Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, April 26-28. 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 Photo: Drew Dau, Aerial Photo/Film
Friday, April 26
“Cherry On Top” Top Off Friday’s at Elevencherry Salon
- Friday, April 26, 4 -7 p.m.
- Elevencherry Salon, 106 11th St #105, Des Moines, IA 50309
With this and Midnight Munchies, Des Moines is making Fridays cool again. Love this event at Elevencherry Salon x Zhoosh that happens on the last Fridays of each month. Here’s the hype reel: “Join us THIS FRIDAY at @elevencherrysalon for another rowdy night of cocktails and fun. We have new jewelry, accessories, smoke, and vintage that will make the perfect embellishments to your already bad self 🔥🔥” This week, they’re serving us a Lychee Punch + a Watermelon Mocktail!
Central Campus Plant Sale
- Friday, April 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (plus more dates through May 18!)
- Central Campus Horticulture, 205 County Line Road, Des Moines, IA 50320
It is that time of year! Friday is the opening day of the annual Central Campus Plant Sale! DMPS students have worked hard all year to fill the greenhouse with plants galore for your green-thumb shopping experience. Support a fantastic program while picking up your plants for the season through May 18!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Des Moines Ballet
- Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 27 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 28 at 2 p.m.
- Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
See the Shakespearean classic come alive on stage this weekend for the Des Moines Ballet’s performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Tickets start at $37 to experience a “whimsical journey full of love, trickery, and magic.”
Varsity Relays at The Varsity
- Friday, April 26 at 10 p.m. – Saturday, April 27 at 10 a.m.
- The Varsity, 1207 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
In case you haven’t heard, it is Drake Relays, and The Varsity is getting in on the fun(draiser)! Support the local theater by signing up to fundraise for the inaugural Varsity Relays. Raise a minimum of $75 to attend an overnight movie marathon on Friday, April 26. All money raised goes to support the work of Des Moines Film and The Varsity Cinema.
Saturday, April 27
Central Iowa Indie Bookstore Day
- Saturday, April 27 – Sunday, April 28
- Various Participating Locations
Book lovers, aspiring readers, and small business shoppers – mark your calendars because this weekend is Central Iowa Indie Bookstore Day! Celebrate this event with participating bookstores by picking up a passport and stopping at all the shops on the route. Winners have a chance to win a $100 gift card!
Yoga + Donuts at Truman’s Tavern
- Saturday, April 27, 9:30 a.m.
- Truman’s Tavern, 400 SE 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Spring Sidewalk Sale in Historic Valley Junction
- Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Historic Valley Junction, 137 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Take a stroll this weekend through the Historic Valley Junction and check out retailers on the way! Merchants will have discounted and clearance items outside their storefronts.
7th Annual Lemon Trail Ride
- Saturday, April 27, 10:30 a.m.
- Exile Brewing Co., 1514 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
If you are a bike rider and/or a beer lover, this weekend event is for you! This Saturday marks the 7th Annual Lemon Trail Ride at Exile! The first 400 riders to sign up will receive a FREE can of Lemon Trail to start the ride off right and a custom Exile sweatband. All proceeds from the $30 ticket will support Friends of Des Moines Parks!
Lymphatic Workshop at Cryowellness Studio
- Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Cryowellness Studio, 1980 NW 94th St., Ste. E, Clive, IA 50325
Lymphatic massages are all the rage these days, and who better to learn from than the experts?! Sign up for this workshop and receive a Cecily Braden Lymphatic Face Brush, instruction and guided massage practice, and information about all the fantastic benefits of lymphatic massage.
Blonde Fatale Day at Peace Tree
- Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Peace Tree Brewing Co., 317 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Where are our blonde Des Moines Girls? Even if you aren’t, you’ll still want to check out Blonde Fatale Day this weekend at Peace Tree. Try out all the blonde brews and enjoy local live music by Jenny Kohls Band from 7-9 p.m.
Bags & Wags Tournament at Paws and Pints
- Saturday, April 27, 2 p.m.
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Do you call it cornhole or bags? Even if you aren’t team ‘bags,’ grab a partner and sign up for the Bags & Wags tournament at Paws & Pints! Sign up at the door for just $10 for a chance to win prizes and bragging rights!
Indie Rock Night at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Saturday, April 27, Doors Open at 6 p.m. for 7 p.m. Show
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Indie rock lovers, you’ll want to click the button below because tickets are limited for Indie Rock Night at Teehee’s Comedy Club! Check out the talent of Lady Revel, Halfloves, and Dirty Blonde for just $15 per person! While you wait for the performance to start, check out vendors Maddy Fusco and VZZ Vintage.
- Sunday, April 28, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
- Des Moines Mercantile, 3707 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
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- Sunday, April 28, 10 – 11 a.m.
- Art Terrarium, 520 Euclid Avenue, Ste. 101, Des Moines, 50313
Spring into spring and fully shake off those winter blues at Botanical Barre at Art Terrarium. Sign up for the FREE class to sweat it out before sticking around to browse through all the greenery. Spots are limited, so don’t forget to pre-register!
Bloom with Boho Pop-Up
- Sunday, April 28, 2-5 p.m.
- The Boho Vase, 221 SW 3rd St, Ankeny, IA 50023
Bloom with Boho at their spring open house – with a twist! From 2 – 5 p.m., the local gift shop will have watercolor portraits, fresh crepes, vintage apparel, and so much more. Swing by for an afternoon of shopping small, lots of discounts, and giveaways!
