10 things to do this weekend in Des Moines include Halloween on the Hill, Kris Allen
Susan Stapleton
Off Hours, your free weekly newsletter from the Des Moines Register, showcases all things fun you can do in central Iowa. Recently, we've written about where Clown from Slipknot dines in Des Moines, former Datebook Diner Wini Moranville's new book, karaoke bars, where to go thrifting, where to buy crafts, Black-owned businesses, vegan restaurants, gluten-free options, the Amana Colonies and where to buy plants.
Halloween on the Hill
Thursday night: Things get spooky in Sherman Hill on Halloween when the residents of the historic neighborhood go all out with the Halloween décor. Look for everything from the characters from “Ghostbusters,” Imperial stormtroopers, medieval knights, zombie spiders, Freddy Krueger, a full-size pirate ship, live performances of “Thriller,” and more during this free event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to donate or bring non-perishable food to support the Des Moines Area Religious Council pantry. Kick the adventure off at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines, or at the UnityPoint parking lot at 15th and Center streets.
The Second City's 65th anniversary
Thursday night: Help celebrate the Second City's 65th anniversary during a show at the Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St., Des Moines, at 7 p.m. See audience favorite sketches, songs, and characters written by alums that include Catherine O’Hara, Tina Fey, Keegan-Michael Key, Amber Ruffin, Stephen Colbert, Tim Meadows, Bill Murray, Tim Robinson, Joan Rivers, Eugene Levy, Adam McKay and more. Tickets start at $20. Also running at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
November First Friday
Friday night:Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosaqua Way, Des Moines, opens up the doors to see 180 artists during First Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. The night includes live music from Central Iowa Blues on each floor, an art activity with artist Siricasso, and curated gallery spaces featuring works from featured Mainframe artists. Stick around from 8 to 9 p.m. for live performances from the Central Iowa Blues Society.
Vitamin String Quartet
Friday night: Hear music from pop star Taylor Swift and the soundtrack of “Bridgerton” when the Vitamin String Quartet visits Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines. The group takes classical music and combines it with cover songs. Tickets start at $29.50 for the 8 p.m. show.
Totally Rad Vintage Fest
Saturday morning: Make it an epic day by stopping by the Totally Rad Vintage Fest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines. Find iconic clothing and accessories from the ’80s, ’90s, and Y2K eras, as well as records, toys, video games, home goods, and more. Check out the free-play vintage arcade, and explore the Rad Rewind Museum with relics from the past. Tickets are $8 in advance, $12 at the door.
More:31 great brunches to try in the Des Moines area right now, including Early Bird, Eatery A
‘Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About A Terrible Monster’
Saturday morning: Leonardo is not good at being a monster. He doesn’t scare anyone. So when he meets Sam, he thinks he has a chance for his first big scare. See the action go down with the kids when “Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About A Terrible Monster” takes the stage at the Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines, at 11 a.m. Tickets start at $10.
Capitol Park's Annual Día de los Muertos Neighborhood Party
Saturday afternoon: Celebrate Día de los Muertos a day late at Capitol Park, 2009 Saylor Road, Des Moines, from 3 to 6 p.m. during this neighborhood party. The family-friendly party includes traditional altars, dancing puppets (mojigangas), a Mexican folkloric dance performance by Jovenes Embajadores, and free hot cocoa and pan de muerto. Come in costume for a chance at prizes.
Kris Allen
Saturday night:Kris Allen won “American Idol” in 2009, and celebrated by releasing “10,” an album of reimagined acoustic versions of some of his most beloved songs of the previous decade, including fan-favorite “Waves” and his platinum-selling single “Live Like We’re Dying.” His upcoming 2024 album, “Pole Vaulter,” features his newest single “Guinevere. See him perform at xBk Live, 1159 24th St., Des Moines. Tickets start at $24.02 for the 8 p.m. show.
More:9 places to eat near Drake University including Indian, diner fare, burgers, ice cream
Vagrant Fear Presents: ‘The Rebirth’
Saturday night: Check out the new Highland Park venue, The Chandelier, 413 Euclid Ave., Des Moines, when Vagrant Fear presents: “The Rebirth.” The 7 p.m. horror show features song, dance, aerial acts, comedy, magic, blood, mayhem, sideshow, terror, and joy. Tickets start at $25.
More:Where to shop, eat and drink coffee in the Highland Park neighborhood in Des Moines
Pumpkin Destruction
Sunday morning: Vent all of your anger during a pumpkin destruction at Center Grove Orchard, 32835 610th Ave., Cambridge. From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., you can play games and take part in activities centered around smashing the remaining pumpkins. The final day of the season for the orchard includes a pie eating contest and the Pumpkin Crane Drop and Tractor Smash at 3 p.m. Tickets are $11.95 online and $14.95 at the gate.
(This article was updated with new information.)
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at [email protected].