Staying in town this Memorial Day Weekend? Same! The weather is projected to be decent and it’s a three-day weekend! Check out this list of all the events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, May 27-30.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Friday, May 27
- 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
Last weekend! “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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Friday, May 27, Seatings at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Revel Hotel, 11211 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322
Chef Kaleb is back again with another phenomenal Chef’s Table demonstration—Moroccan themed! The menu includes canapes, beef kebab, chicken tagine and almond pie. This makes for a perfect girl’s night out or date night idea for those who love cooking.
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Friday, May 27 & Saturday, May 28, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust Street Des Moines, IA, 50309
The Iowa Asian Alliance is bringing us a delicious weekend in Des Moines. Here’s how they describe the festival: “Experience over a dozen Asian Villages where you can delight all five of your senses from the authentic asian food, educational activities, to live cultural entertainment! Each year the festival unites the different Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in Iowa. Since its inception, CelebrAsian has become one of the year’s most anticipated events. Don’t miss out on the largest Asian American event in Iowa, showcasing cultural exhibits, history, food, performance artists, sports, martial arts, and family-friendly activities.
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Friday, May 27, Tours between 12 – 4 p.m.
- Summerset Winery, 15101 Fairfax St, Indianola, IA 50125
At $20 a person, this is a great girl’s day or date activity. Tasting of six select Summerset wines & cellar tour, presented by a Summerset Representative . Cheese Platter made up of local Iowa cheese . Summerset Logo Wine Glass to take home . Plus, if you’re a bride-to-be this is a gorgeous wedding venue that you can check out at the same time!
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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. Only a few tickets left!
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Friday, May 28
- Rose Farm, 7197 43rd Ave, Norwalk, IA 50211
Want to do something fancy and memorable? Join Rose Farmstead this Friday for a five-course farm to table dinner featuring locally-sourced + sustainably grown cuisine from chef Aaron Holt. Start your evening with a tour of the beautiful farmstead as you meet new friends. Grab a seat at the table overlooking the flower gardens while enjoying flavorful dishes, great company + the idyllic countryside. Message them to reserve the limited tickets – available now.
Saturday, May 28
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, May 27, 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 28, 10 a.m.
- Secret Admirer, 110 SW 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
This is the most exciting thing we’ve seen in 2022 yet and the last two weekends lived up to the hype. 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. Super Secret Brunch Club starts this Saturday at 10 a.m. and @bagelaire will be making their Super Secret Brunch Club for all of your bagel needs.
Yoga with Good Vibes Movement at Surety Hotel
- Saturday, May 28, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
- Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
This is the perfect before or after farmers market activity this weekend. A yoga class with a free mimosa?! Yep, this is the perfect excuse to go check out Mulberry Street Tavern! To support the Good Vibes moment community and youth outreach, please donate $10 at door for class. Don’t forget your mats. Check out our awesome experience at the Surety Hotel here to get you excited!
Good Burt Pop-Up at Ray Gun
- Saturday, May 28, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Raygun, 505 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Find yourself over in the East Village on Saturday morning? Stop into Raygun (if you weren’t going to already) to browse Good Burt’s incredible selection of vintage and summer clothing and accessories. They are truly one of our favorite local boutiques!
Global Greens Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, May 28, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- 3200 University Ave, Des Moines, IA (near Drake University)
Another extremely important market to hit up – especially if you’re near the Drake neighborhood! Shop for delicious locally-grown produce for you and your family while supporting new Iowans who have a passion for farming! Global Greens Farmers’ Market serves as a platform for former refugees to sell their produce and bolster their small farming businesses. Hosted by Lutheran Services of Iowa.
Barn Town Brewing’s “Get Down Festival of Fine Liquids”
- Saturday, May 28, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Barntown’s Parking Lot, 9500 University Ave, West Des Moines, Iowa
Less than 40 tickets left! If you’re in the western suburbs, definitely check this out on Saturday. Here’s the description from Barntown: “After 2 years of canceling due to COVID, we are extremely excited to finally throw this beer festival for you! The purpose of this fest is to introduce you to some of our friends in the beer and brewing industry as well as a way for everyone to get together and have a great time and try some amazing liquid while donating to a special cause! The Barn Town Get Down 2022 will feature 57 Breweries, Meaderies & Cideries from all over the country pouring some of the finest liquid in the industry!” No dogs allowed, 21+ and over for entry.
Treasure Quest: A Free Scavenger Hunt from The Rook Room
- Saturday, May 28
- Digital + all over the city!
Want to spend your day on an adventure? On Saturday, to celebrate National Scavenger Hunt Day, The Rook Room is sending you on a special quest – a Treasure Quest! 10 purple Rook Coins will be hidden across the Greater Des Moines area near unique landmarks and locations special to The Rook Room. That morning and throughout the day, they will be providing clues to the locations on their website and social media channels. Follow them now to play along! More details here.
Brunch and Bangers at Truman’s Tavern
- Saturday, May 28, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Truman’s Tavern, 400 SE 6th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Why not just have a good brunch this weekend? Enjoy brunch on the patio of Truman’s Tavern with local DJs every Saturday and Sunday morning. Brunch starts at 8 am on the weekends with their full breakfast menu and great lineup of breakfast cocktails. Live DJs will play from 11 am – 2 pm on Saturday and 10 am – 1 pm on Sundays.
Hamilton at the Des Moines Civic Center
- Showings all weekend!
- Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
We don’t think this needs any explanation. Showings through June 5.
Sunday, May 29
Stand Up Paddleboarding with SUPYoga DSM at Easter Lake
- Sunday, May 29, Intro to SUP at Noon, SUP Yoga at 2:00 p.m.
- Classes available on Friday and Saturday as well!
- 2830 Easter Lake Dr, Des Moines, IA 50320
Want to try something new? How about paddle boarding on Easter Lake? You have your choice of an intro to paddle boarding class or a stand up paddle boarding yoga class! Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga uses specialized yoga paddleboards for a new challenge to your practice and connects you with nature, all leading to a sweet floating savasana. Not ready to try SUP Yoga? More interested in just paddling around? Choose their intro long class for the paddling basics and a leisurely paddle around the lake.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: Spring Fest 2022 at Riverview Park
- Sunday, May 29,
- Riverview Park, 710 Corning Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Come celebrate great music in a perfect setting at Riverview Park, Memorial Weekend. Admission is free. All ages are welcome. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. Concessions and food trucks will be available to purchase food and beverages.
Live Brazilian Music with Choro Moingona at The Cave
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Sunday, May 29, 3-5 p.m.
- The Cave, 1437 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Any day is a good day to hang out and sip on a glass of wine at The Cave DSM. It’s truly one of our favorite places to catch up with friends and just relax. On Sunday, they will be playing live Brazilian music to set the mood. Trust us, bring a friend, bring two, and check it out on Walnut Street.
Monday, May 30
Do something for yourself today. Check this article out for some of our favorite self care activities. Enjoy!
We post weekend guides every Thursday! Have something you want included on this list?
