Check out this list of all the events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, April 22-24. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you. Looking for live music this weekend? We’ve got a separate guide for that. Click here to check it out.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Featured Image Credit: Mitchell Kavan, Unsplash
Friday, April 22 – Earth Day!
Looking for Earth Day activities? Check out our suggestions and links to the best Earth Day activities happening in the Des Moines area.
- All weekend!
- Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
If you’re feeling artsy, check out this amazing “Immersive” art exhibit at the Des Moines Art Center. This’ll be the Art Center like you’ve never seen it before. “Instead of moving through traditional gallery spaces, one will follow a path from darkened space to darkened space, each filled with light, color, and sound.” The exhibit opens this weekend and takes a page from the “immersive” art trend that’s growing, like the Van Gogh experience that’s coming to Des Moines later this year. Source: Axios
Iowa Wild vs. Texas Stars
- Friday, April 22, 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 23, 6:00 p.m.
- Wells Fargo Arena at Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Hockey fans? Catch one of the Iowa Wild games this weekend on Friday or Saturday night. If you go on Friday, the first 1,500 fans will receive a special Pine Tree Seed Kit so you can help the environment from your home in honor of Earth Day.
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Wednesday – Sunday, 7:30 pm – 10 pm, through May 30!
- Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
“Blank Park Zoo’s Wild Lights Festival presented by MidAmerican Energy Company is returning with a new theme, new lanterns and a few fan favorites. Immerse your family in light and culture in a visually stunning festival of over 40 larger-than-life illuminated lanterns featuring endangered animals, Asian mythical creatures and more. Each display is designed and fabricated by artisans and will thrill you.”
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Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Sunday, April 24, 12 – 4 p.m.
- 509 City Vintage, 509 SE 5th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309
It’s vintage market weekend again! Check out the cool red door north of @reclaimeddsm in the East Village for great vintage shopping from a variety of local vendors. This space is held in an old white carriage house, so it’s a must see. In addition, the Junk Jubilee is happening on the Iowa State Fairgrounds this weekend too.
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Friday, April 22, 7:00 p.m.
- Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Seeking some performing arts this week? Check this out from Ballet Des Moines: “Ballet Des Moines proudly presents the world premiere of composer Beau Kenyon’s Of Gravity and Light – a contemporary ballet exploring the beauty and wonder of space through ethereal imagery, abstract sound, and remarkable movement. Set in eight movements, Of Gravity and Light features choreography by Ballet Des Moines Artistic Director, Tom Mattingly, video installation by artist Yu-Wen Wu, and live musicians under the direction of conductor Tim McMillin.”
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Friday, April 22, 7:00 p.m.
- Raygun’s Mezzanine, 505 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Only two tickets remaining at the time of writing! For our bookish friends, check out this meet-and-greet opportunity hosted by Storyhouse Bookpub. Meet author Lyz Lenz and chat about her book, “Belabored.” Readers are encouraged (though not required) to read the book ahead of time and come ready to mingle over drinks and desserts from Pie Bird Pies. $6 ticket – drinks and dessert available.
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Friday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.
- Grand View University Viking Theatre, 2811 E 14th St Des Moines IA 50316
According to The Little Village Mag, “Gateway Dance Theatre was founded in Des Moines in 1972 by Penny and Lee Furgerson, inspired by companies such as Alvin Ailey and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. The Furgersons wanted to showcase diversity in a community lacking diverse visual, performing and literary arts.” This Friday, they’re hosting a selection of 10-minute plays, dance and music at Grand View!
Saturday, April 23
- Saturday, April 23, 9 – 11 a.m.
- Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Pickleball is very trendy. We’re not here to judge, but we are here to learn. If you’ve been interested in taking it up, Smash Park is hosting a clinic this weekend. They promise us that you won’t have to do any cardio.
5K Beer Run at Kinship Brewing
- Saturday, April 23, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Kinship Brewing Company, 255 NW Sunrise Drive, Waukee, IA 50263
Running for beer more your style? The Iowa Brewery Running Series is here and out in Waukee this weekend. Join them at Kinship on April 23rd for a 5kish course that starts and ends at this awesome Waukee taproom by the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Weave through the surrounding area at whatever pace you like, no matter what there’s a beer waiting for you at the finish line!
- Winterset Livery, 116 S. 1st Avenue, Winterset, IA
- Saturday, April 23, 12 – 4 p.m.
Brides and grooms! This one’s for you. Say I Do to Madison County! Join the Winterset Livery and Summerfields Photography at their 1st annual Madison County Wedding Showcase. See all that Madison County has to offer for your upcoming wedding including the historic bridges, wedding venues, musicians/djs, catering, flowers, and much more!
Gross Domestic Product, an all-Iowa music festival in downtown Des Moines
- Saturday, April 23, 4:30 p.m.
- Western Gateway Park (1205 Locust St.) with performances at Gas Lamp, Teehee’s Comedy, and The Cave DSM
As written by Little Village Magazine, “Musicians will flock to Gas Lamp, Teehee’s Comedy, and the Cave, intimate spaces located near Western Gateway Park in Des Moines, as concert-goers bounce from venue to venue to see the dozen local acts. The musicians represent a wide range of genres and come from various regions of the state. The festival’s main goal is to showcase and support young, up-and-coming artists and bring in a mix of diverse acts to Des Moines. The one-day festival is co-presented by Little Village Magazine and Exile Brewing. Tickets to the fest are $18.”
The Unexpected Cellar by Winefest Des Moines
- Saturday, April 23, 6 – 11:00 p.m.
- Cultural Center, 3000 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50317
Sunday, April 24
Justin Bieber at Wells Fargo Arena
- Sunday, April 24, 7:30 p.m.
- Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309
No description needed? ❤️
Brunch Bingo at Smash Park
- Sundays, 11 – 1 p.m.
- Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Looking for cheap mimosas or screwdrivers? Head to Smash Park for free bingo from 11 – 1 p.m. Play along casually while you eat, drink, or catch up with friends while having tons of opportunities to win free drinks or Smash Park gift cards. It’s usually held outside in The Yard, but may be inside if the weather is iffy. Either way, it’s a good chill way to get lit on a Sunday.
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