Events Calendar
Welcome to dsm4kids’ calendar of family events!
No matter where you live in the Des Moines metro, you can rely on our calendar to find nearby events and activities your kids will love!
To keep up to date on weekend events and activities be sure to sign up for our Weekend Fun Guide!
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information listed on the calendar. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.
Events considered for inclusion onto the dsm4kids calendar include those at local venues, including free and low-cost events, as well as special events that may require paid admission. Events are posted to the online calendar in a timely manner throughout the month.
While all submissions are considered, inclusion is based on event relevance. Events occurring outside of Central Iowa or events primarily geared toward adults will not be listed.
If you are a business or organization and would like to submit an event listing, please click on Submit Event.
Tot Town is a fun and safe children’s playgroup that is open to the community. Our Community Center gym space turns into an indoor playground designed for children ages 2 to 6 years and their families. Parents have the opportunity to interact with their child in a safe environment made for play! For your child’s safety we recommend supervising your children at all times and not leaving them unattended. We hope to see you at Tot Town!
Featuring: Large Inflatable bounce house, games, ball pit, toys, puzzles, books, and more!
Tot Town Information:
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays anytime between 9:30-11:30 am
Ages: 2-6 years
.
Join us for our signature Thursday evening events in Historic Valley Junction – our weekly Farmers Market from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Music in the Junction at 5:30 to 8:00 pm, music starts at 6:00 pm. Bring the family and enjoy fun, music and shopping at the farmers’ market.
May 2: The Rivieras
May 9: Cory Walker & the Wicked Things
May 16: Black Diamond Loons
May 23: Brother Trucker
May 30: The Other Brothers
June 6: Buckmiller Schwager Band
June 13: Simply Seger
June 20: Molly Nova & the Hawks
June 27: Gut Feeling
July 11: The Get Down
July 18: Ronley King Blues Band
July 25: Kinda Petty Band
August 1: Standing Hampton
August 8: The Unfortunate Sons
August 15: Three on the Tree
August 22: Echos V
August 29: Recoil
September 5: The Sons Of Gladys Kravitz
September 12: Get Off My Lawn
September 19: Jana West & Retrospect
September 26: The Punching Pandas
Join us for the Historic Valley Junction Arts Festival, Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Valley Junction Art Committee has redefined Art in Valley Junction. Its primary focus is the juried exhibition of fine arts and crafts, giving the public the opportunity to meet, interact with and purchase original work by artists. Over 50 artists from Iowa and beyond will take over 5th Street.
Live entertainment will be part of the festivities as well. Art activities and artists’ demonstrations will take place throughout the day. Refreshments will be available from several food vendors on the street and many Valley Junction restaurants and retailers will be open as well.
Historic Valley Junction is six square blocks of antique and specialty shops, art galleries, fashion boutiques, hair salons, service businesses, and restaurants.
The Valley Junction Arts Festival will be held rain or shine. Admission is free.
Tot Town is a fun and safe children’s playgroup that is open to the community. Our Community Center gym space turns into an indoor playground designed for children ages 2 to 6 years and their families. Parents have the opportunity to interact with their child in a safe environment made for play! For your child’s safety we recommend supervising your children at all times and not leaving them unattended. We hope to see you at Tot Town!
Featuring: Large Inflatable bounce house, games, ball pit, toys, puzzles, books, and more!
Tot Town Information:
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays anytime between 9:30-11:30 am
Ages: 2-6 years
.
Tot Town is a fun and safe children’s playgroup that is open to the community. Our Community Center gym space turns into an indoor playground designed for children ages 2 to 6 years and their families. Parents have the opportunity to interact with their child in a safe environment made for play! For your child’s safety we recommend supervising your children at all times and not leaving them unattended. We hope to see you at Tot Town!
Featuring: Large Inflatable bounce house, games, ball pit, toys, puzzles, books, and more!
Tot Town Information:
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays anytime between 9:30-11:30 am
Ages: 2-6 years
.
Join us for our signature Thursday evening events in Historic Valley Junction – our weekly Farmers Market from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Music in the Junction at 5:30 to 8:00 pm, music starts at 6:00 pm. Bring the family and enjoy fun, music and shopping at the farmers’ market.
May 2: The Rivieras
May 9: Cory Walker & the Wicked Things
May 16: Black Diamond Loons
May 23: Brother Trucker
May 30: The Other Brothers
June 6: Buckmiller Schwager Band
June 13: Simply Seger
June 20: Molly Nova & the Hawks
June 27: Gut Feeling
July 11: The Get Down
July 18: Ronley King Blues Band
July 25: Kinda Petty Band
August 1: Standing Hampton
August 8: The Unfortunate Sons
August 15: Three on the Tree
August 22: Echos V
August 29: Recoil
September 5: The Sons Of Gladys Kravitz
September 12: Get Off My Lawn
September 19: Jana West & Retrospect
September 26: The Punching Pandas
Tot Town is a fun and safe children’s playgroup that is open to the community. Our Community Center gym space turns into an indoor playground designed for children ages 2 to 6 years and their families. Parents have the opportunity to interact with their child in a safe environment made for play! For your child’s safety we recommend supervising your children at all times and not leaving them unattended. We hope to see you at Tot Town!
Featuring: Large Inflatable bounce house, games, ball pit, toys, puzzles, books, and more!
Tot Town Information:
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays anytime between 9:30-11:30 am
Ages: 2-6 years
.
Tot Town is a fun and safe children’s playgroup that is open to the community. Our Community Center gym space turns into an indoor playground designed for children ages 2 to 6 years and their families. Parents have the opportunity to interact with their child in a safe environment made for play! For your child’s safety we recommend supervising your children at all times and not leaving them unattended. We hope to see you at Tot Town!
Featuring: Large Inflatable bounce house, games, ball pit, toys, puzzles, books, and more!
Tot Town Information:
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays anytime between 9:30-11:30 am
Ages: 2-6 years
.
Join us for our signature Thursday evening events in Historic Valley Junction – our weekly Farmers Market from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Music in the Junction at 5:30 to 8:00 pm, music starts at 6:00 pm. Bring the family and enjoy fun, music and shopping at the farmers’ market.
May 2: The Rivieras
May 9: Cory Walker & the Wicked Things
May 16: Black Diamond Loons
May 23: Brother Trucker
May 30: The Other Brothers
June 6: Buckmiller Schwager Band
June 13: Simply Seger
June 20: Molly Nova & the Hawks
June 27: Gut Feeling
July 11: The Get Down
July 18: Ronley King Blues Band
July 25: Kinda Petty Band
August 1: Standing Hampton
August 8: The Unfortunate Sons
August 15: Three on the Tree
August 22: Echos V
August 29: Recoil
September 5: The Sons Of Gladys Kravitz
September 12: Get Off My Lawn
September 19: Jana West & Retrospect
September 26: The Punching Pandas
Parents can enjoy a Saturday night out on the town or a relaxing evening in while your kids have a blast with us from 5-8pm. Each Parents’ Night Out will have a fun theme, arts and crafts, healthy activities, and a pizza party for only $20 per child.
5-12 year olds
Join us for our signature Thursday evening events in Historic Valley Junction – our weekly Farmers Market from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Music in the Junction at 5:30 to 8:00 pm, music starts at 6:00 pm. Bring the family and enjoy fun, music and shopping at the farmers’ market.
May 2: The Rivieras
May 9: Cory Walker & the Wicked Things
May 16: Black Diamond Loons
May 23: Brother Trucker
May 30: The Other Brothers
June 6: Buckmiller Schwager Band
June 13: Simply Seger
June 20: Molly Nova & the Hawks
June 27: Gut Feeling
July 11: The Get Down
July 18: Ronley King Blues Band
July 25: Kinda Petty Band
August 1: Standing Hampton
August 8: The Unfortunate Sons
August 15: Three on the Tree
August 22: Echos V
August 29: Recoil
September 5: The Sons Of Gladys Kravitz
September 12: Get Off My Lawn
September 19: Jana West & Retrospect
September 26: The Punching Pandas
Kick off summer with West Des Moines Parks and Recreation and West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce! Two staple community events come together as one. This free family-friendly, rain-or-shine event will include a kid fun zone, a recreation and business vendor fair, live music, cardboard boat races, food trucks, and more! This event runs in conjunction with Cops and Bobbers, a free fishing event for all ages hosted by the West Des Moines Police Department. **Even though this is a FREE event to attend, please register so we know how many to plan for.
Break Time is a free program providing single parents several hours of uninterrupted time for running errands, studying, or simply having some alone time. While parents take some intentional time to recharge, their kids will enjoy a fun evening with activities, games, a meal, and crafts. All of the extraordinary volunteers who make Break Time possible undergo background checks and are well equipped and enthusiastic about engaging with the children who attend. Registration is required for this free program and happens at singleparentprovision.org.
Join us for our signature Thursday evening events in Historic Valley Junction – our weekly Farmers Market from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Music in the Junction at 5:30 to 8:00 pm, music starts at 6:00 pm. Bring the family and enjoy fun, music and shopping at the farmers’ market.
May 2: The Rivieras
May 9: Cory Walker & the Wicked Things
May 16: Black Diamond Loons
May 23: Brother Trucker
May 30: The Other Brothers
June 6: Buckmiller Schwager Band
June 13: Simply Seger
June 20: Molly Nova & the Hawks
June 27: Gut Feeling
July 11: The Get Down
July 18: Ronley King Blues Band
July 25: Kinda Petty Band
August 1: Standing Hampton
August 8: The Unfortunate Sons
August 15: Three on the Tree
August 22: Echos V
August 29: Recoil
September 5: The Sons Of Gladys Kravitz
September 12: Get Off My Lawn
September 19: Jana West & Retrospect
September 26: The Punching Pandas
Join us for our signature Thursday evening events in Historic Valley Junction – our weekly Farmers Market from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Music in the Junction at 5:30 to 8:00 pm, music starts at 6:00 pm. Bring the family and enjoy fun, music and shopping at the farmers’ market.
May 2: The Rivieras
May 9: Cory Walker & the Wicked Things
May 16: Black Diamond Loons
May 23: Brother Trucker
May 30: The Other Brothers
June 6: Buckmiller Schwager Band
June 13: Simply Seger
June 20: Molly Nova & the Hawks
June 27: Gut Feeling
July 11: The Get Down
July 18: Ronley King Blues Band
July 25: Kinda Petty Band
August 1: Standing Hampton
August 8: The Unfortunate Sons
August 15: Three on the Tree
August 22: Echos V
August 29: Recoil
September 5: The Sons Of Gladys Kravitz
September 12: Get Off My Lawn
September 19: Jana West & Retrospect
September 26: The Punching Pandas
Every third Friday night this summer, enjoy free outdoor movies under the stars at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater. Starting 45 minutes before showtime, complimentary popcorn, soda, and water will be provided.
June 21
July 19
August 16
September 20
Parents can enjoy a Saturday night out on the town or a relaxing evening in while your kids have a blast with us from 5-8pm. Each Parents’ Night Out will have a fun theme, arts and crafts, healthy activities, and a pizza party for only $20 per child.
5-12 year olds
Serv’d Events is thrilled to partner with Capital City Pride for our third annual all ages drag brunch! Bring the whole family out for an unforgettable experience that will help you close out pride month with a bang! Celebrate Pride season with us and join our entertainers as they perform a family friendly show while you enjoy a delicious breakfast! Each ticket includes brunch and a housemade juice pouch.
Performers include:
CCP Drag Pageant Youth Category Winner
Domita Sanchez
Nikki Love
Hazel Sanchez-Belle
Sharaya Diamond
and your host, Karma Kills
Summer Sundaze is back for it’s thrid season! Every Sunday evening this summer, the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater will come alive with free live music from talented local artists. From 6-8 pm, different bands will take the stage each week to get your toes tapping and hands clapping. Satisfy your sweet tooth this summer with our new lineup of food trucks! Each Sunday evening concert will feature a different truck serving up delicious desserts to complement the live music. Indulge in everything from ice cream sandwiches to funnel cakes while listening to your favorite local bands. These specialty food trucks have been handpicked to add something extra sweet to the 2024 concert series.
6/23 Standing Hampton
6/30 Guitarras ATM
7/7 Stark Raving Madge
7/14 Major Blues & the Mugshots
7/21 Sweet Magnolia Brass Band
7/28 Kelsie James
8/4 Jordan Messerole
8/11 The Matt Woods Band
8/18 The NOLA Jazz Band
8/25 The Unfortunate Sons
9/1 Weary Ramblers
9/8 The Feel Right
Join us for our signature Thursday evening events in Historic Valley Junction – our weekly Farmers Market from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Music in the Junction at 5:30 to 8:00 pm, music starts at 6:00 pm. Bring the family and enjoy fun, music and shopping at the farmers’ market.
May 2: The Rivieras
May 9: Cory Walker & the Wicked Things
May 16: Black Diamond Loons
May 23: Brother Trucker
May 30: The Other Brothers
June 6: Buckmiller Schwager Band
June 13: Simply Seger
June 20: Molly Nova & the Hawks
June 27: Gut Feeling
July 11: The Get Down
July 18: Ronley King Blues Band
July 25: Kinda Petty Band
August 1: Standing Hampton
August 8: The Unfortunate Sons
August 15: Three on the Tree
August 22: Echos V
August 29: Recoil
September 5: The Sons Of Gladys Kravitz
September 12: Get Off My Lawn
September 19: Jana West & Retrospect
September 26: The Punching Pandas