Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, April 19-21. 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.


Friday, April 19


As Seen on M.E. Moving Sale

  • Friday, April 19 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.), Saturday, April 20 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) & Sunday, April 21 (Noon – 4 p.m.)
  • 1923 39th Street, Des Moines, IA 50310

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.


Gallery Night at Valley Junction

  • Friday, April 19, 5-8 p.m.
  • 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. Eight galleries in the Historical Valley Junction will participate in this art and merchant event. Plus, Gallery Night is free and open to the public!


Reading in Public’s TTPD Album Celebration

  • Friday, April 19 – Saturday, April 20
  • 315 5th St Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA 50265
 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Reading in Public Bookstore + Cafe (@readinginpublicbooks)


Jessie Murph at Val Air Ballroom

  • Friday, April 19, Doors Open at 6:30 p.m. for 8 p.m. Show
  • Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Have you been to the newly renovated and re-opened Val Air Ballroom yet? Well now is your chance! Get your tickets to Jessie Murph, the “18-year-old Alabama singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist gushes emotion through the cracks of her dominant, yet lilting croon, staring down heartbreak, anxiety, and darkness without filter or any f*cks given.”


 Saturday, April 20


Taylor Swift Brunch at Gilroy’s Kitchen (RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)

  • Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sunday, April 21, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Gilroy’s Kitchen, 1238 Eighth Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Gilroy’s Kitchen (@gilroyskitchen)


Record Store Day at Vinyl Cup

  • Saturday, April 20, 8 a.m.
  • Vinyl Cup Records, 2815 Beaver Ave, Ste. 210, IA 50310

Saturday is Record Store Day! Start the day off right at 8 a.m. at Vinyl Cup Des Moines. The story will have special RSD Exclusives, giveaways, food, drinks, and (of course) lots of fun! Be sure to check out other stores celebrating RECORD STORE DAY 2024!


Kalon Bridal Studio GRAND OPENING 

  • Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • 413 Euclid Avenue, Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50313
Here comes Iowa’s newest bridal salon opening in Highland Park!  Join the Kal Gals on Saturday, April 20, and help them officially open the doors to a forever space! Swing by to celebrate and enjoy some of our favorite things such as complimentary mimosas and espresso martini bar, brunch time favs from @jessdessertsdsm, and so much more from other local businesses. 
 

Earth Day Shop Hop-Highland Park

  • Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • 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 4 p.m. on Saturday to be entered to win a selection of 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 and 21.


Vintage Market with Upcycled DSM and Big Acai

  • Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Valley Junction, 115 and 117 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Upcycled DSM (@upcycleddsm)


4/20 Garden Party

  • Saturday, April 20, 10 a.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 😉


Pot or Not 4/20 Flash Event at Black Magic Tattoo

  • Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m.
  • Black Magic Tattoo 412 E Fifth Street, Ste. 101, Des Moines, IA 50309

It’s another flash event with Black Magic Tattoo! Celebrate this informal holiday with a tattoo pop-up event. Doors open at 11 a.m. when attendees choose from a selection of pre-drawn tattoos. Not a tattoo person? Swing by to check out their fresh t-shirt drop!


Vintage Garage Sale at Ritual Cafe

  • Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Ritual Cafe Downtown, 1301 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Celebrate Earth Day by supporting a local small business, sipping on some coffee, munching on some treats, and sifting through some great vintage finds from a number of vendors!


Selena Brunch at Mulberry Street Tavern

  • Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Mulberry Street Tavern, 206 Sixth Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309

Where are all our Selena fans? Celebrate the Queen of Tejano Music with a brunch celebrating the life and legacy of the iconic Selena Quintanilla Pérez. DJ Richie Daggers will spin music inspired by Selena’s “electrifying energy” and a brunch honoring her “vibrant spirit” will be served.


Maifestivus: 11th Birthday Party at 515 Brewing

  • Saturday, April 20, Noon – 10 p.m.
  • 515 Brewing, 7700 University Avenue, Clive, IA, 50325

We’re always down for a birthday party, and eleven years in business is certainly something to celebrate! Starting at noon, 515 Brewing will host a German-style Maifest celebration full of beer, polka, and costume contests. Events will occur all day, so swing by at any time to partake in the festivities!


  • Saturday, April 20, Multiple Evening Showings
  • Flix Brewhouse, 3800 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310

End the day with one of our early-2000 favorites on the big screen. We don’t think we have much more to say… I mean, it’s Shrek.


Sunday, April 21

  • Sunday, April 21, 9-11 a.m.
  • Parking Lot Behind The Collective, 3523 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 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.

  • Sunday, April 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Art Terrarium, 520 Euclid Avenue, Ste. 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!


Des Moines Makers Market and Bar Hop

  • Sunday, April 21, 1 – 6 p.m.
  • Exile Brewing Co., 1520 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Check out local vendors, local brewers, and local fun at the Des Moines Makers Market and Bar Hop! This Saturday, head downtown to check out cool local artists and makers and drink some delicious brews and handmade cocktails. Plus, admission is FREE!


Looking for more Earth Day activities? We’ve got a guide for that. 🌎