Check out this list of all the events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, May 6-8. 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, May 6
Tulip Time 2022
- Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Historic Downtown Pella, 507 Franklin St, Pella, IA 50219
This is the Des Moines version of Washington DC’s cherry blossoms. Go check out the beautiful tulips and the adorable historic district of Pella. Don’t forget to stock up on your favorite Dutch treats at Jaarsma Bakery!
Mainframe Studio’s First Friday Open House + City Sounds Piano Unveiling
- Friday, May 6, 5-8 p.m.
- 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
Join @mainframearts and @citysoundsdsm for the annual public piano unveiling! See the painted pianos before they take their places throughout our city, then vote for your favorite design. Browse four floors of artist studios open to tour, shop, and learn. This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Masks are encouraged.
- Friday, May 6, 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 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
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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.”
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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? There’s a comedy show for moms on Sunday! Get out and do something fun at Teehee’s Comedy Club. We’re doing live comedy made up on-the-spot and it’s all about the Moms! Grab a drink after dinner and enjoy the hilarious comedy stylings of Des Moines’ funniest improvisers.
Saturday, May 7
OPENING WEEKEND: Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, May 7, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
It’s back. The coolest thing to do on Saturday mornings in Des Moines. The Downtown Farmers’ Market returns for its 2022 season as the perfect hot girl walk activity, morning dog walk, or food trip! Here’s a guide to all the farmers’ markets in 2022 designed by the talented Evergreen Company.
Source: Evergreen Company
Super Secret Brunch Club at Secret Admirer
- Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m.
- Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
This is the most exciting thing we’ve seen in 2022 yet. Northern Vessel is an awesome coffee company that closed it’s doors last year. Now, it’s back on Saturdays at Secret Admirer for the perfect place to stop after browsing through the farmers’ market. Grab a coffee, grab a mimosa, or grab both, and then relax on Secret Admirers’ perfect patio. uper Secret Brunch Club starts this Saturday at 10 a.m. and @clydesfinediner will be slinging breakfast sammies. 🤐
Makers, Bakers, and Brews at Peace Tree Brewing Co.
- Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Peace Tree Brewing Co. 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Get your mama something special for Mother’s Day with locally-made goods from 12 different vendors from home macaron bakers to bread makers and @peacetreedmbranch 🍺 of course! This is the perfect last stop before you head home from a successful morning in Des Moines.
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Saturday, May 7, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
- Supply Hive Community Garden, 1603 13th Street, Des Moines, IA
Perfect for little ones to learn more about vegetables now that it’s farmers’ market season. Come for music by @piedpiperstudios , cookies from @_cookiesbylo and lettuce activities! Sweet Tooth Farm will be helping to make lettuce leaf dip paintings, looking at lettuce seeds, ripping up some lettuce, and making a tasty salad + dressing to try!
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Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m.
- Storyhouse Bookpub, 505 E Grand Ave Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309
Here’s another one perfect for the littles! Pop into the cutest book store in the East Village for a fun story and music time with Janet Casson.
16th Annual Festival Cinco De Mayo in Valley Junction
- Saturday, May 7, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Historic Valley Junction 137 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Celebrating the Mexican heritage of many railroad workers during the establishment years of Valley Junction, this festival is an opportunity to recognize the Mexican community who helped James Jordan’s vision of bringing the railroad to the Des Moines area become a reality. In honor of our strong heritage, we will also present a proclamation and announcement of the Cinco de Mayo King and Queen. Expect food, dancing, and great weather!
- Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- 901 2nd Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Celebrate the first year of Lauridsen Skatepark being open! There will be skateboard, scooter and BMX contests and events throughout the day. The skatepark opened on May 7, 2021, and host to the 2021 Dew Tour [May 10 – 27], the Lauridsen Skatepark the largest open park in the nation. The skate park is centrally located at the north end of the Principal Riverwalk next to the Des Moines River.
Good Burt Shop Pop-Up at Kin DSM
- Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- KIN, 333 E Grand Ave #106, Des Moines, IA 50309
Shopping around the East Village after the Farmers’ market? Be sure to stop into KIN for a special pop up of Good Burt’s latest Spring drop. Plus every day is a good day to hang out at KIN. Learn more about this special store and the amazing woman behind it here.
Central Campus Greenhouse Plant Sale
- Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- 205 County Line Road, Des Moines, IA, 50320
All the money from this sale goes directly back into the Central Campus Greenhouse program to benefit the students that take our classes! The program is run through DMPS Central Campus and they have students from all the DMPS high schools and other metro area high schools who participate.
Shop Preservation’s Annual Spring Garage Sale
- Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- 3619 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
The perfect time to snag a great deal at Preservation – one of the coolest boutiques in Des Moines! They will be hangin’ at the shop, sipping’ coffee + serving up tons of deeply discounted goods including vintage denim, spring and summer goods from last year and more.
Yoga and Mimosas at Smash Park
- Saturday, May 7, 10 – 11 a.m.
- Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
We try to always provide some sort of yoga and brunch event each weekend when the weather is nice. Join Smash Park and Power Life on Saturday, May 7th from 10 – 11 AM in the yard. Registration is only $10 and your first breakfast cocktail is free when you arrive!
Sunday, May 8 – Mother’s Day
Des Moines Women’s Half Marathon
- Sunday, May 8, 7:30 – 11 a.m.
- Downtown around Gray’s Lake and Water Works Park
We’ll be here! If you’re running, grab water from us at Aid Station #5. We can’t wait to cheer you on! The Des Moines Women’s Half Marathon (DSMWHM to our friends) isn’t your average running event. It’s like the hype session + living room dance party before a night out with friends but stretched over some of the most beautiful, and flat, miles in the midwest.
Willow on Grand Mother’s Day Brunch
- Sunday, May 8, 11 – 2 p.m.
- Willow on Grand, 6011 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
Here’s a great Mother’s Day Brunch option! This is the perfect place to go if you also want to snoop this space as a wedding venue. There will be live music, yard games, avocado toast board and food stations with a complimentary mimosa upon entry.
Mother’s Day Brunch and Family Photos at the Surety Hotel
- Sunday, May 8, 10 a.m.
- Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
Here’s another great Mother’s Day Brunch option! @kmpphoto will be set up in the solarium for family photos, @goodburt.shop will curate a boutique of vintage and modern clothing and accessories for the perfect Mother’s Day gift and Madeline Bagby from Ancient Ways will be on site for Tarot Card readings! @mulberrystreettavern will be hosting brunch from 10:00am-2:00pm!
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