Check out this list of all the events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, May 13-15. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you. Looking for live music this weekend? We’ve got a separate guide for that. Click here to check it out.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Friday, May 13
Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention
- All weekend!
- Hy-Vee Hall Event Center, 703 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
All things tattoos, all weekend! It’s the second annual Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention in Des Moines. Doors open at 2 p.m. on Friday and close at 8 p.m. on Sunday. On Friday, the first 50 people to the door dressed in character (cosplay/horror) will get a free weekend pass AND a free weekend pass to Des Moines Con next weekend.
Plant Life Pizza Picnic
- Friday, May 13, 6-9 p.m.
- Plant Life Designs, 29154 360th St, Van Meter, IA 50261 United States
Head to a lovely evening in Van Meter with wood-fired pizza and delicious food. Chef Jacob of Crafted Food Services is preparing and cooking seasonally inspired wood-fired pizzas in the Plant Life gardens, highlighting ingredients from local farms. Your ticket includes 1) 10″ wood fired pizza, appetizers, veggies, dessert and 2 drinks. Additional drinks will be available for purchase at the cantina. There will be three varieties of pizza to choose from with four different reservation times based on your schedule!
Central Campus Greenhouse Plant Sale
- Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- 205 County Line Road, Des Moines, IA, 50320
All the money from this sale goes directly back into the Central Campus Greenhouse program to benefit the students that take our classes! The program is run through DMPS Central Campus and they have students from all the DMPS high schools and other metro area high schools who participate.
Iowa Cubs Games
- Games all weekend!
- Principal Park, 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Iowa Cubs are back in season and in town so expect fireworks Friday night. Grab tickets to watch them take on the Omaha Storm Chasers on Friday, Saturday or Sunday!
- All weekend!
- Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
If you’re feeling artsy, check out this amazing “Immersive” art exhibit at the Des Moines Art Center. This’ll be the Art Center like you’ve never seen it before. “Instead of moving through traditional gallery spaces, one will follow a path from darkened space to darkened space, each filled with light, color, and sound.” The exhibit opens this weekend and takes a page from the “immersive” art trend that’s growing, like the Van Gogh experience that’s coming to Des Moines later this year. Source: Axios
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Wednesday – Sunday, 7:30 pm – 10 pm, through May 30!
- Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
“Blank Park Zoo’s Wild Lights Festival presented by MidAmerican Energy Company is returning with a new theme, new lanterns and a few fan favorites. Immerse your family in light and culture in a visually stunning festival of over 40 larger-than-life illuminated lanterns featuring endangered animals, Asian mythical creatures and more. Each display is designed and fabricated by artisans and will thrill you.”
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Shows all weekend!
- 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Our favorite independent comedy club to visit any time of year and it’s newly renovated. Even better? This Saturday night is locals only. A stand-up comedy showcase featuring the top headliners in the state. All supported by the best features and hosts from Des Moines itself! It’s all Iowa, all night long!
Saturday, May 14
SECOND WEEKEND: Downtown Farmers’ Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, May 14, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
It’s back. The coolest thing to do on Saturday mornings in Des Moines. The Downtown Farmers’ Market returns for its 2022 season as the perfect hot girl walk activity, morning dog walk, or food trip! Here’s a guide to all the farmers’ markets in 2022 designed by the talented Evergreen Company.
Source: Evergreen Company
Super Secret Brunch Club at Secret Admirer
- Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m.
- Secret Admirer, 110 SW 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
This is the most exciting thing we’ve seen in 2022 yet and last weekend lived up to the hype. Northern Vessel is an awesome coffee company that closed it’s doors last year. Now, it’s back on Saturdays at Secret Admirer for the perfect place to stop after browsing through the farmers’ market. Grab a coffee, grab a mimosa, or grab both, and then relax on Secret Admirers’ perfect patio. Super Secret Brunch Club starts this Saturday at 10 a.m. and @ohhighbakery is providing gourmet pop tarts!
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- 3200 University Ave, Des Moines, IA (near Drake University)
Another extremely important market to hit up – especially if you’re near the Drake neighborhood! Shop for delicious locally-grown produce for you and your family while supporting new Iowans who have a passion for farming! Global Greens Farmers’ Market serves as a platform for former refugees to sell their produce and bolster their small farming businesses. Hosted by Lutheran Services of Iowa.
Yoga with Good Vibes Movement at Surety Hotel
- Saturday, May 14, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
- Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
A yoga class with a free mimosa?! Yep, this is the perfect excuse to go check out Mulberry Street Tavern! It’s the perfect Saturday morning activity. To support the Good Vibes moment community and youth outreach, please donate $10 at door for class. Don’t forget your mats!
Maker Market at Art Terrarium
- Saturday, May 14, 10 – 5 p.m.
- Art Terrarium, 106 11th St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Each month, Art Terrarium hosts a special Maker Market – a perfect addition to your farmers’ market morning in the downtown area. Pop in for more plants, plant supplies, pots and this Saturday only, goods and homeware from Cat Knot and Wildflower Stationery. We love Art Terrarium for inviting local makers and curators to pop up with their collection of wares to support other local small business pals.
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Saturday, May 14, 11 – 1:30 p.m. or 2-4:30 p.m.
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Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa, 2633 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321
Join the Italian American Cultural Center for an outdoor cooking experience with Jon Turner and Parlo Pizza. The class will explore the history of pizza making and create our own, the old world way. The class will include a rustic bruschetta for starters, a personal pizza creation, and dessert from the wood fire oven.
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Saturday, May 14, 12-4 p.m.
- Rooted Yoga + Fitness, 2708 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, 50310
We love an opportunity to visit Beaverdale and Rooted Yoga + Fitness. This weekend, they’re hosting Ash Gravity for a special readings session. Here’s what it’s about: “Ever wonder what the planets are trying to tell you? Ash Gravity is an astrologer and Earth intuitive who loves to guide people in harnessing the divine timing of the universe. Their 15-minute readings will clarify which planet is influencing you most right now and how to work with the energy available to stay aligned with your soul’s plan. If you’ve had an astrology reading before, this method is different from what you have experienced.”
- Saturday, May 14, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266
If you’re staying out in West Des Moines this Saturday morning, you can get a flow and a brew at Smash Park. Registration is $10 per person with the inclusion of 2 beers! Sampling will also be provided by Exile. Not a beer person but still want to get into the flow? Don’t worry, they also have our $2 breakfast cocktails available.
Ban Off Our Bodies: Protect Roe V. Wade Rally
- Saturday, May 14, 2-4 p.m.
- 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319
In case you were living under a rock and didn’t see the news out of SCOTUS last week, there’s a huge threat to Roe v. Wade in our country right now. Join the My Body My Choice group in Iowa to rally on May 14 to align with a National Day of Action with protests across the country.
Drag Queen Bingo at Sully’s Irish Pub
- Saturday, May 14, 1-3 p.m.
- Sully’s Irish Pub, 860 1st Street, West Des Moines, IA
Saturdays are always a good day to drink and play bingo. If you’re staying out in the West Des Moines area, feel free to pop into Sully’s Irish Pub for their monthly Drag Queen Bingo in the afternoon for some fun prizes and food/drink specials.
Sunday, May 15 – 515 Day
- Sunday, May 15, 1-6 p.m.
- Des Moines Mercantile, 3707 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313
We’re SO excited about this first ever event thrown by Des Moines Mercantile for 515 Day. Described as “a day to support local craftmanship and curation,” there will be three dozen vendors to shop through in DSM Mercantile’s parking lot including pottery, clothing, flowers and home bakers. There will be live music from Brad and Kate Myers and Nels Dovre. Check it out!
Defend Roe Rally
- Sunday, May 15, 12 p.m.
- Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319
If you can’t attend Saturday’s rally, you can check out this rally on Sunday at the Iowa Capitol. All are welcome to participate. This is an inclusive LGBTQ+ event. Signs are encouraged advocating for Women’s Rights and sharing on social media is encouraged. Hosted by Pro Choice With Heart.
“Late Checkout” Brunch and Drinks at Bellhop Tiki Bar
- Sunday, May 15, 12-6 p.m.
- Bellhop Tiki Bar, 440 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Wow! Brunch options are popping up everywhere in Des Moines this Spring. Bellhop Tiki Bar is here if you’re ready to turn up on a Sunday Funday with their “Late Checkout” drinks and brand new brunch options on Sunday afternoon. The food menu includes chilaquiles, chicken and waffles, and pancakes. When they sell out, they sell out! As always, please be courteous and patient with wait staff as they roll out these new offerings!
NEW: Brunch at Exile
- Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15, 10 a.m.
- 1514 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
One of our favorite hangouts is NOW HOSTING brunch on Saturdays and Sunday so check it out. This is new and exciting. Check it out either weekend morning. If you check it out, let us know what you think!
Valley Junction Arts Festival
- Sunday, May 15, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Historic Valley Junction, 137 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Head down to Historic Valley Junction on Sunday to check out more than 50 artists from Iowa and beyond take over 5th Street. There will be food vendors, live music, and admission is free!
The Music of Queen by the Des Moines Symphony
- Sunday, May 15, 7:30 p.m.
- Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50309
What better way to close out the weekend than a little Queen? The Des Moines Symphony “will rock you” with the classic music of Queen. Performed by the Des Moines Symphony and a full rock band complete with Brody Dolyniuk’s soaring vocals, you’ll experience all your favorites from “Somebody to Love” to “Under Pressure,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and more. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind tribute to one of the most iconic bands in history!
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