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.
Finding your child tapping their toes and clapping on beat? At Arrow Academy of Music, we’ll inspire and support them as they pursue their musical talent!
Join us for a free trial of our in-person group piano lessons! We’ll show you how learning music can be FUN, and the many benefits it can provide.
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.
Join us for a free trial of our in-person group guitar lessons! We’ll show your child how learning music can be FUN, and the many benefits it can provide.
Grab your lawn chair or blanket and get ready to enjoy the sounds of summer at various parks in Urbandale! This FREE public event is open to all ages, so bring the whole family for a fun-filled evening of music and community.
May 14: Jake Doty & the Swensongs (Walnut Creek Regional Park)
June 11: Brad & Kate (Charles Gabus Memorial Park & Garden)
July 9: June Bugs (Charles Gabus Memorial Park & Garden)
August 8: Opus Taylor (Lions Park)
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.
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.
The outdoor stage in Haines Park is hosting four free concerts under the stars this summer season.
Enjoy live music on Sundays starting at 6:00 pm. Pop and Popcorn will be sold by CAP Theatre.
Spend an evening listening to the sounds of local musicians at the historic Camp Dodge Pool Complex. Bring a lawn chair, picnic basket, sit back and enjoy! Food Trucks are available starting at 6:00 pm. All concerts start at 7:00 pm.
May 30: The Nadas Acoustic Duo
June 6: Eli Alger & the Faster Horses
June 22: Standing Hampton (Car Show)
June 29: The 34th Army Band (Alumni Night)
Join the Indianola Chamber for a night of live music and community fun on the NW corner of the Indianola Downtown Square. Gates open at 6:00 pm. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from local merchants. This FREE event is family-friendly with kids activities and is open to the public. Don’t forget to bring a chair or blanket to sit on! No coolers allowed.
Now in its 21st year, Roosevelt Summer Sundays proudly continues the Ames summer tradition with FREE outdoor concerts at Roosevelt Park. Join them each Sunday evening from June through August to enjoy fantastic local and regional bands. Concerts start at 7:00 pm and don’t forget to bring a blanket or lawn chair.
June 2: Matt Woods Band
June 9: River City Opry
June 16: Vinyl Vagabonds
June 23: Ducharme-Jones Band
June 30: The Get Down-DSM
July 7: Avey Grouws Band
July 14: Buckmiller/Schwager Band
July 21: NOLA Jazz Band
July 28: Eleven Moons
August 4: Brother Trucker
August 11: The Cherrypickers
August 18: Haymakers
August 25: Southbound
Enjoy live music, food trucks, beer truck, yard games, family activities and more at this new outdoor event on Thursday evenings, 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. at AMP (Ankeny Market & Pavilion), 715 W. First Street.
Spend an evening listening to the sounds of local musicians at the historic Camp Dodge Pool Complex. Bring a lawn chair, picnic basket, sit back and enjoy! Food Trucks are available starting at 6:00 pm. All concerts start at 7:00 pm.
May 30: The Nadas Acoustic Duo
June 6: Eli Alger & the Faster Horses
June 22: Standing Hampton (Car Show)
June 29: The 34th Army Band (Alumni Night)
FAMILY OPERA ADVENTURE!
Join the Indianola Chapter of the Opera Guild for a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at live theater!
The adventure begins with an exciting opera performance created especially for children called Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing. Then, after a delicious picnic lunch, a tour of the Blank Performing Arts Center will lead explorers into the costume shop, wig and make-up departments, orchestra pit and even onto the stage! This event is perfect for families, child care centers and daycares.
PICNIC & PUCCINI DATES
Friday, June 7 at 10am
Saturday, June 8 at 10am
Tickets are $12/per person (cash or check) or $15/per person (online). To purchase tickets online, click the button below. To purchase by cash or check, contact Guild representative Chari Kruse at 515-979-1879 or charikruse@gmail.com.