A Week Full of Can’t-Miss Events in Downtown Des Moines: Nov. 1-7

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is buzzing with excitement and fun events throughout the entire week! Kick off the weekend with First Friday at Mainframe Studios, where you can explore local art, enjoy live music and join in creative activities. For a cozy morning with the kiddos, don’t miss Coffee Date Storytime at Storyhouse Bookpub. Feeling nostalgic? Head to the Totally Rad Vintage Fest for all things retro. Sports fans can catch the action with Iowa Wild home games at Wells Fargo Arena, while theater lovers can enjoy a vibrant performance at the Des Moines Civic Center. Plus, November marks the start of Native American Heritage Month, a perfect time to honor and explore Indigenous culture in the heart of Downtown DSM. Mark your calendar for these events and more:

First Friday

Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 | Mainframe Studios
Explore 180 artist studios at Mainframe Studios’ First Friday event, showcasing a variety of unique and diverse creative works. Enjoy live music from the Central Iowa Blues Society on each floor and participate in a fun art activity led by local artist Siricasso. Treat yourself to delicious food and drinks as you stroll through the curated gallery spaces featuring stunning artwork from Mainframe’s featured artists. Stick around for the after-party from 8-9 p.m., with live performances by the Central Iowa Blues Society and the unveiling of the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame Exhibit! This evening of creativity, community and celebration promises to be an unforgettable experience in Downtown DSM.
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Coffee Date Storytimes

Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 | Storyhouse Bookpub
Looking for a fun, relaxing way to kick off your Friday mornings? Join the Coffee Date Storytimes at Storyhouse Bookpub every Friday at 10:30 a.m.! Start your morning at 10 a.m. with a stop at Daisy Chain Coffee for $1 off your coffee and a free honey stick for the kiddos. Then, head to Storyhouse where Tiffany, Storyhouse’s children’s coordinator, leads a delightful story time, complete with stories, sing-alongs and motor skill activities for little ones (ideal for ages 0-3). Grownups can enjoy a relaxing chat or browse the bookstore. The fun continues at Raygun, where kids can make art and play in “Tiny Raygun.” It’s the perfect playdate for both kids and parents! Don’t forget to invite your caregiver pals for this cozy, community-building event!
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Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 | Des Moines Civic Center
Get ready for a fun-filled, heartwarming adventure with “Leonardo, the Terrible Monster!” Leonardo desperately wants to be scary, but he just isn’t. That is, until he finds Sam, the most scaredy-cat kid in the world — his perfect target, or so he thinks! But as the two meet even more scaredy-cats like Kerry and her monster friend Frankenthaler, an unexpected friendship might just bloom. This unique production brings Mo Willems’ beloved books to life with hundreds of illustrated paper puppets, two-dimensional props and furry monsters, too. Manual Cinema’s imaginative production style invites you to enjoy the show like a movie on the big screen or watch as the artists create the magic in real time. Join the free discovery party one hour prior to the show for activities, demonstrations and related music. Don’t miss this fun, creative, vibrant and kid-friendly performance in Downtown DSM!
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If you’re looking for more family-friendly activities to enjoy with your kiddos, we think you might be interested in Kindermusik at Hoyt Sherman Place on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Explore music through instruments, singing, movement and play in this fun and engaging class!

Totally Rad Vintage Fest

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 | Iowa Events Center
Step into a time warp and get ready for Totally Rad Vintage Fest this Saturday at the Iowa Events Center! Celebrate all things retro with vendors offering iconic clothing and accessories from the 80s, 90s and Y2K eras, plus vintage records, toys, video games and more. Relive the golden age of gaming at the Free-Play Vintage Arcade or explore the Rad Rewind Museum, filled with nostalgic relics from decades past. Strike a pose at the throwback photo ops and capture those sweet memories! Whether you’re a vintage enthusiast or just want to relive the glory days, grab your tickets now and get ready for a totally tubular experience!
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Iowa Wild Games

Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 2-3 & Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 | Wells Fargo Arena
Head to an Iowa Wild game this week with three exciting home games to choose from! Experience the high-energy action and cheer on the team as they hit the ice. Check out game details and exciting promotions:

• Saturday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m.: Iowa Wild vs. San Jose Barracudas
  • Hockey & Hops Night presented by Niece Trucking
  • 2-for-1 Confluence beers until puck drop
  • Coca-Cola Local Concert Series, featuring Jager and the Polkameisters
• Sunday, Nov. 3 at 3 p.m.: Iowa Wild vs. San Jose Barracudas
  • Pucks ‘N’ Paws presented by Dog Training Elite
  • Bring your pup to the game dressed up in costume for “HOWL-ween!” You must fill out a waiver for your dog to attend.
  • First 400 dogs receive a collapsible bowl giveaway item
  • Post-game skate following the match
• Thursday, Nov. 7 at 10:30 a.m.: Iowa Wild vs. Grand Rapids Griffins
  • School Day presented by Mid-American Energy Company
  • Workbook giveaway for all students in attendance

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If you’re looking for even more events in Downtown Des Moines this November, check out this list of Free Things to Do.

Additionally, November is Native American Heritage Month and the perfect time to honor the rich history, culture and achievements of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and affiliated island communities. Explore these ways to experience Indigenous heritage in Downtown Des Moines.

For this week’s events and more, find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For additional events coming up in Downtown DSM, visit the events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for even more things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.