Check out this list of all the events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, May 20-22. 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 20
Hamilton at the Des Moines Civic Center
- Showings all weekend!
- Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
We don’t think this needs any explanation. Showings through June 5.
Macrame Hangers for Beginners at Art Terrarium
- Friday, May 21, 5:45 – 8 p.m.
- Art Terrarium, 106 11th St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Katie Jensen (of Nostalgic Creative, DSM) will be joining Art Terrarium as a guest instructor of one of the most requested workshops! Macramé hanging planters add a timeless touch to your space. Learn how to create the two basic knots used for macramé and with that knowledge create your very own macrame hanger. Registration includes refreshments and all materials to create two macramé hangers. You’ll complete one during the workshop!
Central Campus Greenhouse Plant Sale
- Friday, May 20, and Saturday, May 21, 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 vs. Columbus Clippers
- 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 Columbus Clippers on Friday, Saturday or Sunday! It’s family carnival night on Saturday.
- 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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Friday, May 20, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Lua Brewery, 1525 High Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309
Lua is dropping six new brews this Friday from IPAs to Sours. Use this as an excuse to go check out this awesome brewery, that we included in our Bikes and Brews itinerary. Bonus: their patio is dog friendly!
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Friday, May 20, 7:00 p.m.
- Raygun’s Mezzanine, 505 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Only 4 tickets left! Meet author Rachel Yoder and chat about her newest release , Nightbitch. Readers are encouraged (though not required) to read the book ahead of time and come ready to mingle over drinks and desserts from Bay Laurel Baking Co. $6 ticket – drinks and dessert available. Masks required. The Author Afterparty = 5 Friday evenings of authors, book talk, and dessert in Raygun’s mezzanine.
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Friday, May 20, 7-10 p.m.
- The Picker Knows, 1208 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA, 50265
Ready to shop? Head to The Picker Knows on Friday night for complimentary beverages, snacks, and giveaways throughout the night as you shop this massive antique and vintage store in the old West Des Moines Dahls. Check out our Reel of it here.
Saturday, May 21
THIRD WEEKEND: Downtown Farmers’ Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, May 21, 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 21, 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 the last two weekends 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 Clyde’s Fine Diner is back with breakfast food.
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, May 21, 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.
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Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22
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Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd Street | Des Moines, IA 50309
- Saturday, May 21, 9:30 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Chow Down is a Live monthly Improv Comedy show, entirely made-up on the spot, featuring Onnalee Kelley, Tim Overton, Thomas Matysik, Jen Kuhle, Marcos Lester, Dan Logan, and Jill Leary. CHOWDOWN has been performing live improv comedy in Des Moines since 2014, featuring veteran talent and brilliant characters, skits, goofs, and gaffs!
Sunday, May 22
- Sunday, May 22, 12-3 p.m.
- Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
It’s back. This monthly summer market showcases local farmers, growers and businesses in order to share delicious vegan food and build a vegan community in the Des Moines area. The Vegan Summer Market is hosted by VegLife Des Moines, a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to connect and grow our community around veganism and anti-oppression.
Floral Watercolor Workshop at Rose Farmstead
- Sunday, May 22, 2-4 p.m.
- Rose Farmstead, 7197 43rd Ave Norwalk, Iowa 50211
Feeling artsy? Check out this 2-hour outdoor floral watercolor workshop. Using various spring blooms as inspiration, artist Christine Hilbert will guide guests through the art of watercolor painting. Guests will sit outside among the gardens while Hilbert shares various techniques for creating texture, movement, and color. A complimentary beverage is included. All materials are provided. Reserve your ticket online today.
“Late Checkout” Brunch and Drinks at Bellhop Tiki Bar
- Sunday, May 22, 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 21, and Sunday, May 22, 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!
Selena Movie Screening at Central Des Moines Library
- Sunday, May 22, 2 – 4 p.m.
- Des Moines Central Library, 1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Want some shade on Sunday afternoon? Pop into the Central Library for a showing of Selena, a film based on the life of singer Selena Quintanilla Perez. Enjoy arts & crafts plus snacks during the movie. Free parking located in the basement (accessible from Grand Avenue). This event is part of the Latina Legacy Series.
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