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.
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May
25
Sat
Explore the origins and meaning of Memorial Day!
Saturday, May 25 • 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
All activities included with General Admission
Memorial Day began in 1868 as a day called Decoration Day. More than 600,000 soldiers had died during the American Civil War, and their families did not want anyone to forget their sacrifice. On Decoration Day, these families went to the graveyard with flowers and flags to decorate the graves of their soldiers who had died.
Many small towns had parades. Veterans would carry flags and banners, and children walked in these parades carrying flowers. Sometimes, important men like the mayor or governor would give a speech. Bands would play music and people would sing songs about their country.
Today, we honor all fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, not just those who died in the Civil War. Families still go to cemeteries to remember family members who are gone.
You can see what Decoration Day might have looked like over 100 years ago.