Thanksgiving Weekend: Things to Do in Des Moines, Iowa

Thanksgiving events in Des Moines are not based on food, but typically focused on spending time together and getting in the mood for the next month of holidays. Here are some events that Des Moines, Iowa residents can look forward to, beginning on Wednesday night and ending on Sunday.

For families with kids: Disney on Ice – Treasure Trove is a musical ice skating show that features older and newer characters. Held at Wells Fargo Arena in downtown Des Moines, parking is free on streets and paid in the Wells event parking lot. ­­Tickets are sold through Dahl’s Foods locations, online, and at the box office at 730 Third St. for $15, $19, $22, $37, and $52.

Nov 23, 2011 (Wed) 7:00 PM

Nov 24, 2011 (Thu) 7:00 PM

Nov 25, 2011 (Fri) 3:00 PM

Nov 25, 2011 (Fri) 7:00 PM

Nov 26, 2011 (Sat) 1:00 PM

Nov 26, 2011 (Sat) 5:00 PM

Nov 27, 2011 (Sun) 1:00 PM

Nov 27, 2011 (Sun) 5:00 PM

For men: MCC 37: Thanksgiving Throwdown. The Midwest Cage Championship is a popular mixed martial arts event producer. Located at Hy-Vee Hall, this year’s event will include well-known veterans and up-and-comers. parking is free on streets and paid in the Wells event parking lot. ­­Tickets are $25, $35, $40, and $50 and sold through Dahl’s Foods locations, online, and at the box office at 730 Third St.

Nov 23, 2011 (Wed) 7:30 PM

For live music lovers: El Bait Shop. Found at 200 SW 2nd Street, El Bait Shop is a specialty beer bar in downtown Des Moines. Sound Tracks will be featured on Wednesday, with $3 Goose Island 312’s all night.

Nov 23, (Wed) from 8:00 – 11:00 PM

For tradition: Festival of Trees and Lights. This long-standing benefit event is held for Blank Children’s Hospital and will be open daily from Wed. Nov, 23 – Sun., Nov. 27. Attendees will find many gorgeously decorated trees for purchase, concessions, Santa, a train ride for the little ones, as well as other children’s activities and crafts. Adults can browse the gift shop and enter a raffle for prizes like quilts. Accessible from the street or skywalk, the Festival of Trees and Lights is at the Polk County Convention Complex, 501 Grand Ave., and has many parking options. Tickets are $3 in advance through Dahl’s Foods or at the door for $5.

Nov 23, 2011 (Wed) 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Nov 24, 2011 (Thu) 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Nov 25, 2011 (Fri) 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Nov 26, 2011 (Sat) 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Nov 27, 2011 (Sun) 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

For girls night, guys night, or date night: Dueling pianos. Blue Moon Piano Bar will be open over the weekend. Located at West Glen Town Center, 5485 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, with no cover charge, this full restaurant will have its Dueling Pianos play during much of Thanksgiving weekend.

Nov 23, 2011 (Wed) 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Nov 24, 2011 (Thu) 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Nov 25, 2011 (Fri) 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Nov 26, 2011 (Sat) 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM


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