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.
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
Join Jasper Winery every Thursday this summer from 6:00 to 9:00 pm for FREE live music on the lawn. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for outside seating. No pets are allowed but kids are welcome. All shows outside, weather permitting.
2024 Lineup:
May 9: Brother Trucker
May 16: Brian Herrin Band
May 23: Dueling Guitars
June 6: Pianopalooza Band
June 13: Decoy
June 20: The Nadas
June 27: Damon Dotson Band
July 11: Funk Trek & Mind@Large
July 18: Rhino
July 25: Dazy Head Mazy
August 1: Not Quite Brothers
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 Jasper Winery every Thursday this summer from 6:00 to 9:00 pm for FREE live music on the lawn. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for outside seating. No pets are allowed but kids are welcome. All shows outside, weather permitting.
2024 Lineup:
May 9: Brother Trucker
May 16: Brian Herrin Band
May 23: Dueling Guitars
June 6: Pianopalooza Band
June 13: Decoy
June 20: The Nadas
June 27: Damon Dotson Band
July 11: Funk Trek & Mind@Large
July 18: Rhino
July 25: Dazy Head Mazy
August 1: Not Quite Brothers
Summer 2023 Concert Season
Join the Belin Quartet on the lawn at Salisbury House and Gardens on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 PM for FREE performances. Chairs and bottled water will be provided by the Civic Music Association. You are welcome to bring your own lawn chairs, beverages, and snacks.
2024 Schedule:
May 21: Playel: String Quartet in E flat Major, Op.2, No. 4; Bridge: Novelletten for String Quartet, H. 44
May 28: Beethoven: Serenade in D Major, Op. 8
June 4: Borodin: String Quartet No. 1 in A Major
June 11: Glazunov: String Quartet No. 3 in G Major, Op. 26
June 25: Bruch: String Quintet in E flat Major
July 2: Schubert: “Rosamunde” No. 13, in A minor
July 9: Mendelssohn: Op. 12 in E flat Major
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 Jasper Winery every Thursday this summer from 6:00 to 9:00 pm for FREE live music on the lawn. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for outside seating. No pets are allowed but kids are welcome. All shows outside, weather permitting.
2024 Lineup:
May 9: Brother Trucker
May 16: Brian Herrin Band
May 23: Dueling Guitars
June 6: Pianopalooza Band
June 13: Decoy
June 20: The Nadas
June 27: Damon Dotson Band
July 11: Funk Trek & Mind@Large
July 18: Rhino
July 25: Dazy Head Mazy
August 1: Not Quite Brothers
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.
Summer 2023 Concert Season
Join the Belin Quartet on the lawn at Salisbury House and Gardens on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 PM for FREE performances. Chairs and bottled water will be provided by the Civic Music Association. You are welcome to bring your own lawn chairs, beverages, and snacks.
2024 Schedule:
May 21: Playel: String Quartet in E flat Major, Op.2, No. 4; Bridge: Novelletten for String Quartet, H. 44
May 28: Beethoven: Serenade in D Major, Op. 8
June 4: Borodin: String Quartet No. 1 in A Major
June 11: Glazunov: String Quartet No. 3 in G Major, Op. 26
June 25: Bruch: String Quintet in E flat Major
July 2: Schubert: “Rosamunde” No. 13, in A minor
July 9: Mendelssohn: Op. 12 in E flat Major
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
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 Jasper Winery every Thursday this summer from 6:00 to 9:00 pm for FREE live music on the lawn. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for outside seating. No pets are allowed but kids are welcome. All shows outside, weather permitting.
2024 Lineup:
May 9: Brother Trucker
May 16: Brian Herrin Band
May 23: Dueling Guitars
June 6: Pianopalooza Band
June 13: Decoy
June 20: The Nadas
June 27: Damon Dotson Band
July 11: Funk Trek & Mind@Large
July 18: Rhino
July 25: Dazy Head Mazy
August 1: Not Quite Brothers
Summer 2023 Concert Season
Join the Belin Quartet on the lawn at Salisbury House and Gardens on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 PM for FREE performances. Chairs and bottled water will be provided by the Civic Music Association. You are welcome to bring your own lawn chairs, beverages, and snacks.
2024 Schedule:
May 21: Playel: String Quartet in E flat Major, Op.2, No. 4; Bridge: Novelletten for String Quartet, H. 44
May 28: Beethoven: Serenade in D Major, Op. 8
June 4: Borodin: String Quartet No. 1 in A Major
June 11: Glazunov: String Quartet No. 3 in G Major, Op. 26
June 25: Bruch: String Quintet in E flat Major
July 2: Schubert: “Rosamunde” No. 13, in A minor
July 9: Mendelssohn: Op. 12 in E flat Major
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
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 Jasper Winery every Thursday this summer from 6:00 to 9:00 pm for FREE live music on the lawn. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for outside seating. No pets are allowed but kids are welcome. All shows outside, weather permitting.
2024 Lineup:
May 9: Brother Trucker
May 16: Brian Herrin Band
May 23: Dueling Guitars
June 6: Pianopalooza Band
June 13: Decoy
June 20: The Nadas
June 27: Damon Dotson Band
July 11: Funk Trek & Mind@Large
July 18: Rhino
July 25: Dazy Head Mazy
August 1: Not Quite Brothers
Fridays, Starting at 6pm
Sips & Songs is a free weekly summer music series. It features performances by bands of various genres — country, classic rock, top 40, dance hits and party music. Come enjoy these family-friendly Friday night kick-offs to the weekend alongside friends and neighbors in The District’s Town Square Park.
2024 Schedule:
June 7: Gimikk with special guests Bradford Johnson Music , then Silent Disco DSM
June 14: Casey Muessigmann with special guest Joshua Sinclair
June 21: Avey Grouws Band with special guests Levi Smith Unplugged, then Silent Disco DSM
June 28: Oreo Meatwagon with special guests Dan Medeiros
July 12: TBD
July 19: TBD
July 26: TBD
August 2: TBD
August 9: TBD
August 16: TBD
2024 Free Flicks
Join us for Free Flicks this summer, which is a Friday night series throughout the summer of outdoor movies in neighborhood parks! The films will be shown on our 17×10 LED Screen. Admission is free for all and blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks are encouraged.
Movies will not take place in the event of rain. Watch our Facebook and Twitter for updates. Please text DSMEVENTS to 84483 to sign up for text alerts regarding weather.
Fee: Free
Ages: All ages
Time: Movie will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, June 7: Elemental (Rated PG)
Teachout Aquatic Center | 2601 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317
Friday, June 21: TBD (Rated PG)
Columbus Park | 1921 SE 1st St., Des Moines, IA 50315
Friday, June 28: DC League of Super Pets (Rated PG)
Tower Park | 4900 Hickman Rd., Des Moines, IA 50310
Friday, July 12: Wonka (Rated PG)
Chesterfield Park | 2719 Scott Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317
Friday, July 19: Migration (Rated PG)
Ashworth Pool Parking Lot | 102 45th St., Des Moines, IA 50312
Friday, August 2: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Rated PG) Riverview Park | 710 Corning Ave., Des Moines, IA 50313
Friday, August 16: Trolls Band Together (Rated PG)
Brian Melton Field | 1000 Jefferson Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Summer 2023 Concert Season
Join the Belin Quartet on the lawn at Salisbury House and Gardens on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 PM for FREE performances. Chairs and bottled water will be provided by the Civic Music Association. You are welcome to bring your own lawn chairs, beverages, and snacks.
2024 Schedule:
May 21: Playel: String Quartet in E flat Major, Op.2, No. 4; Bridge: Novelletten for String Quartet, H. 44
May 28: Beethoven: Serenade in D Major, Op. 8
June 4: Borodin: String Quartet No. 1 in A Major
June 11: Glazunov: String Quartet No. 3 in G Major, Op. 26
June 25: Bruch: String Quintet in E flat Major
July 2: Schubert: “Rosamunde” No. 13, in A minor
July 9: Mendelssohn: Op. 12 in E flat Major