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.
Historic Valley Junction Foundation presents our Annual Festival Cinco de Mayo on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from Noon to 10:00 pm. Visitors are invited to enjoy Mexican foods, artwork, live music, dancing, and family activities.
Celebrating the Mexican heritage of many railroad workers during the establishment years of Valley Junction, this festival is an opportunity to recognize the Mexican community who helped James Jordan’s vision of bringing the railroad to the Des Moines area become a reality. In honor of our strong heritage, there will be a proclamation and announcement of our Cinco de Mayo King and Queen.
The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble’s 2023-24 Concert Schedule
FREE ADMISSION – $10 donation suggested
October 29 – Let’s Go West!
December 17 – Holiday Spectacular
March 3 – Out of This World
May 5 – Lollipops & Posies
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Reiman Gardens! We will offer free admission to all mothers on Mother’s Day.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm Mom’s get FREE admission to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
Johnston Green Days 2024 Theme: Paint the Town Green!
June 13th – 15th 2024
Terra Park, 6300 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston, Iowa
June 13th, Thursday
5:00pm – 8:00pm Jammin’ in Johnston a Business Expo – Join us for a night of fun, entertainment and to learn about businesses in the Community!
5:00pm – 8:00pm The Lions Club will be collecting old eyeglasses and hearing aids
5:00pm – 10:00pm Food Vendors Open
5:00pm – 10:00pm Beverage Tent Open – provided by Iowa Beverage Systems
5:00pm – 10:00pm Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband – weather permitting)
5:00pm – 10:00pm John Deere Equipment Display
5:30pm – 9:30pm Live Band: Mike Aceto
6:00pm Presentation of JCSD Art Winners
6:30pm – 7:30pm Light the Night for Sight Walk Registration
7:30pm Light the Night for Sight Walk Begins
June 14th, Friday
4:00pm – 6:00pm Car & Truck Show (Registration at 4pm)
5:00pm – 11:00pm Food Vendors Open
5:00pm – 11:00pm John Deere Equipment Display
5:00pm – 11:00pm Beverage Tent – Provided by Iowa Beverage Systems
6:00pm – 10:00pm Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband – weather permitting)
5:30pm – 8:00pm Live Band: DICK DANGER BAND
8:00pm Car & Truck Show Awards
8:00pm – 8:30pm Crowning of the King and Queen of Green – (Sponsored by Big Green Umbrella Media)
8:15pm – 8:30pm Tapping of the Green Keg – Sponsored by Big Green Umbrella Media (FREE until the keg is gone)
8:30pm – 11:30pm Live Band: GIMMIKK
All Day: Johnston Arts Council Terra Park art Walk (at Terra Parks for six weeks)
June 15h, Saturday
7:00am – 10:00am Johnston Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at Terra Park – (FREE will offering)
8:00am – 9:30am Johnston Green Days Nature Walk at Terra Park
10:00am – 11:00am Parade along Pioneer Parkway
11:00am – 11:00pm John Deere Equipment Display
11:00am – 4:00 Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband weather permitting)*
11:00am – 11:00pm Food Vendors Open
12:00pm – 11:00pm Beverage Tent – Provided by Iowa Beverage Systems
12:00pm Bags Tournament Presented by the Johnston Community Education
12:00pm – 4:00pm Catch Fishing Tips with Johnston Parks and Recreation
1:00pm – 4:00pm Public Safety and Camp Dodge Display
1:00pm – 4:00pm Smokin’ Heroes Smoked Meat Competition and Tasting
5:00pm – 10:00pm Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband – weather permitting)
5:00pm – 9:00pm Johnston Alumni Night – Come celebrate with fellow Alum!
5:30pm – 8:00pm Live Band –MOTLEY SCRUE IOWA
8:30pm – 11:30pm Live Band – SONS OF GLADYS KRAVITZ
After dark Fireworks (during band intermission) – Presented by Blazing Glory Fireworks of Johnston
June 16th, Sunday
The Carnival will remain open for the public.
1:00pm – 5:00pm Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband- weather permitting)
ALL WEEKEND: Enjoy the Johnston Arts Council Terra Park art Walk (at Terra Parks for six weeks)
The Lions Club will be collecting eyeglasses and hearing aids!
*Please note there are two different sessions for the Carnival on Saturday. A wristband must be purchased for each session separately.
**This schedule is tentative and subject to change at any time without notice**
Johnston Green Days 2024 Theme: Paint the Town Green!
June 13th – 15th 2024
Terra Park, 6300 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston, Iowa
June 13th, Thursday
5:00pm – 8:00pm Jammin’ in Johnston a Business Expo – Join us for a night of fun, entertainment and to learn about businesses in the Community!
5:00pm – 8:00pm The Lions Club will be collecting old eyeglasses and hearing aids
5:00pm – 10:00pm Food Vendors Open
5:00pm – 10:00pm Beverage Tent Open – provided by Iowa Beverage Systems
5:00pm – 10:00pm Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband – weather permitting)
5:00pm – 10:00pm John Deere Equipment Display
5:30pm – 9:30pm Live Band: Mike Aceto
6:00pm Presentation of JCSD Art Winners
6:30pm – 7:30pm Light the Night for Sight Walk Registration
7:30pm Light the Night for Sight Walk Begins
June 14th, Friday
4:00pm – 6:00pm Car & Truck Show (Registration at 4pm)
5:00pm – 11:00pm Food Vendors Open
5:00pm – 11:00pm John Deere Equipment Display
5:00pm – 11:00pm Beverage Tent – Provided by Iowa Beverage Systems
6:00pm – 10:00pm Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband – weather permitting)
5:30pm – 8:00pm Live Band: DICK DANGER BAND
8:00pm Car & Truck Show Awards
8:00pm – 8:30pm Crowning of the King and Queen of Green – (Sponsored by Big Green Umbrella Media)
8:15pm – 8:30pm Tapping of the Green Keg – Sponsored by Big Green Umbrella Media (FREE until the keg is gone)
8:30pm – 11:30pm Live Band: GIMMIKK
All Day: Johnston Arts Council Terra Park art Walk (at Terra Parks for six weeks)
June 15h, Saturday
7:00am – 10:00am Johnston Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at Terra Park – (FREE will offering)
8:00am – 9:30am Johnston Green Days Nature Walk at Terra Park
10:00am – 11:00am Parade along Pioneer Parkway
11:00am – 11:00pm John Deere Equipment Display
11:00am – 4:00 Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband weather permitting)*
11:00am – 11:00pm Food Vendors Open
12:00pm – 11:00pm Beverage Tent – Provided by Iowa Beverage Systems
12:00pm Bags Tournament Presented by the Johnston Community Education
12:00pm – 4:00pm Catch Fishing Tips with Johnston Parks and Recreation
1:00pm – 4:00pm Public Safety and Camp Dodge Display
1:00pm – 4:00pm Smokin’ Heroes Smoked Meat Competition and Tasting
5:00pm – 10:00pm Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband – weather permitting)
5:00pm – 9:00pm Johnston Alumni Night – Come celebrate with fellow Alum!
5:30pm – 8:00pm Live Band –MOTLEY SCRUE IOWA
8:30pm – 11:30pm Live Band – SONS OF GLADYS KRAVITZ
After dark Fireworks (during band intermission) – Presented by Blazing Glory Fireworks of Johnston
June 16th, Sunday
The Carnival will remain open for the public.
1:00pm – 5:00pm Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband- weather permitting)
ALL WEEKEND: Enjoy the Johnston Arts Council Terra Park art Walk (at Terra Parks for six weeks)
The Lions Club will be collecting eyeglasses and hearing aids!
*Please note there are two different sessions for the Carnival on Saturday. A wristband must be purchased for each session separately.
**This schedule is tentative and subject to change at any time without notice**
Johnston Green Days 2024 Theme: Paint the Town Green!
June 13th – 15th 2024
Terra Park, 6300 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston, Iowa
June 13th, Thursday
5:00pm – 8:00pm Jammin’ in Johnston a Business Expo – Join us for a night of fun, entertainment and to learn about businesses in the Community!
5:00pm – 8:00pm The Lions Club will be collecting old eyeglasses and hearing aids
5:00pm – 10:00pm Food Vendors Open
5:00pm – 10:00pm Beverage Tent Open – provided by Iowa Beverage Systems
5:00pm – 10:00pm Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband – weather permitting)
5:00pm – 10:00pm John Deere Equipment Display
5:30pm – 9:30pm Live Band: Mike Aceto
6:00pm Presentation of JCSD Art Winners
6:30pm – 7:30pm Light the Night for Sight Walk Registration
7:30pm Light the Night for Sight Walk Begins
June 14th, Friday
4:00pm – 6:00pm Car & Truck Show (Registration at 4pm)
5:00pm – 11:00pm Food Vendors Open
5:00pm – 11:00pm John Deere Equipment Display
5:00pm – 11:00pm Beverage Tent – Provided by Iowa Beverage Systems
6:00pm – 10:00pm Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband – weather permitting)
5:30pm – 8:00pm Live Band: DICK DANGER BAND
8:00pm Car & Truck Show Awards
8:00pm – 8:30pm Crowning of the King and Queen of Green – (Sponsored by Big Green Umbrella Media)
8:15pm – 8:30pm Tapping of the Green Keg – Sponsored by Big Green Umbrella Media (FREE until the keg is gone)
8:30pm – 11:30pm Live Band: GIMMIKK
All Day: Johnston Arts Council Terra Park art Walk (at Terra Parks for six weeks)
June 15h, Saturday
7:00am – 10:00am Johnston Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at Terra Park – (FREE will offering)
8:00am – 9:30am Johnston Green Days Nature Walk at Terra Park
10:00am – 11:00am Parade along Pioneer Parkway
11:00am – 11:00pm John Deere Equipment Display
11:00am – 4:00 Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband weather permitting)*
11:00am – 11:00pm Food Vendors Open
12:00pm – 11:00pm Beverage Tent – Provided by Iowa Beverage Systems
12:00pm Bags Tournament Presented by the Johnston Community Education
12:00pm – 4:00pm Catch Fishing Tips with Johnston Parks and Recreation
1:00pm – 4:00pm Public Safety and Camp Dodge Display
1:00pm – 4:00pm Smokin’ Heroes Smoked Meat Competition and Tasting
5:00pm – 10:00pm Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband – weather permitting)
5:00pm – 9:00pm Johnston Alumni Night – Come celebrate with fellow Alum!
5:30pm – 8:00pm Live Band –MOTLEY SCRUE IOWA
8:30pm – 11:30pm Live Band – SONS OF GLADYS KRAVITZ
After dark Fireworks (during band intermission) – Presented by Blazing Glory Fireworks of Johnston
June 16th, Sunday
The Carnival will remain open for the public.
1:00pm – 5:00pm Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband- weather permitting)
ALL WEEKEND: Enjoy the Johnston Arts Council Terra Park art Walk (at Terra Parks for six weeks)
The Lions Club will be collecting eyeglasses and hearing aids!
*Please note there are two different sessions for the Carnival on Saturday. A wristband must be purchased for each session separately.
**This schedule is tentative and subject to change at any time without notice**
Johnston Green Days 2024 Theme: Paint the Town Green!
June 13th – 15th 2024
Terra Park, 6300 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston, Iowa
June 13th, Thursday
5:00pm – 8:00pm Jammin’ in Johnston a Business Expo – Join us for a night of fun, entertainment and to learn about businesses in the Community!
5:00pm – 8:00pm The Lions Club will be collecting old eyeglasses and hearing aids
5:00pm – 10:00pm Food Vendors Open
5:00pm – 10:00pm Beverage Tent Open – provided by Iowa Beverage Systems
5:00pm – 10:00pm Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband – weather permitting)
5:00pm – 10:00pm John Deere Equipment Display
5:30pm – 9:30pm Live Band: Mike Aceto
6:00pm Presentation of JCSD Art Winners
6:30pm – 7:30pm Light the Night for Sight Walk Registration
7:30pm Light the Night for Sight Walk Begins
June 14th, Friday
4:00pm – 6:00pm Car & Truck Show (Registration at 4pm)
5:00pm – 11:00pm Food Vendors Open
5:00pm – 11:00pm John Deere Equipment Display
5:00pm – 11:00pm Beverage Tent – Provided by Iowa Beverage Systems
6:00pm – 10:00pm Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband – weather permitting)
5:30pm – 8:00pm Live Band: DICK DANGER BAND
8:00pm Car & Truck Show Awards
8:00pm – 8:30pm Crowning of the King and Queen of Green – (Sponsored by Big Green Umbrella Media)
8:15pm – 8:30pm Tapping of the Green Keg – Sponsored by Big Green Umbrella Media (FREE until the keg is gone)
8:30pm – 11:30pm Live Band: GIMMIKK
All Day: Johnston Arts Council Terra Park art Walk (at Terra Parks for six weeks)
June 15h, Saturday
7:00am – 10:00am Johnston Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at Terra Park – (FREE will offering)
8:00am – 9:30am Johnston Green Days Nature Walk at Terra Park
10:00am – 11:00am Parade along Pioneer Parkway
11:00am – 11:00pm John Deere Equipment Display
11:00am – 4:00 Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband weather permitting)*
11:00am – 11:00pm Food Vendors Open
12:00pm – 11:00pm Beverage Tent – Provided by Iowa Beverage Systems
12:00pm Bags Tournament Presented by the Johnston Community Education
12:00pm – 4:00pm Catch Fishing Tips with Johnston Parks and Recreation
1:00pm – 4:00pm Public Safety and Camp Dodge Display
1:00pm – 4:00pm Smokin’ Heroes Smoked Meat Competition and Tasting
5:00pm – 10:00pm Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband – weather permitting)
5:00pm – 9:00pm Johnston Alumni Night – Come celebrate with fellow Alum!
5:30pm – 8:00pm Live Band –MOTLEY SCRUE IOWA
8:30pm – 11:30pm Live Band – SONS OF GLADYS KRAVITZ
After dark Fireworks (during band intermission) – Presented by Blazing Glory Fireworks of Johnston
June 16th, Sunday
The Carnival will remain open for the public.
1:00pm – 5:00pm Carnival (unlimited rides with purchase of $25 wristband- weather permitting)
ALL WEEKEND: Enjoy the Johnston Arts Council Terra Park art Walk (at Terra Parks for six weeks)
The Lions Club will be collecting eyeglasses and hearing aids!
*Please note there are two different sessions for the Carnival on Saturday. A wristband must be purchased for each session separately.
**This schedule is tentative and subject to change at any time without notice**
The annual Great American Campout invites first-timers and veteran campers to revel in nature’s splendor under the stars. Pitch your tent on City Hall’s lawn and pack sleeping bags, flashlights, and appetites for free s’mores. Kayak, fish, play games, and watch Elemental on the big screen. Enjoy breakfast as part of your unforgettable overnight escape.
Registration is required.
Absent but dear…
Saturday, October 5 • 1 p.m.
All activities included with General Admission
In 1876, the funeral was a pageant of honored traditions. Families gathered to find joy in a public celebration of a life well-lived. Join our historic interpreters as they celebrate the life and honor the death of a fictional Walnut Hill resident with a re-created funeral.
In the morning, visit the Tangen Home, prepared with a period-style coffin and funeral drapery. The funeral begins at 1 p.m. in the side yard of the Tangen Home, then continues with a procession of the horse-drawn hearse through town to New Hope Cemetery, where there the ceremony will conclude.
In case of rain, the entire ceremony will be at the Tangen Home.
A townful of treats for your little tricksters!
October 18-20 & 25-27
$9 for ages 2 and up ($8 for members; 1 and under free)
Take part in the annual Living History Farms Family Halloween!
- Trick-or-treat at storefronts in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill.
- Hear storytellers in the Gothic church.
- Have your silly fortune told in the Millinery.
- Watch demonstrations at the Print Shop, Drug Store, and Blacksmith.
- Play games and do crafts in the 150-year-old barn.
- Take a horse-drawn wagon ride!
Dates and times:
- Friday, October 18, 5-8 p.m.
- Saturday, October 19, 5-8 p.m.
- Sunday, October 20, 4-7 p.m.
- Friday, October 25, 5-8 p.m.
- Saturday, October 26, 5-8 p.m.
- Sunday, October 27, 4-7 p.m.
A townful of treats for your little tricksters!
October 18-20 & 25-27
$9 for ages 2 and up ($8 for members; 1 and under free)
Take part in the annual Living History Farms Family Halloween!
- Trick-or-treat at storefronts in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill.
- Hear storytellers in the Gothic church.
- Have your silly fortune told in the Millinery.
- Watch demonstrations at the Print Shop, Drug Store, and Blacksmith.
- Play games and do crafts in the 150-year-old barn.
- Take a horse-drawn wagon ride!
Dates and times:
- Friday, October 18, 5-8 p.m.
- Saturday, October 19, 5-8 p.m.
- Sunday, October 20, 4-7 p.m.
- Friday, October 25, 5-8 p.m.
- Saturday, October 26, 5-8 p.m.
- Sunday, October 27, 4-7 p.m.
A townful of treats for your little tricksters!
October 18-20 & 25-27
$9 for ages 2 and up ($8 for members; 1 and under free)
Take part in the annual Living History Farms Family Halloween!
- Trick-or-treat at storefronts in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill.
- Hear storytellers in the Gothic church.
- Have your silly fortune told in the Millinery.
- Watch demonstrations at the Print Shop, Drug Store, and Blacksmith.
- Play games and do crafts in the 150-year-old barn.
- Take a horse-drawn wagon ride!
Dates and times:
- Friday, October 18, 5-8 p.m.
- Saturday, October 19, 5-8 p.m.
- Sunday, October 20, 4-7 p.m.
- Friday, October 25, 5-8 p.m.
- Saturday, October 26, 5-8 p.m.
- Sunday, October 27, 4-7 p.m.
A townful of treats for your little tricksters!
October 18-20 & 25-27
$9 for ages 2 and up ($8 for members; 1 and under free)
Take part in the annual Living History Farms Family Halloween!
- Trick-or-treat at storefronts in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill.
- Hear storytellers in the Gothic church.
- Have your silly fortune told in the Millinery.
- Watch demonstrations at the Print Shop, Drug Store, and Blacksmith.
- Play games and do crafts in the 150-year-old barn.
- Take a horse-drawn wagon ride!
Dates and times:
- Friday, October 18, 5-8 p.m.
- Saturday, October 19, 5-8 p.m.
- Sunday, October 20, 4-7 p.m.
- Friday, October 25, 5-8 p.m.
- Saturday, October 26, 5-8 p.m.
- Sunday, October 27, 4-7 p.m.
A townful of treats for your little tricksters!
October 18-20 & 25-27
$9 for ages 2 and up ($8 for members; 1 and under free)
Take part in the annual Living History Farms Family Halloween!
- Trick-or-treat at storefronts in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill.
- Hear storytellers in the Gothic church.
- Have your silly fortune told in the Millinery.
- Watch demonstrations at the Print Shop, Drug Store, and Blacksmith.
- Play games and do crafts in the 150-year-old barn.
- Take a horse-drawn wagon ride!
Dates and times:
- Friday, October 18, 5-8 p.m.
- Saturday, October 19, 5-8 p.m.
- Sunday, October 20, 4-7 p.m.
- Friday, October 25, 5-8 p.m.
- Saturday, October 26, 5-8 p.m.
- Sunday, October 27, 4-7 p.m.
A townful of treats for your little tricksters!
October 18-20 & 25-27
$9 for ages 2 and up ($8 for members; 1 and under free)
Take part in the annual Living History Farms Family Halloween!
- Trick-or-treat at storefronts in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill.
- Hear storytellers in the Gothic church.
- Have your silly fortune told in the Millinery.
- Watch demonstrations at the Print Shop, Drug Store, and Blacksmith.
- Play games and do crafts in the 150-year-old barn.
- Take a horse-drawn wagon ride!
Dates and times:
- Friday, October 18, 5-8 p.m.
- Saturday, October 19, 5-8 p.m.
- Sunday, October 20, 4-7 p.m.
- Friday, October 25, 5-8 p.m.
- Saturday, October 26, 5-8 p.m.
- Sunday, October 27, 4-7 p.m.
Join us for old-fashioned holiday fun!
Saturday, December 7 • Noon-3 p.m.
$9 for ages 2 and up ($8 for members; 1 and under free)
Buildings are heated. Bundle up for wagon rides!
Hear the sounds, see the sights, and smell the smells of a 19th-century Christmas.
Listen to the jingling bells as you take a horse-drawn wagon ride.*
Chime in with the carolers at the historic Flynn Mansion.
Watch demonstrations of old-fashioned letterpress printing and the Victorian “language of the fan.”
Make an orange-clove pomander and sniff to identify spices at the Drug Store.
Take a whiff of the traditional goodies in the wood-fired oven at the Tangen Home.
Make crafts and decorate cookies to take home.
Hear stories and help us trim our tree.
And don’t forget a visit with good old St. Nick!