Free Things to Do in Greater Des Moines: November Edition
November brings chillier air and warmer vibes, and Greater Des Moines (DSM) is full of free-to-join happenings that keep your calendar full without emptying your wallet. Find after-work live music and small-town parades, plus courthouse lightings, festive shopping strolls and neighborhood celebrations for Small Business Saturday. Grab your jacket, rally your crew (or fly solo!) and explore what’s happening across the region this month. Here are five totally free events to check out.
Amped After Work
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 | Vibrant Music Hall, Waukee
Ready to trade the after‑work routine for live tunes and cool drinks? Head to Vibrant Music Hall’s “Amped After Work” in Waukee from 4-7 p.m. and hang out in the VIP Club, the Red Room. It’s free admission, so you can show up, grab a cocktail, soak in the music and treat yourself to a laid‑back Thursday that doesn’t feel like “just another night out.” Bring a friend, let the week unwind and enjoy that post‑work high without the cover charge.
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Home for the Holidays Lighted Parade
Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 | Downtown Indianola, Indianola
Get those holiday lights on your radar! Downtown Indianola lights up on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. for the “Home for the Holidays” Lighted Parade. It’s free to watch, festive in full force and a perfect excuse for a nighttime outing with family or friends. Feeling extra spirited?
You can even join the parade — time to dig out that twinkle light costume! Bring a warm drink, your fuzzy socks and settle in for a sparkling small-town celebration.
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Jasper County Courthouse Lighting: Lighted Parade & Holiday Festival
Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 | Jasper County Courthouse, Newton
One of the most charming ways to kick off holiday cheer: the annual lighting of the Jasper County Courthouse in Newton, paired with a full festival of freebies. Think lighted parade floats, hot chocolate, live music, horse‑and‑carriage rides, a holiday market with local vendors and a full dose of community joy. It’s all free to attend — show up, get cozy, stroll the streets and let the festive atmosphere take over. Bonus: you’ll find some of the best photo ops in the region.
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Winterset Festival of Lights
Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 | Courthouse Retail District, Winterset
Head out to Winterset’s historic courthouse shopping district for an evening of holiday magic. Starting at 5 p.m., you’ll find lighted window displays, free horse‑drawn wagon rides, live music, snacks, Santa photos and a lighted parade at 7:15 p.m. The vibe is relaxed, local and perfect for anyone craving that small‑town holiday feel. Bring a jacket, maybe a thermos and enjoy a free Friday night outing that feels like a holiday movie in real life.
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Small Business Saturday
Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 | Various Greater DSM Locations
Celebrate local businesses, makers, creators and entrepreneurs this Small Business Saturday with a day full of neighborhood charm and one-of-a-kind finds. From shops in Downtown DSM to cozy main streets, small-town squares and hidden gems across the region, it’s the perfect excuse to browse (and free!), sip and shop your way through the local scene. Not sure where to start? Check out the DSM Local page on The Partnership's website for holiday shopping opportunities Bonus: you’ll support small businesses and maybe discover something totally unique while you’re at it.
Looking for even more ways to enjoy Greater Des Moines (DSM)? Check out the online calendar of events for seasonal happenings all across the region. You can also stay in the loop on concerts with the weekly "Live Music This Week in DSM" blog series. And don’t forget to follow @DSMpartnership on Instagram for the latest can’t-miss moments and insider finds.