Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in March
March holds the promise of spring with longer daylight, warmer days, and plenty to do around Des Moines. This month support the Des Moines Children’s Museum, check out new cars, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and close out the month with all the Easter festivities planned all over the Des Moines metro area. So much exciting fun happening in our city. Plan your March today.
Bookmark these other fun guides to enjoy your March and Spring Break:
- Spring Break in the Midwest
- Spring Break in Des Moines
- Easter in Des Moines
- Des Moines Spring Break Staycation
- St. Patrick’s Day Fun in Des Moines for Kids
Giggle Gala
Address: Decades Event Center, 1208 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
When: Friday, March 1st, 5:30 PM-11:00 PM
Cost: $50 per person
Jump into March by supporting the Des Moines Children’s Museum at their annual Giggle Gala. Laugh the night away with Local comedian Josh Alton. Indulge in heavy appetizers and a drink that are included with each ticket. Feel good about helping a great local organization!
Iowa Home Expo
Address: Iowa State Fairgrounds, Jacobson Building, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
When:
- Friday, March 8th, 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
- Saturday, March 9th, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Sunday, March 10th, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
Cost: Free admission
Get home inspiration at the Iowa Home Expo. At the expo, meet with local and national vendors for your home improvement needs, plan your home renovation projects, and get quotes on products and services. Check out the latest trends in solar power, home automation, security, and remodeling design.
Family Fun Night with Des Moines Parks and Recreation
Address: Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center, 2100 S1E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
When: Saturday, March 2nd, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Cost: $10 per person. Register here.
Join Des Moines Parks & Recreation for Family Fun Night. Meet live animals from the Blank Park Zoo, jump through the inflatable obstacle course, see a magician, make a special project with the Des Moines Botanical Garden, meet members of the Des Moines Police Department, say hi to the K-9 unit dog, tour a fire truck with the Des Moines Fire Department, test your video game skills, and play laser tag. Take a break and have a slice of pizza and drink to refuel.
All Iowa Auto Show
Address: Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When:
- Friday, March 15th, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
- Saturday, March 16th, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
- Sunday, March 17th, 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Cost: Free admission
Check out all the newest cars at the All Iowa Auto Show. Each day will have a variety of activities. The Iowa Clean Cities Coalition will present a daily (at 3:00 PM) EV Summit. They will discuss all there is to know about living an EV (electric vehicle) lifestyle in Iowa. The Iowa State Patrol will be there with their Seat Belt Convincer, giving people the chance to experience a 5 mph head-on collision to learn the importance of wearing a seat belt. Benny from Spare Time will be there Friday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM to hand out exclusive coupons and take pictures. Alpha from the Iowa Wolves will make an appearance Friday 5:00 PM-6:30 PM for pictures and autographs. Be sure to come on Sunday for Family Day. Kids will get goodie bags, meet an animal from Blank Park Zoo, enjoy a visit with Cy the mascot from Iowa State, and an appearance by Cubbie Bear!
Des Moines St. Paddy’s Marathon, 1/2 Marathon and 5K
Address: Start/Finish Line, Iowa State Capitol, E Locust St. & Pennsylvania Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Saturday, March 16th
- 7:45 AM start for Marathon and ½ Marathon
- 8:30 AM start for 5K
Cost: Register here
- 5K-$39.99 per person
- ½ Marathon-$94.99
- Marathon-$119.99
Lace up your running shoes, put on your green, and run the Des Moines St. Paddy’s Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, or 5K. The kids can also participate in a 100-meter dash. If you can’t be there in person, try a virtual option. At the finish line, you will receive a finisher pint glass, a shamrock sugar cookie, and a finisher medal. Participants 21 years and older will get 1 complimentary beer.
Entirely Kids Day at the Des Moines Art Center
Address: Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
When: Saturday, March 16th, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Come explore the Des Moines Art Center at Entirely Kids Day. Learn all about the center’s current exhibition, States of Becoming, which showcases the work of 17 US-based African artists. There will be hands-on activities, dance, and music. At 11:15 PM, head to the Levitt Auditorium for a film called Gifts For Mother Africa. Children 8 years old and up, can join in the West African Drumming Workshop at 12:15 PM. The Kakaleka African Dance Team will perform at 1:00 PM. And everyone can check out the Paper Boat Activity at 2:00 PM led by “States of Becoming” artist Elshafei Dafalla. Take a look at all the fun kids can have at the Des Moines Art Center.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Address: Grand Ave, Downtown Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Saturday, March 16th, 12:00 PM
Cost: Free
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a Des Moines Area Tradition, hosted by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Central Iowa. This year there is a new route. They will stage on Robert D. Ray Drive next to the Brenton Skating Plaza. They will turn on Grand Ave and head west towards downtown. Bring chairs and a blanket and see what festive floats come out this year!
Family Easter at Living History Farms
Address: Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322
When: Saturday, March 30th, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Cost: $9 for ages 2 and up ($8 for members)
Hop over to Living History Farms for Family Easter. Celebrate Easter with traditional holiday activities with an old-fashioned flair. The egg hunts will be for toddlers to 12-year-olds and divided by age. Take a peek at the baby farm animals, ride on the horse-drawn wagon, play games, and watch “spring training” with the Walnut Hill Bluestockings. Don’t forget to take a picture with the Easter Bunny!
