Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, April 5-7. 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, April 5
Wild Lights Festival at Blank Park Zoo
- All Weekend, 7:30-10 p.m.
- Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50315
It is opening weekend of Blank Park Zoo’s Wild Lights Festival! Starting this weekend through the end of May, head to Blank Park Zoo on Wednesday evening through Sunday night to see a brilliant display of larger-than-life Asian lanterns. “This year’s festival features animal displays, interactives, Asian mythical creatures, and many, many photo and selfie opportunities.”
Spring in Bloom Plant Sale at Plant Life Designs
- Friday, April 5, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 6, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Plant Life Designs, 29154 360th Street, Van Meter, IA 50261
Get ready because Plant Life Design’s greenhouse is opening up! Head to the greenhouse for the annual Spring in Bloom event. We know it is a little before the weekend, but starting on Thursday, fulfill all you spring plant needs at the plant sale and tour thegardens for a bit of landscaping inspiration. Can’t make it until the weekend? Don’t worry because the event runs until Saturday afternoon!
Hawkeye Watch Party at Smash Park
- Friday, April 5, 4 p.m. – Midnight
- Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266
What is better than the Hawkeyes making it to the Final Four? A Final Four watch party at Smash Park! Pre-game the big game with a happy hour at 4 p.m., and the deals won’t stop because the happy hour deals will last until close!
First Friday at Mainframe Studios
- Friday, April 5, 5-8 p.m.
- Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA, 50309
It is the first Friday of the month, and you know what that means: First Friday at Mainframe Studios! This month’s theme is Body of Work, which highlights how artists interpret and use the body in their work. Plus, don’t miss performances by Hurley & Dancers and concept designs from local tattoo artists!
Feature Four Watch Party at Val Air Ballroom
- Friday, April 5, 5:30 p.m.
- Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265
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Ted Lasso Trivia at Uptown Garage Brewing
- Friday, April 5, 6 p.m.
- Uptown Garage Brewing, 305 SW Walnut Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
We BELIEVE that Ted Lasso Trivia could be the highlight of your weekend! Having withdrawals from the series finale? Look no further for your AFC Richmond fix! Get your team together and head down to Uptown Garage Brewing for an evening of food, drinks, and Ted Lasso-themed fun.
Tarot and Tonic at Surety Lounge
- Friday, April 5, 7-10 p.m.
- Surety Lounge, 206 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Tap into your spiritual side this Friday at the Surety Hotel. Make your way to the Surety Lounge for Tonic and Tarot, featuring tarot readings from Arcana’s Maddie Bagby for just $20. After you discover what your future holds, jam out to beats from DJ Jaide Knight and sip on tarot-inspired cocktails.
Saturday, April 6
April Flea Market at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
- Saturday, April 6, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, April 7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building, 3000 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317
Looking for a fun Saturday or Sunday activity? Take a stroll through the April Flea Market in the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds! Admission and parking are free, so take your time browsing the antiques, merchandise, and more!
Cats N’ Mats Yoga at the Animal Rescue League
- Saturday, April 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
- Animal Rescue League Main Auditorium, 5452 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines , IA 50313
Where are all of the Des Moines Girl cat lovers? You won’t want to miss Cats n’ Mats Yoga at the ARL this Saturday! For just $15, enjoy a yoga class with adoptable kittens and sip on a complimentary “meow”-mosa while you look for a new furr-ever friend!
Modas Marilyn 20th Anniversary Celebration
4120 SE 14th St Des Moines, IA 50320- Saturday, April 6, 11:30 – 2 p.m.
Inspired by Oaxaca roots, Modas Marilyn is a Latina-owned business with 20 years of experience that offers an excellent selection of Mexican-inspired fashion, jewelry, and more. They’re celebrating 20 years of business this Saturday! Visit theirr newly constructed building, take advantage of a storewide 20% discount, and enjoy food and swag bags. Following the event, customers will continue to receive a 10% discount on all items until closing.
The Move 7 at Curate
- Saturday, April 6, 5-9 p.m.
- Curate, 322 E Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Enjoy art, music, food, and Iowa talent at The Move, a gathering of creatives from across the state! Head down to Curate to enjoy artists of distinct levels, backgrounds, mediums, and more. Admission is just $5 for hours of art and entertainment.
Jordan Rock at Teehee’s Comedy Club
- Saturday, April 6, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
- Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Every night is a great night for a laugh at Teehee’s Comedy Club! This Saturday, enjoy the talent of comedian/actor Jordan Rock. Maybe you’ve seen him in the Netflix series LOVE or in his appearance on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, but be sure to catch him at Teehee’s this weekend!
Pottery Peepshow at Five Monkeys Inc
- Saturday, April 6, 7:30 p.m.
- Five Monkeys Inc., 134 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Painting pottery, appreciating the art of burlesque, and supporting small businesses is exactly how we want to spend our Saturday evening! For $35, get your ticket for the 21+ Pottery Peepshow at Five Monkeys Inc, featuring performances by Ebony Reign, Cherry Spitfire, and Mae the Force. Each ticket includes a $20 credit toward a ceramic project. Feel free to BYOB!
- Sunday, April 7, ALL DAY
- Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266
There is no better way to kick off the week than with sports, friends, and a tall glass of beer! Celebrate National Beer Day at Smash Park with 1/2 off all draft beer ALL DAY LONG.
- Sunday, April 7, Noon – 3 p.m.
- The Rewind West Des Moines, 6075 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Do you love weddings? Are you getting hitched soon? Do you know a bride or groom? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you won’t want to to miss this wedding showcase event! Admission is FREE to connect with local wedding vendors. Oh, and one FREE WEDDING will be given away at the showcase!
Cash20 The 20th Annual Tribute to The Man In Black at xBk Live
- Sunday, April 7, Doors Open at 4 p.m. for 5 p.m. Show
- xBk Live, 1159 24th Street, Des Moines IA 50311
Calling all Johnny Cash fans! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy local musical talent pay homage to The Man in Black. The 20th annual tribute will feature music played by Randy Burk & The Prisoners with special guests all evening!
