your government issued ID for check-in 🐶Download the Paws &amp; Pints mobile app: <a href="https://pawsandpints.app.link/app" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">pawsandpints.app.link/app</a> 🐶Create an account 🐶Build your dog’s profile Upload proof of Bordetella, Distemper, Parvo and Rabies vaccinations* *Proof of vaccines must come from a certified veterinarian and is required for all dogs to enjoy Paws &amp; Pints<a href="https://eventvesta.com/events/163645/t/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">View Tickets &amp; More Info</a>

Local Event: Trick or Treat with Your Pup!

Trick or Treat with Your Pup!

Trick or Treat with Your Pup! 🎃 Sunday, October 25 | 12–4 PM
It’s time for a Spooktacular Sunday at Paws & Pints! 👻 Bring your...

Join the Des Moines Art Center for an invigorating discussion about the traveling exhibition organized by the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, “Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way: Contemporary Latinx Painting,” which is on view at the Art Center from October 24, 2026, through January 24, 2027. Inspired by a 2008 poem of the same name by former US Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera, “Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way” celebrates the vision and creativity of Latinx painters. It showcases 58 artists who actively enrich the landscape of contemporary painting, introducing new approaches to form, materials, and subject matter.
 Dr. Andrea Alvarez, curator of the exhibition, will provide insight into the premise of the show and introduce us to three of the featured artists: Danielle De Jesus, Justin Favela, and Patrick Martinez.
Danielle De Jesus is a Nuyorican painter and photographer born and raised in Bushwick, Brooklyn, whose woks tell the story of growing up in New York City amid gentrification and displacement. De Jesus’s background is in photography, and she utilizes her images of people native to Bushwick as a reference to tell the story of the community’s displaced residents.
Justin Favela is based in Las Vegas and is known for large-scale installations and sculpture that manifest his interactions with American pop culture and the queer Latinx experience. Favela explores traditional Mexican and Latin American craft — specifically cartoneria (a traditional Mexican folk art form that involves three-dimensional objects using papier-mâché and cardboard) — and his interest in art history, community, celebration, and home inform a practice intent on dismantling institutional hierarchies. Visitors may remember Favela from his 2021 exhibition at the Art Center, “Central American.”
Patrick Martinez maintains a diverse practice that includes mixed-media landscape paintings, neon signs pieces, cake paintings, and his Pee Chee series of appropriative works. His landscape paintings composed of Los Angeles surfaces — distressed stucco, spray paint, window security bars, vinyl signage, ceramic tile, and neon sign elements — evoke place and socioeconomic positions, unearth sites of personal and cultural loss. He lives and works in Los Angeles.
Free; registration required.
Image (left to right): Andrea Alvarez, curator of the exhibition, Patrick Martinez (artist), Justin Favela (artist), and Danielle De Jesus (artist).

Local Event: “Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way” Curator and Artist Discussion

“Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way” Curator...

Join the Des Moines Art Center for an invigorating discussion about the traveling exhibition organized by the Buffalo AKG Art...

“Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way” Curator and Artist Discussion

Des Moines Y Camp 1192 166th Dr Boone, Ia

Join us for our first Fall Camp ReFresh - Our Fall session is for adults only - and is leaning in to longer games, chiller vibes and spooky (but not scary) fun!
 Tickets are ALL INCLUSIVE - so you can leave you wallet in the car all weekend, and just play all weekend. With play to win games provided by Dungeons Gate, you'll even have a chance to go home with some great games!
Full details are available on CampReFresh.com, and grab your tickets at the link!This event runs on all days from&nbsp;Oct 30, 2026 to&nbsp;Nov 1, 2026.Time :12:00pm to&nbsp;3:00pm Timezone: Central Time (US &amp; Canada)<a href="https://eventvesta.com/events/149544/t/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">View Tickets &amp; More Info</a>

Local Event: Camp ReFresh Fall

Camp ReFresh Fall

Join us for our first Fall Camp ReFresh - Our Fall session is for adults only - and is leaning in to longer games, chiller...

IT'S TIME TO HOWL &amp; GLOW! 👻✨
We're kicking off Halloween weekend with a Howl-oween Glow Foam Party on Friday, October 30th from 6–9PM!
Expect glowing foam in the park, DJ Brad bringing the vibes, glow drink features, tarot card readings and more spooky fun all night long. 🔮
And don't worry about the post-party cleanup, exit baths will be available for pups who want to leave the foam behind!
Costumes are encouraged but not required, so bring your pup, grab your friends and get ready to howl, glow and celebrate Halloween weekend at Paws &amp; Pints! 🎃
New to Paws &amp; Pints? Prep your pup for their first visit: 🐶Bring your government issued ID for check-in 🐶Download the Paws &amp; Pints mobile app: <a href="https://pawsandpints.app.link/app" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">pawsandpints.app.link/app</a> 🐶Create an account 🐶Build your dog’s profile Upload proof of Bordetella, Distemper, Parvo and Rabies vaccinations*
*Proof of vaccines must come from a certified veterinarian and is required for all dogs to enjoy Paws &amp; Pints<a href="https://eventvesta.com/events/165072/t/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">View Tickets &amp; More Info</a>

Local Event: Howl-oween Glow Foam Party

Howl-oween Glow Foam Party

IT'S TIME TO HOWL & GLOW! 👻✨
We're kicking off Halloween weekend with a Howl-oween Glow Foam Party on Friday, October 30th from...

Scottish Rite Consistory

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Des Moines

Local Event: Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen...

Registration Fee: $35.00
Fri, Oct 30, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Pickleball is better in costume. Hit the courts for a night of dinks, drinks, and bragging rights! 3 games guaranteed, costumes required, and prizes up for grabs both on and off the court.
📅 Date: Friday, Oct 30th at 7 PM 🎟️ Admission: $35/team (Mixed Doubles, 3.0-4.0, 21+) - Includes 2 drink tickets! 🏆 Gift Card Prizes: 1st: $40 | 2nd: $20 | Best Team Costume: $40 | Best Individual Costume: $20 📍 Location: Indoor Pickleball Courts 1-3<a href="https://eventvesta.com/events/168529/t/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">View Tickets &amp; More Info</a>

Local Event: Halloween Costume Pickleball Tournament

Halloween Costume Pickleball Tournament

Registration Fee: $35.00
Fri, Oct 30, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Pickleball is better in costume. Hit the courts for a night of dinks,...

Local Event: Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween...

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics

Smash Park Des Moines 6625 Coachlight Dr West Des Moines, IA 50266

Registration Fee: FREE
Sat, Oct 31, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Before the neighborhood trick-or-treating begins, bring the family out for a special Spooky edition of Brunch Bingo on Saturday, Oct 31st! Throw on your costumes, grab a table with the whole fam, and play free bingo for awesome Halloween themed prizes.
Kids in costume get a free $10 arcade card and a bag of candy!
No registration required! See you at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 31st!<a href="https://eventvesta.com/events/168533/t/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">View Tickets &amp; More Info</a>

Local Event: Spooky Brunch Bingo

Spooky Brunch Bingo

Registration Fee: FREE
Sat, Oct 31, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Before the neighborhood trick-or-treating begins, bring the family out...

Hessen Haus

Haunt the bars in Des Moines with us at our Halloween Bar Crawl on Oct. 31st - don’t ghost us!
🎃 Get Spooky With US This Halloween! 🎃
Round up your boo crew, show off your costumes, and prepare for a night of creepy cocktails, chills, and unforgettable bar-hopping fun! 👻🍹
Click ✅ GOING ✅ On The Facebook Event ⬇️ So You Don't Miss Updates
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1548008182915151" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">facebook.com/events/1548008182915151</a>

Here's What You Get:
👽 Join a Spine-Chilling Crowd of Spooky Crawlers!
🍹 2-3 Drinks or Shots Included With Ticket Purchase
🚫 No Cover At All Bars, Mid Party, &amp; After Party
📸 Professional Photographers
🥤 Crawl With US Stadium Party Cup and Bottle Opener Lanyard
🍻 Exclusive Drink Specials
🍔 Food Specials at Select Venues
🔥 Awesome After Party
📛 Custom Halloween Bar Crawl Badge With Vouchers
🗺️ Access To Our Des Moines Pub Crawl Map
🚨 Get tickets NOW before prices go up! 🚨
_______________________________________
Get ready to celebrate Halloween like never before! On October 31st, join us for a spooktacular bar crawl featuring creepy cocktails, outrageous costumes, and an electrifying atmosphere. We’re making our way through Des Moines’s top bars with exclusive drink deals, Halloween-themed entertainment, and surprises lurking around every corner.
Grab your friends and throw on your most hilarious, horrifying, or out-of-this-world outfits—because this night is all about bold looks and big scares. Each stop on the crawl will bring a new vibe, from bone-rattling beats to ghoulishly good drinks.
Whether you're dressed as a vampire, villain, or just out to vibe, this is the place to be for Halloween night. Des Moines is turning up the fright and fun — and you won’t want to miss a moment. 🎃👻
_______________________________________
🚨For all the latest venue information, special offers, event details, and ticket purchases, be sure to visit our website! It's your one-stop shop for everything you need to know. ⬇️
<a href="https://www.crawlwith.us/desmoines/halloween" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">crawlwith.us/desmoines/halloween</a>

🎃 CHECK IN 4PM - 6PM 🎃
🎃 CRAWL LOCATIONS 4PM - 10PM 🎃
🎃 MID PARTY 7PM - 9PM 🎃
🎃 AFTER PARTY 9PM - 11PM 🎃
_______________________________________
100% CANCELLATION REFUND GUARANTEE:
👌If the event is cancelled for any reason, all tickets will be refunded in full! No vouchers, no credits, just your money back in your bank! Guaranteed!
_______________________________________
✔️ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ✔️
<a href="https://www.crawlwith.us/faq" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">crawlwith.us/faq</a>
_______________________________________
🚫 DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE 🚫
We Highly Suggest Using Uber or Lyft To And From The Bar Crawl!
_______________________________________
㉑ ATTENDEES MUST BE 21+ ㉑
Due to the nature of our events, all attendees must be 21+ with a valid government issued ID.<a href="https://eventvesta.com/events/154126/t/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">View Tickets &amp; More Info</a>

Local Event: The Halloween Bar Crawl - Des Moines

The Halloween Bar Crawl - Des Moines

Haunt the bars in Des Moines with us at our Halloween Bar Crawl on Oct. 31st - don’t ghost us!
🎃 Get Spooky With US This...

Join us for the 26th annual Día de los Muertos at the Des Moines Art Center—our largest community celebration of the year. Rooted in Mexican tradition, Día de los Muertos is a time to gather in remembrance, honoring loved ones who have died through joy, ritual, storytelling, food, art, and shared celebration. The Art Center is pleased to help create space for this meaningful community tradition each year.
This year’s theme centers on civil rights, inspired by the phrase ¡Sí Se Puede! (“Yes, we can”), created by Dolores Huerta for the United Farm Workers movement. Together, we honor the people and collective efforts that have strengthened Latino communities in Iowa and across the United States, while reflecting on the power of gathering, shared purpose, and community care.
Visitors will enjoy live music and dance performances, food and art vendors, hands-on art activities, a festive Catrina photo opportunity, a community ofrenda, and a short documentary film featuring this year’s honoree, Felicia Timotea Leon Mullin. Free hot cocoa and samples of pan de muerto will be available while supplies last, and a complimentary shuttle will run from Merrill Middle School for easy parking.
Inspired in part by the Art Center’s current exhibition<a href="https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/let-us-gather-in-a-flourishing-way/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> “Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way: Contemporary Latinx Painting,”</a> this year’s event reflects gathering, belonging, and the ways communities care for one another. In partnership with Progress Iowa and other community organizations, we’ll also recognize local leadership and the collective work of building stronger communities.
At its heart, Día de los Muertos at the Art Center is about community. It’s a space where art, culture, memory, and shared tradition bring people together. The Des Moines Art Center is proud to be a welcoming and inspiring cultural space for all.
Take advantage of easy parking and a free shuttle from Merrill Middle School, running continuously from 11 am to 3 pm.
Schedule of Events: 11:15 – 11:30 am Bilingual Storytime| Levitt Auditorium 11:30 am&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mariachilosaguilares.aguilar/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mariachi Los Aguilares&nbsp;</a>| Processional to begin in the Macomber Lobby 12 – 1 pm&nbsp;Honoree Film Screening + KonKultura Dance Performance | Levitt Auditorium&nbsp; 12:30 – 1 pm Music: <a href="https://www.cultureall.org/ambassadors/carlos-chacon" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Carlos Chacon</a> | Upper Parking Lot 12:30 – 2:30 pm Catrina Photobooth | Upper Parking Lot 1:30 – 2 pm&nbsp;Music: <a href="https://www.officiallani.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Lani Ecclatt</a> | Upper Parking Lot 2 – 3 pm&nbsp;Repeat Film Screening + KonKultura Dance Performance | Levitt Auditorium

Local Event: Day of the Dead 2026: ¡Sí Se Puede!

Day of the Dead 2026: ¡Sí Se Puede!

Join us for the 26th annual Día de los Muertos at the Des Moines Art Center—our largest community celebration of the year....

An Intimate five-course beer pairing dinner with Chef Jacob and Barn Town Brewing. Two exclusive beers making their debut at this dinner with one of them being made exclusively for this event only.

Local Event: Barn Town Brewing Beer Pairing Dinner with Rollins Mansion 

Barn Town Brewing Beer Pairing Dinner with...

An Intimate five-course beer pairing dinner with Chef Jacob and Barn Town Brewing. Two exclusive beers making their debut at...

Barn Town Brewing Beer Pairing Dinner with Rollins Mansion 

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Des Moines<a href="https://eventvesta.com/events/166657/t/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">View Tickets &amp; More Info</a>

Local Event: Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer

Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Des Moines<a href="https://eventvesta.com/events/162930/t/tickets" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">View Tickets &amp;&nbsp;More Info</a>

Local Event: Candlelight: From Classical to Pop

Candlelight: From Classical to Pop

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Des Moines<a href="https://eventvesta.com/events/161905/t/tickets" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">View Tickets</a> &amp; More info

Local Event: Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles

Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles

Paws & Pints

Paw-liday Market Sip &amp; Shop at Paws &amp; Pints 🐾🎄 Saturday, November 21 | 4–8 PM
Get into the holiday spirit and join us for our annual Paw-liday Market, a festive evening of shopping, sipping and celebrating the season with your favorite four-legged friend!
Our holiday market will feature a variety of local vendors and small businesses offering gifts and goodies for both humans and pups. Think plants, baked goods, home décor, dog accessories, treats and plenty of unique finds that will help you get a jump start on your holiday shopping. 🎁
Bring your shopping list, grab a drink and enjoy a cozy, festive atmosphere while supporting local makers and businesses!
🐶 Bring Your Pup: This is a dog-friendly, leashed event held in our Training Room. 🎟️ FREE Day Passes: All pups attending the event receive a FREE day pass! 🛍️ Shop Local: Discover unique gifts and products from a variety of local vendors. 🎅 Santa Paws Pop-Up Restaurant: Stick around after shopping for dinner and experience our seasonal Santa Paws dining experience!
More vendor announcements and event details coming soon.
Save the date, bring your pup and come shop, sip and celebrate the season with us! 🎄🐾
New to Paws &amp; Pints? Prep your pup for their first visit: 🐶Bring your government issued ID for check-in 🐶Download the Paws &amp; Pints mobile app: <a href="https://pawsandpints.app.link/app" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">pawsandpints.app.link/app</a> 🐶Create an account 🐶Build your dog’s profile Upload proof of Bordetella, Distemper, Parvo and Rabies vaccinations* *Proof of vaccines must come from a certified veterinarian and is required for all dogs to enjoy Paws &amp; Pints<a href="https://eventvesta.com/events/163651/t/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">View Tickets &amp; More Info</a>

Local Event: Paw-liday Market

Paw-liday Market

Paw-liday Market Sip & Shop at Paws & Pints 🐾🎄 Saturday, November 21 | 4–8 PM
Get into the holiday spirit and join us for our...

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Des Moines<a href="https://eventvesta.com/events/161921/t/tickets" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">View Tickets</a> &amp; More Info

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Events and Things to Do in Des Moines, IA

Sunday, October 25

Discuss Iowa's Water Problems with Chris Jones, candidate for Secretary of Agriculture, Iowa

OCT

25

12:00 PM

Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Pkwy, Johnston, IA

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Friday, October 23

Sunday, October 25

Friday, October 30

Saturday, October 31

Sunday, November 1

Thursday, November 12

Friday, November 20

Saturday, November 21

Discuss Iowa's Water Problems with Chris Jones, candidate for Secretary of Agriculture, Iowa