Phantom Fall Fest
September 26, 2026 - October 31, 2026 - All Day at Adventureland
3300 Adventureland Dr
Phantom Fall Fest returns to Adventureland, Sept. 26 through Oct. 31 on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Enjoy fall family fun during the day with seasonal rides, comfort food and festive entertainment. At night, the park transforms into full Halloween mode with haunted attractions, scare zones and eerie live experiences.
22nd Annual Works of Growth & Recovery Art Exhibition
October 1, 2026 - 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Olson-Larsen Galleries
542 5th St
Celebrate the creativity, resilience, and talent of Central Iowa artists at the 22nd Annual Works of Growth & Recovery Juried Art Exhibition on Thursday, October 1, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Olson-Larsen Galleries in West Des Moines. A sensory-friendly hour will be offered from 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Hosted by Community Support Advocates, this free annual exhibition showcases original artwork created by Central Iowa artists living with mental health conditions and disabilities. For more than 20 years, Works of Growth & Recovery has celebrated the healing power of creativity while helping reduce stigma and foster greater community understanding. This year’s exhibition is juried by acclaimed Iowa artist Seso Marentes.
Guests are invited to explore a diverse collection of artwork, meet local artists, and enjoy light refreshments in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, advocate, or simply looking for an inspiring community event, you’ll experience powerful stories of growth, recovery, and belonging through the arts.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Ciencia Para Todos
October 3, 2026 - 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Science Center of Iowa
401 W MLK Jr Pkwy
Ciencia Para Todos
Saturday, October 3, 2026
5:00 – 8:00 pm
Science Center of Iowa
401 W MLK Jr Pkwy Des Moines, IA 50309
Food available for purchase, Live music, hands on activities
Comida para comprar, Música en vivo, Actividades practices
¡Explora, experimenta y descubre que la ciencia también es para ti!
Des Moines Superhero Heart Run 2026
October 4, 2026 - 11:00 am - 3:00 pm at Raccon River Park
2500 Grand Ave
Get ready to walk, run, and FLY at the Des Moines Superhero Heart Run! Join Help-A-Heart and Heart Heroes, Inc. for our annual 5k/1mile fun run aimed at raising awareness for Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in our community. Presented by Heart Heroes and Help-A-Heart.
Central Iowa Wind Ensemble Presents: “Under the Big Top” Concert
October 11, 2026 - 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm at Staplin Performing Arts Center
3650 Woodland Ave,
Love live music and family-friendly entertainment? Join the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble for “Under the Big Top,” an extraordinary live wind band performance! Experience the thrill, nostalgia, and energy of the circus as the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble kicks off its 2026–2027 season with “Under the Big Top”! Enjoy an afternoon of live symphonic band music at the Staplin Performing Arts Center in West Des Moines. Free admission for all ages.
Directed by Dr. Christian Carichner, the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble (CIWE) brings the excitement, spectacle, and nostalgia of the circus and carnival to life through high-caliber symphonic band repertoire. From high-energy marches to theatrical circus classics, this concert offers a vibrant musical experience for audiences of all ages.
Website & Tickets: https://www.ciwe.org
Admission is free; free-will donations supporting CIWE’s community music programs are welcome.
SCI’s Big Blast: Sprinkled with Stardust
October 17, 2026 - 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm at Science Center of Iowa
401 West Martin Luther King Junior Parkway
Join the Science Center of Iowa for our signature annual fundraising event, an elegant cocktail party designed to celebrate curiosity, connection, and the extraordinary power of science to change lives.
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 7–10 p.m., SCI transforms into a sparkling night of discovery, inspiration, and community. Think martini glasses, meaningful conversations, dazzling experiences, and a touch of cosmic magic.
SCI’s BIG BLAST: Sprinkled with Stardust invites guests to step into an evening where imagination shines and every moment supports hands-on science learning for thousands of Iowans.
Sip, mingle, explore, and be inspired by stories of impact that reveal how SCI ignites curiosity in future scientists, innovators, and dreamers.
Your presence helps make science accessible, unforgettable, and life-changing.
Because when we invest in wonder, the future gets brighter.
Save the Date
Saturday, October 17, 2026
7–10 p.m.
Science Center of Iowa
Cocktail Attire
Little black dresses, sport coats, and star-filled conversation encouraged.
Mixology: Game Night
November 20, 2026 - 12:00 am at Science Center of Iowa
401 W MLK Jr Pkwy
Game Night: Partnered with The Dealt Hand – November 20th
Ready for an epic night of fun and games? Join us at the Science Center of Iowa for a special 21+ Game Night, where the thrills of board games, card games, and more come alive in an engaging, adults-only atmosphere. We’re teaming up with The Dealt Hand to bring you an unforgettable evening filled with strategy, laughter, and a bit of friendly competition.
Explore a vast selection of classic and modern games curated by The Dealt Hand, from quick and casual favorites to deep strategy games that will challenge your mind. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a curious beginner, there’s something for everyone.
Sip on a drink from the bar and dive into a night of socializing and game play. Meet new friends, team up for a cooperative adventure, or go head-to-head in a battle of wits. With plenty of games to choose from, you can hop from table to table, trying out new experiences all night long.
This is the perfect opportunity to unwind, reconnect with friends, and discover new games in a relaxed and lively setting. Don’t miss this chance to level up your night out at the Science Center!
Kenny G
November 21, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm at Hoyt Sherman Place
1501 Woodland Avenue
Kenny G is the greatest-selling instrumental musician of the modern era and one of the best-selling artists of all time. With more than 75 million records sold worldwide and over 1.5 billion global streams, the Grammy Award–winning saxophonist has built a singular career spanning five decades of unprecedented success. His catalog includes some of the most iconic albums in music history, led by 1992’s Breathless —the best-selling instrumental album of all time—along with Duotones, Silhouette, Miracles: The Holiday Album, Heart and Soul, Brazilian Nights, and most recently Innocence, his 20th studio album.
Get your tickets HERE!
Christmas with Danny Gokey & Friends
December 10, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm at Val Air Ballroom
301 Ashworth Road
Mixology: Mystery at the Museum
December 11, 2026 - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Science Center of Iowa
401 W MLK Jr Pkwy
21+ Mystery at the Museum: Partnered with Rook Room – December 11th
Prepare for a thrilling evening of suspense and intrigue at the Science Center of Iowa’s 21+ Mystery Night at the Museum, hosted in partnership with Rook Room! Step into a world of secrets, puzzles, and hidden clues as you and your friends become detectives for the night, solving a captivating mystery that unfolds throughout the museum.
As the clock ticks, explore the exhibits like never before, piecing together clues and uncovering the story behind the mystery. Will you crack the case? With Rook Room’s expert storytelling and immersive scenarios, this is more than just a night out—it’s an adventure that will challenge your wits and keep you guessing until the very end.
Enjoy cocktails, mingle with other amateur sleuths, and dive into the excitement of a live-action mystery experience. Whether you’re a seasoned detective or a curious newcomer, this event offers a unique blend of fun, challenge, and social interaction in a lively, adults-only environment. Gather your team, sharpen your senses, and get ready for a night of suspense and surprises at the Science Center. Who knows what secrets you’ll uncover?
