Check out this list of all the events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, April 29 – May 1. 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, April 29
- Friday, April 29, 5-7 p.m.
- Fox Brewing, 103 S 11th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
The Dealt Hand will be at Fox Brewing every Friday from 5-7 p.m. with a mix of their favorite card games for you to play with co-workers, friends, or even a fun family night!
- 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
Drake Relays
- All weekend!
- Drake University, obviously
This feels like an essential addition to let you all know about so that you can flock to or steer clear of the Drake neighborhood this weekend.
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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.”
Iowa Cubs Games
- Friday, April 29, 7:08 p.m.
- Saturday, April 30, 6:08 p.m.
- Principal Park, 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Iowa Cubs are back in town this weekend, so expect fireworks tomorrow night! Grab tickets to watch them take on the Indianapolis Indians.
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Friday, April 29, 6-9 p.m.
- 1600 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA
A fun night at Good Vibes Movement! From 6-9 p.m. @midwest.gemz will be alongside a sneak pop-up. Open mic kicks off at 7 p.m. with cash prize for the winner!
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Friday, April 29, 8 p.m.
- 11211 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322
Check out this cool new hotel with the perfect four-course demonstration dinner for a girl’s night out or date night! Chef Kaleb is cooking up a Thai four-course demonstration for the ultimate prix fixe experience. $50/person.
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Shows all weekend!
- 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Our favorite independent comedy club to visit any time of year and it’s newly renovated. Even better? It’s Tits Up weekend! This locally renowned show is the only one of its kind. If you’ve been trying to get tickets to see Coral Thede perform, now is your time. More seating has opened!
Saturday, April 23
Yoga with Good Vibes Movement at Surety Hotel
- Saturday, April 30, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
- Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
A yoga class with a free mimosa?! Yep, this is the perfect excuse to go check out Mulberry Street Tavern! It’s the perfect Saturday morning activity. To support the Good Vibes moment community and youth outreach, please donate $10 at door for class. Don’t forget your mats!
First Farmers’ Market Day of the Season at Dogpatch Urban Gardens
- Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Dogpatch Urban Gardens, 5085 Meredith Drive, Des Moines, Iowa, 50310
Believe it or not, it’s farmers’ market season again! Dogpatch Urban Gardens is celebrating the beginning of a great season with their first-ever farmers market. They have some top-notch local vendors attending and it’s guaranteed to be a great day to support local food and makers. Enjoy the market in Dogpatch’s new parking lot and be sure to hop over to the DUG FarmStand where all items will be 10% off! Vendors include: @breadbychelsab @bochnerfarms @domesticbones @expeditionwellnesscoach @hangryhipposapparel @kismet_kombucha @ninephotographydesign @piebirdpies @real_food_4_kids @reddragonherbsandteas @sundaynightfoods @wildflower_stationery @wanderwomeniowa
Central Iowa Indie Bookstore Day
- Saturday, April 30
- Around town at the six bookstores listed below!
You’re invited to our Central Iowa Independent Bookstore Crawl on Saturday, April 30. Get your “bookstore passport” stamped at all six local indies to unlock discounts and be entered for a grand bookstore prize with @storyhousebookpub, @beaverdalebooks , @dogearedbooksames , @pageturners_bookstore , @raccoonriverpress , & @readinginpublicbooks.
- Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1
- Snus Hill Winery, 2183 320th Street, Madrid, IA, 50156
Locally Grown Showcase is an all local handmade market. Here’s the description: “Bringing back our unique and original “boutique” shopping, for this event. Never been? This is how we started our Markets and can’t wait to get back to it. We transform the banquet room of the Winery into a store. All of our vendors beautifully handmade products, are displayed together throughout the room. You will checkout/pay for your items with each vendor individually (look for the signs hung above our makers to find the appropriate business to finalize your purchase!”
Cookie Decorating with Little Rolling Pin Bakery
- Saturday, April 30, 6 – 8:00 p.m.
- Make it Artfull, 1551 Valley W Dr Ste 162, West Des Moines, IA
Artfull is hosting a Cookie Decorating class on Saturday (April 30th) from 6-8pm with Little Rolling Pin Bakery! Join their guest instructor, Erika, from The Little Rolling Pin Bakery for a truly scrumptious lesson! Erika specializes in sweet treats that are as pretty as they are delicious and will be sharing her knowledge with us in this 2 hour workshop.
Sunday, April 24
Spring Cleaning Drop-Off For Vegan Summer Market
- Sunday, May 1, 11-3 p.m.
- THE COLLECTIVE, 340 SW 5th St #122, Des Moines, IA 50309
Doing some spring cleaning? If you have any of the goods listed above, drop them off at THE COLLECTIVE on Sunday. turn them into financial donations to organizations in Des Moines doing great work: DSM BLM, The Supply Hive, Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, IA Trans Mutual Aid Fund, LULAC #307, and the IA Abortion Access Fund.
Zen AF Yoga at The Slow Down
- Sunday, May 1, 6:00 p.m.
- The Slow Down, 3613 6th Ave. Des Moines, Iowa
Clara Stephens-Landry from @zenafyoga_515 will be at Slow Down Sunday, May 1st at 6:00 pm. The cost is $16 and a House Blend tea at the end of class is included with your purchase! “If you are looking for something slow, gentle, inspirational, but honest yet challenging, or even just somewhere you can go just to escape the noise, Zen AF class is for you! All body types and skill levels welcome!”
Korean Fried Chicken + Sides at Harbinger with Basic Bird
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