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.
This installation will be on Cowles Commons from April 18 – May 19
Hours:
9 AM – 9 PM
Open at 7AM on Farmer’s Market Days
Open until 11PM from April 30 – May 4
An interactive work that will warm hearts of all ages.
Impulse is an interactive work comprised of seesaws of various sizes, with lighting and sound. The installation and its streamlined design will delight children and adults as they play with the effects it produces, filling the space with a dance of sounds and lights and bringing joy through the days and nights.
Part playground apparatus, part interactive installation, the 15 seesaws transform the space with the sound and light emitted when people play on them. To activate the seesaw, one person sits down on each end. The seesaws, fitted with LED lights and speakers, then produce a series of beautiful sounds. The intensity of the light varies as the board’s angle changes. The closer you get to the work and the more you play on the seesaws, the more you notice subtleties in the installation and details in the sound and light. Impulse is an urban installation that renews itself for each different audience. Each person becomes, while on the seesaws, the player of a novel instrument.
The activation is a joint endeavor between Des Moines Performing Arts and Operation Downtown, in partnership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Impulse is a production of Quartier des Spectacles Partnership and distributed by QDSinternational.
FREE PERFORMANCES
Thursday, May 16
6:30 PM – Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park – Des Moines
Friday, May 17
6:30 PM – Riverview Park Amphitheater – Des Moines
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is a Grammy winning, internationally touring, purple velvet tuxedo wearing family funk phenemenon. Combining the positive, primal power of hip hop with the surreal storytelling of science fiction, 23 Skidoo has concocted a potent potion that wows family crowds across the planet.
The ingredients of his magic spells include reverence for the boundless mindstates of young children, respect for the culture and DNA of hip hop, funk and soul music, and a deep belief in the power of the imagination to change the world in positive ways, both personal and universal.
This installation will be on Cowles Commons from April 18 – May 19
Hours:
9 AM – 9 PM
Open at 7AM on Farmer’s Market Days
Open until 11PM from April 30 – May 4
An interactive work that will warm hearts of all ages.
Impulse is an interactive work comprised of seesaws of various sizes, with lighting and sound. The installation and its streamlined design will delight children and adults as they play with the effects it produces, filling the space with a dance of sounds and lights and bringing joy through the days and nights.
Part playground apparatus, part interactive installation, the 15 seesaws transform the space with the sound and light emitted when people play on them. To activate the seesaw, one person sits down on each end. The seesaws, fitted with LED lights and speakers, then produce a series of beautiful sounds. The intensity of the light varies as the board’s angle changes. The closer you get to the work and the more you play on the seesaws, the more you notice subtleties in the installation and details in the sound and light. Impulse is an urban installation that renews itself for each different audience. Each person becomes, while on the seesaws, the player of a novel instrument.
The activation is a joint endeavor between Des Moines Performing Arts and Operation Downtown, in partnership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Impulse is a production of Quartier des Spectacles Partnership and distributed by QDSinternational.
FREE PERFORMANCES
Thursday, May 16
6:30 PM – Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park – Des Moines
Friday, May 17
6:30 PM – Riverview Park Amphitheater – Des Moines
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is a Grammy winning, internationally touring, purple velvet tuxedo wearing family funk phenemenon. Combining the positive, primal power of hip hop with the surreal storytelling of science fiction, 23 Skidoo has concocted a potent potion that wows family crowds across the planet.
The ingredients of his magic spells include reverence for the boundless mindstates of young children, respect for the culture and DNA of hip hop, funk and soul music, and a deep belief in the power of the imagination to change the world in positive ways, both personal and universal.
This installation will be on Cowles Commons from April 18 – May 19
Hours:
9 AM – 9 PM
Open at 7AM on Farmer’s Market Days
Open until 11PM from April 30 – May 4
An interactive work that will warm hearts of all ages.
Impulse is an interactive work comprised of seesaws of various sizes, with lighting and sound. The installation and its streamlined design will delight children and adults as they play with the effects it produces, filling the space with a dance of sounds and lights and bringing joy through the days and nights.
Part playground apparatus, part interactive installation, the 15 seesaws transform the space with the sound and light emitted when people play on them. To activate the seesaw, one person sits down on each end. The seesaws, fitted with LED lights and speakers, then produce a series of beautiful sounds. The intensity of the light varies as the board’s angle changes. The closer you get to the work and the more you play on the seesaws, the more you notice subtleties in the installation and details in the sound and light. Impulse is an urban installation that renews itself for each different audience. Each person becomes, while on the seesaws, the player of a novel instrument.
The activation is a joint endeavor between Des Moines Performing Arts and Operation Downtown, in partnership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Impulse is a production of Quartier des Spectacles Partnership and distributed by QDSinternational.
Part of the Wellmark Family Series
For the last thirty two years, THE PEKING ACROBATS® have redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. They perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs and display their technical prowess at such arts as trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. They push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control. THE PEKING ACROBATS are often accompanied by live musicians who skillfully play traditional Chinese instruments; the time-honored Chinese music coalesces with high-tech special effects and awe-inspiring acrobatic feats, creating an exuberant entertainment event with the festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival.
This installation will be on Cowles Commons from April 18 – May 19
Hours:
9 AM – 9 PM
Open at 7AM on Farmer’s Market Days
Open until 11PM from April 30 – May 4
An interactive work that will warm hearts of all ages.
Impulse is an interactive work comprised of seesaws of various sizes, with lighting and sound. The installation and its streamlined design will delight children and adults as they play with the effects it produces, filling the space with a dance of sounds and lights and bringing joy through the days and nights.
Part playground apparatus, part interactive installation, the 15 seesaws transform the space with the sound and light emitted when people play on them. To activate the seesaw, one person sits down on each end. The seesaws, fitted with LED lights and speakers, then produce a series of beautiful sounds. The intensity of the light varies as the board’s angle changes. The closer you get to the work and the more you play on the seesaws, the more you notice subtleties in the installation and details in the sound and light. Impulse is an urban installation that renews itself for each different audience. Each person becomes, while on the seesaws, the player of a novel instrument.
The activation is a joint endeavor between Des Moines Performing Arts and Operation Downtown, in partnership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Impulse is a production of Quartier des Spectacles Partnership and distributed by QDSinternational.
FREE PERFORMANCES
Wednesday, June 12
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Drake Park – Des Moines
6:30 PM – Town Square – Polk City
Thursday, June 13
6:30 PM – Dewey Park – Johnston
Friday, June 14
10:00 AM – MLK Park – Des Moines
4:30 PM, 6:30 PM – Heritage Park – Grimes
Saturday, June 15
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Walker Johnston Park – Urbandale
Ants is an interactive performance which brings children together to explore the landscape around them.
Ants as big as humans work together intently with hundreds of giant bread crumbs, using sound and movement to communicate, and children are irresistibly drawn closer to find out how they can join in. Gradually a world of meaning unfolds, with children’s movement making lines and patterns, transforming public space and disrupting the everyday. Children choose how they interact with the big insects, becoming Ant-like creatures themselves and taking part in their world. This is an enchanting and unusual experience that everyone can enjoy at their own pace.
FREE PERFORMANCES
Wednesday, June 12
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Drake Park – Des Moines
6:30 PM – Town Square – Polk City
Thursday, June 13
6:30 PM – Dewey Park – Johnston
Friday, June 14
10:00 AM – MLK Park – Des Moines
4:30 PM, 6:30 PM – Heritage Park – Grimes
Saturday, June 15
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Walker Johnston Park – Urbandale
Ants is an interactive performance which brings children together to explore the landscape around them.
Ants as big as humans work together intently with hundreds of giant bread crumbs, using sound and movement to communicate, and children are irresistibly drawn closer to find out how they can join in. Gradually a world of meaning unfolds, with children’s movement making lines and patterns, transforming public space and disrupting the everyday. Children choose how they interact with the big insects, becoming Ant-like creatures themselves and taking part in their world. This is an enchanting and unusual experience that everyone can enjoy at their own pace.
FREE PERFORMANCES
Wednesday, June 12
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Drake Park – Des Moines
6:30 PM – Town Square – Polk City
Thursday, June 13
6:30 PM – Dewey Park – Johnston
Friday, June 14
10:00 AM – MLK Park – Des Moines
4:30 PM, 6:30 PM – Heritage Park – Grimes
Saturday, June 15
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Walker Johnston Park – Urbandale
Ants is an interactive performance which brings children together to explore the landscape around them.
Ants as big as humans work together intently with hundreds of giant bread crumbs, using sound and movement to communicate, and children are irresistibly drawn closer to find out how they can join in. Gradually a world of meaning unfolds, with children’s movement making lines and patterns, transforming public space and disrupting the everyday. Children choose how they interact with the big insects, becoming Ant-like creatures themselves and taking part in their world. This is an enchanting and unusual experience that everyone can enjoy at their own pace.
FREE PERFORMANCES
Wednesday, June 12
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Drake Park – Des Moines
6:30 PM – Town Square – Polk City
Thursday, June 13
6:30 PM – Dewey Park – Johnston
Friday, June 14
10:00 AM – MLK Park – Des Moines
4:30 PM, 6:30 PM – Heritage Park – Grimes
Saturday, June 15
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Walker Johnston Park – Urbandale
Ants is an interactive performance which brings children together to explore the landscape around them.
Ants as big as humans work together intently with hundreds of giant bread crumbs, using sound and movement to communicate, and children are irresistibly drawn closer to find out how they can join in. Gradually a world of meaning unfolds, with children’s movement making lines and patterns, transforming public space and disrupting the everyday. Children choose how they interact with the big insects, becoming Ant-like creatures themselves and taking part in their world. This is an enchanting and unusual experience that everyone can enjoy at their own pace.
FREE PERFORMANCES
Wednesday, June 12
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Drake Park – Des Moines
6:30 PM – Town Square – Polk City
Thursday, June 13
6:30 PM – Dewey Park – Johnston
Friday, June 14
10:00 AM – MLK Park – Des Moines
4:30 PM, 6:30 PM – Heritage Park – Grimes
Saturday, June 15
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Walker Johnston Park – Urbandale
Ants is an interactive performance which brings children together to explore the landscape around them.
Ants as big as humans work together intently with hundreds of giant bread crumbs, using sound and movement to communicate, and children are irresistibly drawn closer to find out how they can join in. Gradually a world of meaning unfolds, with children’s movement making lines and patterns, transforming public space and disrupting the everyday. Children choose how they interact with the big insects, becoming Ant-like creatures themselves and taking part in their world. This is an enchanting and unusual experience that everyone can enjoy at their own pace.
FREE PERFORMANCES
Wednesday, June 12
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Drake Park – Des Moines
6:30 PM – Town Square – Polk City
Thursday, June 13
6:30 PM – Dewey Park – Johnston
Friday, June 14
10:00 AM – MLK Park – Des Moines
4:30 PM, 6:30 PM – Heritage Park – Grimes
Saturday, June 15
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Walker Johnston Park – Urbandale
Ants is an interactive performance which brings children together to explore the landscape around them.
Ants as big as humans work together intently with hundreds of giant bread crumbs, using sound and movement to communicate, and children are irresistibly drawn closer to find out how they can join in. Gradually a world of meaning unfolds, with children’s movement making lines and patterns, transforming public space and disrupting the everyday. Children choose how they interact with the big insects, becoming Ant-like creatures themselves and taking part in their world. This is an enchanting and unusual experience that everyone can enjoy at their own pace.
FREE PERFORMANCES
Wednesday, June 12
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Drake Park – Des Moines
6:30 PM – Town Square – Polk City
Thursday, June 13
6:30 PM – Dewey Park – Johnston
Friday, June 14
10:00 AM – MLK Park – Des Moines
4:30 PM, 6:30 PM – Heritage Park – Grimes
Saturday, June 15
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Walker Johnston Park – Urbandale
Ants is an interactive performance which brings children together to explore the landscape around them.
Ants as big as humans work together intently with hundreds of giant bread crumbs, using sound and movement to communicate, and children are irresistibly drawn closer to find out how they can join in. Gradually a world of meaning unfolds, with children’s movement making lines and patterns, transforming public space and disrupting the everyday. Children choose how they interact with the big insects, becoming Ant-like creatures themselves and taking part in their world. This is an enchanting and unusual experience that everyone can enjoy at their own pace.
FREE PERFORMANCES
Wednesday, June 12
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Drake Park – Des Moines
6:30 PM – Town Square – Polk City
Thursday, June 13
6:30 PM – Dewey Park – Johnston
Friday, June 14
10:00 AM – MLK Park – Des Moines
4:30 PM, 6:30 PM – Heritage Park – Grimes
Saturday, June 15
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Walker Johnston Park – Urbandale
Ants is an interactive performance which brings children together to explore the landscape around them.
Ants as big as humans work together intently with hundreds of giant bread crumbs, using sound and movement to communicate, and children are irresistibly drawn closer to find out how they can join in. Gradually a world of meaning unfolds, with children’s movement making lines and patterns, transforming public space and disrupting the everyday. Children choose how they interact with the big insects, becoming Ant-like creatures themselves and taking part in their world. This is an enchanting and unusual experience that everyone can enjoy at their own pace.
FREE PERFORMANCES
Wednesday, June 12
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Drake Park – Des Moines
6:30 PM – Town Square – Polk City
Thursday, June 13
6:30 PM – Dewey Park – Johnston
Friday, June 14
10:00 AM – MLK Park – Des Moines
4:30 PM, 6:30 PM – Heritage Park – Grimes
Saturday, June 15
10:00 AM, 11:15 AM – Walker Johnston Park – Urbandale
Ants is an interactive performance which brings children together to explore the landscape around them.
Ants as big as humans work together intently with hundreds of giant bread crumbs, using sound and movement to communicate, and children are irresistibly drawn closer to find out how they can join in. Gradually a world of meaning unfolds, with children’s movement making lines and patterns, transforming public space and disrupting the everyday. Children choose how they interact with the big insects, becoming Ant-like creatures themselves and taking part in their world. This is an enchanting and unusual experience that everyone can enjoy at their own pace.
FREE PERFORMANCES
Wednesday, July 10
6:30 PM – Sunrise Park – Ankeny
Thursday, July 11
10 AM – Union Park – Des Moines
6:30 PM – Fairmeadows Park – West Des Moines
Friday, July 12
10 AM – Nature Lodge at Racoon River Park – West Des Moines
4:30 PM, 6:30 PM – Easter Lake Park – Des Moines
Saturday, July 13
10 AM, 12 PM – Pete Crivaro Park – Des Moines
When the big top raises its roof and the doors open, you will experience the music, cheer, and color of the circus. Meet Budineto the lion, Ariadna the tight-rope walker, Ursus the weight lifter, a clown, a trapeze artist, and of course the circus band. Enjoy all the surprises of the circus as this marionette puppet theatre company takes you on an unforgettable journey!
FREE PERFORMANCES
Wednesday, July 10
6:30 PM – Sunrise Park – Ankeny
Thursday, July 11
10 AM – Union Park – Des Moines
6:30 PM – Fairmeadows Park – West Des Moines
Friday, July 12
10 AM – Nature Lodge at Racoon River Park – West Des Moines
4:30 PM, 6:30 PM – Easter Lake Park – Des Moines
Saturday, July 13
10 AM, 12 PM – Pete Crivaro Park – Des Moines
When the big top raises its roof and the doors open, you will experience the music, cheer, and color of the circus. Meet Budineto the lion, Ariadna the tight-rope walker, Ursus the weight lifter, a clown, a trapeze artist, and of course the circus band. Enjoy all the surprises of the circus as this marionette puppet theatre company takes you on an unforgettable journey!
FREE PERFORMANCES
Wednesday, July 10
6:30 PM – Sunrise Park – Ankeny
Thursday, July 11
10 AM – Union Park – Des Moines
6:30 PM – Fairmeadows Park – West Des Moines
Friday, July 12
10 AM – Nature Lodge at Racoon River Park – West Des Moines
4:30 PM, 6:30 PM – Easter Lake Park – Des Moines
Saturday, July 13
10 AM, 12 PM – Pete Crivaro Park – Des Moines
When the big top raises its roof and the doors open, you will experience the music, cheer, and color of the circus. Meet Budineto the lion, Ariadna the tight-rope walker, Ursus the weight lifter, a clown, a trapeze artist, and of course the circus band. Enjoy all the surprises of the circus as this marionette puppet theatre company takes you on an unforgettable journey!
FREE PERFORMANCES
Wednesday, July 10
6:30 PM – Sunrise Park – Ankeny
Thursday, July 11
10 AM – Union Park – Des Moines
6:30 PM – Fairmeadows Park – West Des Moines
Friday, July 12
10 AM – Nature Lodge at Racoon River Park – West Des Moines
4:30 PM, 6:30 PM – Easter Lake Park – Des Moines
Saturday, July 13
10 AM, 12 PM – Pete Crivaro Park – Des Moines
When the big top raises its roof and the doors open, you will experience the music, cheer, and color of the circus. Meet Budineto the lion, Ariadna the tight-rope walker, Ursus the weight lifter, a clown, a trapeze artist, and of course the circus band. Enjoy all the surprises of the circus as this marionette puppet theatre company takes you on an unforgettable journey!