Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in February
February in the Midwest can be slightly dreary. But Des Moines is not slowing down. This month bring your child to a dance, walk among the dinosaurs, grab your flannel, and run or get inspiration at the Des Moines Home and Garden Show. Grab a warm beverage and calendar and plan out your February in Des Moines.
First Friday at Mainframe Studios
Address: 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Friday, February 2nd, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Get out for a date night and enjoy the First Friday at Mainframe Studios. Visit the five floors of artists while enjoying live music, food, and drinks. Immerse yourself in a range of artistic disciplines including fashion, game development, glassblowing, ceramics, and more. The February exhibition is a creative focus on the contributions of African Americans then & now and of optimism for Black futures.
Sweetheart Dance
Address: Urbandale Senior Community Center, 7305 NW Aurora Ave, Urbandale, IA 50322
When: Friday, February 2nd, 6:30 PM-8:00 PM
Cost: $20 per person. Register here.
Plan a special night with your child at the Urbandale Parks and Recreation Sweetheart Dance. There will be a D.J., finger foods, desserts, and lots of fun! Photo opportunities will be available for a small fee.
Winter Jam 2024
Address: Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Friday, February 2nd, 7:00 PM
Cost: Donation suggested of $15 per person, children 3 years and up (pay at the door)
Dance the winter blues away at Winter Jam 2024. The family-friendly concert will have Christian music artists spanning a variety of genres. The concert lasts about 3.5 hours.
Snow Ball by Des Moines Parks and Recreation
Address: Science Center of Iowa, 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Saturday, February 3rd, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Cost: $10 per person
Join Des Moines Parks and Recreation at The Snow Ball 2024. Bring your child for dancing, photos, art projects, science exhibits, and a chocolate fondue station! Each child will receive a carnation flower. Dress in your best and make memories together.
Jurassic Quest
Address: Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When:
- Friday, February 9th, 12:00 PM-8:00 PM
- Saturday, February 10th, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
- Sunday, February 11th, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM
Cost: Tickets start at $22 per person (Ages 2 and up need a ticket)
Jurassic Quest is the world’s largest dino event. Children will get a chance to ride on the animatronic dinosaurs, jump in dinosaur bounce houses (socks are required), create a dinosaur craft, dig for fossils, meet very life-like baby dinos, run around with the adolescent dinosaurs, and greet the underwater sea creatures including the 50-foot megalodon! There will be a live interactive Raptor show and a “triceratops” soft play area. Ticket options include a Kids Unlimited Ticket for $36 on Friday, $41 on Saturday and Sunday, this will include unlimited access to all of the activities. You could also purchase a general admission ticket for $22 and then pay for the activities as you go for $6 each. Learn more about the Jurassic Quest experience here.
Red Flannel Run
Address: 501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Saturday, February 17th at 9:00 AM
Cost: 1-mile family run-$10, 5K-$45, 10K-$55
Dress up in your original red flannel attire and get ready to run! Red Flannel Run is Wellmark’s YMCA’s biggest fundraiser and all proceeds go towards making the YMCA facilities and programming accessible to all. The run started 35 years ago with two single guys who didn’t have dates for Valentine’s Day. Now, it is seen as the unofficial kickoff to the outdoor race season. Keep up your New Year’s resolution and try the 5K or 10K option.
Des Moines Parent Summer Camp Fair
Address: Valley Community Center, 4444 Fuller Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265
When: Saturday, February 17th, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Cost: Free
Think warm, summer thoughts and head to the Des Moines Parent Summer Camp Fair. This annual event, sponsored by the Valley Community Center, is a great chance for parents to discover summer camp options, register for camps, and enjoy freebies. Parents can visit each vendor to learn more about their program and children will get to do a free activity at each vendor. Also, the first 100 families will get a swag bag! Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity! NEW this year, we will offer a sensory-friendly time from 9:00 AM-9:45 AM with the help of our sponsor the Encourage Club. Learn more about what to expect here.
Des Moines Home and Garden Show
Address: Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When:
- Thursday, February 22nd, 12:00 PM-9:00 PM
- Hero Day: Free admission for all active military personnel, veterans, firefighters, police officers, medical professionals, and other first responders (bring ID)
- Entry is $5 after 5:00 PM!
- Friday, February 23rd, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM
- Saturday, February 24th, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
- Sunday, February 25th, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Teacher Day: Free admission for all teachers and school staff (Bring id)
Cost: Purchase tickets here. (Buy online before February 21st and they are $12 each!)
- Adults 13+ $14.00
- Children Ages 7-12 $4.00
- Children Ages 6 & Under FREE
Start dreaming about spring and attend the Des Moines Home + Garden Show. Meander through the seven feature gardens for landscaping inspirations, shop at the Made in Iowa Market, learn from local professionals on a variety of home and garden topics, or just enjoy a break from winter. The Made in Iowa Market is backed by popular demand and expanding to 25 vendors. The vendor products range from soaps and candles to hand-cut metal art. The Rose Farm Inspiration Stage will host celebrity guests and DIY experts. Ati William’s from Netflix’s Hack My Home and HGTV’s DC Flippers will be on the Rose Farm Inspiration Stage on Friday, February 23rd at 6:00 PM and Saturday, February 24th at noon. Patric Richardson from HGTV’s The Laundry Guy will be on the Rose Farm Inspiration Stage on Thursday, February 22nd at 6:00 PM and Friday, February 23rd at 5:00 PM. Rose Farm is bringing the farm to the show with presentations on Farm to Table Dinners, the Art of Pie Making, Farm School for Kids and All Things Floral. The Art Terrarium will host diy sessions on creating potted plants.
