Our month-long celebration will include many musical memories!
Saturday, May 1
Festivale Cinco de Mayo - Hosted by the Historic Valley Junction Foundation at Railroad Park and 5th Street in Valley Junction, this annual event, now in its sixth year, celebrates the Mexican heritage of the many railroad workers who moved to the area during the establishment years of Valley Junction. Visitors will enjoy Mexican foods, artwork, live music featuring music, dancing and other family activities. Fun starts at noon. Free.
Farmer’s Market/Music in the Junction -Thursdays @ 4 pm - Over 100 vendors fill up the first three blocks of 5th Street in Valley Junction for the weekly Farmer’s Market that runs through October 1. Railroad Park then plays host to a beverage garden starting at 5:30 pm and popular local bands who play from 6pm-8:30 pm for Music in the Junction. Over 3000 people come to this very popular event each week. Free.
Friday, May 7
DowlingPalooza - This student-based music concert is put on by all Dowling students, not just those involved in performing arts. Free. Dowling Catholic High School Lawn (weather permitting). Time TBA.
Saturday, May 8
“It is Well” Concert Tour: Kutless with CHASEN & The Museum – This concert, held at the Lutheran Church of Hope at 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, is open to all. Prices are $15 for general and $20 for artist circle. 7:30 pm. For more information go to www.hopewdm.org.
Wednesday, May 12
Lakeside Live at Gateway Market and Village of Ponderosa
Tony Valdez will play from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dowling Spring Choir Concert
This annual event showcases the talents of Dowling's Jazz Choir, A Capella Choir, and Mixed Choir. Sheslow Auditorium, 7:30 pm.
Thursday, May 13
Beginning Drum Circle
From 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Jenny for a new group rhythm experience for children ages 3 to 6 years old including songs, games and stories all using drums at the WDM Public Library. Registration is required.
Friday, May 14
Bill Riley Talent Search
Valley West Mall will be the location for the talented youth of our community to step up and compete for a shot at going to the State Fair’s Talent Show. Sprouts (ages 2-6), Juniors (ages 7-14), and Seniors (ages 15-21) are eligible to compete. Winners in the Juniors and Seniors category will advance to compete at the Iowa State Fair. In addition to the Junior and Senior competition, Sprout acts will be chosen to be showcased and perform as “Stars of Tomorrow” in the Championship show, but will not be judged. The event will be held from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the center court of the lower level of the mall. Registrations will be accepted starting Wednesday, April 7 at 9:30 a.m. Call Tammy at 515-440-5601 or email tammy@careersearchassoc.com for registration information.
Spring Art Market - Sunday, May 16 - From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the streets of 5th Street become host to a variety of artists from around the country. Over 100 artists and craftspeople will be participating in this outdoor, juried festival. A wide variety of items will be available, including photography, pottery, paintings, prints, sculpture, jewelry, furniture, clothing and much more. There will also be hands-on fun for children, food vendors, artists’ demonstrations and musical entertainment taking place throughout the day. Free.
Tuesday, May 18
Shake, Rattle & Roll (same times May 19 as well)– 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. You’ll be movin’ and groovin’ in this hand-clappin’, foot-stompin’ morning! At the West Des Moines Library for ages 1-4 (9:30 a.m.) and ages 2-6 (10:30 a.m.) with an adult. Registration is required.
Wednesday, May 19
Lakeside Live at Gateway Market and Village of Ponderosa – Damon Dotson will play from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, May 26
Lakeside Live at Gateway Market and Village of Ponderosa – Katelyn Epperly will play from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Smokin' in the Junction - Saturday, May 29 & Sunday, May 30
Join us for two great days of barbecue and live music in Historic Valley Junction May 29-30. This event will include a Kansas City Barbecue Society Sanctioned Barbecue Contest with cash prizes, food vendors, exhibitors, kids activities including inflatables, beverage garden and live music. The barbecue contest will be held rain or shine. On Saturday, the El Dorados will be playing from 3:30–6:30pm, followed by Brother Trucker from 7-10pm. On Sunday, Mickel Williams will be playing from noon-2pm, followed by Comfort Zone from 4-5pm. The awards presentation will be held from 4-5pm, followed by Matt and the Thunderbolts from 5-9pm. For more information about competing, vending, judging, sponsor packages or volunteer opportunities, please contact either the Historic Valley Junction Foundation office at 515-222-3642 or Brian Sweeney at pitmaster@sweeneysbarbecue.com.