Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, May 30 – June 1. 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.
Friday, May 30
The Top Off at ElevenCherry Salon with Thistle’s Summit and Olio Oddities
- Friday, May 30, 6-8 p.m.
- Elevencherry Salon, 106 11th St #105, Des Moines, IA 50309
“This Top Off is serving full grandma-core fantasy: warm baked treats, vintage treasures, and cozy charm from top to bottom. We’re bringing together everyone’s favorite duo – Thistle’s Summit + Olio Oddities. @thistlessummit is baking up vegan and gluten-free goodies that taste like love in every bite. @olio.oddities is your quirky aunt’s attic dream—bright, eclectic finds to bring joy and just the right amount of whimsy to your home. We’ll be serving up Fleur de Lis, a Cognac, elderflower and strawberry-rhubarb cocktail! And of course… we’ve got a little surprise in store. Let’s just say, grandma would definitely approve.”
Native Plant Sale at Iowa Food Cooperative
- Friday, May 30, 3 – 6:30 p.m.
- Iowa Food Cooperative, 4944 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Liven up your garden with plants native to Iowa at the Iowa Food Cooperative’s Native Plant Shop! Prairie Landscapes of Iowa has you covered with an abundance of plants and advice to get your garden in tip-top shape for summer. Shop local AND plant local!
Haitian Flavors Cooking Class at Culinary Annex
- Friday, May 30, 6 – 9 p.m.
- Culinary Annex, 304 5th St Suit 102, West Des Moines, IA 50265
The Culinary Annex will host Chefs Jerry and Helene Thomas as they prepare a tradition Haitian meal using authentic techniques and ingredients. Create delicious food and learn to cook in both English and Spanish in this bilingual class. Only a few tickets remain!
Rainbow Trivia at Big Grove Brewery
- Friday, May 30, 6 p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Kick off Pride Month with a fun and inclusive night of Rainbow Trivia at Big Grove Brewery with Capital City Pride. For a $5 donation, go for one of three top prizes after three rounds of trivia. Doors open at 6 p.m., and trivia starts at 7 p.m… May the proudest team win!
Friday Concert Series at Confluence Brewing
- Friday, May 30, 6 – 9 p.m.
- Confluence Brewing, 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
Ready for good beer and to take advantage of the good weather? This summer, Confluence Brewing is offering a FREE concert series featuring some of our favorite local artists. Enjoy drinks and food from Peggy O’s food trunk while listening to the musical talents of the Beggars Bargain!
Smash Park Yard Opening Party
- Friday, May 23, 6:30 p.m.
- Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Summer is here, and Smash Park is fully embracing it. Get your patio fix at opening night of the Smash Park yard! Enjoy giant yard games, brews and cocktails, and a FREE concert by The People’s Band!
Saturday, May 31
Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, May 31, 7 a.m. – Noon
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
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. 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.
The Rook Room GRAND OPENING
- Saturday, May 30, 7 a.m. – Midnight
- The Rook Room, 300 SW 5th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Kick Off to Pride Hip Hop Brunch at SingleSpeed Brewing
- Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- SingleSpeed Brewing, 303 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Join SingleSpeed Brewing and Capital City Pride for a kick-off brunch and beer release! This special Hip Hop Brunch, featuring the annual release of With Pride (Lemon + Pomegranate Sour), is one of the best ways to get ready for Pride Month. Plus, a percentage of revenue will benefit Capital City Pride!
Red Bull Soap Box Race
- Saturday, May 31, Noon
- Iowa State Capitol Grounds, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319
“On May 31st, Red Bull Soapbox will return to Des Moines, bringing 50 teams and their custom-built carts to race down a thrilling course at the Iowa State Capitol. The three-hour event will see competitors push the limits of innovation, speed, and design, with three winners ultimately taking the podium. After unforgettable moments in 2022—like gravity-defying jumps, wildly creative themes, and show-stopping crashes—this year’s event promises to be bigger than ever.”
Reading in Paw-blic Book Fair at Paws and Pints
- Saturday, May 31 – Sunday June, 1
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
“Join us for a weekend of books, pups, and community fun at Reading in Paw-blic Book Fair, in partnership with Reading in Public! Dive into a book fair filled with ALL the books from Reading in Public, shop an exciting lineup of local vendors, and sip on refreshing drinks from Your Best Friend’s Bar, all in a leashed, dog-friendly environment!”
PRIDE Kickoff Drag Brunch at The Garden
- Sunday, June 1, 10 a.m.
- The Garden, 525 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Free Patio Yoga at Big Grove Brewery
- Sunday, June 1, 10 a.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Every Sunday from June through July, start your day at Big Grove with a free and gentle restorative yoga class! This flow is open to all ages and all skill levels, so grab your mat and a friend and start your Sunday off right!
Kitten Shower at the Animal Rescue League
- Sunday, June 1, 10 a.m. – Noon
- ARL Main, 5452 NE 22nd St, Des Moines, IA 50313
The Animal Rescue League is expecting kittens! Support the ARL before kitten season by providing supplies, support, and lots of love to the kittens this season. Donate essential care items and play with some (adoptable) kittens at this free event! Plus, sponsor a kitten or a litter to win raffle tickets to win a PRIVATE KITTEN CUDDLE PARTY. Who wouldn’t want to go to this??
