Attractions:
Downtown Des Moines Public Art
Catch beauty on every street corner. A $40 million sculpture park in Downtown Des Moines, complete with 30 works of art. Take in a tour experience by bicycle or by foot. Glimpse downtown murals, architecture, outdoor art installations, sculpture and monuments. Greater Des Moines is a city rich with public art that is free for all to enjoy.
https://www.catchdesmoines.com/things-to-do/arts-culture/public-art/
Botanical Garden
Fun is in bloom, no matter the season, at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Explore and celebrate beautiful, sustainable horticulture within the 14-acre domed conservatory and outdoor gardens. Highlights include:
- One of the best bonsai collections in the U.S., with the oldest tree dating back to 1865.
- Over 1,000 varieties of exotic plants from throughout the world.
- A garden shop with an ever-changing selection of carefully curated gifts and goods like jewelry, books, stationary, and home goods.
- An on-site restaurant, Trellis Cafe, serving a locally sourced, plant-based menu that changes monthly. Soups, salads, pastas, and more!
https://dmbotanicalgarden.com/
Des Moines Art Center
Recognized by international art critics as a world-class museum in the heart of the Midwest, the Des Moines Art Center has amassed an important collection with a major emphasis on contemporary art. The collection is housed in three striking buildings, each designed by a world-renowned architect. With the exception of special events, admission to the museum is free. The Des Moines Art Center boasts outstanding exhibitions, educational programs, restaurant and museum gift shop.
https://desmoinesartcenter.org/
Funny Bones Comedy Club
Most businesses intend to enter a new market with a bang. When The Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant arrive in a city, however, the sound heard was uproarious laughter. Co-Founders Mitch Kutash and Gerald Kubach opened the first Funny Bone in Pittsburgh, PA after Gerald became enthralled with a comedy show. Years later, The Funny Bone has invaded over 25 markets and is still expanding today.
The Funny Bone, has been bringing nationally-recognized humorists to these clubs for over 30 years. Such superstars as Jerry Seinfeld, Rosanne Barr, Tim Allen, Drew Carey, Jim Breuer, Kathleen Madigan, John Pinette, DL Hughley, Gabriel Iglesias, Josh Blue, Ellen Degeneres and Dave Chappelle have dazzled crowds with their comedic genius. The Funny Bone also continues providing the freshest up-and-coming comedians, as well as developing local talent.
The Funny Bone is a recognized pioneer in accommodating diverse community needs. From hosting numerous charitable functions, to being the gathering place for various corporate outings and meetings, to holding children's comedy and magic shows, The Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant has etched a permanent mark in comedic history.
West Des Moines
Click here for current schedule of events.
Events:
8th Annual Indie Author Book Expo
Join us at the Elwell Building as we celebrate all things wordy & nerdy at our biggest book expo yet! Featuring:
Autographed books for sale/they make the best gifts!
Get all your holiday shopping done early
Free Admission
Free Goody Bags (while supplies last)
Come see what makes us Iowa’s biggest book show
November 4
Iowa State Fairgrounds
https://www.catchdesmoines.com/event/8th-annual-indie-author-book-expo/41661/
Wine and Clay
Wine & Clay is a celebration of the earth arts featuring artists selling work in pottery, figures, tiles, tableware, fibers, jewelry and wood. To further celebrate the earth arts, the event highlights a variety of wines available for purchase as a tasting flight or as a single glass. Wine & Clay also features a variety of clay demonstrations, music and culinary faire.
November 4
Valley Junction
https://www.artswork.art/wineandclay
Emo Orchestra Featuring Hawthorne Heights
For emo music lovers and orchestra aficionados alike, Emo Orchestra is a new live experience that brings some of the most beloved emo songs of your youth to the theater stage with a full orchestra arrangement. Along with special guest Hawthorne Heights, the orchestra will elevate songs from bands such as Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance, and Dashboard Confessional in a way never done before. Emo Orchestra is a perfectly designed tribute to the music that shaped emo fans.
November 3
Hoyt Sherman Place
https://www.catchdesmoines.com/event/emo-orchestra-featuring-hawthorne-heights/41384/
Shania Twain Concert
Five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning legend and the best-selling female artist in country music history Shania Twain announced the second leg of her 2023 Queen of Me Tour. Due to phenomenal demand following the wildly successful announcement of the first leg, Shania is adding 19 new fall dates to her highly anticipated tour. The tour is in support of Shania’s forthcoming album Queen of Me, out February 3, 2023.
November 3
Wells Fargo Arena
https://www.catchdesmoines.com/event/shania-twain-queen-of-me-tour/38614/
Guitarist Steve Hackett
Guitarist Steve Hackett joined Genesis in 1971, making his band debut on the Nursery Cryme album which enjoyed a greater commercial success in Europe than the UK. After extensive touring, the band were encouraged, by audience reactions, to further experiment with ever longer compositions and develop their ability to incorporate strong narratives. This, in turn, allowed frontman Peter Gabriel more opportunity to indulge in the theatrics which helped to raise the band’s profile. Now, for 2023, Steve brings Foxtrot at Fifty to North America for a string of eagerly awaited dates following the huge selling UK 2022 tour.
November 5
Hoyt Sherman Place
https://www.catchdesmoines.com/event/an-evening-with-steve-hackett/39848/
Other Des Moines Area Events
Iowa Stage Theatre Co
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center
Olsen-Larsen Art Gallery Exhibit
Sunday Tunes @ Summerset Winery
Additional Attractions
Prairie Meadows Casino
Iowa State Capitol
Science Center of Iowa
State Historical Museum
Jordan Creek Mall
Other Attractions like these may be found at:
http://www.catchdesmoines.com/