Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in May
Tulips are blooming, farmers’ markets are opening, and spring is showing its beauty around Des Moines. Whether you are looking forward to festivals or playing with baby animals, we have something just for you. Plan your May in Des Moines today.
Tulip Festival at Wilson’s Orchard & Farm
Address: 3201 15th Ave, Cumming, IA 50061
When: April 22-May 3
Cost:
Farm Admission (Ages 3+)
- Only required when passing the gate to the you-pick patches. It’s free to park, visit our Farm Market, Ciderhouse & picnic areas!
- Wed-Fri | $5
- Sat-Sun | $5
Farmyard Admission (Ages 3+)
- Only required to visit our indoor & outdoor playgrounds. Located right next to our admission shack
- Wed-Fri | $1
- Sat-Sun | $2
We are slightly obsessed with Wilson’s Orchard & Farm, so you better believe we will be heading to their Tulip Festival this month. Wander through their beautiful fields of tulips. Pick your own or buy pre-picked bouquets. Kids can play at the play barn. Stop at the Farm Market for locally-sourced goods. Finish your visit to their Ciderhouse for a crisp cider and a sourdough crust pizza. The views, service, and atmosphere can’t be beat.
Downtown Farmer’s Market in Des Moines
Address: Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines
When: Saturdays in May, 7:00 AM-12:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
For my family, the opening of the Farmer’s Market is the start of our summer. We love visiting the produce booths, trying different foods such as egg rolls, pastries, smoothies, and more. Each Saturday, Des Moines is bursting with energy. Browse the booths, grab some food, and take a seat by the river. There is always great live entertainment too!
Kites on the Green
Address: Johnston Commons Park, 6700 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131
When: Saturday, May 2, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Attend the 13th annual Kites on the Green festival in Johnston. Enjoy a giant kite show, free kite building, live music, stunt performances, and an inflatable obstacle course. You can try running with the bols. This is where you wear a parachute and run against the wind, racing against two other participants. Check out the list of events here.
Iowa Cubs Game
Address: Principal Park, 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
When:
- May 5 @ 6:38 PM Demonios de Des Moines (Celebrating Latino and Hispanic communities)
- May 6 @ 12:08 PM Noons at Noon (reserved ticket and two high noons for $26)
- May 7 @ 12:08 PM Fully Loaded (reserved ticket and $15 food/beverage credit for $25)
- May 8 @ 7:08 PM Fireworks + Outdoors Night
- May 9 @ 3:08 PM Pregame catch on the field + Mental Health Awareness Night
- May 10 @ 1:08 PM Pregame catch on the field + Kids run the bases + Bike to the ballpark
- May 19 @ 6:38 PM Dog Day (Bring your dog and participate in a dog parade at 5:45 PM)
- May 20 @ 12:08 PM Noons at Noon (reserved ticket and two high noons for $26)
- May 21 @ 12:08 PM Fully Loaded (reserved ticket and $15 food/beverage credit for $25)
- May 22 @ 7:08 PM Friday Night Fireworks
- May 23 @ 6:08 PM Pregame catch on the field
- May 24 @ 1:08 PM Kids run the bases + Bike to the ballpark
Cost: Tickets start at $13 per person
The crack of the bat, fireworks, smell of hot dogs, you know what that means, the Iowa Cubs are back! Along with the promotions listed above with each game, they have ticket specials too, such as the TWOsdays deal and Bike to the Ballpark. Visit here to learn more about attending an Iowa Cubs Game with kids.
Tulip Time 2026
Address: Pella, IA
When: Thursday, May 7-Saturday, May 9
Cost: Free to attend
Purchase tickets in advance for shows and tours
Kick May off with Pella’s Annual Tulip Time Festival. This annual festival brings people from all over to see over 380,00 tulips. Don’t miss the parades in Downtown Pella at 2:45 PM and 8:30 PM. See all the tulips on Tulip Avenue in Central Park, Sunken Gardens Park, and Brinkhoff Park. See performances in the afternoon and evening at the Tulip Toren on Franklin Street. Find all our tips for attending the festival here. If you want to avoid the crowds but still see the tremendous amount of tulips, then go the weekend before the festival to see all the tulips in bloom.
Baby Animal Days at Center Grove Orchard
Address: Center Grove Orchard, 32835 610th Ave, Cambridge, IA 50046
When: Throughout May and June
Cost: Purchase here
- Weekday admission: $13.95
- Weekend admission: $15.95
(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 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.
Ankeny Art Center Arts Festival
Address: Uptown Ankeny
When: Saturday, May 16, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Head to Historic Uptown Ankeny for the Ankeny Art Center Arts Festival! The highlight of the day will, of course, be the artists. Visit with a variety of art vendors working in mediums including painting (acrylic, oil, pastel, etc.), ceramics, woodworking, jewelry, mixed media, metal works, glass, digital, and many others. For the kids, they will have hands-on art stations, interactive demonstrations, and family-friendly performances.
CelebrAsian Festival
Address: Western Gateway Park, 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Friday, May 22-Saturday, May 23, 11:00 AM-10 PM
Cost: Free admission
Experience the 23rd annual CelebrAsian Festival at Western Gateway Park. This year’s theme is CelebrAsian: In Full Bloom. It commemorates 50 years since Southeast Asian refugees resettled in the United States. Celebrate all Asian cultures by tasting authentic foods, learning at the cultural exhibits, listening to live entertainment, playing at the inflatables, and taking part in other family-friendly activities at this year’s festival. Nationwide is providing free parking at its 1100 Walnut employee ramp.
