Des Moines Weekend Events Include Markets, Art Studios and More

Des Moines residents have several local ways to shop and celebrate this weekend, ranging from vintage holiday markets to open art studios.

On Saturday, the Des Moines Art Center will host Social Saturday: Friendsgiving from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event includes art projects, a scavenger hunt, gallery tours, and a screening of short films.

Later that afternoon, the Unity Center of Des Moines will hold the DSM Vegan Holiday Market between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. This free market features more than 20 local vendors selling plant-based foods, art, wellness products, and holiday gifts.

Saturday afternoon also includes a competition for pets at the Merle Hay Mall. The Hiking Dog Co. will host a doggy pie eating contest from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., where dogs compete to finish dog-safe pies. This event is free to attend.

Shop local at the des Moines Holiday Boutique: Piel Canela — WHO13

For those interested in the local arts scene, Open Studios will take place at The Fitch Building from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This free event allows the public to explore working studios and meet painters, sculptors, photographers, and printmakers while shopping for original artwork.

Evening activities on Saturday include two distinct community celebrations:

The LGBTQ+ Adult Prom, a disco-inspired evening with dancing and dinner, will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at a Des Moines bash for $30.
A Capoeira Celebration at Legacy In Motion Academy will feature Brazilian culture, live demonstrations, Latin music, and dancing starting at 8 p.m. and running until midnight.

Sunday offers additional shopping and entertainment options for the community.

Best Day Coffee will host a Holiday Pop-Up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where guests can shop for vintage home goods, baked treats, soaps, and handmade gifts while enjoying coffee. This pop-up is free to the public.

Des Moines Weekend Events Include Markets, Art Studios and More

The Des Moines Heritage Center will hold a Holiday Sip & Shop starting at 11 a.m. The event features local makers and a meeting with Santa. The first 50 shoppers will receive a free swag bag.

For film enthusiasts, Flix Brewhouse will show the romance film The Notebook at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets for the screening are $10, and guests aged 21 and older will receive a complimentary mimosa.