Indoor Events in Downtown Des Moines are Heating Up as the Weather Cools Down

As the weather turns cooler, things are heating up at Downtown Des Moines’ (DSM’s) attractions and event spaces. This fall, look to these indoor venues for epic live theater, music, entertainment, recreation, sports action and hands-on classes, too!

Hands-On Learning

• Central Library: The Library offers tons of programming for all ages and stages: writers’ workshops, toddler stories and songs, 3D printing basics, crafting sessions … the possibilities are (nearly) endless.
• Cooking with Alessandra: Hailing from Italy, Chef Alessandra will walk you step-by-step through how to cook delectable dishes. This is a great outing for a group of friends or a romantic date night for a couple.
• Kitchen Collage: Enjoy live chef presentations and taste the delicious results! Plus, catch product demonstrations to see top kitchen tools in action.
• Mainframe Studios: There are so many art classes to choose from, and each one is tailored to adults or children based on age. This is a great space for indoor creativity!
• Science Center of Iowa: Storytime under the stars, feeding snapping turtles, watching WHO-HD Channel 13’s Live Weather Forecast and more! There’s always something special happening at SCI. 

Music + Entertainment

• Des Moines Performing Arts: Fall is for the stage! A few of the shows happening in October include Back to the Future, Grupo Bella, Peter and the Star Catcher, Sesame Street Live! and The Second City’s 65th Anniversary Tour. Also, check out Des Moines Symphony’s Lewis Plays Brahms at the Civic Center. 
• Noce Des Moines: Catch a live jazz performance in Downtown DSM, with evening shows happening Wednesday through Saturday each week. Don’t miss the monthly Latin Night with band, Son Peruchos!

Nature, Recreation + Sports

• Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: Although the weather outside is getting cooler, the tropical conservatory at the Botanical Garden stays nice and warm! Find so many events to choose from this fall, like monthly Zumba, a Scary Succulents planting class, pumpkin crafting, a Halloween Happy Hour and more. 
• Wellmark YMCA: Lap swim, pickleball and basketball — oh my! The Wellmark YMCA in Downtown DSM is abuzz with indoor events this fall. Not a member? No problem! Community members can purchase a visitor day pass on-location.
• Wells Fargo Arena: The Iowa Wild return to hockey action this October, followed by Iowa Wolves arena basketball kicking off in November. A robust concert and entertainment schedule is also available for the Iowa Events Center here.

If you’re looking for more fun and exciting happenings around Downtown DSM, check out this roundup of Things to Do During Spooky Season! And if you’re looking for some fall flavors to sip and savor, don’t miss these fall flavored beers and cocktails, or this list of delicious autumn coffee and tea drinks.

Make it one epic autumn in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) by exploring, experiencing and enjoying what Downtown DSM has to offer. Plan your visit to Downtown DSM with these tips for parking and navigation and discover additional restaurants and nightlife, too!