Events in Des Moines: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
200+ events on our calendar for October 27, none listed as free.
Event list last updated
What's on today in Des Moines and the suburbs, from what has already started to what starts tonight. All times are Central.
Top picks for the day
Picked by a fixed rule, the same one as our weekly roundup: featured listings first, then shows at the big ticketed venues, then festivals and family events. One per venue; weekly regulars and online events are left out.
- Elle Pérez: La Despedida on View
Thu, Oct 1 @ 7:00 PM - Des Moines Art Center
- Stand-up and Improv Comedy Classes
Sun, Oct 4 @ 7:00 PM - xBk Annex
- Battle Of The Bands
Thu, Oct 8 - Prairie Meadows
- Pumpkins After Dark: Jack-O-Lanterns Come Alive!
Fri, Oct 9 - Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation
- Downtown Fall Des Moines' Farmers Market
Sat, Oct 10 - Historic Court Avenue District
The full weekly roundup: This Weekend in Des Moines: October 2-4, 2026
Happening now (200 events)
Runs through Fri, Nov 6Center Grove Orchard
Pumpkin Fest
Pumpkin Fest will take place October 1 – November 6! October is harvest season's Pumpkin Fest, our biggest event of the year. The farm will be...
Runs through Fri, Oct 30Exile Brewing CompanyDowntown / Court Ave
The Haunting at Exile, 2026
Haunted event at Exile Brewing
Runs through Sun, Nov 1The SlaughterhouseDowntown / Court Ave
The Slaughterhouse Haunted House
Haunted house attraction for Halloween season
Runs through Wed, Dec 30RezBlue Arena, White Rabbit VR, Des Moines Gaming Club
Virtual Reality Date Night or Couples Friends Outing at RezBlue
Virtual reality experience for couples and friends
Runs through Sun, Nov 29Des Moines Art CenterIngersoll
Elle Pérez: La Despedida on View
Art exhibition at Des Moines Art Center
Runs through Thu, Dec 31U.S. District Court for the Southern District of IowaEast Village
AudaTours Des Moines Audio Tour: Landmarks, Laws & Legends Unveiled
Self-guided audio tour of Des Moines landmarks and history
Runs through Fri, Oct 30Exile Brewing CompanyDowntown / Court Ave
The Haunting at Exile, 2026
The Haunting at Exile Brewing Company, recurring every week day until October 30, 2026
Runs through Sun, Nov 29Des Moines Art CenterIngersoll
Elle Pérez: La Despedida on View
Elle Pérez: La Despedida art exhibition at Des Moines Art Center, recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday until November 29, 2026
Runs through Thu, Dec 31See website
Daily Lunch Special
Daily Lunch Special, recurring daily until December 31, 2026
Runs through Thu, Dec 31U.S. District Court for the Southern District of IowaEast Village
AudaTours Des Moines Audio Tour: Landmarks, Laws & Legends Unveiled
Recurring daily until December 31, 2026
Runs through Wed, Dec 30RezBlue Arena, White Rabbit VR, Des Moines Gaming Club
Virtual Reality Date Night or Couples Friends Outing at RezBlue
Recurring weekly on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday until December 30, 2026
Runs through Sat, Dec 5Rook Room Game Lounge & CafeDowntown / Court Ave
Euchre Tournament
Monthly euchre tournament at Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe, recurring on the 1st Saturday until December 5, 2026
Runs through Sun, Nov 1The SlaughterhouseDowntown / Court Ave
The Slaughterhouse Haunted House
Haunted house attraction, recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday until November 1, 2026
Runs through Thu, Dec 31U.S. District Court for the Southern District of IowaEast Village
AudaTours Des Moines Audio Tour: Landmarks, Laws & Legends Unveiled
Self-guided audio tour of Des Moines landmarks and history
Runs through Sun, Nov 29Des Moines Art CenterIngersoll
Elle Pérez: La Despedida on View
Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday until November 29, 2026
Runs through Fri, Oct 30Starts @ Whiskey River
The Haunted Trolley Tour
Haunted trolley tour starting at Whiskey River
Runs through Sun, Dec 27Mickey's Irish Pub Waukee
Sunday Funday Bingo
Weekly bingo event recurring on Sundays until December 27, 2026
Runs through Sun, Dec 27xBk Annex
Stand-up and Improv Comedy Classes
Weekly comedy classes for stand-up and improv at xBk Annex
Runs through Sun, Nov 29Des Moines Art CenterIngersoll
Elle Pérez: La Despedida on View
Art exhibit recurring weekly until November 29, 2026
Runs through Thu, Dec 31Des Moines, IA
Daily Lunch Special
Daily lunch special recurring until December 31, 2026
Runs through Thu, Dec 31U.S. District Court for the Southern District of IowaEast Village
AudaTours Des Moines Audio Tour: Landmarks, Laws & Legends Unveiled
Audio tour of Des Moines landmarks and history, recurring daily until December 31, 2026
Runs through Sun, Nov 1The SlaughterhouseDowntown / Court Ave
The Slaughterhouse Haunted House
Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday until November 1, 2026
Runs through Mon, Sep 25Rook Room Game Lounge and CafeDowntown / Court Ave
Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night
Recurring weekly on Monday until September 25, 2028
Runs through Mon, Dec 28The False 9 Social ClubValley Junction
Trivia Monday Nights
Recurring weekly on Monday until December 28, 2026
Runs through Mon, Dec 28The Station on IngersollIngersoll
The Never Before Scene Comedy Improv Show
Recurring weekly on Monday until December 28, 2026
Runs through Mon, Nov 30Good Times Bar
Good Times Bar Comedy Open Mic
Recurring weekly on Monday until November 30, 2026
Runs through Fri, Oct 30Exile Brewing CompanyDowntown / Court Ave
The Haunting at Exile, 2026
Halloween haunted event at Exile Brewing Company, recurring every week day until October 30, 2026.
More events (164 events)
- AudaTours Des Moines Audio Tour: Landmarks, Laws & Legends Unveiled
Mon, Oct 5 - U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa
- Trivia @ Lucky Horse
Tue, Oct 6 @ 7:00 PM - Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers
- Kids Eat Free/Tuesdays
Tue, Oct 6 @ 7:00 PM - Giordano's
- Magic Tuesdays TCG Night
Tue, Oct 6 @ 7:00 PM - Rook Room Game Lounge and Cafe
- First-Time Homebuyer Essentials
Tue, Oct 6 @ 7:00 PM - West Des Moines Public Library
- Young Talent Night at the Nipper with Taylor King
Tue, Oct 6 @ 7:00 PM - Kelly's Little Nipper
- Pub Quiz
Tue, Oct 6 @ 7:00 PM - Truman's Pizza Tavern
- Terrific Trivia Tuesdays
Tue, Oct 6 @ 7:00 PM - The Ducktail Lounge
- Stand Up Comedy Open Mic | Underground Comedy at the Beechwood Lounge
Tue, Oct 6 @ 7:00 PM - Beechwood Lounge
- Elle Pérez: La Despedida on View
Tue, Oct 6 - Des Moines Art Center
- AudaTours Des Moines Audio Tour: Landmarks, Laws & Legends Unveiled
Tue, Oct 6 - U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa
- The Haunting at Exile, 2026
Tue, Oct 6 - Exile Brewing Company
- Daily Lunch Special
Tue, Oct 6 - Des Moines, IA
- Wicked Heights
Tue, Oct 6 - Republic on Grand
- Music Bingo @ The Merc
Wed, Oct 7 @ 7:00 PM - Middlebrook Mercantile
- Prism Tabletop Club LGBTQ+ Game Night
Wed, Oct 7 @ 7:00 PM - The Slow Down Coffee Co.
- Wednesday Trivia at Court Avenue Brewing
Wed, Oct 7 @ 7:00 PM - Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company
- Stand Up Comedy Open Mic At the Station
Wed, Oct 7 @ 7:00 PM - The Station on Ingersoll
- Pumpkin Fest
Wed, Oct 7 - Center Grove Orchard
- The Haunting at Exile, 2026
Wed, Oct 7 - Exile Brewing Company
- Wicked Heights
Wed, Oct 7 - Republic on Grand
- AudaTours Des Moines Audio Tour: Landmarks, Laws & Legends Unveiled
Wed, Oct 7 - U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa
- Elle Pérez: La Despedida on View
Wed, Oct 7 - Des Moines Art Center
- Daily Lunch Special
Wed, Oct 7 - See website
- Virtual Reality Date Night or Couples Friends Outing at RezBlue
Wed, Oct 7 - RezBlue Arena, White Rabbit VR, Des Moines Gaming Club
- The Haunting at Exile, 2026
Thu, Oct 8 - Exile Brewing Company
- Elle Pérez: La Despedida on View
Thu, Oct 8 - Des Moines Art Center
- Pumpkin Fest
Thu, Oct 8 - Center Grove Orchard
- Daily Lunch Special
Thu, Oct 8 - See website
- Wicked Heights
Thu, Oct 8 - Republic on Grand
- AudaTours Des Moines Audio Tour: Landmarks, Laws & Legends Unveiled
Thu, Oct 8 - U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa
- Virtual Reality Date Night or Couples Friends Outing at RezBlue
Thu, Oct 8 - RezBlue Arena, White Rabbit VR, Des Moines Gaming Club
- Meet & Play
Thu, Oct 8 - Rook Room Game Lounge and Cafe
- ¡Hablemos! Spanish Conversation Space
Thu, Oct 8 - West Des Moines Public Library
- Trivia Night at The Royal Mile - Every Thursday!
Thu, Oct 8 - Royal Mile
- Battle Of The Bands
Thu, Oct 8 - Prairie Meadows
- Trivia
Thu, Oct 8 - The Kee Bar & Grill
- Trivia Thursdays at Mickey's Waukee
Thu, Oct 8 - Mickey's Irish Pub Waukee
- Trivia at Mickey's Irish Pub-Waukee
Thu, Oct 8 - Waukee, Iowa
- The Slaughterhouse Haunted House
Thu, Oct 8 - The Slaughterhouse
- Linn's Haunted House
Fri, Oct 9 - Linn's Haunted House
- The Haunting at Exile, 2026
Fri, Oct 9 - Exile Brewing Company
- Pumpkin Fest
Fri, Oct 9 - Center Grove Orchard
- Daily Lunch Special
Fri, Oct 9 - Not specified
- Wicked Heights
Fri, Oct 9 - Republic on Grand
- AudaTours Des Moines Audio Tour: Landmarks, Laws & Legends Unveiled
Fri, Oct 9 - U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa
- Elle Pérez: La Despedida on View
Fri, Oct 9 - Des Moines Art Center
- Virtual Reality Date Night or Couples Friends Outing at RezBlue
Fri, Oct 9 - RezBlue Arena, White Rabbit VR, Des Moines Gaming Club
- The Slaughterhouse Haunted House
Fri, Oct 9 - The Slaughterhouse
- Pumpkins After Dark: Jack-O-Lanterns Come Alive!
Fri, Oct 9 - Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation
- Mahjong Open Play
Fri, Oct 9 - Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe
- Wellness Happy Hour
Fri, Oct 9 - Oxygen Yoga & Fitness Urbandale
- The Haunted Trolley Tour
Fri, Oct 9 - Starts @ Whiskey River
- Phantom Fall Fest
Fri, Oct 9 - Adventureland Park
- Karaoke Fridays
Fri, Oct 9 - Mickey's Irish Pub Waukee
- Linn's Haunted House
Sat, Oct 10 - Linn's Haunted House
- Phantom Fall Fest
Sat, Oct 10 - Adventureland Park
- Pumpkins After Dark: Jack-O-Lanterns Come Alive!
Sat, Oct 10 - Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation
- Elle Pérez: La Despedida on View
Sat, Oct 10 - Des Moines Art Center
- AudaTours Des Moines Audio Tour: Landmarks, Laws & Legends Unveiled
Sat, Oct 10 - U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa
- Daily Lunch Special
Sat, Oct 10 - See website
- The Haunted Trolley Tour
Sat, Oct 10 - Starts @ Whiskey River
- The Slaughterhouse Haunted House
Sat, Oct 10 - The Slaughterhouse
- Pumpkin Fest
Sat, Oct 10 - Center Grove Orchard
- Downtown Fall Des Moines' Farmers Market
Sat, Oct 10 - Historic Court Avenue District
- Elle Pérez: La Despedida on View
Sun, Oct 11 - Des Moines Art Center
- Phantom Fall Fest
Sun, Oct 11 - Adventureland Park
- AudaTours Des Moines Audio Tour: Landmarks, Laws & Legends Unveiled
Sun, Oct 11 - U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa
- Pumpkin Fest
Sun, Oct 11 - Center Grove Orchard
- Pumpkins After Dark: Jack-O-Lanterns Come Alive!
Sun, Oct 11 - Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation
- The Slaughterhouse Haunted House
Sun, Oct 11 - The Slaughterhouse
- Wicked Heights
Sun, Oct 11 - Republic on Grand
- Daily Lunch Special
Sun, Oct 11 - See website
- Stand-up and Improv Comedy Classes
Sun, Oct 11 - xBk Annex
- Sunday Funday Bingo
Sun, Oct 11 - Mickey's Irish Pub Waukee
- Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night
Mon, Oct 12 - Rook Room Game Lounge and Cafe
- Trivia Monday Nights
Mon, Oct 12 - The False 9 Social Club
- Good Times Bar Comedy Open Mic
Mon, Oct 12 - Good Times Bar
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers of Children with Special Health & Behavioral Needs
Mon, Oct 12 - Virtual via Zoom
- The Never Before Scene Comedy Improv Show
Mon, Oct 12 - The Station on Ingersoll
- Pumpkin Fest
Mon, Oct 12 - Center Grove Orchard
- Wicked Heights
Mon, Oct 12 - Republic on Grand
- Daily Lunch Special
Mon, Oct 12 - See website
- AudaTours Des Moines Audio Tour: Landmarks, Laws & Legends Unveiled
Mon, Oct 12 - U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa
- Hope Ministries Thanksgiving Meal Volunteer Registration
Mon, Oct 12 - Hope Ministries Bethel Mission
- Hope Ministries Thanksgiving Meal Volunteer Registration
Tue, Oct 13 - Hope Ministries Bethel Mission
- The Haunting at Exile, 2026
Tue, Oct 13 - Exile Brewing Company
- Wicked Heights
Tue, Oct 13 - Republic on Grand
- Elle Pérez: La Despedida on View
Tue, Oct 13 - Des Moines Art Center
- AudaTours Des Moines Audio Tour: Landmarks, Laws & Legends Unveiled
Tue, Oct 13 - U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa
- Stand Up Comedy Open Mic | Underground Comedy at the Beechwood Lounge
Tue, Oct 13 - Beechwood Lounge
- Trivia @ Lucky Horse
Tue, Oct 13 - Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers
- Terrific Trivia Tuesdays
Tue, Oct 13 - The Ducktail Lounge
- Concert Karaoke Nightly at AJ's on East Court
Tue, Oct 13 - AJ's on East Court
- Kids Eat Free Tuesdays
Tue, Oct 13 - Giordano's
- Thanksgiving To Go!
Tue, Oct 13 - Gilroy's
- Magic Tuesdays TCG Night
Tue, Oct 13 - Rook Room Game Lounge and Cafe
- Pub Quiz
Tue, Oct 13 - Truman's Pizza Tavern
- Daily Lunch Special
Tue, Oct 13 - Des Moines, IA
- Thanksgiving To Go!
Wed, Oct 14 - Gilroy's
- Wednesday Trivia at Court Avenue Brewing
Wed, Oct 14 - Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company
- Mickey's Open Stage
Wed, Oct 14 - Des Moines, IA
- Pumpkin Fest
Wed, Oct 14 - Center Grove Orchard
- Virtual Reality Date Night or Couples Friends Outing at RezBlue
Wed, Oct 14 - RezBlue Arena, White Rabbit VR, Des Moines Gaming Club
- Stand Up Comedy Open Mic At the Station
Wed, Oct 14 - The Station on Ingersoll
- The Haunting at Exile 2026
Wed, Oct 14 - Exile Brewing Company
- Hope Ministries Thanksgiving Meal Volunteer Registration
Wed, Oct 14 - Hope Ministries Bethel Mission
- Nightmare on Ingersoll
Wed, Oct 14 - The Station on Ingersoll
- Concert Karaoke Nightly at AJ's on East Court
Wed, Oct 14 - AJ's on East Court
- Daily Lunch Special
Wed, Oct 14 - See website
- Wicked Heights
Wed, Oct 14 - Republic on Grand
- Elle Pérez: La Despedida on View
Wed, Oct 14 - Des Moines Art Center
- Fang's Pizza - a Halloween Experience at Fong's
Wed, Oct 14 - Fong's Pizza
- AudaTours Des Moines Audio Tour: Landmarks, Laws & Legends Unveiled
Wed, Oct 14 - U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa
- Thanksgiving To Go!
Thu, Oct 15 - Gilroy's
- Concert Karaoke Nightly at AJ's on East Court
Thu, Oct 15 - AJ's on East Court
- Trivia at Mickey's Irish Pub-Waukee
Thu, Oct 15 - Waukee, Iowa
- Battle Of The Bands
Thu, Oct 15 - Prairie Meadows
- Made in the Midwest Concert Series
Thu, Oct 15 - Stoner Theater
- Trivia Thursdays at Mickey's Waukee
Thu, Oct 15 - Mickey's Irish Pub Waukee
- Meet & Play
Thu, Oct 15 - Rook Room Game Lounge and Cafe
- Trivia
Thu, Oct 15 - The Kee Bar & Grill
- Trivia @ The Merc
Thu, Oct 15 - Middlebrook Mercantile
- The Slaughterhouse Haunted House
Thu, Oct 15 - The Slaughterhouse
- Trivia Night at The Royal Mile - Every Thursday!
Thu, Oct 15 - Royal Mile
- Nightmare on Ingersoll
Thu, Oct 15 - The Station on Ingersoll
- The Haunting at Exile 2026
Thu, Oct 15 - Exile Brewing Company
- Artists on Fire: Todd Hido Exhibit
Thu, Oct 15 - Des Moines Art Center
- Daily Lunch Special
Thu, Oct 15 - Des Moines, IA
- Elle Pérez: La Despedida on View
Thu, Oct 15 - Des Moines Art Center
- Pumpkin Fest
Thu, Oct 15 - Center Grove Orchard
- AudaTours Des Moines Audio Tour: Landmarks, Laws & Legends Unveiled
Thu, Oct 15 - U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa
- Virtual Reality Date Night or Couples Friends Outing at RezBlue
Thu, Oct 15 - RezBlue Arena, White Rabbit VR, Des Moines Gaming Club
- Fang's Pizza - a Halloween Experience at Fong's
Thu, Oct 15 - Fong's Pizza
- By the Blade: Defining Collage
Thu, Oct 15 - Polk County Heritage Gallery
- Hope Ministries Thanksgiving Meal Volunteer Registration
Thu, Oct 15 - Hope Ministries Bethel Mission
- Wicked Heights
Thu, Oct 15 - Republic on Grand
- Business Over Board Games
Fri, Oct 16 - Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe
- Haunt on the Hill
Fri, Oct 16 - National Balloon Classic / Memorial Balloon Field
- The Haunted Trolley Tour
Fri, Oct 16 - Starts @ Whiskey River
- Mahjong Open Play
Fri, Oct 16 - Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe
- Karaoke Fridays
Fri, Oct 16 - Mickey's Irish Pub Waukee
- Linn's Haunted House
Fri, Oct 16 - Linn's Haunted House
- Wellness Happy Hour
Fri, Oct 16 - Oxygen Yoga & Fitness Urbandale
- Phantom Fall Fest
Fri, Oct 16 - Adventureland Park
- Artists on Fire: Todd Hido Exhibit
Fri, Oct 16 - Des Moines Art Center
- Nightmare on Ingersoll
Fri, Oct 16 - The Station on Ingersoll
- Pumpkin Fest
Fri, Oct 16 - Center Grove Orchard
- Elle Pérez: La Despedida on View
Fri, Oct 16 - Des Moines Art Center
- By the Blade: Defining Collage
Fri, Oct 16 - Polk County Heritage Gallery
- Wicked Heights
Fri, Oct 16 - Republic on Grand
- Fang's Pizza - a Halloween Experience at Fong's
Fri, Oct 16 - Fong's Pizza
- Daily Lunch Special
Fri, Oct 16 - Des Moines, IA
- The Haunting at Exile 2026
Fri, Oct 16 - Exile Brewing Company
- AudaTours Des Moines Audio Tour: Landmarks, Laws & Legends Unveiled
Fri, Oct 16 - U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa
- Hope Ministries Thanksgiving Meal Volunteer Registration
Fri, Oct 16 - Hope Ministries Bethel Mission
- Pumpkins After Dark: Jack-O-Lanterns Come Alive!
Fri, Oct 16 - Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation
- Thanksgiving To Go!
Fri, Oct 16 - Gilroy's
- The Slaughterhouse Haunted House
Fri, Oct 16 - The Slaughterhouse
- Concert Karaoke Nightly at AJ's on East Court
Fri, Oct 16 - AJ's on East Court
- Virtual Reality Date Night or Couples Friends Outing at RezBlue
Fri, Oct 16 - RezBlue Arena, White Rabbit VR, Des Moines Gaming Club
- Junie B. Jones in Boo… and I Mean It!
Sat, Oct 17 - Des Moines Community Playhouse
- K2 Marketplace Magic Vendor Markets
Sat, Oct 17 - Outlets of Des Moines
- IABE Book Club
Sat, Oct 17 - Mayalu Coffee
More Event Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions
What's happening today in Des Moines?
This page lists the events on our calendar for today, Central time, in Des Moines and the surrounding suburbs, plus anything that started earlier and is still running. It is grouped into what is on now, this morning, this afternoon and tonight, which starts at 4 PM.
How often is this list updated?
New events are collected daily from venue and organizer calendars. All times are Central Time, and each list shows when it was last updated.
Are there free events today?
Events whose listed price says free are marked Free on their cards and counted in the Free figure above. An event with no listed price says so; it is not counted as free.
Can I get directions to events?
Each card shows the venue and links to the event's own page, which has the address.