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, May 24 and 25 and Western Gateway Park. The annual festival is the largest Asian American event in Iowa! Learn about Asian heritage through authentic food, cultural exhibits, and live entertainment and performances. The festival is free to attend.
Sleepy Hollow
Already missing sledding season? Sleepy Hollow Sports Park has you covered with their long-awaited return. Opening Memorial Day weekend, try out their brand-new all-season hill, Snowflex. Snowflex is a hill designed for all season skiing, tubing, and snowboarding. Rain or shine, head out to Sleepy Hollow Sports Park to give Snowflex a try! Find hours of operation learn more here.
Athene North Shore Recreation Area
Easter Lake is about to become the most universally designed waterfront in Iowa, and they are inviting you to celebrate with them. Come check out the newly designed Athene North Shore Recreation Area, perfect for anyone wanting to explore the water. People of all ages and disabilities are welcome to safely fish, boat, swim, and more. There will be an ADA accessible pontoon boat, Zero-entry ramps into the water, adaptive and accessible equipment for rent, a fully accessible natural playscape, and so much more. Come celebrate this beautiful new area at their grand opening on May 5 with free equipment rentals and boat rides!
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Your Saturday mornings just got a lot better! The Downtown Farmers’ Market returns to the Historic Court District beginning May 4. From 7 a.m. – Noon every Saturday until the fall, you can support more than 300 local vendors. This year there will be new vendor spaces and 54 new vendors, meaning even more local farmers, producers, bakers, and artists to shop from.
Principal Charity Classic
It’s the premier golf viewing event of the year – Principal Charity Classic. Grab your best golf polo and head to Wakonda Club, May 29 – June 2. The event kicks off with two days of the Official Pro-Am before the first round of tournament play begins on May 31. Tickets start at $25 when purchased before tournament week. Proceeds from tickets sales benefit Iowa children’s charities.
Bacon Festival
Bacon, bacon, and more bacon! The Bacon Festival returns to the Iowa State Fairgrounds on May 4 with their theme, Bacon Wars. Because, you can’t have a bacon festival on the May the Fourth Be With You day and not lean into the puns. You can expect a bacon eating contest, a special bacon menu featuring Wookiecotti (bacon mousse), maple bacon princess buns, and more, along with a costume contest, live music, and other fun activities. Tickets for the 21 and older event start at $29.
Prime and Providence
A new restaurant that will give off Las Vegas and Chicago-style restaurant vibes is set to open in May. Prime and Providence offers a unique experience with live fire cooking. If Kobe beef is your thing, this will be your new go-to spot. They also specialize in an oyster bar and other seafood. You’ll be in awe as you watch the chefs cook on two coal-fired ovens in the open-style kitchen concept.
Impulse: Interactive Seesaw Exhibit
Now through May 19, enjoy 15 interactive seesaws at Cowles Commons. These are part of a brand-new art activation that will be available daily to explore, ride, and more. These seesaws are perfect for the busy season coming up, including the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market, shows at the Civic Center, and other exciting events. Learn more about the art exhibit here.
