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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Thursday • 8:00 PM GMT+2

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Saturday • 2:00 PM GMT+2

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

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Events near Des Moines

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An Evening of Comedy with Ariel Elias

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South Lake Union Venue--address will be sent prior to the event.

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Wed, Oct 14 • 6:50 PM

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HAUNTED Ballard Wine Walk - OCTOBER 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 5:00 PM

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2026 Bridge Conference: The Art of Being Water

Mon, Oct 26 • 8:00 AM

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Starlight Soirée: Celebrating the release of ACOTAR 6

Mon, Oct 26 • 9:30 PM

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Fri, Oct 30 • 9:00 PM

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2027 Pierce County Prayer Breakfast

Thu, May 6 • 6:15 AM

Washington State Fairgrounds - Puyallup

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An Evening of Comedy with Ariel Elias

Sunday • 7:00 PM

South Lake Union Venue--address will be sent prior to the event.

Check ticket price on event

Seattle| Прем’єра фільму «Родичі» | "The Relatives"

Wed, Oct 14 • 6:50 PM

Cinemark Lincoln Square Cinemas and IMAX

Check ticket price on event

Pour & Restore

Thu, Oct 15 • 6:30 PM

SheWorks

Check ticket price on event

HAUNTED Ballard Wine Walk - OCTOBER 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 5:00 PM

Columbia Bank

Check ticket price on event

2026 Bridge Conference: The Art of Being Water

Mon, Oct 26 • 8:00 AM

Greater Tacoma Convention Center

Check ticket price on event

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Mon, Oct 26 • 9:30 PM

THE 101

Check ticket price on event

Opulent Temple Seattle presents Phantasma (Halloween Party!)

Fri, Oct 30 • 9:00 PM

Monkey Loft

Check ticket price on event

2027 Pierce County Prayer Breakfast

Thu, May 6 • 6:15 AM

Washington State Fairgrounds - Puyallup

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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.

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Nearby cities

Seattle

Tacoma

Bellevue

Everett

Olympia

Parkland

Kirkland

Tukwila

Lacey

Puyallup

Bainbridge Island

Shoreline

Woodinville

Renton

Bremerton

Redmond

Gig Harbor

Federal Way

Bothell

Kent

Auburn

Lynnwood

Lakewood

Covington

Burien

Poulsbo

Lake Forest Park

Issaquah

SeaTac

Snohomish

Seattle

Tacoma

Bellevue

Everett

Olympia

Parkland

Kirkland

Tukwila

Lacey

Puyallup

Bainbridge Island

Shoreline

Woodinville

Renton

Bremerton

Redmond

Gig Harbor

Federal Way

Bothell

Kent

Auburn

Lynnwood

Lakewood

Covington

Burien

Poulsbo

Lake Forest Park

Issaquah

SeaTac

Snohomish

Online Events

Medialer Abend - Online

Meditation - Ruhe und Klarsicht Teil 1: Klarheit im Alltag gewinnen

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Online-Fortbildung "Crip Time"