🌱 Des Moines Digest
Issue #66 |Monday, November 02, 2026
Everything You Need for a Great Des Moines Week!
Good morning, Des Moines! I hope your Halloween weekend was full of good costumes and better candy. It was a busy one: Halloween on the Hill on Friday, trick-or-treating on Saturday, and the final Downtown Farmers’ Market of the season. The forecast had some wet weather mixed in, so I hope you stayed dry. And don’t forget that clocks fell back Sunday, so enjoy that extra hour while it lasts.
This week is all about Tuesday. Polk County has been seeing record early-voting numbers, so if you haven’t voted yet, today is your last chance to do it early. After that, the week eases into a great run of shows, hockey, and the start of holiday season events.
Here’s your quick preview:
🗳️ Last day for early voting is today, and Election Day is tomorrow
🎒 No school Monday and Tuesday for DMPS
🎄 The Winter Farmers’ Market is coming Nov. 20–22
🎖️ A free Veterans Day concert is set for Sunday at the Civic Center
Let’s get into your week.
No judgment here. But we all have a type. Which one are you? 👇
Which Week-After-Halloween Type Are You?
- The Early Bird Voter: In line at 7 a.m. with a coffee and your ID
- 🍬 The Candy Survivor: Still working through the pumpkin bucket and calling it “portion control”
- 🕰️ The Extra-Hour Champion: Used Sunday’s bonus hour to sleep in and feel great
- ☔ The Cozy Rainy-Day Planner: Soup, blanket, and a show at the Civic Center
🌤️ THIS WEEK’S WEATHER
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High | 67°F | 66°F | 53°F | 54°F | 53°F |
Conditions | 🌧️ Rain and thunderstorms | 🌦️ Rain and drizzle | ☁️ Mostly cloudy; showers possible | ☁️ Cloudy | 🌥️ Mostly cloudy |
Wednesday will bring a noticeable drop in temperatures, with highs in the low 50s. Monday and Tuesday look rainy, with possible thunderstorms, while Wednesday may bring a few showers. Thursday and Friday will stay mostly cloudy and cool. Keep an umbrella handy early in the week and dress warmly as temperatures drop.
📰 News Digest
📰 What's Happening in Des Moines Metro
📰 What’s Happening Around Des Moines
🗳️ Last Chance to Vote Early
Today is the final day for early in-person voting ahead of Election Day. Polk County voters can visit the Polk County Election Office at 2309 Euclid Ave. Check the county’s official website for current hours and voting details. Election Day is tomorrow, November 3, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Same-day voter registration is available at the polls. Bring a valid ID. Polk County Election Office
📈 Polk County Sets an Early-Voting Record
Early voting is drawing strong participation. Polk County surpassed its previous midterm early-voting record in just four days, with more than 11,000 ballots cast. Voters will also face a longer-than-usual, 17-inch ballot featuring multiple state and county races and a constitutional amendment. Plan extra time to review your choices. Read more from We Are Iowa
🎒 A Two-Day Break for DMPS Students
Des Moines Public Schools students have Monday, November 2, off for a professional development day and Tuesday, November 3, off for Election Day. Classes resume Wednesday. Need an outing with the kids? The Des Moines Art Center and Science Center of Iowa are worth considering. DMPS District Calendar
🎄 The Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market Returns
The holiday shopping season gets a local start with the Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market, presented by Prairie Meadows. The three-day event runs November 20–22, bringing together local food, unique gifts, and free entertainment. Admission is free. Event details
🎅 Santa N’ Paws Arrives November 5
Santa N’ Paws is listed on the West Des Moines Chamber’s calendar for November 5–22. If you’re planning a festive outing, check the event listing for locations, schedules, and details before heading out. West Des Moines Chamber Events
🎖️ A Free Concert Honoring Veterans
Celebrate those who served at Star Spangled Salute to Veterans, a free concert scheduled for Sunday, November 8, at 2 p.m. at the Des Moines Civic Center. It’s a meaningful way to recognize veterans in our community. Des Moines Performing Arts
🏳️🌈 Wilson Cruz Comes to Des Moines
The Capital City Pride Speaker Series welcomes actor and advocate Wilson Cruz to the Temple Theater on Thursday, November 5, at 6:30 p.m. Check the event listing for ticket information and additional details. Des Moines Performing Arts
💙 Your Week Ahead: Make your voting plan, check the school calendar, and start filling your November calendar with local events as the holiday season approaches.
🍹 The Ultimate Guide to Des Moines Happy Hours
Need a good excuse to get out this week? Des Moines has plenty of spots where you can grab a drink, a bite, and a little after-work downtime without spending a fortune. From downtown favorites to neighborhood spots, happy hour is one of the easiest ways to enjoy more of the city for less.
We rounded up the best of it — happy hour specials, local bars and restaurants, drink deals, food specials, and more — in one guide.
📚 WEEKLY STUDY TIPS
Brought to you by Camp Homework
📚 Fresh Strategies for Parents and Students — New Tips Every Issue!
Halloween week can be distracting for students, so here’s how to stay on track:
With two days off school, here’s how to make the most of them:
📚 Use Monday for a “reset.” Clean out backpacks, sort papers, and check what’s due this month.
🗳️ Talk about Election Day. Explain what voting is and why it matters. Take kids with you to the polls if you can.
⏰ Re-adjust bedtimes. The time change can throw kids off for a few days. Move bedtime earlier in small steps.
📖 Read together. Rainy Monday is perfect for a long reading session.
✏️ Prep for Wednesday. Set out homework, folders, and lunches the night before so the return to school is smooth.
Learning doesn't stop when school is out. Camp Homework helps students build confidence, strengthen skills, and stay ready for the school year ahead. Learn more at camphomework.com.
🎟️ EVENT SHOWCASE⭐
📍 Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309
📅 Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m.
💵 Check the Civic Center’s site for ticket pricing
This talk features Doug Smith, a wildlife biologist who has studied Yellowstone’s wolves. It’s a great pick for curious kids, nature lovers, and anyone who wants a smart night out midweek. The program is built around photos and stories from the field, so aim for seats with a good view of the screen. Wednesday evening is also a calmer night downtown, so parking and dinner should be easier than on a weekend.
🎉 Big Events This Week
Event | Date | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Mon, Nov 2, 7 p.m. | Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. | Tickets vary | |
Wed, Nov 4 | Wooly’s, Des Moines | Tickets vary | |
Thu, Nov 5 | Casey’s Center, Des Moines | Tickets vary | |
Thu, Nov 5, 6:30 p.m. | Temple Theater, Des Moines | Tickets vary | |
Fri, Nov 6, 7 p.m. | Casey’s Center, Des Moines | Tickets vary |
🍂 Small & Local Favorites
Event | Date | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Tue–Sun, through Nov 29 (opens at noon) | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave. | Free admission | |
Nov 5–22 | Multiple Des Moines-area locations | Check site | |
Tue, Nov 3 | xBk Live, Des Moines | Tickets vary | |
Fri, Nov 6 | The Ingersoll, Des Moines | Tickets vary | |
October 24, 2026 @ 10:00 am - January 24, 2027 @ 4:00 pm | Des Moines Art Center | Free | |
November 3 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Blank Park Zoo | $75 | |
November 3 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden | $25.50 – $30 | |
November 4 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden | $21.25 – $25 |
We want to hear from you! Des Moines Digest exists to help locals find the best things to do, see, and explore across the metro — but we can only make it better with your input. Tell us what sections you love, what you skip, and what you wish we covered more. Whether it's a hidden gem, an event type, or just a quick "keep doing this" — we're all ears. Your feedback shapes every issue, so hit reply or click below and let us know. This digest is for you, Des Moines! 💬
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Thanks for starting the week with us, Des Moines. See you Thursday! 🌱
— Alex | Des Moines Digest 📘
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