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.
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, and gather your loved ones for an unforgettable outdoor movie experience. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks to make it a perfect picnic outing! Movies are FREE to attend all screenings begin at dusk, so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot.
May 16: Barbie
June 21: Kung Fu Panda 4
August 15: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
September 19: Wonka
The movies will begin at dusk around 8:30 p.m. Please bring your own blanket or chair.
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.
Have you had a long week? Come unwind at Food Truck Friday!
Jump on the Greenbelt Trail and make your way to Campbell Park to enjoy music, food, and fun. Bring the whole family — the park has three playgrounds and plenty of green space.
Select Fridays 5:30–8:00 p.m.
Sponsored by: Clive Parks and Recreation and Clive Chamber of Commerce
Music Schedule
May 17 Dueling Guitars w/ Brian Congdon and Brad Seidenfeld
May 24 Damon Dotson
May 31 Brian Herrin Duo
June 7 The Unfortunate Sons
June 14 Lucas Beebe
June 21 Sons of Gladys Kravitz Lite
September 6 Dick Danger Band
September 13 TBA
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.
Free for children ages 12 and younger. Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow Spring Fling. May 11-12 & 18-19. 10am – 6pm rain or shine. Visit our village and partake in mirth and mayhem, enjoy a turkey leg, some shopping & cheer at the joust.
It’s time for a turkey leg, a cup of meade, a freshly squeezed lemonade or any number of treats fit for a King. It’s time to cheer for your favorite jouster, learn about birds of prey, watch an expert play with fire or just laugh your tail off at a comedy show. It’s time to shop for one of a kind merchandise at one of our 60+ shops. It’s time to learn skills from a living history encampment group. It’s time for the Spring Fling Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow. Don’t miss the fun!!!
The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines supports farmers, growers and artisan food entrepreneurs from all around the state of Iowa. The Market offers a variety of attractions and activities including shopping for fresh produce, eggs, meats and more, eating breakfast, enjoying the atmosphere, meeting with family and friends and live entertainment.
The Market takes place every Saturday morning in the Historic Court District. The Market is open from 7 a.m. to Noon until the end of September. The Market’s hours will change to 8 a.m. to noon in October.
The Uptown Ankeny Farmer’s Market vendors provide a wide variety of products to the public. The market has seen everything from fresh seasonal produce, home-made baked goods, specialty food items, perennial plants and hand-made crafts.
The 2024 Farmers Market will be open every Saturday May 18th through September 21st. Please note that we are closed on July 13th for The Ankeny Chamber Summerfest Parade.
Please note: Pets are allowed in the city park of AMP, however, they are not allowed in the market pavilion areas.
Hours are 8am-Noon
Come join us for the Mayor’s Bike Ride! Please join our Mayor, Bob Andeweg for a bike ride, beginning at the Large Shelter at Walnut Creek Regional Park, 4100 Walnut Creek Park Road.
Donuts and coffee available starting at 8:00 a.m.
Bike Ride begins at 9:00am. End time is dependent on what route you choose.2 bike routes to choose from: Family and Long
Registration Deadline: May 16
Pre-registration is encouraged, but registration is also available at the 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.
New Adventures Await in 2024 – Grand Opening Day Saturday, May 18!
We’re gearing up for an unforgettable season packed with thrilling rides, mouthwatering treats, dazzling light shows, and celebrations honoring five decades of fun! It will be an unforgettable season at the home of Iowa’s Best Thrills.
or
Group of 4 Tickets for $75
Saturday public nights at Ashton Observatory are every Saturday evening, April through October. Except for first Saturdays of each month, most evenings begin with a classroom program at 8:00 pm. Free admission! All ages welcome. Find a 2024 schedule here.
The Observatory is open but there will be no classroom programs during July.
From common astronomical occurrences to rare cosmic phenomena, join us to learn about our solar system and beyond.
Join SCI staff and volunteers to observe celestial objects, colorful double stars and star clusters, meteor showers and more through high-powered telescopes! Engage with stargazing guides to investigate the science of our solar system and beyond. Each event has a unique focus!
2024 Star Parties
Each SCI Star Party is held at a different location around the Des Moines Metro. Tickets and registration are not required to take part in the Star Party activities. See below for the dates, times and locations for this year’s schedule.
- Saturday, May 18: Galaxies, Clusters, and Nebula @ Ashton Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 28: The Moon, Stars and Constellations @ SCI from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Friday, July 19: Planets – A Chance to See Mercury through a Telescope @ Drake Municipal Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
- Saturday, August 10: Perseids Meteor Shower @ Ewing Park from 6:00 p.m.—Midnight
- Wednesday, September 18: The Moon (Full and Super Moon) @ Location TBD from 7:00—9:00 p.m.
- Friday, October 18: Double/Binary Stars @ Drake Observatory from 8:00—10:00 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Solar & Star Parties are weather dependent and are subject to cancellation. Check the SCI website and Facebook for updates on the event.
Star Parties are offered through a partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteer@sciowa.org.
Free for children ages 12 and younger. Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow Spring Fling. May 11-12 & 18-19. 10am – 6pm rain or shine. Visit our village and partake in mirth and mayhem, enjoy a turkey leg, some shopping & cheer at the joust.
It’s time for a turkey leg, a cup of meade, a freshly squeezed lemonade or any number of treats fit for a King. It’s time to cheer for your favorite jouster, learn about birds of prey, watch an expert play with fire or just laugh your tail off at a comedy show. It’s time to shop for one of a kind merchandise at one of our 60+ shops. It’s time to learn skills from a living history encampment group. It’s time for the Spring Fling Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow. Don’t miss the fun!!!
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.
New Adventures Await in 2024 – Grand Opening Day Saturday, May 18!
We’re gearing up for an unforgettable season packed with thrilling rides, mouthwatering treats, dazzling light shows, and celebrations honoring five decades of fun! It will be an unforgettable season at the home of Iowa’s Best Thrills.
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.
or
Group of 4 Tickets for $75