It’s Easter, 4/20, and almost Earth Day baby! Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, April 18-20. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Featured Photo: Drew Dau Photography, used with Permission
Friday, April 18
Gallery Night in the Historic Valley Junction
- Friday, April 18, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Historic Valley Junction, 137 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Valley Junction will host its biannual Gallery Night, an event to showcase new art by artists at the regional, national, and international levels. Galleries all over the Historic Valley Junction will participate in this art and merchant event. Plus, Gallery Night is free and open to the public!
Glow Skate and Pizza Night at Skateland Des Moines
- Friday, April 18, 5 – 9 p.m.
- Skateland Des Moines, 5621 Meredith Dr, Des Moines, IA 50310
Looking for something fun to do this Friday night? Light up the night at Skateland with glow-in-the-dark roller skating! Plus, admission includes a pizza slice and a soft drink, so you’re set for the entire night!
Night Hike at Jester Park
- Friday, April 18, 8:15 – 9:15 p.m.
- Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 NW 128th St, Granger, IA 50109
Enjoy the first nice evenings of the spring at Jester Park after dark! Registration is required to participate in this free hike around the park while learning how humans and animals use the five senses to navigate the night.
Saturday, April 19
Free Earth Day Admission to the Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr., Des Moines, 50309
Celebrate the connection between water and plants at the Botanical Gardens this Earth Day weekend. Along with free admission, there will be a number of family-friendly activities and community partners on site.
(Almost 4:20) 4/19 Garden Party
- Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Thistle’s Summit and Olio Oddities, 340 SW Fifth Street, #122, Des Moines, IA 50309
Wake and bake! Kick off an event-filled Saturday with a garden party hosted by Thistle’s Summit and Olio Oddities. Start the day off with free coffee from Daisy Chain, followed by a day full of deals, treats, drinks, and more 😉
Highland Park Earth Day Shop Hop
- Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Highland Park Neighborhood
It’s back for the third year! Celebrate earth day by visiting your favorite small businesses in Highland park. Grab a passport at any shop, receive a stamp at each participating business and return your completed passport by 4p.m. on Saturday to be entered to win a selection goodies from your favorite Highland Park small businesses. Don’t forget to bring your reusable bag.
Pajama Party Yoga at the Surety Hotel
- Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m.
- Surety Hotel, 2nd floor Midland Room, 206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Sweat for a Cause at Big Grove
- Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
“Join us at this all-levels, donation-based yoga class to raise money and awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters! Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Class is FREE to attend, however, we will be accepting monetary donations through The Power Life Foundation Venmo before, during and after the event. Please use “BBBS DSM” in the Venmo memo line when making your donation. Pre-registration opens April 12 on the PowerLife app.
Take a Drag Event at Five Monkeys Inc
- Saturday, April 19, 7 p.m.
- Five Monkeys Inc, 131 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
“Join us on Saturday April 19th for an unforgettable night of drag performances from Majesty Diamond, Peach’s and Komplete Moon LaReese, delicious food, exciting prizes, and pottery painting with an adult and 4/20-friendly twist! 🌈🎨 Whether you’re here for the art, the entertainment, or just the vibe, it’s the perfect way to pregame for 4/20 in style.” 21+ event, and feel free to BYOB!
Sunday, April 20
Doggy Easter Egg Hunt at Paws and Pints
- Sunday, April 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
It is the most egg-citing event of the year, and one lucky pup will be the one to sniff out the super special Lifetime Membership! This Sunday, join the egg hunt at 1 p.m. where your pup can look through 200+ hidden KONGs with special prizes! Stay the whole time for an awesome brunch, an adorable photo op, and a great time!
Easter Sunday at Big Grove Brewery
- Sunday, April 20, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
It is Easter fun for the whole family at Big Grove Brewery this Sunday! Let the little kids have their egg hunt fun before the adult hunt at 1:30 p.m. Big Grove’s full menu will be available to order, as well as a special brunch menu!
Easter Brunch Bingo at Smash Park
- Sunday, April 20, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Looking for a fun activity and delicious food to enjoy with friends and family? Check out Smash Park on Sunday morning for a delicious brunch spread, prizes, cocktails, and the chance for an Easter Bingo win!
Creme’s Earth Day Pop Up
- Sunday, April 20, 2 – 6 p.m.
- Creme, 543 28th St, Des Moines, IA 50312
Crème is closing down the street in front of it’s bakery for this enormous Earth Day pop-up with Siricasso, Golden Eye Curations, Bud & Marys, and Kind Kulture. Expect your favorite treats from the bakery as well as vintage clothing, hemp-infused drinks, and giveaways.
