Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, May 19-21. 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 weekend’s live music guide here.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Featured Event: Care+aoke at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Friday, May 19, 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!
Friday, May 19
Des Moines Biergarten
- Wednesday – Sunday, Noon – Close
- Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Beginning May 17, we’ll be open Wednesday through Sunday through to Fall. Willkommen im Des Moines Biergarten! Set among the mature trees of Water Works Park, Des Moines Biergarten is a family-friendly popup German-themed beer garden offering steins of beer and German inspired eats.
Love Is Love CC Pride Mini-Sessions
- Friday, May 19, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. / Saturday, May 20, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m
- Arf & Wag Studio, 8033 University Boulevard, Suite B, Clive, IA 50325
Show your support for our LGBTQ+ community by participating in our Capital City Pride fundraiser mini-session! This vibrant and colorful event is an opportunity to celebrate love, inclusivity, and our amazing canine companions. A portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting local LGBTQ+ organizations and initiatives, so you can feel good about having a fantastic time with your dog while contributing to a meaningful cause.
- Friday, May 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday, May 20, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- 205 County Line Rd, Des Moines, 50320
Shift: The RAGBRAI Documentary
- Friday, May 19: 9pm
- Saturday, May 20 4pm; 8:15pm & 10pm
- Sunday, May 21: 4pm
- The Varsity Cinema, 1207 25th Street, Des Moines, IA 50311
The Varsity Cinema added another week of showings! Initially slated to end its run on May 18, the hourlong film has been extended through Thursday, May 25. $13.
Saturday, May 20
Downtown Farmer’s Market: It’s Back!
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, May 20 , 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.
Girls On The Run 5K
- Saturday, May 20, 8:30 a.m. festival, 10 a.m. 5K
- 1007 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319
Girls on the Run inspires girls of all abilities to recognize their individual strengths, while building a sense of connection in a team setting. Volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development to enable girls to adapt to whatever comes their way. At the end of the season, the team completes a 5K together, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset into motion. The 5K and festival is this Saturday at the State Capitol Complex. Learn more and get involved with this great organization that we love.
- Saturday, May 20, 9 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
- Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309
Warm-up your putter for 18 holes of miniature golf winding throughout the Home of the Iowa Cubs. Enjoy ball park food and drinks while putting through the course! A fun date night or family-friendly morning. All event proceeds benefit First Tee – Central Iowa programs. $35/player!
“Knock Out Stigma” Boxing Class at Title Boxing Club
- Saturday, May 20, 8 a.m. or 9:15 a.m.
- Title Boxing Club, 9500 University Ave Suite 1105, West Des Moines, IA 50266
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Prairie Fire Cocktail Class at Iowa Distilling Company
- Saturday, May 20, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Iowa Distilling Company, 4349 Cumming Ave, Cumming, Iowa
Head down to Cumming and start your Saturday with a fire whiskey bang. Learn how to make 2 Prairie Fire handcrafted cocktails with cinnamon whiskey. They will give you step-by-step directions to make two cocktails, provide trivia on Prairie Fire with prizes, and give you a Prairie Fire drink to take home!
Sunday, May 21
Vegan Summer Market at Cowles Commons
- Sunday, May 21, 12-3 p.m.
- Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
“VegLife Des Moines is excited to announce the return of our successful Vegan Summer Market series! We had such a great time in 2022 showcasing local small businesses, enjoying delicious vegan food, and building community with all of you.” There are literally so many amazing vendors. Tons of our favorite local places are participating.
- Sunday, May 21, 5-5:45 p.m.
- Rooted Yoga + Fitness, 2708 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
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“Trellis Turns 10” Anniversary Party
- Sunday, May 21, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
- Trellis Cafe, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50316 (Located inside The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden)
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Des Moines Girls Who Walk at Gray’s Lake
- Sunday, May 21, 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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