Iowa High School State Basketball Tournaments
This month, we’re welcoming the Iowa girls' and boys’ state high school basketball tournaments! Watch as your favorite Iowa high schools compete for the 2026 state basketball championship titles. First, the high school girls’ state basketball faces off at Casey’s Center from March 2-7 with three days of quarterfinals, two days of semifinals and the championship games starting on Friday, March 6. Then, high school boys’ state basketball get to work from March 10-14 at Casey’s Center. Quarterfinals run Monday through Tuesday, with semifinals Wednesday and Thursday, ending with the championship games on Friday.
Botanical Blues
It’s your last chance to attend Botanical Blues at The Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens before their 2026 season comes to an end. If you find yourself with nothing to do on a Sunday afternoon, this live concert series is one of the best in the metro. With rotating local bands and musicians, you can wander the warm, blooming indoor gardens. While you’re there, grab a snack or a drink from Flora Cafe as you enjoy the sweet sounds of music and scents of the flora around you.
The Setlist: Spring Concerts Across the Metro
The Catch Des Moines Setlist is BACK and full of top-performing, world-renowned acts coming to the metro this spring! From country and alternative fusions, to rap and EDM, our concert venues have some pretty head-bangin' artists that will be taking center stage. Check out all the buzz about new music and live entertainment headed this way during March, April, and May.
Wreck N’ Roll Rage Room: Grand Opening
Speaking of rock and roll, Wreck N’ Roll Rage Room is celebrating their grand opening on March 6 from 4-8 p.m.. Seriously reduce some stress with a tour of every rage room space, get some free food, and enter to win some door prize and raffles! The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. If you can’t make it to the grand opening, no worries, give them a follow on social to stay up to date and support!
St. Patrick’s Day in Greater Des Moines
If you’re feeling lucky, then there are many ways you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the Des Moines way! The entire metro will be in full swing, and decked in green, to take part in some Irish festivities. Sign-up for a good ol’ fashioned themed 5k, grab the kids and settle in a spot to watch the parade, or celebrate with a pint of Irish beer surrounded by exotic wildlife. From restaurant specials and bar crawls to pop-ups and themed runs, see what Greater Des Moines has going on before, during, and just after St. Paddy’s Day here.
Fresh On the Scene: The Metro’s Newest Bars & Bites
Local foodies and bev aficionados will appreciate this month’s variety in new restaurants and bars opening around the Greater Des Moines metro. Starting in Highland Park, we want to welcome Scoops by Beth and Bar Martinez, bringing more diverse offerings to the neighborhood! Be sure to add Scoops by Beth to your must-try ice cream list, scooping inside a retro-themed ice cream parlor. While you're in the area, stop in Bar Martinez before or after a night out for that perfect cocktail fix with that underground NYC city feel. Speaking of cocktails, The Rabbit Room in Johnston is one of the first of its kind! A self-proclaimed wine lounge and book den, bringing cozy vibes for meaningful conversation and workspace.
Also new to the Johnston area is The Happy Egg, a breakfast eatery that brings you all the American classics with an authentic Mexican twist. Satisfy that sweet tooth with tres leches pancakes or try something savory like their mole or poblano crepes. And last, but certainly not least, Norwalk is getting a new Vietnamese restaurant called Phonatics & Grill. Serving up classic dishes like pho, bánh mì, fresh rolls, and more, Phonatics is helping to guide the way in bringing more diverse cuisine to our metro.
Iowa Wild’s “Spring Break Saturday”
As hockey season ends, be sure to catch one of the final Iowa Wild home games! On March 21, Principal Charity Classic is sponsoring the evening game with “Spring Break Saturday”, bringing vacay vibes to the ice rink. The first 1,500 fans get a pair of free sunglasses to help get you in the mood for some R&R as you watch the Iowa Wild take on the Ontario Reign. Kick the relaxation up a notch with 2-for-1 Confluence beers (ending at puck drop), and live music. Tickets start at $20 and can be bought here.
Iowa Cubs: Season Opener
Spring is here, which means it’s time to dust off your Iowa Cubs apparel and get down to Principal Park! Friday, March 27 is the home opener against the Clippers with two games to follow that same weekend (even more opportunity to catch a good ol’ fashioned game of ball!). Nothing beats an evening or afternoon at the ballpark with a hot dog, a pint, and cheering on our local minor MLB team. View the 2026 season schedule and purchase your tickets here.
Extra Tidbit: Spend Spring Break in Des Moines
You don’t have to travel far to experience a memorable spring break. The Greater Des Moines metro is booming with activities, restaurants, and attractions now that the weather is better, and the days are longer. If you’re looking for something to do alone, with your S.O., friends, or family, there’s no better source of inspiration than our Catch List. Whether it’s a weekend-long staycation exploring the best of Des Moines or a spring-specific 2-Day guide, there’s no telling what you might uncover!
