Looking for things to do in Des Moines this weekend? There’s a lot going on, and we have a feeling they’re only going to get better through this summer! Check out this list of all the events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend May 7-9!
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Friday, May 7
Pella Tulip Festival 2021
- Thursday, May 6-8
- Downtown Pella
Tulip time is back this weekend! Join Pella for its annual celebration of Dutch heritage and vibrantly-blooming tulips. Enjoy delicious Dutch foods, performances, museums, tulips, and perfect Instagrammable spots. If you don’t have a Dutch letter this weekend, you’re doing it wrong.
Proof is back!
- Every Thursday – Saturday, 4 – 10 p.m.
- 1301 Locust St. Suite C, Des Moines, IA, 50309
We are SO excited that Proof has reopened its dining room and patio! Proof sources from the most incredible line-up of local producers, blending traditional and innovative techniques to create unique offerings using local ingredients in all of its dishes. Can someone take us on a date here? K, thanks.
Mid Century Photo Session at DM Botanical Garden
- Book appointment on Friday, Sessions on Saturday and Sunday
- 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2897
This is such a unique and cool Mother’s Day idea. Join DM Botanical Garden for a special Mid Century/Italian Modern photography event with pieces curated by Tesoro Casegoods and Oddities.
Richard Alvarenga will be onsite with Tesoro Casegoods and Oddities in the gorgeous Gardeners Show House to capture you and your loved ones during a mini portrait session! This event is by appointment only and booking prior to arrival is required.
“Lovesick Comedy” + “Kareem In Your Face” at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Lovesick Comedy: 7:30 p.m., Door Time 7 p.m.
- Kareem In Your Face: 9:30 p.m. p.m., Door Time 9 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club
- 1433 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
There are two shows this Friday night at Teehee’s. First up is “Lovesick Comedy.” This show is for the lovesick, the people sick of love, and everything in between. Watch as stand-up comedians do their set about love and other things, then the improvisers will do their thing based off the set. Closing out the night is, “Kareem In Your Face” hosted by Ali Kareem. Ali is featuring new, up-and-coming comedians along with a headliner. The theater is set up for social distancing, so plenty of room for laughter.
Saturday, May 8
Downtown Farmers’ Market
- 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
It’s backkkkkk! The Downtown Farmers’ Market returns for its 2021 season with a modified, but in-person market. The scaled-back Market will focus on providing only fresh produce and farm and artisan packaged food from local vendors to the community in a safe, socially-distanced way. They’re estimating 110 vendors on site, which is about half of the number at a traditional Saturday market. We’ll take it!
Heart of Des Moines Farmers’ Market 
- 2-4 p.m.
- 6th and Forest Ave.
Two women on a mission to bring health food to the River Bend neighborhood? Monika and Crystal are doing the damn thing. We’re all in and we hope you’re with us. This market will run every Saturday starting May 1- September 25 from 2-4 p.m. There will be vendors, food trucks, a health tent, kid-friendly activities, and entertainment. So basically, make your way there after a quick nap following the Downtown market! Need to know where to park? Check out the map at the button below.
Yoga & Wine with YogaSix
- 10 a.m.
- Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Join YogaSix at Jasper Winery for some Slow Flow Yoga, followed by a complimentary glass of wine! Cost is $10 to attend. Call the studio to reserve your spot (515)264-5395. Please arrive a little early to get settled in before class begins.
Book Signing and Plant Pop-Up Sale at The Slow Down Coffee Co
- The Slow Down Coffee Co., 3613 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
- 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Slow Down Coffee Co. is a locally-owned and -operated specialty coffee shop in the historic Highland Park neighborhood on the north side of the Des Moines metro. On Saturday morning, they are hosting a book signing and plant sale with the Northside’s very own extraordinary horticulturist and plantsman, Kelly Norris!
Blooming Fields Store Launch
- 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- 333 E. Grand Ave, Unit 107
Teaming up with their sister store Petals + Moss, Blooming Fields is bringing farm fresh cut flowers and locally-made preserved florals to the East Village. Join them for their opening weekend, and be welcomed with champagne while you browse.
Hinge on 5th Mother’s Day Garden Party
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- 317 5th Street, Valley Junction
If you’re in Valley Junction this Saturday, you have to stop into Hinge on 5th for in-store discounts and giveaways, including a chance to win a $100 gift certificate for you and your mama!
Valley View Flower Farm Pop-Up at Eden
- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Eden, 418 E 6th Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309
Eden is an apothecary in the East Village that takes pride in sourcing the best self-care products from around the world. This Saturday, they’re hosting Valley View Flower Farm and owner, Lashell, for their selection of locally grown bouquets, just in time for a fresh Mother’s Day gift. Stop in!
Storyhouse Bookpub Open-Air Book Market
- 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- 6429 University Ave. Windsor Heights
Kid and dog-friendly alert! Swing by Storyhouse’s open-air bookshop for a @baylaurelbakingco bakery book-browse! It’ll be pre-Mother’s Day fun Saturday, May 8. We’ll be pouring complimentary momma-mosas for grownups, whether you’re a mom or just know some cool moms. Coffee + tea too. Stories at 11am in the yard for the littles. Kick off your sunny, spring Saturday with all the best things: good books, good treats, good people (& doggies).
THE COLLECTIVE Mother’s Day Pop-Up
- 340 SW 5th St.
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Our friend Jamie, owner of THE COLLECTIVE, is being joined by incredible local makers for a sustainability-filled day. She says: “@frank.incense is bringing gorgeous, handmade, concrete planters filled with freshly-potted plant babes, and @nicolateschla (whose cookies y’all enjoyed last summer) will be bringing the most delicious AND beautiful baked goods, with 50% of her proceeds going to @ywrcgirls. DM Nicole to preorder ASAP – she will also have items available for purchase that day. Full menu is on her profile.”
Renovation Jungle’s Sidewalk Sale ft. Awkward Company Vintage
- 607 37th street, Des Moines
- Saturday, 11 – 6 p.m.
Have you visited Renovation Jungle yet? We have a ton of amazing plant shops in the city, but Renovation Jungle is one of our FAVs. Come shop annuals, patio plants, and hanging baskets along with TONS of beautiful ndoor tropicals. Veggie and herb garden starter-plants will be available as well! While you’re perusing the plants, you can also shop vintage home goods, clothing and furniture from our friends at Awkward Company Vintage.
The Cave DSM Wine Tasting
- The Cave DSM
- 1437 Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50309
- 12 – 7 p.m.
We’re in the process of writing an article ALL about natural wine. While that is being finalized, go fall in love with The Cave DSM, a natural wine shop/bar, on Saturday during their tasting! This wife/husband team created a perfect space for a laid-back wine tasting that is guaranteed to teach you more about wine. There will be five different wines available that you can pick from to create your own sampling flight. Want a full bottle instead? They’re allowing on-premise drinking of anything you grab off the shelves on any day, with a $5 corkage fee.
Virtual Wine Flight with The Cheese Shop
- 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Virtual; Pickup at The Cheese Shop, 833 42nd Street
Here’s the deal – Winefest DSM has partnered with the Cheese Shop for another incredible edition of Cheese + Wine School. You’ll pick up two cheeses, a bottle of Txakolina, and a bottle of Stimatum from The Cheese Shop, and then join Zoom to hear from experts about what you’re seeing and tasting!
Sunday, May 9
Mother’s Day Brunches
We’re working on our version of a brunch guide for you to reference this summer, but until then, take a look at Catch Des Moines‘ Mother’s Day brunch guide for a great compilation of restaurants to support the community and mama! We’re particularly excited about HoQ and Motley School Tavern.
Pop-Up With Baked Kind and Thistle’s Summit at Horizon Line
Photo courtesy of Horizon Line Coffee
- 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Horizon Line Coffee, 1417 Walnut St, Ste B, Des Moines, IA 50309
A perfect pop-up for Mother’s Day sweets! While you’re visiting Horizon Line for quite literally the best lattes in town (and returning your glass jars, of course!), pick up some delicious sweets from Thistle’s Summit and Baked Kind. Make sure to pre-order Baked Kind at the link below!
Mother’s Day Cheeseboard Workshop
- 2 p.m.
- Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Come on down to Jasper Winery on Mother’s Day to learn how to build a beautiful cheese and charcuterie board! Your price of admission includes a kit and instructions on how to build with Abbi, One Board Gal. At the time of publishing, there were only six spots remaining, so snag those remaining spots fast!
Ultimate Karaoke Experience at Gas Lamp
- 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- 1501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Why not make Sunday night karaoke a thing? Seems like a great way to prepare for the week if you ask us.
