Let’s explore social events in Des Moines, IA happening this week. Local events are a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Look through this page and consider going out and socializing during one of these social events.
Social events are great and offer a world of possibilities. You can make new friends, learn new skills, see things from different perspectives and it’s fantastic for your mental health. And never before has companionship and being able to spend time with others been as important as it is today.
You probably remember being a kid and going up to another person your age and saying, “Do you want to be friends?” and that was pretty much that. Friend made. Alas, it’s not quite as simple now that we’re grown up, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult or as awkward as we think. There are thousands of people out there who would love to meet up with others, finding them just takes a bit of help and that’s what we’re here for.
On this page, we hope you’ll find some interesting events in Des Moines where you can make some new friends.
Local Groups’ Events in Des Moines
DSM AI Group: Unleashing the Power of AI/ML with AWS
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: We Write Code
Are you looking to harness the transformative capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for your business? Join us at our upcoming meet-up, where we’ll dive deep into the world of AWS AI/ML services, unlocking the potential to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and gain a competitive edge.
In this informative session, an AWS Solutions Architect will take you on a j(…)
Being Social New in Town
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Jordan Creek Mall
You’re relatively new in town. I get it. Been there, done that—got the t-shirt!
You’ve probably found that ‘Iowa nice’ is all fine and good, but all too often it’s just a smile and a wave.
You want to meet new, likeminded people, explore personalities and interests, and possibly collaborate toward group activities at public venues. That’s what you moved here hoping to find!
But, maybe you don’t(…)
Containerize your Development Environment
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: 4501 NW Urbandale Dr
DevOpsDSM is back for 2025! Please join us for our January Meetup on Wednesday, January 22nd from 6-7:30pm. Our guest speaker is Joey Hage from Athene and he will be presenting on how to “Containerize your Development Environment.”
This meetup is hosted in person at Source Allies, and food/drinks will be provided. We will also livestream the meetup on our Twitch channel here: [https://www.twitch.(…)
Drinking Liberally Weekly Meetup
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: The Station On Ingersoll
We are back to our regular format starting January 2nd, 2025. We will be doing trivia at 7:00 PM and then start our discussion at 8:30 PM. If you would like to participate in trivia, try to arrive before 7:00 PM. On the nights when we do not have trivia, we will start at the usual time, 8:00 PM.
Please join us for fun, drinks, food and a good time with liberally minded friends! To locate our tabl(…)
3D Printing Meetup Topic: Open Forum!
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: HartSmart Products
Talking about specific 3D printing topics is great, but what happens when the topic you want never gets the popular vote?? Well in an Open Forum there is No Topic! This means you are welcome to bring anything (and anyone), and talk about anything you want to. Bring out your tiny little 3D Printers for Ants, show off your Modular 3D prints, discuss How To Make Your 3D Printer “Just Work”, or any ot(…)
Healthy Investors Secret – Is there any secrets in Des Moines?
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Horizon Line Coffee
**You want to discover a “Healthy Investors Secret”?**
Then meet up at this events date, time, adresse and (if you see others that looks like they searching for the same Meetup) then ask them:
**“*are you also looking for the “Healthy Investors Secret” walk and talk?”***
Then take a walk together (or take a coffee) and find out a secret or two.
**You could ask :**
“What keeps your energy level up (…)
Evening Board Games at Ironside Axe Club
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Ironside Axe Club
The Board Game Cooperative has joined forces with Ironside Axe Club’s Open Board Game Night!
Like the other open game days we host, board games for all levels of experience will be provided, along with friendy instruction.(…)
Lunch at SKIP’s 🏡🍴
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Skip’s Restaurant
What: Lunch at SKIP’s
When: Saturday, January 25th
Time: Noon
Where: 4000 Fleur Drive, DSM
Menu: https://skipsdesmoines.com/lunch-menu/?
Skip’s has been a Des Moines Institution since 1981, and they pride theirselves on providing personalized service and upscale food and drink.
The menu offers a variety of American classics.
We look forward to seeing you soon!(…)
Des Moines Real Estate Investing – Friday Morning Coffee Meetup
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Smokey Row Coffee
No agenda, just casually talking about real estate investing in Des Moines Area(…)
Kind Hearts and Coronets WATCH PARTY
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Valley Community Center
See *Kind Hearts and Coronets* for free at 6:30pm on Monday, January 20th at the Valley Community Center. Alec Guinness, Dennis Price, Joan Greenwood, and Valerie Hobson star. Robert Hamer directs. Free popcorn and soft drinks provided.(…)
Writers Connection
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Urbandale Public Library
You MUST be officially RSVP’d via this event software to attend.
If you are not feeling well, please protect others and refrain from joining the meeting.
Masks are no longer required but we encourage you to do whatever makes you feel safe.
We are a group of people who enjoy writing or the thought of writing. Whether you are published, still writing, or even just thinking about it, come out and (…)
Dane’s Group
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: undefined
Everyone who is reading this is welcome to come anytime. The majority of players don’t sign up on meetup instead we talk in the private channel at this group’s discord (https://discord.gg/U2wFBsF6Jg). The game is 5e Dungeon and Dragons (2014) from 11am to 5pm every Saturday in Altoona (message @Holyvigil in discord for the address). It is an fantasy game filled with magic monsters and new wonders (…)
Expansive Connections Through Dreams
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: undefined
Your inner teacher is calling! Learn how to interpret your dreams and apply the teaching to your life!
Join us via Zoom for a 4 week Short Course.
Get more information and register here:
[https://us06web.zoom.us/…/register/PUvVJRsdQvO0_tT1osrVHQ](https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PUvVJRsdQvO0_tT1osrVHQ?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3atQIi0A-aUCLEyc7KyD2sFZPKy17GX-K9JIJUhHiVBtmiLV1fHoAtATo_(…)
Is there a secret special someone in Des Moines? (FREE event) JoyfulDanish.com
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure, 2723 Ingersoll Ave
**Tired of dating apps and want to meet people in real life?** Then take a chance and see if there could be a spark in between you and a secret special someone. (Only for 18+).
💬 **Event Details:**
* 📍 Location: This location
* 🕒 Time: About 45-90 min.
* 💞 Purpose: Organic social connections (By the people, for the people)
**How does It Works?:**
1️⃣ **RSVP & write your comment**
2️⃣ **Arri(…)
Open Board Game Nights at Ironside Axe Club
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: undefined
Join us for a night of tabletop fun at Open Board Game Nights at Ironside Axe Club!
What: Open Board Game Night.
When: Second Tuesday and Fourth Thursday of every month
Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Where: Ironside Axe Club Lobby
Host: The Board Game Cooperative
Games are Provided and there are people on hand to help teach the games. This is a great opportunity to try some new games and meet new people. The(…)
Morning Blend Networking
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Ironside Axe Club
Business networking and axe throwing(…)
Open House
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Area515
Come and visit us! Knock, say hi, and we’ll show you around and answer any questions you have.(…)
Bienvenidos a charla en Español.
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: El Fogon
Bienvenidos! Charlamos en Español. Somos buenas gente.(…)
Real Estate Investing Strategies for Multifamily Investors
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Java Joes CoffeeHouse
We’re thrilled to announce our next guest speaker, Sarah Pell, who will be joining us to kick off our first Multifamily Meetup event on **January 21st at 6:30 PM.**
Sarah will share her journey of growing a successful short-term rental business by leveraging the power of virtual assistants and online tools to streamline operations and create efficiencies!
Sarah will dive into her strategies for s(…)
Drop-in Improv Classes: Fundamentals
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: Chandelier
Hey folks! This is a drop-in improv class, runs every Monday. $10/class or $40/5 classes. Drop-in any time, or every time; cash or venmo up front, @tim-overton-2.
We’re offering fundamentals (character, ensemble/relationship, space/object work, game of the scene, and more), as well as advanced topics (forms/openings, hosting, business of improv, improv to sketch, musical improv, and more).
Please (…)
Tips to meet people at social events
You can make more friends at one party by showing interest in them than in a month by trying to meet people online. Meeting new people and making genuine connections in local events can be fun and easy if you go with the right mindset.
When it comes to meeting new people, nothing beats showing up in the real world. But none of the tips will work if you are not coming from the right place. Keep an open mind when attending social events. Reframe strangers as potential friends, it will make it much easier to approach conversations and fully engage in them.
When choosing an event, keep an eye on interesting themes, something you can relate to. Meeting new people in the context of mutual interest increases your chances of being friends.
Research events with the types of people you want to meet. They could be people in your age group, your field of work, or a specific neighborhood. Do not be too strict though, loosen up a little bit from your expectations.
Go where people are intentionally looking to make friends such as networking events where it feels normal and expected to walk up and introduce yourself.
In this digital era, apps and websites are the most convenient solutions for finding out about local events. If you are not sure where to look for events happening in Des Moines, you can try out Traveliowa.com, Catchdesmoines.com, or Dsmpartnership.com.
RELATED: How To Meet People In Des Moines, Iowa
Indulge – A Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Affair
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: The River Center
New Location – The River Center, Saturday, January 25, 2025
The Browning w/ Dropout Kings, Filth, The Defect
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Lefty’s Live Music
The Browning w/ Dropout Kings, Filth, The Defect
Bike Banquet
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Iowa Events Center
Join us at the Iowa Bicycle Coalition’s exciting new Bike Banquet, where we will celebrate the power of cycling and community.
DMAAR’s Annual Event 2025
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Noce
Join us for DMAAR’s Annual Event on Jan 23, 5-8 PM at Noce! Enjoy music, cocktails, networking & the REALTOR® of the Year announcement!
Ag Innovation Forum & Legislative Reception
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Hilton Des Moines Downtown
Join us on January 22, 2025 for an insightful forum focused on AgTech and its transformative impact on Iowa’s agriculture industry.
January’s Membership Meeting that includes Voting
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Elevate/Master Builders of Iowa
Join us for our January membership meeting where we will have a quick vote for the nomination committee and mentorship panel.
Iowa Bike Expo 2025
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Iowa Events Center
Welcome to the Iowa Bike Expo, the ultimate destination for all cycling enthusiasts!
Classic Speed Dating – Des Moines (Ages 40 & Under)
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: BeerStyles Taproom & Gastropub
Join us to meet fun singles for a series of “mini” dates – in real life!
Sushi Class at Waterfront 2025
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: 2900 University Ave
Sushi class at Waterfront
Date me Dsm @ The Shop Dsm (28-40)
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: The Shop DSM – Event Center
A fun Saturday night spent mixing and mingling with other singles at The Shop DSM. Ages 28-40!
Boutique Bingo at Mainstream Boutique Ankeny
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Mainstream Boutique Ankeny
Join us for Boutique Bingo! Lots of fun and prizes! $25 covers wine, snacks and prizes! Room for 25 participants.
Vampire Prom
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Lefty’s Live Music
Vampire Prom – Featuring Switchblade Saturdays, Public Figure, Arcade Riot, On Hiatus & DJ Zuul
COCKTAIL MIXOLOGY CLASS! EXCLUSIVE POP-UP EVENT @ LUCCA RESTAURANT
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Lucca
Come experience something NEW, FUN & FESTIVE! Learn to make 3 handcrafted cocktails with a Valentine’s Twist! Hurry, only 10 spots total.
Date me Dsm @ Secret Admirer (40’s)
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Secret Admirer
This event is a small intimate slow speed dating event for those in their 40’s.
the Kinda Late Night (Variety) Show
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Your Private Bar
Get ready for a night of laughs, music, and surprises at the Kinda Late Night (Variety) Show – it’s gonna be lit!
Taebo Tha Truth – Gangsta Party w/ DJ Doc
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Lefty’s Live Music
Taebo Tha Truth – Gangsta Party w/ DJ Doc
WineStyles Cellar Share
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: WineStyles Tasting Station – West Glen
Join us for our next WineStyles Cellar Share event!
Visioning Love in 2025
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Des Moines
Learn the keys to inspiring a series of breakthroughs in your love life, so that you can finally manifest your Soulmate in 2025!
Run the Seasons Virtual 5K/10K/13.1 (DES MOINES)
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Gray’s Lake Park
Join us for the Seasons Virtual Run, where you can run anywhere, anytime. Set a goal, journey with someone else.
PMI-ACP Certification Classroom Training in Des Moines
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: 5550 Wild Rose Ln
Join our PMI-ACP Training and elevate your Agile skills! Our program offers official courseware, practice tests, and a 100% pass guarantee.