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.

Apr
27
Sat
DMYAT Presents Marvel Plays @ Stoner Theater - Civic Center
Apr 27 @ 2:00 pm

Marvel comes to life with our productions of Squirrel Girl Goes To College and Hammered: A Thor & Loki Play running in rep April 26 – May 5.

Doreen Green secretly possesses the powers of a squirrel… and the powers of a girl! You know her as the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl! Doreen arrives at Empire State University to make new friends – and protect them from super villains – by keeping her super hero identity a secret. But when a beloved computer science professor suddenly disappears, can Doreen trust her friends with her inner squirrel so she can save the day?

As Thor struggles with the stress of final exams, his brother Loki finds himself under a different sort of pressure. Neither are beneath pranks in the endless competition for their parents’ favor. But underneath all the thunder and mischief, these two Princes of Asgard discover a bond that will last millennia.

Ballet Des Moines Presents – A Midsummer Night’s Dream @ Hoyt Sherman Place
Apr 27 @ 7:00 pm

Based on the classic Shakespearean comedy, Peter Anastos’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes audiences on a whimsical journey full of love, trickery, and magic. Set to the music of Felix Mendelssohn, this joyous production features a robust cast of professional and youth dancers from the greater Des Moines area.

Friday, April 26, 7PM
Saturday, April 27, 7PM
Sunday, April 28, 2PM

DMYAT Presents Marvel Plays @ Stoner Theater - Civic Center
Apr 27 @ 7:00 pm

Marvel comes to life with our productions of Squirrel Girl Goes To College and Hammered: A Thor & Loki Play running in rep April 26 – May 5.

Doreen Green secretly possesses the powers of a squirrel… and the powers of a girl! You know her as the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl! Doreen arrives at Empire State University to make new friends – and protect them from super villains – by keeping her super hero identity a secret. But when a beloved computer science professor suddenly disappears, can Doreen trust her friends with her inner squirrel so she can save the day?

As Thor struggles with the stress of final exams, his brother Loki finds himself under a different sort of pressure. Neither are beneath pranks in the endless competition for their parents’ favor. But underneath all the thunder and mischief, these two Princes of Asgard discover a bond that will last millennia.

Apr
28
Sun
Ballet Des Moines Presents – A Midsummer Night’s Dream @ Hoyt Sherman Place
Apr 28 @ 2:00 pm

Based on the classic Shakespearean comedy, Peter Anastos’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes audiences on a whimsical journey full of love, trickery, and magic. Set to the music of Felix Mendelssohn, this joyous production features a robust cast of professional and youth dancers from the greater Des Moines area.

Friday, April 26, 7PM
Saturday, April 27, 7PM
Sunday, April 28, 2PM

DMYAT Presents Marvel Plays @ Stoner Theater - Civic Center
Apr 28 @ 2:00 pm

Marvel comes to life with our productions of Squirrel Girl Goes To College and Hammered: A Thor & Loki Play running in rep April 26 – May 5.

Doreen Green secretly possesses the powers of a squirrel… and the powers of a girl! You know her as the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl! Doreen arrives at Empire State University to make new friends – and protect them from super villains – by keeping her super hero identity a secret. But when a beloved computer science professor suddenly disappears, can Doreen trust her friends with her inner squirrel so she can save the day?

As Thor struggles with the stress of final exams, his brother Loki finds himself under a different sort of pressure. Neither are beneath pranks in the endless competition for their parents’ favor. But underneath all the thunder and mischief, these two Princes of Asgard discover a bond that will last millennia.

Apr
30
Tue
MJ @ Civic Center
Apr 30 @ 7:30 pm

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn NottageMJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.

May
1
Wed
DMYAT Presents Marvel Plays @ Stoner Theater - Civic Center
May 1 @ 7:00 pm

Marvel comes to life with our productions of Squirrel Girl Goes To College and Hammered: A Thor & Loki Play running in rep April 26 – May 5.

Doreen Green secretly possesses the powers of a squirrel… and the powers of a girl! You know her as the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl! Doreen arrives at Empire State University to make new friends – and protect them from super villains – by keeping her super hero identity a secret. But when a beloved computer science professor suddenly disappears, can Doreen trust her friends with her inner squirrel so she can save the day?

As Thor struggles with the stress of final exams, his brother Loki finds himself under a different sort of pressure. Neither are beneath pranks in the endless competition for their parents’ favor. But underneath all the thunder and mischief, these two Princes of Asgard discover a bond that will last millennia.

MJ @ Civic Center
May 1 @ 7:30 pm

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn NottageMJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.

May
2
Thu
DMYAT Presents Marvel Plays @ Stoner Theater - Civic Center
May 2 @ 7:00 pm

Marvel comes to life with our productions of Squirrel Girl Goes To College and Hammered: A Thor & Loki Play running in rep April 26 – May 5.

Doreen Green secretly possesses the powers of a squirrel… and the powers of a girl! You know her as the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl! Doreen arrives at Empire State University to make new friends – and protect them from super villains – by keeping her super hero identity a secret. But when a beloved computer science professor suddenly disappears, can Doreen trust her friends with her inner squirrel so she can save the day?

As Thor struggles with the stress of final exams, his brother Loki finds himself under a different sort of pressure. Neither are beneath pranks in the endless competition for their parents’ favor. But underneath all the thunder and mischief, these two Princes of Asgard discover a bond that will last millennia.

MJ @ Civic Center
May 2 @ 7:30 pm

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn NottageMJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.

May
3
Fri
DMYAT Presents Marvel Plays @ Stoner Theater - Civic Center
May 3 @ 7:00 pm

Marvel comes to life with our productions of Squirrel Girl Goes To College and Hammered: A Thor & Loki Play running in rep April 26 – May 5.

Doreen Green secretly possesses the powers of a squirrel… and the powers of a girl! You know her as the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl! Doreen arrives at Empire State University to make new friends – and protect them from super villains – by keeping her super hero identity a secret. But when a beloved computer science professor suddenly disappears, can Doreen trust her friends with her inner squirrel so she can save the day?

As Thor struggles with the stress of final exams, his brother Loki finds himself under a different sort of pressure. Neither are beneath pranks in the endless competition for their parents’ favor. But underneath all the thunder and mischief, these two Princes of Asgard discover a bond that will last millennia.

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.

MJ @ Civic Center
May 3 @ 7:30 pm

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn NottageMJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.

May
4
Sat
Silly Song Saturdays – Kid’s Concert Series @ Ankeny Public Library
May 4 @ 10:00 am
New! The Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library is bringing some wonderful children’s entertainment to the library one Saturday a month! Come ready to dance and sing at these free concerts…
Jan. 6 – David Landau
Feb. 3 – Chad Elliott
March 23 – Miss Carole
April 20 – Duke Otherwise
May 4 – Dino O’Dell
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.

DMYAT Presents Marvel Plays @ Stoner Theater - Civic Center
May 4 @ 2:00 pm

Marvel comes to life with our productions of Squirrel Girl Goes To College and Hammered: A Thor & Loki Play running in rep April 26 – May 5.

Doreen Green secretly possesses the powers of a squirrel… and the powers of a girl! You know her as the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl! Doreen arrives at Empire State University to make new friends – and protect them from super villains – by keeping her super hero identity a secret. But when a beloved computer science professor suddenly disappears, can Doreen trust her friends with her inner squirrel so she can save the day?

As Thor struggles with the stress of final exams, his brother Loki finds himself under a different sort of pressure. Neither are beneath pranks in the endless competition for their parents’ favor. But underneath all the thunder and mischief, these two Princes of Asgard discover a bond that will last millennia.

MJ @ Civic Center
May 4 @ 2:00 pm

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn NottageMJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.

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.

DMYAT Presents Marvel Plays @ Stoner Theater - Civic Center
May 4 @ 7:00 pm

Marvel comes to life with our productions of Squirrel Girl Goes To College and Hammered: A Thor & Loki Play running in rep April 26 – May 5.

Doreen Green secretly possesses the powers of a squirrel… and the powers of a girl! You know her as the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl! Doreen arrives at Empire State University to make new friends – and protect them from super villains – by keeping her super hero identity a secret. But when a beloved computer science professor suddenly disappears, can Doreen trust her friends with her inner squirrel so she can save the day?

As Thor struggles with the stress of final exams, his brother Loki finds himself under a different sort of pressure. Neither are beneath pranks in the endless competition for their parents’ favor. But underneath all the thunder and mischief, these two Princes of Asgard discover a bond that will last millennia.

MJ @ Civic Center
May 4 @ 7:30 pm

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Des Moines as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn NottageMJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Iowa premiere at the Civic Center this spring.