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Best events in
Des Moines

A strong sense of community means there are plenty of events and things to do in Des Moines, WA. Much of the city's activity centers around the walkable Marina District and follows a seasonal rhythm, with large outdoor gatherings animating the waterfront. The local scene leans into a relaxed, small-town feel, with chamber music performances, retro arcade nights, and neighborhood sports bars.

Stroll through the Marina District, the hub for the seasonal Waterfront Farmers Market, the annual Waterland Festival, and recurring food crawls.
Find free outdoor concerts during the summer at Des Moines Beach Park, which also hosts the annual Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival.
Experience casual nightlife at local spots like Waterland Arcade for pinball and craft beer or Jamar's Sports Bar for karaoke and game nights.

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Events near Des Moines

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Highline College Foundation Presents: True Crime Listening Event primary image

Highline College Foundation Presents: True Crime Listening Event

Today • 5:00 PM

The Des Moines Theater

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Lectures on Tap - "Life on the Bering Sea: Stories from a Crab Scientist" primary image

Lectures on Tap - "Life on the Bering Sea: Stories from a Crab Scientist"

Tomorrow • 6:30 PM

Capitol Hill Seattle

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Opulent Temple Seattle presents Phantasma (Halloween Party!) primary image

Opulent Temple Seattle presents Phantasma (Halloween Party!)

Friday • 9:00 PM

Monkey Loft

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Sudanese American Professionals Society Conference 2026 primary image

Sudanese American Professionals Society Conference 2026

1113 6th Ave

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SEATTLE Naked! Yoga and Pilates primary image

SEATTLE Naked! Yoga and Pilates

Saturday • 11:45 AM

Inner Alchemy

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Origins of Modern Music primary image

Origins of Modern Music

Sunday • 4:00 PM

Meydenbauer Center

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FASHION IN FLIGHT primary image

FASHION IN FLIGHT

Sat, Nov 7 • 6:00 PM

The Museum of Flight

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SOLD OUT! Nick on the Rocks Season 8 Preview Screening primary image

SOLD OUT! Nick on the Rocks Season 8 Preview Screening

Tue, Dec 8 • 7:00 PM

316 Broadway

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Highline College Foundation Presents: True Crime Listening Event primary image

Highline College Foundation Presents: True Crime Listening Event

Today • 5:00 PM

The Des Moines Theater

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Lectures on Tap - "Life on the Bering Sea: Stories from a Crab Scientist" primary image

Lectures on Tap - "Life on the Bering Sea: Stories from a Crab Scientist"

Tomorrow • 6:30 PM

Capitol Hill Seattle

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Opulent Temple Seattle presents Phantasma (Halloween Party!) primary image

Opulent Temple Seattle presents Phantasma (Halloween Party!)

Friday • 9:00 PM

Monkey Loft

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Sudanese American Professionals Society Conference 2026 primary image

Sudanese American Professionals Society Conference 2026

1113 6th Ave

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SEATTLE Naked! Yoga and Pilates primary image

SEATTLE Naked! Yoga and Pilates

Saturday • 11:45 AM

Inner Alchemy

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Origins of Modern Music primary image

Origins of Modern Music

Sunday • 4:00 PM

Meydenbauer Center

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FASHION IN FLIGHT primary image

FASHION IN FLIGHT

Sat, Nov 7 • 6:00 PM

The Museum of Flight

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SOLD OUT! Nick on the Rocks Season 8 Preview Screening primary image

SOLD OUT! Nick on the Rocks Season 8 Preview Screening

Tue, Dec 8 • 7:00 PM

316 Broadway

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(WATCH ONLINE) Dr. Jonathan Sarna with Joseph Weisberg primary image

(WATCH ONLINE) Dr. Jonathan Sarna with Joseph Weisberg

Today • 6:30 PM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

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"Siempre es hoy"-EUGENIA ALMEIDA-VIRTUAL

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Què fer davant l’afàsia progressiva primària?

Sat, Dec 12 • 10:00 AM GMT+1

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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(WATCH ONLINE) Dr. Jonathan Sarna with Joseph Weisberg primary image

(WATCH ONLINE) Dr. Jonathan Sarna with Joseph Weisberg

Today • 6:30 PM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence primary image

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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"Siempre es hoy"-EUGENIA ALMEIDA-VIRTUAL primary image

"Siempre es hoy"-EUGENIA ALMEIDA-VIRTUAL

Fri, Nov 6 • 7:00 PM GMT-3

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Què fer davant l’afàsia progressiva primària?

Sat, Dec 12 • 10:00 AM GMT+1

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Points of Interest near Des Moines

Saltwater State Park

Frequently asked questions about Des Moines

What are some food and drink events in the Marina District?

The Marina District offers recurring tasting events and a lively seasonal market. Look for the Des Moines Crawl Series for a taste of local restaurants or visit the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market from June to September for artisan goods and food trucks.

Are there family-friendly things to do in Des Moines, WA?

Yes, Des Moines provides many family-friendly activities, especially during the day. Waterland Arcade offers retro gaming for all ages, while the annual Waterland Festival features a community parade. Des Moines Beach Park is another great spot for outdoor fun.

Where can I find free events in Des Moines, WA?

Des Moines Beach Park is a great place to find free community events. The park hosts a Summer Concert Series with free performances on Wednesday evenings. The MaST Center Aquarium in Redondo also offers free public admission on Saturdays.

What's the live music scene like in Des Moines?

The local music scene features both outdoor festivals and intimate concert series. The annual Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival brings regional acts to the waterfront. For a different vibe, the Saltwater Music Series presents classical chamber music in a casual setting.

What is the nightlife like in Des Moines, WA?

Nightlife in Des Moines is casual and community-focused rather than club-centric. Check out The Crow's Nest or Jamar's Sports Bar for a neighborhood atmosphere with games. Waterland Arcade also hosts events with live DJs for a more active evening.

Any date night ideas in Des Moines, WA?

A waterfront stroll in the Marina District makes for a classic Des Moines date night. It can be paired with a visit to a local restaurant or a casual event. For a unique experience, consider a classical performance during the Saltwater Music Series.

What kind of outdoor events does Des Moines have?

Most of Des Moines' signature events take place outdoors, especially in the summer. The Waterland Festival is a major annual celebration with a parade. The Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market is a seasonal highlight at the marina, and the beach park hosts numerous festivals.

How do events differ between the Marina District and Redondo?

The Marina District is the city's main hub for large community events. This area is where you'll find major festivals, the farmers market, and most of the nightlife. Redondo offers a quieter, beach-town atmosphere ideal for a scenic walk on the boardwalk or pier.