Calendar

dsm4kids Events Calendar

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.

May
3
Fri
Ivy + Bean The Musical @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
May 3 @ 7:00 pm

Performance Times: 7:00 PM Fridays; 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays

Seven-year-old Ivy is quiet and loves to read books. Bean is outgoing and would love to be known throughout the world. When the two get together, there’s mischief and laughter at every turn – along with lessons to be learned about the challenges and joys of family, friendship, and love.

Note: Ivy + Bean The Musical will be presented in the John Viars Theatre.

Single tickets on sale Monday, Apr. 1, 2024, online; Tuesday, Apr. 2, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Playhouse children’s theatre productions are intended for ages 5 and up.

May
4
Sat
Ivy + Bean The Musical @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
May 4 @ 1:00 pm

Performance Times: 7:00 PM Fridays; 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays

Seven-year-old Ivy is quiet and loves to read books. Bean is outgoing and would love to be known throughout the world. When the two get together, there’s mischief and laughter at every turn – along with lessons to be learned about the challenges and joys of family, friendship, and love.

Note: Ivy + Bean The Musical will be presented in the John Viars Theatre.

Single tickets on sale Monday, Apr. 1, 2024, online; Tuesday, Apr. 2, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Playhouse children’s theatre productions are intended for ages 5 and up.

Ivy + Bean The Musical @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
May 4 @ 4:00 pm

Performance Times: 7:00 PM Fridays; 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays

Seven-year-old Ivy is quiet and loves to read books. Bean is outgoing and would love to be known throughout the world. When the two get together, there’s mischief and laughter at every turn – along with lessons to be learned about the challenges and joys of family, friendship, and love.

Note: Ivy + Bean The Musical will be presented in the John Viars Theatre.

Single tickets on sale Monday, Apr. 1, 2024, online; Tuesday, Apr. 2, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Playhouse children’s theatre productions are intended for ages 5 and up.

May
5
Sun
Ivy + Bean The Musical @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
May 5 @ 1:00 pm

Performance Times: 7:00 PM Fridays; 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays

Seven-year-old Ivy is quiet and loves to read books. Bean is outgoing and would love to be known throughout the world. When the two get together, there’s mischief and laughter at every turn – along with lessons to be learned about the challenges and joys of family, friendship, and love.

Note: Ivy + Bean The Musical will be presented in the John Viars Theatre.

Single tickets on sale Monday, Apr. 1, 2024, online; Tuesday, Apr. 2, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Playhouse children’s theatre productions are intended for ages 5 and up.

Ivy + Bean The Musical @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
May 5 @ 4:00 pm

Performance Times: 7:00 PM Fridays; 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays

Seven-year-old Ivy is quiet and loves to read books. Bean is outgoing and would love to be known throughout the world. When the two get together, there’s mischief and laughter at every turn – along with lessons to be learned about the challenges and joys of family, friendship, and love.

Note: Ivy + Bean The Musical will be presented in the John Viars Theatre.

Single tickets on sale Monday, Apr. 1, 2024, online; Tuesday, Apr. 2, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Playhouse children’s theatre productions are intended for ages 5 and up.

May
10
Fri
Friday Funday @ Des Moines Playhouse
May 10 @ 10:00 am

Friday Funday at
The Des Moines Community Playhouse

Edgar Allan Crow and the Adventure Clubhouse at The Playhouse are back for the 2023-24 Season!

Friday Funday is a creative, participatory story theatre program where children 4-6 years old and their adults join Edgar Allan Crow at the Adventure Clubhouse at The Playhouse. Here, actors dramatize a favorite story using their imaginations and the costume pieces and props they find in their Magic Trunk. Audience members learn the secret handshake and Magic Storybook spell, and listen for the word of the day.

Performances are at the Playhouse at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Shows are approximately 45 minutes in length.

The Little Red Hen

Friday, November 3, 2023

Who will help me bake the bread?

The Little Red Hen must do all the work while the other animals are sleeping and no one will help her bake the bread. What will she do when it’s time to eat the bread?

The Gingerbread Child

Friday, December 15, 2023

Run, run, run! I’m free and wild! You can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Child!

This cutout cookie leaps out of the oven and into a grand adventure. Will they be able to outwit the sly, hungry fox? Will the sly, hungry fox be able to resist such a tasty morsel?

The Mitten

Friday, February 9, 2023

I don’t want red mittens, I want white ones!

In this Adventure Clubhouse favorite, a young child drops his mitten in the snow and does not realize it is missing.  As woodland creatures seek warmth inside the mitten, it magically grows and grows!

The Golden Goose

Friday, April 12, 2024

I’m so hungry. Who will share their food with me?

Once upon a time there were three brothers. Only the youngest one was kind and unselfish enough to share his food with a poor, hungry old man. His gift was a beautiful golden goose with especially sticky feathers. Will it be enough to make a gloomy princess giggle?

The Princess and the Pea

Friday, May 10, 2024

I’m so hungry. Who will share their food with me?

Once upon a time there were three brothers. Only the youngest one was kind and unselfish enough to share his food with a poor, hungry old man. His gift was a beautiful golden goose with especially sticky feathers. Will it be enough to make a gloomy princess giggle?

 

Friday Funday @ Des Moines Playhouse
May 10 @ 1:30 pm

Friday Funday at
The Des Moines Community Playhouse

Edgar Allan Crow and the Adventure Clubhouse at The Playhouse are back for the 2023-24 Season!

Friday Funday is a creative, participatory story theatre program where children 4-6 years old and their adults join Edgar Allan Crow at the Adventure Clubhouse at The Playhouse. Here, actors dramatize a favorite story using their imaginations and the costume pieces and props they find in their Magic Trunk. Audience members learn the secret handshake and Magic Storybook spell, and listen for the word of the day.

Performances are at the Playhouse at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Shows are approximately 45 minutes in length.

The Little Red Hen

Friday, November 3, 2023

Who will help me bake the bread?

The Little Red Hen must do all the work while the other animals are sleeping and no one will help her bake the bread. What will she do when it’s time to eat the bread?

The Gingerbread Child

Friday, December 15, 2023

Run, run, run! I’m free and wild! You can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Child!

This cutout cookie leaps out of the oven and into a grand adventure. Will they be able to outwit the sly, hungry fox? Will the sly, hungry fox be able to resist such a tasty morsel?

The Mitten

Friday, February 9, 2023

I don’t want red mittens, I want white ones!

In this Adventure Clubhouse favorite, a young child drops his mitten in the snow and does not realize it is missing.  As woodland creatures seek warmth inside the mitten, it magically grows and grows!

The Golden Goose

Friday, April 5, 2023

I’m so hungry. Who will share their food with me?

Once upon a time there were three brothers. Only the youngest one was kind and unselfish enough to share his food with a poor, hungry old man. His gift was a beautiful golden goose with especially sticky feathers. Will it be enough to make a gloomy princess giggle?

The Princess and the Pea

Friday, May 10, 2023

I’m so hungry. Who will share their food with me?

Once upon a time there were three brothers. Only the youngest one was kind and unselfish enough to share his food with a poor, hungry old man. His gift was a beautiful golden goose with especially sticky feathers. Will it be enough to make a gloomy princess giggle?

 

Ivy + Bean The Musical @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
May 10 @ 7:00 pm

Performance Times: 7:00 PM Fridays; 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays

Seven-year-old Ivy is quiet and loves to read books. Bean is outgoing and would love to be known throughout the world. When the two get together, there’s mischief and laughter at every turn – along with lessons to be learned about the challenges and joys of family, friendship, and love.

Note: Ivy + Bean The Musical will be presented in the John Viars Theatre.

Single tickets on sale Monday, Apr. 1, 2024, online; Tuesday, Apr. 2, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Playhouse children’s theatre productions are intended for ages 5 and up.

May
11
Sat
Ivy + Bean The Musical @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
May 11 @ 1:00 pm

Performance Times: 7:00 PM Fridays; 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays

Seven-year-old Ivy is quiet and loves to read books. Bean is outgoing and would love to be known throughout the world. When the two get together, there’s mischief and laughter at every turn – along with lessons to be learned about the challenges and joys of family, friendship, and love.

Note: Ivy + Bean The Musical will be presented in the John Viars Theatre.

Single tickets on sale Monday, Apr. 1, 2024, online; Tuesday, Apr. 2, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Playhouse children’s theatre productions are intended for ages 5 and up.

Ivy + Bean The Musical @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
May 11 @ 4:00 pm

Performance Times: 7:00 PM Fridays; 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays

Seven-year-old Ivy is quiet and loves to read books. Bean is outgoing and would love to be known throughout the world. When the two get together, there’s mischief and laughter at every turn – along with lessons to be learned about the challenges and joys of family, friendship, and love.

Note: Ivy + Bean The Musical will be presented in the John Viars Theatre.

Single tickets on sale Monday, Apr. 1, 2024, online; Tuesday, Apr. 2, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Playhouse children’s theatre productions are intended for ages 5 and up.

May
12
Sun
Ivy + Bean The Musical @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
May 12 @ 1:00 pm

Performance Times: 7:00 PM Fridays; 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays

Seven-year-old Ivy is quiet and loves to read books. Bean is outgoing and would love to be known throughout the world. When the two get together, there’s mischief and laughter at every turn – along with lessons to be learned about the challenges and joys of family, friendship, and love.

Note: Ivy + Bean The Musical will be presented in the John Viars Theatre.

Single tickets on sale Monday, Apr. 1, 2024, online; Tuesday, Apr. 2, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Playhouse children’s theatre productions are intended for ages 5 and up.

Ivy + Bean The Musical @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
May 12 @ 4:00 pm

Performance Times: 7:00 PM Fridays; 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays

Seven-year-old Ivy is quiet and loves to read books. Bean is outgoing and would love to be known throughout the world. When the two get together, there’s mischief and laughter at every turn – along with lessons to be learned about the challenges and joys of family, friendship, and love.

Note: Ivy + Bean The Musical will be presented in the John Viars Theatre.

Single tickets on sale Monday, Apr. 1, 2024, online; Tuesday, Apr. 2, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Playhouse children’s theatre productions are intended for ages 5 and up.

May
31
Fri
The Play That Goes Wrong @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
May 31 @ 7:30 pm

Performance Times: 7:30 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays & 2:00 PM Sundays

The Play That Goes Wrong

After benefitting from a large and sudden inheritance, the inept and accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society embark on producing an ambitious 1920s murder mystery. They are delighted that neither casting issues nor technical hitches currently stand in their way. However, hilarious disaster ensues and the cast starts to crack under the pressure, but can they get the production back on track before the final curtain falls?

The Play That Goes Wrong is a farcical murder mystery, a play within a play, conceived by award-winning company Theatre Mischief.

Single tickets on sale Monday, May 6, 2024, online; Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Jun
1
Sat
The Play That Goes Wrong @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
Jun 1 @ 7:30 pm

Performance Times: 7:30 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays & 2:00 PM Sundays

The Play That Goes Wrong

After benefitting from a large and sudden inheritance, the inept and accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society embark on producing an ambitious 1920s murder mystery. They are delighted that neither casting issues nor technical hitches currently stand in their way. However, hilarious disaster ensues and the cast starts to crack under the pressure, but can they get the production back on track before the final curtain falls?

The Play That Goes Wrong is a farcical murder mystery, a play within a play, conceived by award-winning company Theatre Mischief.

Single tickets on sale Monday, May 6, 2024, online; Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Jun
2
Sun
The Play That Goes Wrong @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
Jun 2 @ 2:00 pm

Performance Times: 7:30 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays & 2:00 PM Sundays

The Play That Goes Wrong

After benefitting from a large and sudden inheritance, the inept and accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society embark on producing an ambitious 1920s murder mystery. They are delighted that neither casting issues nor technical hitches currently stand in their way. However, hilarious disaster ensues and the cast starts to crack under the pressure, but can they get the production back on track before the final curtain falls?

The Play That Goes Wrong is a farcical murder mystery, a play within a play, conceived by award-winning company Theatre Mischief.

Single tickets on sale Monday, May 6, 2024, online; Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Jun
5
Wed
The Play That Goes Wrong @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
Jun 5 @ 7:30 pm

Performance Times: 7:30 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays & 2:00 PM Sundays

The Play That Goes Wrong

After benefitting from a large and sudden inheritance, the inept and accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society embark on producing an ambitious 1920s murder mystery. They are delighted that neither casting issues nor technical hitches currently stand in their way. However, hilarious disaster ensues and the cast starts to crack under the pressure, but can they get the production back on track before the final curtain falls?

The Play That Goes Wrong is a farcical murder mystery, a play within a play, conceived by award-winning company Theatre Mischief.

Single tickets on sale Monday, May 6, 2024, online; Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Jun
6
Thu
The Play That Goes Wrong @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
Jun 6 @ 7:30 pm

Performance Times: 7:30 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays & 2:00 PM Sundays

The Play That Goes Wrong

After benefitting from a large and sudden inheritance, the inept and accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society embark on producing an ambitious 1920s murder mystery. They are delighted that neither casting issues nor technical hitches currently stand in their way. However, hilarious disaster ensues and the cast starts to crack under the pressure, but can they get the production back on track before the final curtain falls?

The Play That Goes Wrong is a farcical murder mystery, a play within a play, conceived by award-winning company Theatre Mischief.

Single tickets on sale Monday, May 6, 2024, online; Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Jun
7
Fri
The Play That Goes Wrong @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
Jun 7 @ 7:30 pm

Performance Times: 7:30 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays & 2:00 PM Sundays

The Play That Goes Wrong

After benefitting from a large and sudden inheritance, the inept and accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society embark on producing an ambitious 1920s murder mystery. They are delighted that neither casting issues nor technical hitches currently stand in their way. However, hilarious disaster ensues and the cast starts to crack under the pressure, but can they get the production back on track before the final curtain falls?

The Play That Goes Wrong is a farcical murder mystery, a play within a play, conceived by award-winning company Theatre Mischief.

Single tickets on sale Monday, May 6, 2024, online; Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Jun
8
Sat
The Play That Goes Wrong @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
Jun 8 @ 7:30 pm

Performance Times: 7:30 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays & 2:00 PM Sundays

The Play That Goes Wrong

After benefitting from a large and sudden inheritance, the inept and accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society embark on producing an ambitious 1920s murder mystery. They are delighted that neither casting issues nor technical hitches currently stand in their way. However, hilarious disaster ensues and the cast starts to crack under the pressure, but can they get the production back on track before the final curtain falls?

The Play That Goes Wrong is a farcical murder mystery, a play within a play, conceived by award-winning company Theatre Mischief.

Single tickets on sale Monday, May 6, 2024, online; Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.

Jun
9
Sun
The Play That Goes Wrong @ Des Moines Community Playhouse
Jun 9 @ 2:00 pm

Performance Times: 7:30 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays & 2:00 PM Sundays

The Play That Goes Wrong

After benefitting from a large and sudden inheritance, the inept and accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society embark on producing an ambitious 1920s murder mystery. They are delighted that neither casting issues nor technical hitches currently stand in their way. However, hilarious disaster ensues and the cast starts to crack under the pressure, but can they get the production back on track before the final curtain falls?

The Play That Goes Wrong is a farcical murder mystery, a play within a play, conceived by award-winning company Theatre Mischief.

Single tickets on sale Monday, May 6, 2024, online; Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at noon by phone and in person at the ticket office.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261, Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. We have supporters who want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see this production.