Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in May
May brings us tulips, Cinco De Mayo, Memorial Day, and so much more. There is no shortage of fun things to do. Celebrate these top 8 things to do in Des Moines in May.
Tulip Time 2024
Address: Pella, IA
When: Thursday, May 2nd through Saturday, May 4th
Cost: Free to attend
Purchase tickets in advance for shows and tours
Jump start your May with Tulip Time in Pella! View all the beautiful tulips throughout the downtown area. At 1:00 each day, watch the Grandstand shows. There will be Dutch dancing and singing, the Parade of Provinces (a historic Dutch costume show), a presentation of the Tulip Queen and her Court, and the famous street scrubbing and cheese market. Bleacher seats are $12 per person and park seating is $5 per person. The evening Feesthouden (Dutch for “party”) show will be free, thanks to Central College for sponsoring these shows. Performances will start at 7:00 PM each night. Friday night, enjoy fireworks sponsored by Pella Corporation. Country artist Jason Brown will be performing on Saturday night. There will be two parades each day. One at 2:30 PM and a lighted evening parade at 8:30 PM. Other activities include the tractor rodeo, the Pella city tour, and the Dutch Craft Market. Check all the details out here!
Cinco De Mayo at Valley Junction
Address: Valley Junction, West Des Moines, IA 50265
When: Saturday, May 4, 12:00 PM-10:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
The Historic Valley Junction Foundation presents its annual Cinco De Mayo Festival, a chance to celebrate the Mexican heritage of many railroad workers during the establishment years of Valley Junction. Enjoy Mexican foods, artwork, live music, dancing, and family activities.
First Ankeny Arts Festival
Address: 3rd and Walnut Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
When: Saturday, May 11th, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Head to Historic Uptown Ankeny for the First Ankeny Arts Festival! There will be art demonstrations, shopping, food, and live music. The events will take place on 3rd and Walnut streets.
Baby Animal Days at Center Grove Orchard
Address: Center Grove Orchard, 32835 610th Ave, Cambridge, IA 50046
When: Saturdays, May 11th & 12th, May 18th & 19th, May 25th & 26th
Cost: Tickets are $9.95 each (3 and older need a ticket)
Spring is a time for new beginnings and that means baby animals! Head to Center Grove Orchard for their Baby Animal Days. This new event will allow children (and adults) the joy of playing with baby lambs, chicks, goats, kittens, bunnies, and many other animals in a safe environment. Jump in the corn pool, take a scenic hayride, or try the Honey Beeline (zipline) too! Don’t forget to stop in at their Country Store for a delicious treat.
Kites on the Green
Address: Johnston Commons Park, 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131
When: Saturday, May 4th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
Head to Johnston for Kites on the Green. This family-fun event will be held in the green space near the Johnston Public Library from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can enjoy giant show kite displays, kite fighting, free kite building, bol racing, live music, an inflatable obstacle course, learn about stormwater best management practices, visit with Johnston Police and Fire, draw with sidewalk chalk and much more.
Food Truck Fridays at Campbell Park
Address: Campbell Park, 12385 Woodlands Pkwy, Clive, IA 50325
When: Fridays, May 17, 24 and 31st, 5:30 PM-8:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Kick off the food truck season at Food Truck Fridays at Campbell Park. There will be live music by different artists each week, food trucks, and plenty of space for the kids to play! Adults will love that the concession stand sells alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Greenbelt Music Festival
Address: 2100 NW 100th St, Clive, Iowa 50325
When: Friday, May 17th and Saturday, May 18th
Cost: Tickets start at $64 each (12 and under are free)
Listen to live music inside and out at the Greenbelt Music Festival. There will be over 20 bands performing throughout the two days including Umphrey’s McGee. You can purchase one or two-day passes. Other fun activities include a bags tournament, silent disco, goats, kids zone, face painting, and food trucks.
