Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, April 7-9. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you. Looking for live music? We have a separate guide for that. Click here to read the live music guide! 

Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.

Featured Photo by Lee Chinyama on Unsplash

Friday, April 7

FEATURED EVENT:  509 City Vintage Market

  • Friday, April 7, and Saturday, April 8, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
  • 509 East 5th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309

ONLY ONE WEEKEND A MONTH! This vintage pop up is in an old carriage house in the East Village. It’s so fun to walk inside, but also to browse the best vintage and antique dealers. The finds are usually spot on for what we’re looking for on a day of vintage and thrifting! 

preview some of the goods

First Friday in the East Village

  • Friday, April 7, 5-8 p.m.
  • Your favorite shops in the Historic East Village
First Fridays are back for the spring and summer seasons! Stop by your favorite East Village stores, bars, and restaurants while they stay open late the first Friday of every month. Parking is free from 5-8 p.m. in designated retail areas. Check the events calendar each month to see what promos businesses will be offering!
 

First Friday: Poetry Palooza! with Poetry& at Mainframe Studios

  • Friday, April 7, 5-8 p.m.
  • Mainframe Studios, 900 Keo Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
Explore Container Poetry with Artist Julia Franklin and former South Dakota State Poet Laureate Christine Stewart-Nunez in the Mainframe Studios Atrium. Then swing by Studio 108 for the Artist Market & Music with B. Well Foundation featuring TONS of local artists and vendors. From there, head to the Big Room for Iowa Poet Laureate Deb Marquart and her band “The Bone People” for a fusion of jazz, R&B, poetry, and storytelling. Stick around in the Big Room for performances by State Poets Laureate Deb Marquart (IA), Matt Mason (NE), Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg (KS), Catherine Stewart-Nunez (SD), and guest Poets Akwi Nji and Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey and top the evening off with Open Mic.
 
  • Friday, April 7, 6:30 p.m.
  • The Varsity Cinema, 1207 25 St., Des Moines, IA 50311
 
 
 
 
 
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  • Every Friday from 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
  • Panka Chicken, 3018 Forest Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311
 
 
 
 
 
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Care+aoke at Teehee’s Comedy Club

  • Friday, April 7, 11 p.m. – close
  • Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309

Karaoke for a cause? Yes, please. Sign us up! Put your shower singing skills to the test at Teehee’s Comedy Club every Friday from 11 p.m. to close. Admission is free and all performer tips will be donated to an awesome charity they’ve chosen for the week!

Saturday, April 8

  • Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m. 
  • Dogpatch Garden Center, 4600 NW 51st St., Des Moines, IA 50309

For all your lawn, garden, and landscaping needs Dogpatch Garden Center has got your back. Head out to their grand opening and shop from their selection of seeds, organic veggie plants, herbs, and flowers! Oh, and don’t forget the tools you’ll need to get the job done – they have those on hand too!

  • Saturday, April 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Thistle’s Summit, 340 SW 5th St. #122, Des Moines, IA 50309
 
 
 
 
 
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Pulse Fitness Studio’s Dance Jam at Smash Park

  • Saturday, April 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
  • Smash Park, 6625 Coach Light Dr., West Des Moines, IA 50266

Try Pulse Dance Fitness Studio for free this weekend at Smash Park. This cardio class – Dance Jam – will have you moving and grooving to the music for fun while simultaneously increasing your heart rate and getting an excellent workout! After class, stick around Smash Park for brunch and $3 breakfast cocktails. 

Sign up here.
  • Saturday, April 8, 7-11:30 p.m.
  • Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309
 
 
 
 
 
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  • Saturday, April 8, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Mainframe Studios, 900 Keo Way, Des Moines, IA 50309

Want to try your hand at poetry? Poetry& will be hosting two workshops at Mainframe Studios that will be led by special guest Poets. The first workshop is at 8:30 a.m. while the second is at 10:30. More of a coffee and conversation type? No problem! Pop in to Mainframe at 10 a.m. for coffee and networking. Poetry Palooza! will wrap up the day with a panel lunch “Deepening the Poetry Community” from noon to one. All events are open to the public.

Schedule of events.

  • Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Creme, 543 28th St., Des Moines, IA 50312

Get ready for a major milk bread restock at Creme this Saturday! They’ll have all your favorite buns on hand: crunchy, hotdog, ube, red bean, and bbq pork. They’re also serving breakfast style sandwiches until they run out. Don’t forget to get an Asian-style tea or coffee from Anousone Coffee Co. to go with your baked goodies!

Learn more.

🐰 Sunday, April 9 🐰

Most of what we see is closed on Sunday for the Easter holiday. Take the day to do something for yourself or your family. 

Looking for some date night activities? 

We have our favorite date night activity ideas laid out for you at the guide below.

plan it out.