‘Light Within Ourselves: Haitian Art in Iowa’
Through Sept. 7: The newest exhibit at the Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, showcases Haitian art in Iowa. The Waterloo Center for the Arts partnered with the Des Moines Art Center for “Light Within Ourselves: Haitian Art in Iowa,” with pieces from Waterloo’s collection, the largest public collection of Haitian art in the United States. The exhibit in the A.H. Blank Gallery is on display through Sept. 7. Admission to the art center is free.
Abby Jimenez
May 15: Abby Jimenez went from winning the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” and running Nadia Cakes bakery with locations in California and Minnesota to being a romantic fiction author. The New York Times Best Seller wrote “Life’s Too Short,” “Part of Your World,” “Yours Truly” and the blockbuster hit “Just For the Summer.” Her latest book, “Say You’ll Remember Me,” came out on April 1. She visits Des Moines during the AViD Author Series from the Des Moines Public Library at 7 p.m. at the Franklin Event Center. The event is free with limited seating.
Happy hour at Striking Sparrow Lounge
May 16: Whether you want discounted drinks in the morning or afternoon, Striking Sparrow Lounge, 1930 S.E. Sixth St., Des Moines, has you covered. On Mondays through Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m., snag $1 off drinks. And then from Monday through Friday from 1 to 6 p.m., get 50 cents off drinks. Diners can also score half-priced appetizers and 10 wings for $10 from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Save some time to play pickleball at the adjacent courts or enjoy the 1970s wood-paneled retro vibe inside.
Greenbelt Music Festival
May 16-17: See national and local live acts perform during the Greenbelt Music Festival on the Greenbelt Trail at 2100 N.W. 100th St., Clive. Headliners at the festival include The Devil Makes Three on May 16 and Greensky Bluegrass on May 17 on the outdoor stage. Other activities and amenities include games, food, beverages, vendors, an indoor stage and more. Doors open at 2 p.m. on May 16 and 1 p.m. on May 17. Tickets start at $89 at aftontickets.com/GreenbeltMusicFestival2025.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
May 16: Rainbow Kitten Surprise released its first new album in six years, “Love Hate Music Box,” taking it on tour with a stop at Vibrant Music Hall, 2938 Grand Prairie Pkwy., Waukee, at 7:30 p.m. Fans of the alternative band can hear “Superstar,” fan track “LOL,” “Overtime” that features Grammy-winning artist Kacey Musgraves, “SVO” and “Espionage.” Tickets start at $66.
‘Alice in Wonderland’
May 16-18: How do you get to Wonderland? Alice certainly found out when she fell down the rabbit hole and into a world of Mad Hatters, tea parties, Cheshire Cats and the Queen of Hearts. The Des Moines Community Playhouse, 831 42nd St., Des Moines, comes to life with animals that can talk, eating food that can make you a giant, and a queen who orders “Off with their heads” to anyone who disagrees with her. See it at 7 p.m. Fridays and 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through May 18. Tickets start at $19 at dmplayhouse.com.
Wild Lights Festival
Wednesdays through Sundays through May 25:Blank Park Zoo, 7401 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines, kicks off its Wild Lights Festival with nearly 50 handcrafted, larger-than-life illuminated Asian lanterns. This year’s festival includes dazzling displays of animals, insects, and plants, interactive exhibits, a private igloo experience, s’mores, and plenty of photo and selfie opportunities. Admission opens at 7:30 p.m., and zoo officials say the best time to experience the exhibit is at sunset. Attendees may enter the festival anytime until 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $20 and the exhibit remains open Wednesdays through Sundays until May 25.
Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market
Saturdays through Oct. 25: Get ready for fresh vegetables, homemade foods, breakfast items, crafts and plants when the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market brings more than 300 vendors. On Court Avenue from Water Street to Fifth Avenue in Des Moines, shoppers can find meats and cheeses, eggs, baked goods and more from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
7th Annual Pigtails Ride
May 17: Head to the District at Prairie Trail, 1425 S.W. Vintage Parkway, Ankeny, with a bike for the 7th Annual Pigtails Ride starting at 7:30 a.m. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition and Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival sponsor this 48-mile bike ride “designed specifically for women along one of the most scenic trails in the Midwest, the High Trestle Trail.” Participants also get portraits at the High Trestle Bridge, a free lunch at the Flat Tire Lounge in Madrid, and drink specials at party stops. Tickets start at $18.
2nd Annual Ankeny Art Center Arts Festival
May 17: Spend the day in Uptown Ankeny along Third and Walnut streets for the Ankeny Art Center Arts Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find painters who work in acrylic, oil, pastel, and more, as well as ceramics, woodworking, jewelry, mixed media, metal works, glass, digital, and more. The event is free to attend.
Renaissance Faire Spring Fling
May 17-18: Don thy costumes and snare a knight or fair maiden for the return of The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Ave., Des Moines with Fire, Feathers & Fae. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 17-18, see fairies, falconry, circus stunts, jousting, and Celtic rock. A weekend pass goes for $25. Purchase tickets and a parking pass online at sleepyhollowrenfaire.com. May 17 also features the Cannon Ball with pirates, live music, and drinks starting at 6:30 p.m. with a separate ticket for $40.
‘Pines of Rome’
May 17-18: The Des Moines Symphony ends its season with “Pines of Rome.” An ode to Mendelssohn-Hensel’s “Overture in C Major” opens the concert, followed by Mendelssohn’s “Italian Symphony.” Pianist George Li joins the symphony for Sant-Saens’ “Second Piano Concerto.” The show ends with Respighi’s “Pines of Rome.” Tickets for the May 17 concert at 5:30 p.m. and May 18 show at 2:30 p.m. at the Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines, start at $20.
Comedy Xperiment — Live Improv Comedy
May 17: Get in some laughs when the Comedy Xperiment, Des Moines’ longest-running comedy ensemble, returns to the Tallgrass Theater, 2019 Grand Ave., Suite 100, West Des Moines. The show at 7:30 p.m. includes local talent showcasing improvised scenes and games that are made up on the spot, based entirely on audience suggestions. Tickets are $15.
Brunch at Café con Leche
May 18: Kick off the day with brunch at Café con Leche, 2905 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines. The Latino-owned breakfast and coffee shop on the east side features breakfast burritos, chilaquiles, and horchata lattes served iced or hot. Dulce de leche crepes, Cuban sandwiches, tortas, and churros are on the menu as well at the counter-service restaurant. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Valley Junction Arts Festival
May 18: Art takes over Historic Valley Junction along Fifth Street in West Des Moines during the Valley Junction Arts Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 50 artists from Iowa and beyond will be on hand, along with live music, art activities, and demonstrations. Admission is free.
DSM Flea Market
May 18: Make a stop at Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St., Des Moines, for the DSM Flea Market from 1 to 5 p.m. Vendors from across the state showcase everything from vintage clothing to handmade goods and art. Vintage goods line the Crescent room and patio. The event is free to attend.
‘Runaway Twain and Friends’
May 18: A night of improv comedy takes over the Des Moines Community Playhouse, 831 42nd St., Des Moines, when “Runaway Twain and Friends” performs. Michael LaDell Harris and Chris Huling lead this comedy show that includes a rotating list of monthly guests and a long-form improv set by Runaway Twain. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are $7 online; $10 at the door.
(This article was updated with new information.)…