DES MOINES, Iowa — It may be too early for some Iowans to put up their decorations, but central Iowa is already full of holiday cheer.
Whether you're ready to lean into the holiday spirit or are cherishing the last moments of fall, here are five festive or just plain fun events taking place in the Des Moines metro this weekend.
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- When: Friday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 16, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Where: Iowa Events Center (730 3rd St., Des Moines)
- Price: $14
If you're ready to knock out some early holiday shopping, look no further. The Des Moines Holiday Boutique is a one-stop shopping destination featuring hundreds of vendors and plenty of festive cheer.
- When: Friday, Nov. 15, 5-9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Where: Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds (3000 E Grand Ave., Des Moines)
- Price: $8 in person, $7 online
Go handmade for the holidays by purchasing a gift at Iowa's largest arts and crafts show. The Varied Industries Building will be full of unique, local vendors showcasing affordable arts and crafts, including oak furniture, pottery, jewelry, stained glass and more.
- When: Friday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Nov. 17, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- Where: Des Moines Community Playhouse, Studio Theatre (831 42nd St., Des Moines)
- Price: $19 for adults, $14 for students
Bring the whole family to this vibrant show celebrating community connection. Based on the Newbery Medal-winning children's book, the production follows main character CJ and his force-of-nature Nana as they take a bus ride that changes how he sees the world. As an added bonus, the show is the perfect opportunity to see the newly renovated Studio Theatre.
- When: Friday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 16, 6 p.m.
- Where: Wells Fargo Arena (233 Center St., Des Moines)
- Price: Tickets start at $19
The Iowa Wild will face the Texas Stars in two games this weekend. Support your hometown hockey team and enjoy drink specials such as $2 beers on Friday and 2 for 1 Confluence beers on Saturday. Plus, Saturday is Veterans Appreciation Night.
- When: Sunday, Nov. 17, 2 p.m.
- Where: Knapp Center (2601 Forest Ave., Des Moines)
- Price: $15
Whether you're loyal to the Bulldogs or ready to hype up the Hawkeyes, this matchup is for you. The game is also a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Drake women's basketball, so no matter who you're cheering for, it'll be one for the books.