Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, May 3-5. 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.
The iconic “Tulip Time” festival is here! Get the weekend started early by checking out the 89th annual tulip celebration and explore everything Pella has to offer. Residents and visitors alike will celebrate Dutch heritage with attire, food, fun, and more at this iconic Iowa event!
Central Campus Plant Sale
- Friday, May 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (plus more dates through May 18!)
- Central Campus Horticulture, 205 County Line Road, Des Moines, IA 50320
If you missed opening weekend, have no fear because the annual Central Campus Plant Sale is still ongoing! DMPS students have worked hard all year to fill the greenhouse with plants galore for your green-thumb shopping experience. Support a fantastic program while picking up your plants for the season through May 18!
AdornDSM Open House
- Friday, May 3, 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- AdornDSM, 2606 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310
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First Friday at Mainframe Studios
- Friday, May 3, 5-8 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA, 50309
It is the first Friday of the month, and you know what that means: First Friday at Mainframe Studios! This month, celebrate all things spring with five floors of art by local artists and food and drinks by Tangerine.
Flower Pop-Up with Cedar Shake Farm at MARNe
- Friday, May 3, 5-7 p.m.
- Cedar Shake Farm, 1823 225th St, Winterset, IA 50273
Join MARNe this Friday from 5pm – 7pm. We’re staying open late with sparkling drinks and a tulip pop-up with @cedarshakefarm from 5pm-7pm. Surround yourself with flowers!
Saturday, May 4
Iowa State Fair Flea Market
- Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 5, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building, 3000 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317
Looking for a fun Saturday or Sunday activity? Take a stroll through the April Flea Market in the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds! Admission and parking are free, so take your time browsing the antiques, merchandise, and more!
Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market
Photo Credit @dtfarmersmarket
- Saturday, May 4, 7 a.m. – Noon
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
It is Opening Day at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market! The 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 (plus a new addition: Water Street!). It’s one of the best in the country! Don’t miss it this summer to see some of our absolute favorite small business owners from around the metro.
11th Annual Kites on the Green Festival
- Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Johnston Commons Park, 6050 Morningside Drive, Johnston, IA 50131
It is a full day of kite flying, food, and family fun! Head over to Johnston to check out the 11th annual festival celebrating all things kites and community. There will be performances, activities, events, food trucks, and more all day long!
Kitten Shower at the Animal Rescue League
- Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. – Noon
- Animal Rescue League, 5452 N.E. 22nd St., Des Moines, IA 50313
The Animal Rescue League is expecting kittens! Support the ARL before kitten season by providing supplies, support, and lots of love to the kittens this season. Donate essential care items and play with some (adoptable) kittens at this free event! Plus, sponsor a kitten or a litter to win raffle tickets to win a PRIVATE KITTEN CUDDLE PARTY. Who wouldn’t want to go to this??
Cinco de Mayo Festival
- Saturday, May 4, Noon – 10 p.m.
- Historic Valley Junction
Celebrate Cinco Day Mayo (one day early) in the Historical Valley Junction at the Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival. Enjoy Mexican food, art, music, dancing, and activities and learn about the connection and heritage of the Mexican population in Vally Junction!
- Saturday, May 4, 2:30 – 6:30 p.m.
- Either/Or, 6222 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
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$10 OFF: Des Moines Girl 5K as part of the DSM Women’s Race Weekend
- Saturday, May 4, 5-7 p.m.
- Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
USE THIS CODE FOR $10 OFF YOUR REGISTRATION: DSMGirl10
2nd YEAR IN A ROW- It’s our biggest meet up of the year! The Des Moines Girl 5K is designed to provide a perfect outing for women to connect, meet and engage in day-long activities including meditation, yoga, a vendor market, spin class, all leading up to a 5K race around happy hour time. For the cost of registration attendees can participate in all of the Saturday events for a full day of community and connection facilitated by Des Moines based and women led businesses. Not a runner? Not a problem. This is open to all experience levels with options for you to still have tons of fun.
Rosie K Art Show at Mars Cafe
- Saturday, May 4, Doors Open at 9 p.m. for 10 p.m. Show
- Mars Coffee, 2318 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
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Emo Nite at Wooly’s
- Saturday, May 4, Doors Open at 9 p.m. for 10 p.m. Show
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Embrace your inner and outer emo at Emo Nite! Pull together your best emo fit and get your tickets for a night full of your favorite emo hits. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 9 p.m. for the 10 p.m. event.
- Sunday, May 5, Noon – 2 p.m.
- Art Terrarium, 520 Euclid Avenue, Ste. 101, Des Moines, 50313
Looking for a fun way to display all of the plants you picked up from all of the plant events this weekend? Sign up for a Macrame plant hanger workshop led by Macrame by Jess. During this two-hour class, learn how to begin a plant hanger, the basic knots, and the instructions to create even more cool creations when you leave. Tickets are $55.
Arts & Crafts for Choice: A Fundraiser for Iowa Abortion Access Fund
- Sunday, May 5, 1-4 p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Looking for something to do on Sunday? Head over to Big Grove for an afternoon of live music, local art, baked goods, and classic brews. Local Reproductive Freedom volunteers will be present at this fundraiser supporting abortion access the state. All proceeds will benefit Iowa Abortion Access Fund during Fund-a-Thon 2024, enabling abortion access for those in need.
Ishara Belly Dance Workshop at The Pointe Academy
- Sunday, May 5, 1-3 p.m.
- The Pointe Academy, 6151 Thornton Ave, Des Moines, IA 50321
Ishara is back with another dance workshop! This Sunday, sign up for the belly-fusion course and put your dance skills to the test. Registration is $15 for two hours of fun and instruction. No experience necessary!
