Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, May 12-14. 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. Check out this round up of live music concert series.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
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Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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509 East 5th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
ONLY ONE WEEKEND A MONTH! This vintage pop up is in an old carriage house in the East Village. It’s so fun to walk inside, but also to browse the best vintage and antique dealers. The finds are usually spot on for what we’re looking for on a day of vintage and thrifting!
Friday, May 12
SOLD OUT: Fairy Garden Terrarium Building at Art Terrarium
- Friday, May 12, 5:45 -7 p.m.
- Art Terrarium, 520 Euclid Ave Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50313
Yes to all of this. Yes. Kick off Mother’s Day weekend with this class!”Art Terrarium’s Makala McGrean will guide you through creating a beautiful tropical terrarium that will be sure to attract adorable fairies to your house! Relax in our lush event space as you build your masterpiece while enjoying complimentary beverages (or feel free to bring your own!). Every participant also receives 15% off EVERYTHING in the store during the event! This class is perfect for anyone who loves plants, or anything enchanted! All are welcome to sign up!”
Patio Rec: Happy Hour Deals at Latin King
- Friday, May 12, 3-5 p.m.
- The Latin King, 2200 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
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Games All Weekend: Iowa Cubs
- 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 Toldeo Mudhens.
- Friday, May 12, 7 p.m.
- Raygun, Historic East Village, 505 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Grab a latte and hear DSM poet, William Bortz, read from and discuss his newest collection, Many Small Hungerings. We’ll gather in Daisy Chain Coffee for cafe drinks and mingling before settling in Raygun’s mezzanine to hear from William about his process and poems. William will take questions and stay to sign copies.
Care+aoke at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Friday, May 12, 11 p.m. – close
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Karaoke for a cause? Yes, please. Sign us up! Put your shower singing skills to the test at Teehee’s Comedy Club every Friday from 11 p.m. to close. Admission is free and all performer tips will be donated to an awesome charity they’ve chosen for the week!
Saturday, May 13
Downtown Farmer’s Market: It’s Back!
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, May 13, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
New here? The Downtown Farmers’ Market is an open-air street market located in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Vendors will be set up outdoors on Court Avenue and adjacent side streets. It feels especially huge since it was limited to the pandemic and it’s back to full size. It’s one of the best in the country! Don’t miss it this summer.
Super Secret Brunch Club at Secret Admirer
- Saturday, May 13, 10 p.m., until sell out!
- Secret Admirer, 110 SW 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Saturday mornings at Secret Admirer are the best before or after browsing through the farmers’ market. Grab a coffee, grab a mimosa, or grab both, and then relax on Secret Admirers’ perfect patio. As always, @northernvessel is on the the coffee. Get there early to snag breakfast from Lachele’s Fine Foods.
- Saturday, May 13, 11 – 2 p.m.
- Peace Tree Brewing, 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA, United States, Iowa
Another great Mother’s Day outing idea or just an addition to your farmer’s market haul on Saturday afternoon. Weather-permitting, vendors will be setup both indoors and outdoors. Come have a beverage and check out some amazing local makers with us!
FAMILY FRIENDLY: Little Florists Mother’s Day Storytime
- Saturday, May 13, 11 a.m.
- Storyhouse Bookpub, 505 E Grand Ave Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Laughternoon at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Saturday, May 13, 3 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
We love a little comedy in the afternoon moment. Described as,”A comedy show for the masses, yet catering to those who stay in at night or always have weekend plans. We know who you are, we see you and we think you deserve a hearty laugh that fits your weekend schedule. Enjoy that matinee feeling of a killer show only to realize when it’s all over, your Saturday is not. Come get your sides split by a stellar standup showcase while the sun is still up.”
Menace Home Opener
- Saturday, May 13, 7 p.m.
- 4440 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50265-5443, United States
Into soccer lately? Yes, same. Des Moines has a great team in Menace, and it’s fun to go for a chill night out because this time of night is usually so beautiful right now too. General admission tickets are $10!
Up Down Prom 2023
- Saturday, May 13, 8 p.m. – 1 .m.
- Up Down, 500 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Sunday, May 14
Pottery For Pets – Paint Your Own at the ARL
- Sunday, May 14, 11:30 – 12:45 p.m.
- Five Monkeys, 134 5th St, Valley Junction , IA 50265
Create memories and your own custom vase all while supporting pets at the ARL. This pottery session will include time with kittens, a vase to paint, light snacks and a complimentary meow-mosa. A cute mother’s day idea! The first session sold out, so there’s only a few options left in the second sesstion.
- Sunday, May 14, 3-4 p.m.
- Art Terrarium, 520 Euclid Ave Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50313
Spend Mother’s Day afternoon with us at Art Terrarium! AT’s Makala McGrean will guide you through creating a beautiful dried floral bouquet. Dried floral bouquets require no additional care and they can last in your home for up to five years! This is a great activity to do with your mom, or anyone who loves flowers! Enjoy complimentary drinks in our lush event space, and 15% off EVERYTHING in store during the event!
Board Game Day with The Dealt Hand at Firetrucker Brewery
- Sunday, May 14, 2-7 p.m.
- Firetrucker Brewery, 716 SW 3rd St, Ankeny, IA 50023, USA
Des Moines Girls Who Walk at Gray’s Lake
- Sunday, May 14, 1 p.m.
- Gray’s Lake, 2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, 50315
One of these Sundays we’ll have perfect weather, right? Can’t wait to see you all this Sunday, 1 p.m. It’s always great to be outdoors with you all regardless. Bring your mama!
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