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.
Bring your little one in for a story and a craft! Every week we will read a book aloud from our library and pair it with a small guided craft. One ticket covers one child and craft, parents do not need a ticket if they are not participating in the craft.
For this event to take place as scheduled, there must be at least 3 participants. If the minimum participant quota is not met by 2 days prior to the event, it will be cancelled, and all tickets will be refunded in full. Want to make sure it takes place as scheduled? Share this event with family and friends! The more, the merrier!
Join us every first wednesday of the month during the school year for our Kid’s Canvas guided painting class! Our instructor will guide your little picasso to make a masterpiece of their own. Depending on the design, which is TBD for each class, the student will get either a 9″x12″ or 12″x12″ canvas. This class is for ages 8 and older, all materials provided.
For this event to take place as scheduled, there must be at least 3 participants. If the minimum participant quota is not met by 2 days prior to the event, it will be cancelled, and all tickets will be refunded in full. Want to make sure it takes place as scheduled? Share this event with family and friends! The more, the merrier!
When: Saturday, May 4, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Johnston Commons Park, 6050 Morningside Drive
Bring your little one in for a story and a craft! Every week we will read a book aloud from our library and pair it with a small guided craft. One ticket covers one child and craft, parents do not need a ticket if they are not participating in the craft.
For this event to take place as scheduled, there must be at least 3 participants. If the minimum participant quota is not met by 2 days prior to the event, it will be cancelled, and all tickets will be refunded in full. Want to make sure it takes place as scheduled? Share this event with family and friends! The more, the merrier!
Bring your little one in for a story and a craft! Every week we will read a book aloud from our library and pair it with a small guided craft. One ticket covers one child and craft, parents do not need a ticket if they are not participating in the craft.
For this event to take place as scheduled, there must be at least 3 participants. If the minimum participant quota is not met by 2 days prior to the event, it will be cancelled, and all tickets will be refunded in full. Want to make sure it takes place as scheduled? Share this event with family and friends! The more, the merrier!
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.
Bring your little one in for a story and a craft! Every week we will read a book aloud from our library and pair it with a small guided craft. One ticket covers one child and craft, parents do not need a ticket if they are not participating in the craft.
For this event to take place as scheduled, there must be at least 3 participants. If the minimum participant quota is not met by 2 days prior to the event, it will be cancelled, and all tickets will be refunded in full. Want to make sure it takes place as scheduled? Share this event with family and friends! The more, the merrier!
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)
11:00 – 11:20 AM: Dance performance from the Dancers Theatre
11:00 AM – 1:15 PM: Balloon Animals with Jonathan May
11:30 – 11:45 AM: Dance performance from Dance Vision
12:00 – 12:50 PM: Circus Arts with Laura Ernst, Kinetic Entertainment
12:45 – 1:25 PM: Aerial arts performance with Laura Ernst, Kinetic
Entertainment
1:30 – 2:00 PM: Magic Show with Jonathan May
Alpaca Visit from Rusty Stars Alpacas
Fun & Learning with the Iowa DNR
Paint and take bath bomb from Buff City Soap
Grow & Learn: Kids Seed Planting Aventure with The Bridge Church
Spin art with Johnston Community Education
Learn Stormwater Best Management Practices
Splash Pad
Yard Games
Visit with Johnston Police and Fire District members
Food trucks
Book Bike from the Johnston Public Library
Join us every first wednesday of the month during the school year for our Kid’s Canvas guided painting class! Our instructor will guide your little picasso to make a masterpiece of their own. Depending on the design, which is TBD for each class, the student will get either a 9″x12″ or 12″x12″ canvas. This class is for ages 8 and older, all materials provided.
For this event to take place as scheduled, there must be at least 3 participants. If the minimum participant quota is not met by 2 days prior to the event, it will be cancelled, and all tickets will be refunded in full. Want to make sure it takes place as scheduled? Share this event with family and friends! The more, the merrier!
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)
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**
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)
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.
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)
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.
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.