A monthly roundup of the places, events, and moments everyone’s talking about in Greater Des Moines.
Des Moines Home & Garden Show
Calling all plant-lovers and homeowners, the annual Des Moines Home & Garden show is back at the Iowa Events Center from February 12-15. Explore a marketplace of over 400 home and garden exhibitors that will inspire your next project. Headlining this year’s show is Bravo’s reality series, “Southern Charm”, and founder of Sewing Down South, Craig Conover. Bring the kids for the Young Entrepreneur's Market, a hands-on experience that shows kids ages 5-17 the importance of leadership and financial literacy. New this year, “Visit, Stamp, Win!” is a passport adventure at participating exhibitor booths for the chance to win prizes up to $500! Tickets are $14 for adults and $4 for children ages 7-12. Purchase them online for $2 off your adult admission. Learn more and buy tickets here.
Smash Park’s New BatBox Experience
Avid baseball fans rejoice! Smash Park in West Des Moines has incorporated a new, cutting-edge, interactive batting concept for their space. This indoor “baseball simulator” is full of immersive gameplay that both adults and kids will enjoy. Perfect for any age or skill level, you can take turns batting to compete for the objective of your chosen game. The BatBox Experience opens to the public around February 14, so mark your calendars and make it a trip! Get updates on the opening here.
The Harlem Globetrotters: 100 Year Tour
You know them; you love them. The internationally recognized Harlem Globetrotters are coming to town for their most legendary tour yet celebrating 100 years of gravity-defying tricks and nonstop action. From the moment you arrive, to the final act, you’ll be captivated by the pure talent and magic of one of the most iconic shows in sports. Tickets start at $15 with doors opening at 6 p.m. for a 7 p.m. show at Casey’s Center on February 12. Learn more here.
Egg King February Pop-Up
After a hiatus in 2025, Egg King is back and better than ever! Serving up Korean egg sandwiches that have dozens (yes, dozens) of people lined up every time. This month, on February 8 at the Culinary Annex in Valley Junction, Egg King is using a new ticketing system to cut down on wait times so that patrons can get to that savory eggy goodness even faster. Did we mention they’ve been highlighted in Food Network Magazine as one of “America’s Best Egg Restaurants"? Follow them on social media for more information about this upcoming pop-up and stay up to date for future events!
50 Shades of Green
Looking for a Valentine’s Day activity that’s both romantic and educational? Explore the birds and the bees of plants and trees at the Des Moines Botanical Garden! At this 21+ event, sip on a glass of wine while you’re immersed in the world of plants like you have never been before. Afterwards, stay for the live music and festivities of “Dome After Dark”. Tickets are $63 for members and $70 for non-members (ticket price includes admission for two) with the program starting at 5:30 p.m. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Zeke’s Rooftop & Grill
Newly opened in late January, Zeke’s Rooftop & Grill in Johnston's Town Center boasts two floors with 10,000 square feet, a rooftop deck, event space, and three bars. They're serving up Midwest classics with cheese curds and burgers, while partnering with Des Moines’ very own Graziano’s for a mouth-watering Italian sausage sandwich. At the center of this vast menu are their homemade pizzas, including “Peter P’s pot roast pizza”. Check them out and catch those skyline views for yourself here.
Valentine’s Day in Des Moines
The Greater Des Moines area is in no shortage of love-themed, heart-swelling Valentine’s events and pop-ups! If you’re looking for a classic romantic evening, may we recommend a night at the Des Moines Symphony or a dinner held at the historic Rollins Mansion. Or, if your love knows no bounds, check out these more unique events at the Des Moines Playhouse or make your own bouquet at Captain Roy’s Floral pop-up. Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten Galentine’s Day either! Check out all of these swoon-worthy events and more here.
Forks Up for Des Moines’ 2026 James Beard Semifinalists
What better way to beat winter than checking off some of the hottest tables in Des Moines? February is the perfect time to take on a very local 2026 James Beard Award Nominee tasting tour. Three semifinalists, enjoyed at your own pace. Start in the East Village at The Contrary, named a semifinalist for Best New Bar, where bold drinks and chill R&B vibes are found. Once you’ve had your pre-dinner cocktail, head over to the newly opened (and nearby) Masao. Chefs Nick Hanke and Phil Shires were named semifinalists for Best Chef: Midwest, and it shows. Expect meticulously crafted sushi, French flair, and plenty of reasons to sit and stay awhile. Round out your checklist at Oak Park, where fine-dining veteran Chef Ian Robertson also landed a Best Chef: Midwest nod. This is farm-to-table with polish and precision, so make sure to get your reservation well in advance to secure your spot. Three spots. Three semifinalists. No rush, just really good meals and bragging rights when you’re done.
