Things to do in Des Moines this weekend: Holiday markets,’Star Wars’ hockey,’Shrek’ rave and more
Table of Contents
updated: 11:57 AM CST Nov 15,2025
Unseasonably warm weather sets the stage for a packed weekend across greater Des Moines.From a pop-up Biergarten opening and the Boys & girls Club talent show to Iowa Wild‘s “Star Wars” Night, a “Shrek” rave, drag brunch, roller derby and a candlelit Beatles tribute – plus multiple holiday markets – here’s your guide for Nov. 14-16.
Related video above: Iowa Wild coach Greg Cronin embraces surfing alongside hockey
Friday, Nov.14
* Des moines Biergarten, Water Works Park, des Moines, 5:30 p.m. Friday
With the unseasonably warm days this weekend, the Des Moines Biergarten has decided to open for Friday and Saturday. Hours are 3-6 p.m. Friday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.
* Boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa’s annual club talent show,Scottish Rite Consistory,519 Park St., Des Moines, 5:30 p.m. Friday
Cost: $100 general admission, $50 young professionals admission. Order tickets online.
Join the boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa to celebrate its members’ creativity, dedication and hard work.This event is more than a show; it’s a celebration of the impact the club has on the lives of young people in the community.
Unseasonably warm weather sets the stage for a packed weekend across greater des Moines.
From a pop-up Biergarten opening and the Boys & Girls Club talent show to Iowa Wild’s “Star Wars” Night, a “Shrek” rave, drag brunch, roller derby and a candlelit beatles tribute – plus multiple holiday markets – here’s your guide for Nov. 14-16.
Related video above: Iowa Wild coach Greg Cronin embraces surfing alongside hockey
Friday, Nov. 14
Des Moines Biergarten,Water Works Park,Des Moines
5:30 p.m. Friday
With the unseasonably warm days this weekend, the Des Moines Biergarten has decided to open for Friday and Saturday. Hours are 3-6 p.m. Friday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.
Boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa’s annual club talent show, Scottish Rite Consistory, 519 Park St., Des Moines
5:30 p.m. Friday
Cost: $100 general admission, $50 young professionals admission. https://www.bgcci.org/clubtalentshow
Iowa wild “Star Wars” Night, Wells fargo Arena, 733 Center Parkway, Des Moines
7 p.m. Friday
The Iowa Wild will host a “Star Wars” Night, with special jerseys and appearances by characters from the franchise.
Saturday, Nov. 15
Reiman Gardens Holiday Market, 1407 University Blvd., Ames
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
$7 admission. Kids 10 and under free. Regular admission, free for ISU students and members.
“Shrek” Rave, the Hall, 1111 Grand Ave., Des moines
9 p.m. Saturday
$15-$25. A rave dedicated to the movie “Shrek.”
Des Moines Drag Brunch, xBk Live, 1117 Grand Ave., Des Moines
11 a.m.Saturday
$25. Enjoy brunch and a drag show.
Derby Darlings Roller Derby, Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
6 p.m. Saturday
$15 in advance, $20 at the door.
A Candlelit Tribute to The Beatles, First Christian Church, 1801 20th St., Des Moines
7 p.m. Saturday
$45-$65.
Sunday, Nov. 16
Fairgrounds Holiday Market, Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., des Moines
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
$7 admission. Kids 10 and under free.
Looking ahead
The Kitchen on the Iowa State Fairgrounds is hosting a Christmas Morning Magic cooking class with Chef Andrea Love on dec.11 at 6 p.m. Learn how to prepare delicious make-ahead dishes, including scones (cranberry orange and cinnamon apple), an egg bake, potato sausage, and hot cocoa. Enjoy samples during the class and every participant will take home a jar of hot cocoa mix and a four-pack of take-and-bake scones. The 90-minute class is $55 per person. Space is limited, so register online.
Weekend weather
Friday: Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 72F.Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.
Friday night: Partly cloudy during the evening, followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 53F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.
Saturday: Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High 64F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph.
Saturday night: Mainly clear early, then a few clouds later on. Low 35F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 54F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday night: Partly cloudy skies. Low 36F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
Have a weekend event or favorite place to grab a bite on the weekend? Share it with us by emailing web@kcci.com.
Weekend Events in the Greater Des Moines Area – November 16, 2024
This weekend, November 16-17, 2024, offers a diverse range of activities in and around Des Moines, Iowa. From animal encounters to orchestral performances, there’s something for everyone. here’s a guide to some of the key events happening in the area.
Family-Kind activities
Jester Park Nature Center Animal Encounters
Location: Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger, Iowa
time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024
Cost: Free
Jester Park Nature Center provides a unique opportunity to interact with thier resident ambassador animals.This open house-style program allows visitors to learn about the animals’ roles in education and, potentially, even touch them. It’s a great educational and engaging experience for families and animal lovers. Ambassador animals are those trained to safely interact with the public,helping to educate about their species and conservation efforts.
DSM Gamer Symphony Honor Concert
Location: 7111 NW Aurora Ave., Urbandale, Iowa
Time: 4 p.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024
Cost: Free
The DSM Gamer Symphony is hosting its inaugural Honor Orchestra concert. This event showcases the talent of high school students from the Greater Des Moines area as they perform music inspired by video games, both classic and contemporary. Following the honor orchestra,the regular DSM Gamer Symphony will perform,bringing gaming soundtracks to life. This concert appeals to both music enthusiasts and gamers.
Other Events
While the above events are highlights, numerous other activities are available throughout the weekend. Checking local event listings and community calendars is recommended for a complete overview. Resources like the des Moines Register’s “Things to Do” section and Catch Des Moines provide thorough event details.
Key Takeaways
- Jester Park Animal Encounters: A free, educational experience for families to interact with ambassador animals.
- DSM Gamer Symphony: A free concert featuring high school musicians and the full DSM Gamer Symphony performing video game music.
- Local Resources: Utilize the Des Moines Register and Catch Des Moines websites for a complete list of weekend events.
The greater Des Moines area offers a vibrant weekend scene. By exploring these options and utilizing local resources, residents and visitors can find engaging activities to suit their interests.As the holiday season approaches, expect even more events and festive activities to be added to the calendar.