This weekend in Polk County, IA

Admission is free and the show welcomes the general public. Because this is a club event rather than a business operation, it may conclude early without notice if turnout is low. Many members travel from out of state and may head out sooner to begin their drive home, so arriving early is recommended to make the most of the visit.

The annual Taste of Norway hosted by the Daughters of Norway Eva Nansen Lodge features baked goods, a cafe, works by local artists and makers, vendors offering everything from books and clothing to soaps, and live music. Admission and parking are free. Enter on the west side of the high school and park on that side.

After months of preparation by dedicated church volunteers, this sale spotlights a wide selection of jams, jellies, and relishes. The marketplace also features crafts, greeting cards, jewelry, candles, books, woodworking pieces, fabrics and fiber items, along with baked goods and other snacks. Every purchase helps fund church ministries and supports local charities.

Support your favorite DMPS school at the 7th annual DMPS Foundation OneRun at Water Works Park. Enjoy a free 2-mile fun run or walk, or cheer on the DMPS community from the sidelines. Registration is free, and each participant selects the DMPS school they want to support. Sponsors provide the funding, and participation helps determine how much each chosen school receives, so every runner, walker, and supporter can make a difference.

Enjoy an indoor community holiday craft market presented by Pleasant Hill Community Farmers Market, where more than 70 local crafters, artisans, bakers, and others come together under one roof. Browse seasonal creations and useful finds for your home, yard, and nutrition needs in one convenient setting. The event is held at Berean Church.

This one-day celebration of local and independent authors invites readers to explore fantasy, science fiction, mystery, horror, and more. Meet the writers behind the stories, purchase books directly from them, and pick up signed copies throughout the event. Browse author merchandise and book-themed goods while discovering fresh characters, new worlds, and unforgettable adventures. Connect with fellow book lovers and show support for independent creators as you search for your next favorite read. Every new world begins with a storyteller.

Hy-Vee Kids Club offers a magic-themed experience at the Pleasant Hill Hy-Vee for young witches, wizards, and other magical creatures. Children can explore potions, make crafts, and enjoy special photo opportunities. The first 100 kids will receive a wand.

Presented by The Garden, the East Village Drag Brunch serves up a lively buffet-style show that has gone viral multiple times. Guests can enjoy a full brunch spread and have the option to add unlimited Mimosas or Bloody Marys, or choose from a cash bar with both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options. The buffet often features sausage, bacon, fresh fruit, warm biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, a savory breakfast casserole, maple infused french toast sticks, and seasoned vegetables prepared vegan. Performers appreciate tips, so bring small bills and cheer loudly to boost the energy. The cast includes Brandonna Dupri Lareese, Cherry Peaks, JV Monroe, Madison Cavalier, and Nolaré Diamond.

A book launch at Twisted Bean Coffee Company in Urbandale features an in-person meet and greet with the author. Attendees can get a book signed and hear more about the story.

Discover a seasonal resale pop-up with handpicked secondhand clothing, home decor, autumn-inspired finds, and fall treats. Browse one-of-a-kind pieces, pick up festive goods, and head home with a new favorite. Vendor booths are available for a flat fee with no commission taken, so sellers keep all proceeds and handle sales in their own way. Buying, selling, and trading options can differ by booth. Enjoy a fall-focused shopping experience from start to finish.

This meeting is open to non-members. Attendees pay for their own meals, and the gathering includes activities involving Rose O'Neill and Kewpies.

Celebrate the Des Moines Breakthrough T1D Hope Gala with an elegant night out that blends a welcoming cocktail hour, a traditional dinner, and standout entertainment. The evening also highlights the gala’s hallmark live and silent auctions, creating multiple ways to contribute to vital research focused on finding a cure. Ticket details will be announced soon.

Trick-or-Treat Night at Outlets of Des Moines offers a festive chance for children to collect candy and give back to the community. Kids 12 and under can visit participating stores to pick up treats, with availability limited on a first come, first served basis. Look for orange bows on exterior door handles to find the stops. Please bring a trick-or-treat bag and a canned food item for the Caring Cauldron, benefiting the Caring Hands Outreach Center to help families in need. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Inappropriate costumes and toy weapons are not permitted. Event details may change without notice.

Hat Trick makes its first appearance at Des Moines Fraternal Order of Eagles 109 with a set of classic favorites. The event is open to the public, welcoming longtime regulars and new faces alike.

Skateland Des Moines hosts a themed skate night dedicated to Michael Jackson, featuring a soundtrack of his greatest hits. Families are welcome, with opportunities to moonwalk and show off smooth moves on the rink. The venue remains open through the afternoon and into the evening, so guests can arrive early or stay later around the highlighted session. The focused block of MJ music spans two hours within the evening schedule.

Beyond Media Entertainment presents an evening of original music at Down Under Bar & Grill with Mad Delirious. This psychedelic funk outfit from Mason City, Iowa blends driving grooves with hazy shoegaze textures and expansive improvisation, shaping a live show that is energetic, immersive, and built for getting lost in the sound.

A lively weekend karaoke night with a friendly crowd and a high-energy vibe. Take the mic, order drinks and something tasty to eat, and soak up the fun atmosphere. The singing can carry on late when there is strong crowd interest.

Admission is free for a country music performance by Royce Johns at the Finish Line Show Lounge. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.

Wooly's and IA Live present Daft Disko, an event for ages 21 and up. Tickets are available online or at the Wooly's box office, where service fees are waived on Fridays.

Celebrate a milestone as the IMT Des Moines Marathon Weekend marks 25 years of running with a nod to its 2002 beginnings. Thousands of runners and supporters come together in the heart of downtown Des Moines for a full slate of races and festivities. The marathon features a scenic, fast course, and there are distances for every level, including a half marathon, 10K, 5K, Marathon Team Relay, and a Free Kids Run. Beyond the finish line, the weekend buzzes with spirited cheer zones, a lively expo, local entertainment, and an energized race day atmosphere that highlights the best of Des Moines.

Round 3 of the Scorched Carpet on-road series blends competitive racing with a paint and graphics concours. Entrants will vote in the concours, and the top paint and graphics entry earns a prize. Racing spans multiple classes, including Tamiya Eurotruck, Losi NASCAR, Break-Out, Fixed-Timing Tub, and Advanced 21.5T Touring Car. The top qualifier in each class receives a five dollar payout. The weekend includes open practice and registration on Saturday, then additional practice on Sunday along with concours voting before racing begins and a registration cutoff ahead of the first heats. This championship is part of a three-race series that uses points-based scoring. The program features two rounds of qualifying, A-mains and lower mains, and two drivers bump up from every lower main.

The annual Spooky Sip N’ Thrift features local vendors, Halloween-inspired drinks, and a full dose of seasonal atmosphere. Costumes are encouraged, and there will be opportunities to enjoy everything Captain Roy’s has to offer. All vendor spots are currently filled.

At the Surety Hotel, Rive Pilates and Resonate Healing offer a two hour immersive session that blends intentional mat Pilates with grounding sound healing. The experience begins with a 45 minute mat flow guided by Rive Pilates, then moves into a one hour sound bath led by Resonate Healing. A curated gift bag is included to support rest and reset. The approach centers on simple, accessible movement and an immersive, harmonic soundscape to encourage reflection, release, and a renewed sense of alignment while supporting the nervous system. Attendance is purposefully limited for a more personal setting. All equipment is provided, and grip socks are recommended. No special preparation is needed. Tickets are released monthly. Price is $65.

Dungeon's Gate hosts casual Commander open play for Magic: The Gathering. Participants bring their own decks and settle in for one or two games. Deck power and experience levels vary, and new players are welcome. This is a free, weekly meetup focused on relaxed, social play.

Create a floral keepsake from a beloved book in a relaxed, beginner-friendly workshop at Fleurs Forever. With step-by-step guidance, you will arrange high quality artificial flowers and greenery within the pages to craft a unique display for your home. Choose soft neutrals, vivid seasonal tones, or a favorite color palette so your piece reflects your style. No prior experience is required, and the session offers a calm, creative pause from everyday routines while you make something to treasure. All materials are provided, including a curated selection of faux blooms and foliage, and you will take home your finished creation. Refreshments may be available. Come on your own or with friends and expect a warm welcome.

Enjoy a playful scavenger hunt throughout the Youth Services Area. Search for 10 themed items around the space, and after finding them all, receive a small prize. Suitable for all ages.

No Coast BJJ in Urbandale is hosting a free open mat that welcomes practitioners from any gym and at every experience level, including those from outside central Iowa. Wear what suits your training style, whether gi, no gi, or a singlet, and expect plenty of live rolling.

The inaugural Heartland Harvest with Heartland Youth Choir offers a family-friendly afternoon of seasonal fun. Admission is free, with an indoor trunk-or-treat, autumn crafts, games, and other activities to enjoy. Look for freshly baked goodies and a family dinner option, plus select food items and additional activities available for purchase. The event celebrates fall and also supports the choir’s singers.

The CJC Big Band spotlights the legacy of Iowa composers and performers with a swinging jazz program. Expect selections connected to figures such as Glenn Miller, Bix Beiderbecke, Meredith Willson and more, presented over a three hour performance. Presented by the Community Jazz Center of Greater Des Moines, the CJC Big Band concerts on the third Sunday of the month are free and open to everyone.

This event takes place at Des Moines Biergarten, a family-friendly popup German-themed beer garden in Water Works Park. The venue serves steins of beer and German-inspired food and is open Wednesday through Sunday from May to October.

A drive-thru fall experience tailored for individuals with autism and other special needs, enjoyed entirely from the comfort of a vehicle. Admission is free. To ensure there are enough goodies for everyone, advance registration is requested.

The 2027 Miss Polk County competition takes the stage at Grand View University’s Viking Theatre in Des Moines. Contestants will compete for scholarships and four tickets to Miss Iowa 2027. A competition guide is available for those planning to participate, and organizers are open to questions.

Tabletop roleplaying fans can settle in at The Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe for an open play gathering that welcomes established parties as well as newcomers looking to try a new TTRPG. During the event, two themed drinks come with in game perks at the GM’s discretion. The Mana Potion blends blueberry purée, blue raspberry syrup, sour mix, Fresca, and Sprite, and includes a +1 Mana wooden token that can recharge a spell slot. The Health Potion mixes strawberry purée, raspberry syrup, peach syrup, Fresca, and Sprite, and comes with a +10 HP wooden token that can be used as temporary or recharged HP. Tables are set aside so local adventuring groups can chase treasure or confront a Big Bad together. A wide range of systems are welcome, including DND, Pathfinder, Kids on Bikes, Call of Cthulhu, Cyberpunk, and Warhammer. By attending, participants agree to the venue’s Purchase and Attendance Agreement.

At Dungeon's Gate, Dungeons & Dragons play spans five tables that rotate, resulting in ten active campaigns. All tables are currently filled. If you are looking for a group, you can ask to be added to the waitlist through the store's Discord in case a spot opens.

xBk presents an evening with Stanley Simmons, the collaboration between Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons. Lifelong friends who grew up on the road with their fathers, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of Kiss, they finally made music together and were met with an immediate response that sparked a new project. After early demos caught the attention of producer Rob Cavallo, he came on to manage and produce their debut full length, setting the stage for their first North American tour. This is an all ages show with general admission standing room, and seating is limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. ADA accommodations are available upon request. Reserved table add ons are offered for those who want to secure seats. Each table fits up to four and does not include admission, so every attendee will still need a general admission ticket. Choices include a Floor High Top Side Table for $50 plus fees and a Premium Balcony High Top Table for $50 plus fees.

Each Sunday at Locals, singers can take the stage for karaoke backed by a live band. This format lets you perform with live accompaniment for an onstage experience.