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.
Historic Valley Junction Foundation presents our Annual Festival Cinco de Mayo on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from Noon to 10:00 pm. Visitors are invited to enjoy Mexican foods, artwork, live music, dancing, and family activities.
Celebrating the Mexican heritage of many railroad workers during the establishment years of Valley Junction, this festival is an opportunity to recognize the Mexican community who helped James Jordan’s vision of bringing the railroad to the Des Moines area become a reality. In honor of our strong heritage, there will be a proclamation and announcement of our Cinco de Mayo King and Queen.
Uptown Ankeny is so excited to host this new event from the Ankeny Art Center! Come shop the lineup of fine art vendors and participate in art-centric attractions in Ankeny’s original neighborhood from 10am-4pm on Saturday, May 11th, 2024.
Join us for the Historic Valley Junction Arts Festival, Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Valley Junction Art Committee has redefined Art in Valley Junction. Its primary focus is the juried exhibition of fine arts and crafts, giving the public the opportunity to meet, interact with and purchase original work by artists. Over 50 artists from Iowa and beyond will take over 5th Street.
Live entertainment will be part of the festivities as well. Art activities and artists’ demonstrations will take place throughout the day. Refreshments will be available from several food vendors on the street and many Valley Junction restaurants and retailers will be open as well.
Historic Valley Junction is six square blocks of antique and specialty shops, art galleries, fashion boutiques, hair salons, service businesses, and restaurants.
The Valley Junction Arts Festival will be held rain or shine. Admission is free.
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
Kick off summer with West Des Moines Parks and Recreation and West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce! Two staple community events come together as one. This free family-friendly, rain-or-shine event will include a kid fun zone, a recreation and business vendor fair, live music, cardboard boat races, food trucks, and more! This event runs in conjunction with Cops and Bobbers, a free fishing event for all ages hosted by the West Des Moines Police Department. **Even though this is a FREE event to attend, please register so we know how many to plan for.
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**
Clive’s community celebration of the year will take place July 19 – 20, 2024 at the Greenbelt Landing next to the Clive Aquatic Center. Clive Festival will have activities for everyone including “Thunder Over Clive “ fireworks both evenings at 9:30 p.m. (Friday’s show is a teaser for Saturday’s show). There will also be live music, the popular Clive Fire Department Slip-N-Slide, bounce houses, Clive Running Festival, and plenty more FUN!
Stay tuned to the Clive Parks and Recreation/Aquatics Facebook page or www.clivefestival.com for more event details!
Clive Festival Friday, July 19 − Saturday, July 20 Open lot on Campus Drive* (near aquatic center) *Location change due to Greenbelt Landing project construction
Live Music Line- up to be announced. Watch department social media for band schedules.
Friday, July 19
5:30 − 8:00 p.m. TBA
8:30 − 11:00 p.m. TBA
Saturday, July 20
5:00 − 8:00 p.m. TBA
8:30 − 11:30 p.m. TBA
Clive’s community celebration of the year will take place July 19 – 20, 2024 at the Greenbelt Landing next to the Clive Aquatic Center. Clive Festival will have activities for everyone including “Thunder Over Clive “ fireworks both evenings at 9:30 p.m. (Friday’s show is a teaser for Saturday’s show). There will also be live music, the popular Clive Fire Department Slip-N-Slide, bounce houses, Clive Running Festival, and plenty more FUN!
Stay tuned to the Clive Parks and Recreation/Aquatics Facebook page or www.clivefestival.com for more event details!
Clive Festival Friday, July 19 − Saturday, July 20 Open lot on Campus Drive* (near aquatic center) *Location change due to Greenbelt Landing project construction
Live Music Line- up to be announced. Watch department social media for band schedules.
Friday, July 19
5:30 − 8:00 p.m. TBA
8:30 − 11:00 p.m. TBA
Saturday, July 20
5:00 − 8:00 p.m. TBA
8:30 − 11:30 p.m. TBA