Written by Giovanna Zavell, DSMG Contributor
Warmer weather and flower blossoms are welcoming spring time in Des Moines. And what better way to celebrate the great outdoors than Earth Day! Earth Day is officially Monday, April 22, but keep scrolling to see how you can celebrate all weekend long.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Friday, April 19
As Seen on M.E. Moving Sale
- Friday, April 19 (10a.m. – 3 p.m.), Saturday, April 20 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) & Sunday, April 21 (12-4p.m.)
- 1923 39th Street, Des Moines
As Seen on M.E., a local sustainable shop that puts on pop ups around town, is having a huge Earth Day sale. Check out the sale of vintage, modern, designer and NWT clothes and accessories. Lots of $2 racks, shoes and accessories to choose from for women and men. Check out @asseenon.me on Instagram for more info and style inspo.
Saturday, April 20
FREE Admission Day at The Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens
- Saturday, April 20, 10a.m. – 4p.m.
- 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. Be sure to bring your reusable bag, as many partners will provide take-home items. Also be sure to visit the Bonsai room for the Iowa Bonsai Association Spring Show and Sale happening Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21.
Earth Day Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt
- Saturday, April 20, 8a.m. – 12p.m.
- Des Moines Water Works, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 50321Saturday, April 20, 8a.m. – 12p.
Created in 2018 to help bring awareness of the many hidden treasures of Water Works Park, the extraordinary egg hunt is back for all seekers. While cleaning up the park, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for beautiful, hidden, glass blown eggs. Did you know Water Works is 1,500 acres, making it one of America’s largest urban parks?
Earth Day Shop Hop-Highland Park
- Saturday, April 20
- Highland Park Neighborhood
The second annual Highland Park Earth Day Shop Hop is back! 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. Receive 10% off your purchase at The Collective and Art Terrarium on April 20 & 21.
Polk City Earth Day 5K & Pickleball Tournament
- Saturday, April 20, 9a.m. – 12p.m.
- 112 Third Street, Polk City, IA 50226
Runners, walkers and pickleball enthusiasts unite! Enjoy a 5k around the park then grab your paddle and partner and compete in a tournament. All Registered participants will receive a native plant, a water bottle or koozie, and will be entered into a raffle for prizes. There will be a recreation and a competitive tournament and the 1st place winner will receive an annual membership to Dink’s Pickleball and a portable pickleball net. More info and to register click HERE.
- Saturday, April 20, 11a.m. – 2p.m.
- Waterworks Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 50309
Kick your shoes off and connect with Mother Earth through dance. Begin with a Cacao Ceremony, a guided warm up, followed by Ecstatic Dance set by DJ Eman. Ecstatic dance is a shoeless, wordless freedom of movement and devotion to dance and presence. Following the dance, the group will walk around the park and pick up trash. Full meet up information HERE.
- Saturday, April 20, Stream Cleanup (8:30-11:30a.m.) & Community Event (12-3p.m.)
- Colby Park, 6900 School St, Windsor Heights, 50324
Start your morning with a stream clean up then grab the whole family and head to Colby Park to learn about and appreciate nature. There will be crafts, free plants, free seeds, and an opportunity to meet a real live raptor. Sign up in advance to receive a free Birdhouse to add to your outdoor space. You will also have the opportunity to hear from Polk County Master Gardener, Dan Hagan, who will speak at the event.
Sunday, April 21
Earth Day at The Brenton Arboretum
- Sunday, April 21, 12-3p.m.
- Brenton Arboretum, 25141 260th St, Dallas Center, 50063
Enjoy 141 acres of trees and greens while taking part in a number of family friendly activities. From learning about bees to a kid planting station, there will be many booths to visit and learn. Erin Huiatt with Des Moines Parent will also be there with copies of her books and coloring sheet.
- Sunday, April 21, 9-11a.m.
- Parking lot behind The Collective, 3523 6th Ave Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50313
Help clean up the Highland Park Neighborhood on Sunday, hosted by The Collective and Art Terrarium. Gloves, trash grabbers, and compostable trash bags will be provided. Receive 10% off any purchases from The Collective and Art Terrarium, and an extra 10% (for a total of 20%) if you attend this clean up. After picking up trash, swing by Des Moines Mercantile for 10% off your purchase.
Drum & Flow Social
- Sunday, April 21, 3-5p.m.
- John R. Grubb YMCA, 1611 11th St, Des Moines, IA 50314
Hosted by Saba Circle, a drum circle group, this is sure to be an Earth Day Jam! Bring your own drum or prop to bang along with. Follow along with the rhythm the community creates around you and learn a few new tricks.
Pints by Beth Pop Up at Art Terrarium
- April 21, 10a.m.-4p.m.
- Art Terrarium, 520 Euclid Ave Suite 101, Des Moines, 50313
Nothing says Earth Day like enjoying ice cream flavors inspired by the planet! Pints by Beth is popping up at Art Terrarium with some fun, new flavors. Be sure to get there early to grab your pint, it’s first come first serve!
Moss Art Workshop with Kathleen Joy
- Monday, April 22, 6-8p.m.
- Mainframe Studio #357, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
Learn how to make art with things you found on your walk.Turn mother nature’s beauty into personalized art to add in your home.
Common Ground Showing at The Varsity Theater
- April 22, 6:30-9p.m.
- The Varsity Theater, 1207 25th St, Des Moines, 50311
Head over to the Drake neighborhood for the only showing in Iowa of the film Common Ground, sequel to Kiss the Ground. By fusing journalistic expose’ with deeply personal stories from those on the front lines of the food movement, Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film will be followed by a Q&A with Cultivate: Local Food Connections and Urban Ambassadors about actions you can take to improve Iowa’s food system.
Do something for the Earth all year…
NEW: Local Full Service Compost Collection
Sweet Tooth Farm is bringing a full service compost collection to Des Moines! In an effort to help reduce waste, this multi-tiered service gives you everything you need to start collecting your table scraps. Subscriptions begin May 1, but if you sign up before Earth Day, you will receive 10% off your purchase at The Collective, all you have to do is show your receipt when you’re in the shop!
