Exciting Lineup of Can’t-Miss Events in Downtown Des Moines: Nov. 8-14

This week in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) the events calendar is packed with an exciting lineup! From cozy gatherings and unique themed bike rides to a season-opening basketball game, there’s so many ways to experience and explore Downtown DSM. Whether you’re in the mood for live music with a holiday twist, warming up with some Japanese sake, cheering on the Iowa Wolves as they tip-off their season or pedaling through town in your best tweed style, Downtown has you covered. Grab your friends, layer up for the season and dive into the fantastic events happening in Downtown Des Moines this week!

Sake Event: Night at Izakaya

Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 | River Center
Warm up this week with JASI’s Night at Izakaya in Downtown DSM! Step into a lively yokocho (alleyway) filled with the warmth of Japanese culture, sake and mouthwatering street food. Enjoy sizzling yakitori, thrilling Taiko drumming and even a silent auction with treasures waiting to be discovered. Support the Japan America Society of Iowa while experiencing a true cultural journey. General Admission tickets are $85 and include authentic street food and sake tastings. The VIP Experience adds an exclusive sushi-making session with a master chef for $125. Get ready for an unforgettable night celebrating Japanese culture in Downtown DSM! Read more about the upcoming event here.
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Iowa Wolves Season Opening Weekend

Friday, Nov. 8 – Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 | Wells Fargo Arena
Get ready to tip off the Iowa Wolves season this week at Wells Fargo Arena as they face off against the Wisconsin Herd Friday and Sioux Falls Skyforce Saturday! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the game starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday night is the opener for the season, and you’ll want to get there early because MidAmerican Energy is giving away Wolves-branded clear crossbody bags to the first 1,500 fans through the doors. It’s a great weekend to rally behind the team, enjoy high-energy basketball and kick off the season with a crowd full of Iowa Wolves pride. Gather your friends and family for a thrilling time in Downtown DSM full of hoops and hometown spirit!
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Faces in the Crowd Art Exhibit + Opening Reception

Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 | Historic Fitch Building
The “Faces in the Crowd” art exhibit and opening reception at the historic Fitch Building in Downtown DSM brings together an extraordinary collection of self-taught and visionary artists from across the United States, Canada and the U.K. For the first time, the FolkArtwork Collective artists unite in person, showcasing pieces that span Los Angeles to New York, Iowa, Canada and even London. Featuring exclusive displays of local talent and the late James Ash’s works, this exhibit kicks off with a lively opening reception this Saturday. Although the opening reception is Saturday, Nov. 9, the full art exhibit will continue through Nov. 30. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to view, and even purchase, incredible artwork in person or online through FolkArtwork.art.
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Des Moines Tweed Ride

Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 | Royal Mile
Grab your helmet, saddle up and get ready for a unique biking experience with the Des Moines Tweed Ride! Dust off your best tweed or wool outfit, grab your coolest bike — whether it’s a cruiser, fixie or custom creation — and join in for a day of fun and camaraderie on two wheels. Enjoy delicious food and beer along the way, all while supporting an amazing cause! Proceeds benefit the Puppy Jake Foundation, helping to train and place support dogs with deserving American veterans. Don’t miss this chance to ride, connect and make a difference! And you’ll look dapper doing it! P.S. - Looking for more info? We’ve got a blog you should read!
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A Motown Christmas

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Get into the early holiday spirit with A Motown Christmas, a festive concert featuring an incredible vocal group made up of past and present members of Motown’s legendary acts, like Ali Woodson’s Temptations, The Miracles and The Contours. Combining Motown’s greatest hits with everyone’s favorite holiday classics, this family-friendly show brings dazzling choreography, unforgettable harmonies and that soulful Motown style to life. Don’t miss this chance to sing, dance and share in the magic of Motown with your loved ones for an evening of timeless holiday joy! It’s never too early to get into this holiday spirit!
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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.

For this week’s exciting 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.