62 things to do in Baxter, IA today and tonight, Thursday, November 12. From 5 p.m.: 7 talks + ideas, 6 community, 4 art, 4 food & drink. Tonight: Thursday Night Magic Standard Showdown at Artemis Tavern (5 p.m.); Atlas Games Commander Night (5 p.m.); Clay Charms & Keychains!, Ages 10 – 15 at the Octagon Center for the Arts (5 p.m.); WGS Tarot Readings at Cowles Library (5 p.m.). Every listing links the venue's or organizer's own page it was checked against.
Baxter, IA · Central Time
5 p.m. Central Time
Artemis TavernMarshalltown, IA18 mi
Board games
A Standard-format Magic event at Artemis Tavern. It is free.
Artemis Tavern, 2501 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
5 p.m. Central Time
Atlas GamesAnkeny, IA24 mi
Board games
Commander Night is a Commander-format Magic event at Atlas Games. It is free.
Atlas Games, 502 N Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
5 p.m.–7 p.m. Central Time
Octagon Center for the ArtsAmes, IA27 mi
Family
Oven-bake clay sculpting for ages 10 to 15, where you learn the basics while making your own charms and keychains. The cost is $80.
Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
5 p.m.–7 p.m. Central Time
Cowles LibraryDes Moines, IA30 mi
Community
Tarot readings offered as a creative practice through Women's and Gender Studies, first come, first served, with refreshments and a chance to decorate your own tarot card.
Cowles Library, 2725 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
5 p.m.–8 p.m. Central Time
Food & drink
Chef Andrew Hoffmann of Hoffmann Farm & Forage leads a five-course meal crafted from local ingredients, paired with Alluvial beer.
Alluvial Brewing, 3715 W 190th St, Ames, IA 50014
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
5 p.m.–9 p.m. Central Time
Blank Park ZooDes Moines, IA32 mi
Trivia
Trivia Night at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa.
Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
5 p.m. Central Time
Golem TradingGrand Junction, IA58 mi
Theater
A Magic Academy class for new players that teaches the basic rules of Magic: The Gathering with simple ready-made decks. Everything you need is provided, all ages are welcome, and it runs about one to two hours. Casual play for up to 10 players; entry is $5.
Golem Trading, 224 Main St E, Grand Junction, IA 50107
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
5 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Central Time
Diamond Event CenterCedar Falls, IA59 mi
Festival
A celebration honoring the winners of the 23rd annual 20 Under 40 awards.
Diamond Event Center, 5307 Caraway Lane, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
5 p.m.–9 p.m. Central Time
ThreeHouse Collaborative Campus MinistriCedar Falls, IA60 mi
Community
ThreeHouse Collaborative Campus Ministri, 2422 College St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
5:30 p.m.–7 p.m. Central Time
Venue at 1514 E Grand Ave suite bDes Moines, IA28 mi
Other
Advice on car insurance and temporary permits for travelers heading to Mexico over the end-of-year break.
Venue at 1514 E Grand Ave suite b, 1514 East Grand Avenue, #suite b, Des Moines, IA 50316
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Central Time
Talks + ideas
Student Curator-led Tour of Journeys of Life at Anderson Gallery, Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
Anderson Gallery, Drake University, 1310 25th Street, Des Moines, IA 50311
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Central Time
Anderson Gallery, Drake UniversityDes Moines, IA30 mi
Talks + ideas
Art
Artist Panel Discussion: Lydia Nong, Jess Quinn and Audrey Stirling discuss their work in the student-curated exhibition Journeys of Life.
Drake University
Anderson Gallery, Drake University, 2507 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
5:30 p.m. Central Time
The IngersollDes Moines, IA31 mi
Other
A live tribute to Whitney Houston starring Trina Johnson Finn, with a full band, dancers and her best-known hits in a 90-minute show.
The Ingersoll, 3711 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5:30 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
5:30 p.m.–7 p.m. Central Time
Black Box Theater, Kent Campus CenterIndianola, IA38 mi
Food & drink
Featuring Allison Ludtke, Federal Legislative Affairs Manager, Animal Legal Defense Fund
Black Box Theater, Kent Campus Center, 701 N C St, Indianola, IA 50125
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Central Time
Wilson's Orchard & Farm (Des Moines)Cumming, IA40 mi
Talks + ideas
A free workshop connecting you with local experts from every phase of the homebuilding process.
Wilson's Orchard & Farm (Des Moines), 3201 15th Avenue, Cumming, IA 50061
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Central Time
Hudson Public LibraryHudson, IA54 mi
Community
Speakers Bureau: Working With the Enemy, historian Chad Timm on Iowa’s little-known World War II prisoner of war camps.
Hudson Public Library, 401 5th St, Hudson, IA 50643
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
6 p.m.–7 p.m. Central Time
Guiding Star MarshalltownMarshalltown, IA20 mi
Family
Bump to Baby Pregnancy Support at Guiding Star Marshalltown in Iowa.
Guiding Star Marshalltown, 2501 S. Center Street Suite M, Marshalltown, IA 50158
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
6 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Central Time
Confluence Brewing CompanyDes Moines, IA30 mi
Food & drink
Musician Chris Falcon performs in the Confluence Brewing taproom, with $1 off pints of Confluence Des Moines IPA during the set.
Confluence Brewing Company, 1235 Thomas Beck Rd., Des Moines, IA
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Central Time
Plenty of bike parking with access off Gray's Lake bike trailFrom confluencebrewing.com, Oct 18, 2026
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6 p.m. Central Time
Rollins MansionDes Moines, IA31 mi
Food & drink
A five-course beer pairing dinner by Chef Jacob, with each course matched to a Barn Town Brewing beer in the lodge at Rollins Mansion. Seating is limited.
Rollins Mansion, 2801 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
6 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Central Time
Other
Vibrant Life Society's Life In Full Color vision boarding experience.
Stonegate Crossing Clubhouse, 15400 Boston Parkway, Clive, IA 50325
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Central Time
Art
A paint and sip at El Presidente: paint Joyful Lights on canvas with instruction and supplies included, and take your painting home.
El Presidente Tequila Bar, 1465 SW Park Square Drive, Ankeny, IA 50023
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Central Time
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6:30 p.m. Central Time
Jay's CD and Hobby - Des MoinesDes Moines, IA30 mi
Board games
A Modern-format Magic event at Jay's CD and Hobby - Des Moines. Entry is $10.
Jay's CD and Hobby - Des Moines, 3315 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Central Time
West Des Moines Public LibraryWest Des Moines, IA36 mi
Talks + ideas
A relaxed Spanish conversation group for adult learners from intermediate-beginner to advanced levels, led by Vanessa C. Marcano-Kelly, a certified court interpreter.
Weekly, Thursdays
West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
7 p.m.–9 p.m. Central Time
Fireside GrilleAltoona, IA20 mi
Music bingo
Music bingo night at Fireside Grille. Any cancellation shows on the Facebook page.
Fireside Grille, 523 8th St SE, Altoona, IA 50009
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
7 p.m. Central Time
Sam’s Bar & GrillAltoona, IA22 mi
Bingo
Sam’s Bar & Grill, 3160 8th St SW Suite P, Altoona, IA 50009
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
7 p.m. Central Time
Time OutAmes, IA27 mi
General-knowledge trivia
The official Jeopardy! game, played in teams at the bar: a trained host reads real Jeopardy! clues, Daily Doubles included, over about two hours. Teams earn points in a league.
Time Out, 120 Kellogg Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
7 p.m. Central Time
AJ's on East CourtDes Moines, IA29 mi
Karaoke
Live music
Runs across the dates shown. Nightly concert karaoke at AJ's on East Court in Des Moines' East Village. Grab the songbook and take the stage, with professional sound and stage lighting.
Limited run.
AJ's on East Court, 419 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
7 p.m. Central Time
NoceDes Moines, IA30 mi
Live music
A singer who has fronted several popular local groups, including Lightcube, and performed alongside some of the area's top jazz musicians.
Noce, 1326 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
7 p.m.–9 p.m. Central Time
The Station On IngersollDes Moines, IA31 mi
Community
Drinking Liberally, an informal, inclusive progressive social group where left-leaning people talk politics over drinks and food. No policy expertise needed, and it isn't a book club. Trivia, then discussion; some nights skip trivia. Find the red, white and blue bottle. Drink responsibly.
The Station On Ingersoll, 3124 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
7 p.m.–9 p.m. Central Time
Mickey's Irish Pub WaukeeWaukee, IA40 mi
Trivia
Weekly trivia at Mickey's Waukee featuring six rounds, $4 draft beers, and $6 tacos.
Weekly, Thursdays
Mickey's Irish Pub Waukee, 50 SE Laurel Street, Waukee, IA 50263
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
7 p.m.–9 p.m. Central Time
Waukee, IowaWaukee, IA40 mi
Trivia
Weekly trivia night at Mickey's Irish Pub in Waukee covering pop culture, history, sports and music. Play solo or with a team. Free.
Weekly, Thursdays
Waukee, Iowa, 50 SE Laurel Street, Waukee, IA 50263
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
7 p.m. Central Time
Quiz games at the Kee Bar & Grill, where first and second place winners are named.
Weekly, Thursdays
The Kee Bar & Grill, 360 6th Street, Waukee, IA 50263
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
7 p.m.–9 p.m. Central Time
Board & Batten, LLCDallas Center, IA43 mi
Live music
Classically trained singer-songwriter Brian Herrin, who co-founded the Des Moines pop rock band Decoy, plays the basement speakeasy. Seating is limited. Advance tickets guarantee a seat in the speakeasy; other seats are first come, first served. More seating is upstairs in the bar, with three pool tables.
Board & Batten, LLC, 1408 Walnut St, Dallas Center, IA 50063
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Central Time
A stage adaptation of myths, folktales, fairy tales and classical Greek drama, told through Cassandra, who was given the gift of prophecy.
Grinnell College
BCA Roberts Theatre (Bucksbaum 170): 1108 Park St, Grinnell, IA 50112, Grinnell College, 1121 Park Street, Grinnell, IA 50112
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Central Time
ThreeHouse Collaborative Campus MinistriCedar Falls, IA60 mi
Community
Logos, a Bible study that debunks biblical literalism.
ThreeHouse Collaborative Campus Ministri, 2422 College St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
8 p.m.–11 p.m. Central Time
Hawk Heaven TavernAltoona, IA21 mi
Karaoke
Hawk Heaven brings back its karaoke contest: nine weeks of qualifying rounds, with the top three singers each week advancing to the finals.
Hawk Heaven Tavern, 805 17th Ave SW, Altoona, IA 50009
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
8 p.m.–1:45 a.m. Central TimeDoors 5:00
Nightingale CocktailDes Moines, IA29 mi
Other
Caliente at Nightingale Cocktail in Des Moines, Iowa.
Nightingale Cocktail, 435 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Doors 5 p.m. · Show 8 p.m. to 1:45 a.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
8 p.m. Central Time
The Red MonkDes Moines, IA29 mi
General-knowledge trivia
Geeks Who Drink's free two-hour pub quiz for teams of up to six: audio, video and general-knowledge rounds, with questions rated PG-13. You play for prizes or bragging rights.
The Red Monk, 210 4th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 8 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
8 p.m.–10:30 p.m. Central Time
Hoyt Sherman PlaceDes Moines, IA30 mi
Other
Postmodern Jukebox, the music collective founded by pianist Scott Bradlee, brings singers, dancers and instrumentalists on The Future Is Vintage World Tour, turning '70s rock, '80s Britpop, chart-toppers, movie themes and video-game music into vintage jazz, swing and soul. Reserved seats $49, $59, $69, $79.
Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
8 p.m.–10 p.m. Central Time
The Ridgemont Windsor HeightsWindsor Heights, IA33 mi
Open mic
Comedy
A free open mic comedy night every Thursday at The Ridgemont.
Weekly, Thursdays
The Ridgemont Windsor Heights, 7460 Hickman Road, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
8 p.m. Central Time
The Ducktail LoungeClive, IA34 mi
Karaoke
Karaoke at The Ducktail Lounge in Clive, open to singers of any level and a crowd that cheers them on.
The Ducktail Lounge, 1809 NW 86th Street, Clive, IA 50325
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 8 p.m. Central Time
Food: tacos · burgers · pizza · flatbreads · pretzels · desserts · Vegan options · Gluten-free optionsFrom the venue's menu, Oct 18, 2026
Muute = stop showing me this.
9 p.m. Central Time
Barrel HouseDes Moines, IA29 mi
Other
Half-price appetizers, served late, at Barrel House Bar & Grill, which has locations in Iowa, Illinois and Texas.
Barrel House, 401 E Court Ave Ste 300, Des Moines, IA 50309
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 9 p.m. Central Time
Food: wings · tacos · quesadillas · burgers · pizza · bbqFrom the venue's menu, Oct 18, 2026
Muute = stop showing me this.
8 a.m. Central Time
Des Moines, IADes Moines, IA25 mi
Talks + ideas
Runs across the dates shown. Gilbarco Dispenser Factory Certification, covering safety, FlexPay, dispenser programming, electronic and hydraulic components and troubleshooting. $2550.
Limited run.
Des Moines, IA, 5527 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50313
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 8 a.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
8 a.m. Central Time
Valley Church & Valley Community CenterWest Des Moines, IA36 mi
Festival
Runs across the dates shown. A shoebox drive for Operation Christmas Child, where people fill a box with toys, school supplies and personal care items for children around the world. Many of those children get their first gift this way.
Limited run.
Valley Church & Valley Community Center, 4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 8 a.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
8 a.m.–5 p.m. Central Time
Bien VenU Events CenterCedar Falls, IA57 mi
Other
The 2nd Annual Small Business Summit, a one-day event returning bigger and bolder after its inaugural year.
Bien VenU Events Center, 7400 Hudson Road, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
10 a.m. Central Time
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHGDes Moines, IA33 mi
Other
Runs across the dates shown. A free five-day event where an on-site expert evaluates precious metals, coins, collectibles and antiques.
Limited run.
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG, 6111 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 10 a.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
11 a.m.–5 p.m. Central Time
Grinnell College Museum of Art (FINE* 131): 1108 Park St, Grinnell, IA 50112Grinnell, IA23 mi
Talks + ideas
A fresh look at the work of U.S. women painters in the Abstract Expressionist movement, curated by Ellen G. Landau.
Grinnell College
Grinnell College Museum of Art (FINE* 131): 1108 Park St, Grinnell, IA 50112, 1121 Park Street, Grinnell, IA 50112
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
3:30 p.m. Central Time
Urban Couture Photography (at Mainframe)Des Moines, IA29 mi
Art
Runs across the dates shown. Art class for 3rd through 5th graders focused on the creative process, working with varied materials and bringing original designs to life.
Limited run.
Urban Couture Photography (at Mainframe), 900 Keosauqua Way Studio 307, Des Moines, IA 50309
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 3:30 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
5:30 p.m. Central Time
Runs across the dates shown. Pie & Paint: a slice of pie, a cozy warm drink, and the basics of watercolor as you paint a wreath together.
Limited run.
Collaborate DSM, 3106 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5:30 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
7 p.m. Central Time
Community
Runs across the dates shown. A three-week run of drinks meetups where you can make new friends in a fun, welcoming setting.
Limited run.
Aura Restaurant & Lounge, 12851 University Avenue, #400, Clive, IA 50325
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
7 p.m. Central Time
UNI-DomeCedar Falls, IA59 mi
Other
Runs across the dates shown. IHSAA State Football Playoffs at UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Limited run.
UNI-Dome, 2501 Hudson Rd, Cedar Falls, IA 50614
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7 p.m. Central Time
Muute = stop showing me this.
Classes, exhibits and seasons open for more than a month.
8 a.m. Central Time
Grinnell College Golf CourseGrinnell, IA23 mi
Fitness class
Runs across the dates shown. The Indoor Simulator League in the GCGC clubhouse, part of its new year-round programming. $150.
Ongoing.
Grinnell College Golf Course, 933 13th Ave, Grinnell, IA 50112
Ongoing through Mar 14, 2027, 8 a.m. Central Time
Ongoing through Mar 14, 2027
Muute = stop showing me this.
12 p.m.–4 p.m. Central Time
Anderson Gallery, Drake UniversityDes Moines, IA30 mi
Art
Runs across the dates shown. Drake University students curated this exhibition of work by Mainframe Studios artists, looking inward and at how memory shapes what we keep.
Ongoing.
Drake University
Anderson Gallery, Drake University, 2507 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
Ongoing through Dec 18, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time
Ongoing through Dec 18
Muute = stop showing me this.
Ongoing
Pied Piper StudiosUrbandale, IA34 mi
Family
Runs across the dates shown. Three trial classes at Pied Piper Studios let a parent and child, ages two and three, try the Level 2 curriculum.
Ongoing.
Pied Piper Studios, 3892 Northwest Urbandale Drive, Urbandale, IA 50322
Ongoing through Dec 12
Ongoing through Dec 12
Muute = stop showing me this.
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