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!
CelebrAsian
Immerse yourself in the Asian culture at CelebrAsian: In Full Bloom, May 23 and 24 at Western Gateway Park. This is the largest Asian American event in Iowa. Come hungry for authentic eats, dive into rich cultural exhibits, and enjoy nonstop entertainment with live music, dancing, and performances all weekend long. Best of all? Admission is totally free!
Red Bull Soapbox Race
The Red Bull Soapbox Race is returning to the Iowa State Capitol Grounds on May 31! Bringing its signature blend of creativity, speed, and spectacle, this thrilling event challenges amateur teams to design and race gravity-powered, homemade carts down a winding course filled with ramps, jumps, and hay-bale barriers. This is free to attend. Don’t miss out on the whacky skits, fun cars, and exciting runs down the course!
Downtown Farmers’ Market
The Downtown Farmers’ Market returns to the Historic Court District for the 50th year beginning May 3. Every Saturday from 7 a.m. to Noon, over 300 local vendors bring the best of Iowa’s farms, kitchens, and workshops to the heart of downtown. (Fun fact: The market started with just 12 vendors!) Grab a coffee, snag a breakfast sandwich, and stroll through stalls bursting with fresh fruits and veggies, handmade goods, baked treats, and one-of-a-kind finds. It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend!
Principal Charity Classic
The best weekend of golf returns, May 28 – June 1 with the Principal Charity Classic at Wakonda Club. This premier PGA TOUR Champions event offers the chance to watch golf legends compete in a setting that’s both exciting and family friendly. Enjoy an expanded Family Zone, Birdie Beers, and a variety of on-site experiences for all ages all weekend long. Tickets start at just $25 when purchased before tournament week. Best of all, proceeds from ticket sales support Iowa children’s charities, so your attendance helps make a difference. Learn more and get your tickets here.
Iowa Baseball Des Moines Series
The Iowa Hawkeyes baseball team is set to return to Des Moines for a highly anticipated three-game series against the Oregon State Beavers from May 9 – 11 at Principal Park. With tickets starting at just $13, it’s sure to be a family fun weekend cheering on the hawks. Principal Park is continuing the fun later on this month with the Spring into Summer Concert Series, two evenings full of local bands. Learn more about both events here.
WWE and UFC
Des Moines is set to host an electrifying weekend of combat sports at Wells Fargo Arena this month. WWE SmackDown and UFC Fight Night take place on consecutive nights, with WWE happening on May 2 and UFC Fight Night on May 3. WWE Smackdown will feature top Superstars like Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, LA Knight, and more. Then, UFC Fight Night makes its Des Moines debut with a headlining fight – bantamweight showdown between Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo. Plus, don’t miss Iowa native Jeremy "Lil Heathen" Stephens is making his highly anticipated return to the octagon.
Greenbelt Music Festival
The Greenbelt Music Festival is returning to Greenbelt Park in Clive, May 16 – 17. This outdoor festival features more than 15 acts of multiple genres including Bluegrass, Red-dirt Country, Pop Country, Fun, Jam bands, and more. Bring the whole family for a weekend packed with fun: enjoy face painting, laser tag, a cornhole tournament, a basketball 3-point contest, and other exciting activities. And of course, don’t miss a visit with the infamous Clive Goats! See the full event lineup and get tickets here.
Des Moines Menace Opener
The Des Moines Menace kick off their season on May 17 with their home opener against the Santa Fe Wanders at Valley Stadium. The first 500 fans through the gates will receive a commemorative schedule T-shirt. The Menace return following a strong 2024 campaign that included a playoff run, and they’re ready for continued success. Fans can also look forward to another home game on May 31, when the team hosts Mental Health Night, along with Paws at the Pitch. Bring your pup to the stadium and enjoy a fun-filled evening of soccer and community. Learn more and get your tickets here!
