Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, May 2-4. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Featured Event
Des Moines Girl 5K as part of the DSM Women’s Race Weekend
- Saturday, May 3
- Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
USE THIS CODE FOR $10 OFF YOUR REGISTRATION : DSMGirl10
It’s our biggest meet up of the year! The Des Moines Girl 5K is designed to provide a perfect outing for women to connect, meet and engage in day-long activities including yoga, gua sha facials, a braid bar, burn bootcamp, spin class, all leading up to a 5K race around happy hour time. For the cost of registration attendees can participate in all of the Saturday events for a full day of community and connection facilitated by Des Moines based and women led businesses. Not a runner? Not a problem. This is open to all experience levels with options for you to still have tons of fun. Registration includes:
- Timed Race Bib
- Finisher Medal
- Official Des Moines Women’s Race Finisher T-shirt
- Complimentary Glass of Wine from Jasper Winery
- Official DSMWHM Wine Glass (must be picked up in-person if registered as virtual and will not be shipped)
Friday, May 2
90th Annual Tulip Time Festival
- Thursday, May 1 – Saturday, May 3
- Downtown Pella
The iconic “Tulip Time” festival is here! Get the weekend started early by checking out the 90th annual tulip celebration and explore everything Pella has to offer. Residents and visitors alike will celebrate Dutch heritage with attire, food, fun, and more at this iconic Iowa event!
Central Campus Plant Sale
- Friday, May 2 – Saturday, May 3
- Central Campus Horticulture, 205 County Line Road, Des Moines, IA 50320
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First Friday at Mainframe Studios
- Friday, May 2, 5 – 8 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
“This month’s event features THE ENVIRONMENT, a special exhibition curated by Diane Kunzler, exploring humankind’s relationship with nature—how we interact with, impact, and reimagine the world around us. In addition, First Friday guests can enjoy open artist studios, live music, delicious food and drinks, and entertainment across all five floors of the building. With expanded overflow parking and free shuttle service, getting here is easy and convenient.”
Pot It Like It’s Hot at Mainframe Studios
- Friday, May 2, 6 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Saturday, May 3
Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, May 4, 7 a.m. – Noon
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
It is Opening Day at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market! The Market is an open-air street market located in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Vendors will be set up outdoors on Court Avenue and adjacent side streets (plus a new addition: Water Street!). It’s one of the best in the country! Don’t miss it this summer to see some of our absolute favorite small business owners from around the metro.
May Flea Market at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
- Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 4, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Iowa State Fairgrounds 4H Building, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
Looking for a fun Saturday or Sunday activity? Take a stroll through the March Flea Market in the 4H Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds! Admission and parking are free, so take your time browsing the antiques, merchandise, and more!
Kites on the Green Festival at Johnston Commons
- Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Johnston Commons Park, 6700 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131
It is a full day of kite flying, food, and family fun! Head over to Johnston to check out the annual festival celebrating all things kites and community. There will be performances, activities, events, food trucks, and more all day long!
Cinco De Mayo in the Historic Valley Junction
- Saturday, May 3, Noon – 10 p.m.
- Historic Valley Junction
Celebrate Cinco Day Mayo a little early in the Historic Valley Junction at the Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival. Enjoy Mexican food, art, music, dancing, and activities and learn about the connection and heritage of the Mexican population in Valley Junction!
Kentucky Derby Watch Party at Either/Or
- Saturday, May 3, All Day! (Race Starts at approx. 5:57 p.m.)
- Either/Or, 6222 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
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Meet the Ishara Team at The Slow Down
- Saturday, May 3, 2 – 4 p.m.
- The Slow Down Coffee Co., 3613 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
You’ve seen the workshops and perhaps even attended a few… now it is time to meet the team! Meet the Ishara team in a casual environment at The Slow Down Coffee this Saturday. All are welcome.
Derby Days at Big Grove
- Saturday, May 3, p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
It’s Derby Day! Put on your derby hat and head over to the Crescent Room at Big Grove Brewery for a race day celebration. All hat-wearers get a free beer on the bar! Enjoy food and drink specials and watch the race live at approximately 5:57 p.m.🎉
Sunday, May 4
GRAND OPENING: The Nail Gallery
- Sunday, May 4, 1 p.m.
- The Nail Gallery, 9932 Swanson Blvd, Clive, IA
Catch us at The Nail Gallery’s GRAND OPENING this Sunday! Don’t miss the big ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. followed by a small business social event. Plus, all attendees with receive a special gift bag full of surprises!
The Science of Tea at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Sunday, May 4, 1 -2:30 p.m.
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA, 50309
“Dive deep into the chemistry and biological background of tea. From tea blending and formulation to chemical composition, this lively class will truly fill your cup. Join Botanical Staff and Red Dragon Herbs & Teas as we explore this botanically interesting beverage. Registration required.”
Chicago Cubs Trivia Night at The Station
- Sunday, May 4, 7 p.m.
- The Station on Ingersoll, 3124 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
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