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.
start at SW Third Street and Ankeny Boulevard
During the holiday season, from November 8th through December 31st, Uptown Ankeny and the City of Ankeny put up over 50 animated light displays in and around 6 blocks of SW 3rd Street and throughout the Ankeny Market & Pavilion park. This magical holiday light experience is free and open to the public and can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle, and by car every evening through 12/31/24.
This attraction is a partnership with the City of Ankeny.
start at SW Third Street and Ankeny Boulevard
During the holiday season, from November 8th through December 31st, Uptown Ankeny and the City of Ankeny put up over 50 animated light displays in and around 6 blocks of SW 3rd Street and throughout the Ankeny Market & Pavilion park. This magical holiday light experience is free and open to the public and can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle, and by car every evening through 12/31/24.
This attraction is a partnership with the City of Ankeny.
start at SW Third Street and Ankeny Boulevard
During the holiday season, from November 8th through December 31st, Uptown Ankeny and the City of Ankeny put up over 50 animated light displays in and around 6 blocks of SW 3rd Street and throughout the Ankeny Market & Pavilion park. This magical holiday light experience is free and open to the public and can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle, and by car every evening through 12/31/24.
This attraction is a partnership with the City of Ankeny.
At B&B Theatres, we believe that every movie deserves to be seen on the big screen. So, we introduce to you: B&B Retro Nights! These special events provide the opportunity to see classic films of yesteryear back on cinema screens where they belong! The best part? Admissions are only $6.00 for Backstage Pass Members or $8.00 standard admission, making our Retro Nights some of the most fun and affordable cinema experiences available anywhere!
Ankeny B&B Theatres Holiday Retro Movie Series Schedule:
Polar Express – 12/2 & 12/4
Gremlins – 12/9 & 12/11
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – 12/16 & 12/18
start at SW Third Street and Ankeny Boulevard
During the holiday season, from November 8th through December 31st, Uptown Ankeny and the City of Ankeny put up over 50 animated light displays in and around 6 blocks of SW 3rd Street and throughout the Ankeny Market & Pavilion park. This magical holiday light experience is free and open to the public and can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle, and by car every evening through 12/31/24.
This attraction is a partnership with the City of Ankeny.
At B&B Theatres, we believe that every movie deserves to be seen on the big screen. So, we introduce to you: B&B Retro Nights! These special events provide the opportunity to see classic films of yesteryear back on cinema screens where they belong! The best part? Admissions are only $6.00 for Backstage Pass Members or $8.00 standard admission, making our Retro Nights some of the most fun and affordable cinema experiences available anywhere!
Ankeny B&B Theatres Holiday Retro Movie Series Schedule:
Polar Express – 12/2 & 12/4
Gremlins – 12/9 & 12/11
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – 12/16 & 12/18
start at SW Third Street and Ankeny Boulevard
During the holiday season, from November 8th through December 31st, Uptown Ankeny and the City of Ankeny put up over 50 animated light displays in and around 6 blocks of SW 3rd Street and throughout the Ankeny Market & Pavilion park. This magical holiday light experience is free and open to the public and can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle, and by car every evening through 12/31/24.
This attraction is a partnership with the City of Ankeny.
At B&B Theatres, we believe that every movie deserves to be seen on the big screen. So, we introduce to you: B&B Retro Nights! These special events provide the opportunity to see classic films of yesteryear back on cinema screens where they belong! The best part? Admissions are only $6.00 for Backstage Pass Members or $8.00 standard admission, making our Retro Nights some of the most fun and affordable cinema experiences available anywhere!
Ankeny B&B Theatres Holiday Retro Movie Series Schedule:
Polar Express – 12/2 & 12/4
Gremlins – 12/9 & 12/11
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – 12/16 & 12/18
start at SW Third Street and Ankeny Boulevard
During the holiday season, from November 8th through December 31st, Uptown Ankeny and the City of Ankeny put up over 50 animated light displays in and around 6 blocks of SW 3rd Street and throughout the Ankeny Market & Pavilion park. This magical holiday light experience is free and open to the public and can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle, and by car every evening through 12/31/24.
This attraction is a partnership with the City of Ankeny.
At B&B Theatres, we believe that every movie deserves to be seen on the big screen. So, we introduce to you: B&B Retro Nights! These special events provide the opportunity to see classic films of yesteryear back on cinema screens where they belong! The best part? Admissions are only $6.00 for Backstage Pass Members or $8.00 standard admission, making our Retro Nights some of the most fun and affordable cinema experiences available anywhere!
Ankeny B&B Theatres Holiday Retro Movie Series Schedule:
Polar Express – 12/2 & 12/4
Gremlins – 12/9 & 12/11
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – 12/16 & 12/18
start at SW Third Street and Ankeny Boulevard
During the holiday season, from November 8th through December 31st, Uptown Ankeny and the City of Ankeny put up over 50 animated light displays in and around 6 blocks of SW 3rd Street and throughout the Ankeny Market & Pavilion park. This magical holiday light experience is free and open to the public and can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle, and by car every evening through 12/31/24.
This attraction is a partnership with the City of Ankeny.
start at SW Third Street and Ankeny Boulevard
During the holiday season, from November 8th through December 31st, Uptown Ankeny and the City of Ankeny put up over 50 animated light displays in and around 6 blocks of SW 3rd Street and throughout the Ankeny Market & Pavilion park. This magical holiday light experience is free and open to the public and can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle, and by car every evening through 12/31/24.
This attraction is a partnership with the City of Ankeny.
Stroll The District at Prairie Trail for photos with Santa and stay for the dazzling grand finale tree lighting ceremony and fireworks with Mayor Mark Holm! Fun for the whole family with a day full of holiday cheer, seasonal arts and crafts, festive treats and drinks, shopping and dining. No admission charge and free parking.
Activities 2-6:30 p.m.
Tree Lighting & Fireworks, 6-6:30 p.m.
start at SW Third Street and Ankeny Boulevard
During the holiday season, from November 8th through December 31st, Uptown Ankeny and the City of Ankeny put up over 50 animated light displays in and around 6 blocks of SW 3rd Street and throughout the Ankeny Market & Pavilion park. This magical holiday light experience is free and open to the public and can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle, and by car every evening through 12/31/24.
This attraction is a partnership with the City of Ankeny.
start at SW Third Street and Ankeny Boulevard
During the holiday season, from November 8th through December 31st, Uptown Ankeny and the City of Ankeny put up over 50 animated light displays in and around 6 blocks of SW 3rd Street and throughout the Ankeny Market & Pavilion park. This magical holiday light experience is free and open to the public and can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle, and by car every evening through 12/31/24.
This attraction is a partnership with the City of Ankeny.
At B&B Theatres, we believe that every movie deserves to be seen on the big screen. So, we introduce to you: B&B Retro Nights! These special events provide the opportunity to see classic films of yesteryear back on cinema screens where they belong! The best part? Admissions are only $6.00 for Backstage Pass Members or $8.00 standard admission, making our Retro Nights some of the most fun and affordable cinema experiences available anywhere!
Ankeny B&B Theatres Holiday Retro Movie Series Schedule:
Polar Express – 12/2 & 12/4
Gremlins – 12/9 & 12/11
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – 12/16 & 12/18
start at SW Third Street and Ankeny Boulevard
During the holiday season, from November 8th through December 31st, Uptown Ankeny and the City of Ankeny put up over 50 animated light displays in and around 6 blocks of SW 3rd Street and throughout the Ankeny Market & Pavilion park. This magical holiday light experience is free and open to the public and can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle, and by car every evening through 12/31/24.
This attraction is a partnership with the City of Ankeny.
At B&B Theatres, we believe that every movie deserves to be seen on the big screen. So, we introduce to you: B&B Retro Nights! These special events provide the opportunity to see classic films of yesteryear back on cinema screens where they belong! The best part? Admissions are only $6.00 for Backstage Pass Members or $8.00 standard admission, making our Retro Nights some of the most fun and affordable cinema experiences available anywhere!
Ankeny B&B Theatres Holiday Retro Movie Series Schedule:
Polar Express – 12/2 & 12/4
Gremlins – 12/9 & 12/11
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – 12/16 & 12/18
start at SW Third Street and Ankeny Boulevard
During the holiday season, from November 8th through December 31st, Uptown Ankeny and the City of Ankeny put up over 50 animated light displays in and around 6 blocks of SW 3rd Street and throughout the Ankeny Market & Pavilion park. This magical holiday light experience is free and open to the public and can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle, and by car every evening through 12/31/24.
This attraction is a partnership with the City of Ankeny.
At B&B Theatres, we believe that every movie deserves to be seen on the big screen. So, we introduce to you: B&B Retro Nights! These special events provide the opportunity to see classic films of yesteryear back on cinema screens where they belong! The best part? Admissions are only $6.00 for Backstage Pass Members or $8.00 standard admission, making our Retro Nights some of the most fun and affordable cinema experiences available anywhere!
Ankeny B&B Theatres Holiday Retro Movie Series Schedule:
Polar Express – 12/2 & 12/4
Gremlins – 12/9 & 12/11
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – 12/16 & 12/18