Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, May 9-11. 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 Event
Spring Garden Market at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Thursday, May 8 – Sunday, May 11
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
We’re so excited to check out the Spring Garden Market on Thursday night to sip, shop, and celebrate Spring! Shop hundreds of plant varieties and tried-and-true favorites that flourish in central Iowa, selected by our own horticulturalists. While shopping, enjoy food, fun, and more along with art and other garden-related merchandise from our variety of vendors and community partners. Plus, moms get in FREE on Mother’s Day! Keep an eye out on our Instagram for Reel recap of Thursday night!
Friday, May 9
Architecture on the Move in Downtown Des Moines
- Friday, May 9, 5 p.m.
- 400 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Iowa Architectural Foundation is offering guided architectural walking tours of downtown Des Moines! This Friday, learn and appreciate the built environment of the city. Chose your own adventure and go north, south, east or west! Can’t decide? Additional tour dates are available every month through October.
Friday Concert Series at Confluence Brewing
- Friday, May 9, 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 Dhejemke!
Saturday, May 10
Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, May 10, 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 (plus a new addition: Water Street!). 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.
Salisbury Oaks Neighborhood Garage and Plant Sale
- Saturday, May 10, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Salisbury Oaks Neighborhood (South of Grand Ave)
It is time for the annual Salisbury Oaks Neighborhood Garage Sale! Search through someone’s trash for your treasure at multiple garage sales throughout the neighborhood. Make sure not to miss the plant sale at 125 42nd Street and pick up a map of all the sales around the neighborhood!
“Mother Like No Other” Vintage Event at Upcycled DSM + Big Açaí
- Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Upcycled DSM, 115 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
The team behind “Vintage in the Valley” are bringing us this fun Mother’s Day event full of vintage and handmade vendors on Saturday. There will be a DJ, stocked inventory, acai bowls (obviously), and fun in the Valley Junction!
Time Traveler’s Vintage Expo at the Iowa Events Center
- Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Blessed Be the Fruit by Lot 505
- Saturday, May 10, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Parking Lot of 505 Grand Avenue
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Crust and Crumb Bakery Pop Up at All Spice
- Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- All Spice, 400 E Locust St Ste 5, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
This Saturday, catch Vanessa from Crust & Crumb Bakery at All Spice’s East Village location! Get your fill of delicious, homemade baked goods and shop for seasonings for your next meal!
Mother’s Day Brunch at Paws and Pints
- Saturday, May 10, 11 a.m.
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Celebrate National Dog Mom Day (and an early Mother’s Day) at Paws and Pints! Enjoy a mimosa bar, brunch menu, photo booth, vendors and more, and support the Young Women’s Resource Center at this fun-filled morning!
Firkin Fest at Confluence Brewing
- Saturday, May 10, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Confluence Brewing, 1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
Firkin Fest is coming back this Saturday! Experiment with fun and unique flavor combinations ranging from sweet cherry vanilla pie crust to spicy pickle! Single pours are $4, and packages are 5 for $18 or 10 for $35.
- Saturday, May 10, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Take care of your mental health and support the people and organizations doing the work to help others with theirs! Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month with speakers, a mental health resource fair, a pop-up coffee shop with proceeds supporting Full Circle Recovery Community Center, live music, and an art show by Momentum Art Collective. Stick around in the afternoon for a facilitated art project led by Art is Rad!
Capital City Pride Board Drag Benefit
- Saturday, May 10, 5 – 7 p.m.
- The Garden, 525 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Sunday, May 11
May 11 Celebration at May Eleven
- Saturday, May 10 (10-4) – Sunday, May 11 (12-4)
- May Eleven, 350 E Locust St Suite 103, Des Moines, IA 50309
Do you know the cute little boutique next to Jane’s and MARNe in the East Village? It’s May Eleven! Clearly, we have to acknowledge their namesake day. To celebrate, there will be special deals on Saturday and Sunday including: 20% Storewide – Including allll the new brands, a tote with purchase of $100 or more, and mimosas in the morn on Saturday🥂🍊
Mother’s Day Bouquet Bar at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Sunday, May 11, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
There are still a few tickets left for the Mother’s Day bouquet bar at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden! Create a personalized petite bouquet for or with your mom, available while supplies last. Make sure you register in advance!
