It is every Bulldog’s favorite weekend of the year: Drake Relays! Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, April 25-27. 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 25
Drake Relays
- Wednesday, April 23 – Saturday, April 26
- Drake Stadium, 2719 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
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The Top Off at Elevencherry Salon
- Friday, April 25, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Elevencherry Salon, 106 11th St #105, Des Moines, IA 50309
It is the last Friday of the month, so you know what that means! Stop by Elevencherry Salon for The Top Off, a monthly cocktail party to giggle, sip, and unwind. This month, sip of Mai Tais while browsing the unique dishware by @good_moon_pottery and handmade, eco-chic bags made by @micasaartisan!
GRAND OPENING: The Annex at xBk Live
- Friday, April 25, 6 p.m.
- xBk Live, 1159 24th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
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Andrew Hoyt at Wooly’s
- Friday, April 25, 7 p.m.
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
“Andrew Hoyt is a full-time touring singer/songwriter who has performed at prominent venues, including Wells Fargo Arena. Known for his engaging live performances, Andrew has shared the stage with renowned artists such as AJR and is headlining Wooly’s on April 25th for his EP release show. His latest EP, produced by Nashville’s Lucas Morton, highlights his artistic evolution with a distinctive sound that fuses folk, pop, and acoustic elements.”
Saturday, April 26
Central Iowa Independent Bookstore Day
- Saturday, April 26 – Sunday, April 27
- Your favorite independent bookstore!
Complete a Central Iowa IBD Passport to enter to win a bundle of bookish swag from all of your favorite indies on Saturday and Sunday! Passports are available to pick up on Saturday at all participating locations and passport challenge ends on Sunday.
Musa’s Lemonade x Simply Samone Pop-Up at Platinum Kutz
- Saturday, April 26
- Platinum Kutz, 2301 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
With summer right around the corner, Musa’s Lemonade and Simply Samone are teaming up to drop an EXCLUSIVE Strawberry Chapstick and Lemonade Lip Gloss. Head over to the Drake Neighborhood Platinum Kutz to pick up this limited edition drop while supplies last!
The Market on Hubbell
- Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- 3232 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
It is market season, baby! Kick off the spring and summer of shopping local with a market full of vendors selling art, vintage goods, clothing, jewelry, and more!
Spring Sale-a-Bration in the Historic Valley Junction
- Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Historic Valley Junction
Find some great items at great prices at the Historic Valley Junciton’s Spring Sale-A-Bration! Participating merchants will have discounted and clearance items on sale all day long. Make a day of shopping, eating, and drinking your way through the Historic Valley Junction!
Maria’s Cerveza Ride at Exile Brewing
- Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m.
- Exile Brewing Company, 1514 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Vino in the Village
- Saturday, April 26, 1:30 – 5 p.m.
- Historic East Village
Only a few tickets remain for Vino in the Village! “Join us for a third year of wine sampling, shopping, and strolling around East Village! Sip, stroll and shop throughout the Historic East Village with Winefest’s Vino in the Village presented by Holmes Murphy featuring wines by Wall to Wall Wine & Spirits.”
Book Banning Resistance Party at Storyhouse Bookpub
- Saturday, April 26, 6 – 8 p.m.
- Storyhouse Book Pub, 505 East. Grand Avenue, Suite #102, Des Moines, IA, 50309
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Sunday, April 27
Yoga in the Greenhouse at Bentley Ridge Tree Farm
- Sunday, April 27, 8 – 9 a.m.
- Bentley Ridge Tree Farm, 4400 W 1st St, Grimes, IA 50111
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Hello Spring Fest at Captain Roy’s
- Sunday, April 27, 10 a.m.
- Captain Roy’s, 1900 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313
Get ready to celebrate SPRING with at Captain Roy’s at the annual Hello Spring Fest! Enjoy a variety of vendors, food, and drinks available! Watch out on social media for more details!
Vintage Market at Ritual Cafe
- Sunday, April 27, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Ritual Cafe, 1301 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
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2025 Iowa Brewery Running Series Kick Off at Confluence Brewing
- Sunday, April 27, 2 – 4 p.m.
- Confluence Brewing Company, 1235 Thomas Beck Road Des Moines, IA 50315
Run for beer! “We are so excited to kick off the 2025 Iowa Brewery Running Series with you! 🎉 Join us anytime between 2-4pm to receive 20-50% off series registrations, brew crew “VIP” perks, prizes, and enjoy a brew from Confluence. Can’t make it in person? No problem. Click the “virtual” ticket option and we’ll make sure you get sent all the same deals and perks. We just can’t ship you beer…”
