Each month, we highlight the most buzzworthy places and events in Greater Des Moines in a feature we call Des Buzz. It's your “in the know” list of places to go!
Celebrate Easter in Des Moines
Spring has sprung, which means the Easter bunny is making its way to the Greater Des Moines area. Our city and suburbs are preparing for this holiday with a variety of family-friendly events. "Hop” into Uptown Ankeny with their Easter celebration. Dive into some old-school Easter nostalgia with special activities at Living History Farms or learn how to make the iconic bunny cake with Molly’s Frozen. With classic Easter egg scavenger hunts and the perfect Sunday brunches, here’s where you can catch all the springtime festivities.
Iowa Barnstormers: 2026 Season
On April 4, Des Moines’ premier indoor football team is facing off against Green Bay Blizzard as their season opening game. Their opening game is “Racing Night”, where the first 500 fans of the game will receive a custom Barnstormers die-cast car along with special surprises and autograph signings. Get gameday ready with an exclusive Iowa Barnstormers Racing Night T-shirt! The Iowa Barnstormers are the area’s professional indoor football league, bringing in sports fans from across the region to experience arena football. Catch games with the Iowa Barnstormers at Casey’s Center and purchase their game tickets here.
18th Annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival
Highlife Lounge and El Bait Shop are proud to bring back this annual pork-loving, sizzling event to the Des Moines community! The Annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on April 18 includes all you can eat bacon, seven bacon-inspired dishes, live music, and of course, the legendary bacon eating contest. This is a limited event to 250 people, so tickets will go FAST. Purchase yours here.
Drake Relays
Relay season is back, hitting the Des Moines metro April 22-25. Bringing athletes from all over the country, the Drake Relays have become a huge tradition in our community. This is one of the top track and field events in the country, featuring elementary, high school, college, and professional-level athletes. To spectate one (or all) of these pivotal races and events, you can purchase your tickets online or in-person at the box office. Celebrate early with the Drake Road Races, a 5k or 10k that is open to the public at the famous Blue Oval on April 18. Then, take part in the iconic Grand Blue Mile, a 1-mile run/walk focused on accessibility and inclusion in the racing world to kick off the relays on April 21.
Earth & Arbor Day in Greater Des Moines
April 22 is Earth Day, and April 26 is Arbor Day! Our metro is full of nature-based activities and celebrations to commemorate these nationally recognized holidays for conservation and environmental awareness. For those who love creepy crawlies or cute critters, the Insect Expo is a must-see. The Entomological Society of America is bringing their Insect Expo to Des Moines on April 19! Featuring live insects and interactive displays, this is a great learning experience for all ages.
For Arbor Day, check out the Iowa Arboretum’s Celebration featuring a 5k run/walk, “Run for the Trees”, and new this year, “Kids Fun Run” around the Treehouse Village Loop. There’ll also be a Kids Climb event where children can learn how to climb trees with Arborists. Or check out the Brenton Arboretum’s Earth Day celebration on April 26 with games, activities, and spring fun.
Tulip Festival at Wilson’s Orchard & Farm
Take a deep breath and breathe in the soft, sweet smells of a flowery spring. Get all that new spring air and more at Wilson’s Tulip Festival from April 22-May 3*. Wander through rows of beautiful blooming tulips, pick and arrange your own bouquet, sit down for a farm to table dinner at the Ciderhouse, indulge in the Farm Market offerings, and snap some incredible photos during this limited season.
*Dates and details are subject to change with tulip growing season.
New Eats & Treats in Greater Des Moines
This month brings a whole new energy to the outdoors, but also to our food and beverage scene. Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken is officially opening in the Jordan Creek Town Center at the end of this month, featuring crispy, crunchy, and totally saucy fried chicken. Mitzi’s in Valley Junction has re-opened as False Nine Social Club, a “matchday-inspired social club experience” built around thoughtful food, creative drinks, and live sports. And new to Waukee is Desi Fresh, a Desi grocery store and restaurant serving halal meat, produce, ingredients, and seasonings you won’t find in your average supermarket. Be sure to order a plate full of authentic biryani or tandoor chicken to get the full experience. Lastly, this new cocktail speakeasy has had a slow reveal via TikTok and Instagram Reels to get the momentum going. The Atlas Room is a travel-inspired cocktail lounge hidden within Serenity Couture in West Des Moines.
(Psst, be on the lookout for their newest caffeine-fueled endeavor, Atlas Cafe, coming soon!)
Spring on the Farm at Center Grove Orchard
What’s better than one way to celebrate spring than with a visit to the farm? We can’t think of anything! Kicking off in April, Center Grove Orchard is planting over 400,000 tulips, and you’re invited to see them bloom! Along with some flora, you can ring in the spring season with Center Grove’s baby animals, and some can’t miss barn moments. In mid-May, stick around for something sweet as the strawberries will be ripe for picking. Along with both seasonal activities, there are diverse menus with spring-themed snacks like funnel cakes and milkshakes, and plenty of fun around the farm. Purchase your tickets here.
April’s Greatest Hits: The Setlist
A classic, iconic rock band is coming to Des Moines for one last hurrah. A nationally (dare we say, internationally) recognized comedian is headlining Casey’s Center on his tour. An eccentric, KFC-bucket wearing guitarist takes center stage at Val Air Ballroom. What do all of these performers have in common? They’ll be in Greater Des Moines this month! Check out how you can snag tickets to Journey, Nate Barzgate, Buckethead, and other artists on our setlist.
