Our month-long celebration will include many musical memories!
Thursday May, 5
Farmer's Market/Music in the Junction
At 4pm, more than 100 vendors will fill up the first three blocks of 5th Street in Valley Junction for the weekly Farmers Market that runs through September 29. Railroad Park then plays host to a beverage garden starting at 5:30 pm while Tony Valdez & the Retro Rockets play from 6pm-8:30pm for Music in the Junction. Free.
Valley/Valley Southwoods Orchestra Concert
Conert will be held at Valley Auditorium at 7:30pm. Free.
Friday, May 6
Dowlingpalooza
This student-based music concert is put on by all Dowling students, not just those involved in performing arts. Dowling Catholic High School Lawn (weather permitting). Time TBA. Free.
Saturday, May 7 Tuesday, May 10
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 seventh year, celebrates the Mexican heritage of the many railroad workers who moved to the area during the establishement years of Valley Junction. Visitors will enjoy Mexican foods, artwork, live music featuring Salsa Vibe and Latino Pride, dancing and other family activities. Fun starts at noon. Free.
Valley Vocal Concert
Concert will be held at Valley Auditorium at 7pm. Free.
Wednesday, May 11
Dowling Spring Choral Concert
This event will include Dowling's Jazz Choir, Dimensions Show Choir, A Capella Choir, and Mixed Choir. Sheslow Auditorium, 7:30pm.
Thursday, May 12
Farmers Market/Music in the Junction
At 4pm, more than 100 vendors will fill up the first three blocks of 5th Street in Valley Junction for the weekly Farmers Market that runs through September 29. Railroad Park then plays host to a beverage garden starting at 5:30 pm while Boomerang plays from 6pm-8:30pm for Music in the Junction. Free.
Saturday, May 14 - Sunday, May 15
Wet Monk Entertainment Presents "The A-May-Zing Days Local Talent Showcase"
Saturday, May 1Thirty local bands will showcase their talents at the Val Air Ballroom. The show will run each day from noon until 10pm. Wristbands will go on sale at the Val Air Box Office March 22nd for $10 and will cover both days of the showcase. 4 - Sunday, May 15
Booster Pak Bash
The West Des Moines Leadership Academy-Class of 2011, West Des Moines Community Schools Foundation Booster Pak, and Des Moines Menace present the first annual "Booster Pak Bash," a free, pre-game celebration and picnic before the Menace season home opener against the St. Louis Lions. Booster Pak Bash will be held from 5-8pm, with the Menace game starting at 7:30. Activities include games with prizes, face painting, clowns, raffle drawings, and live music by Foxboro. Freshly grilled burgers, hot dogs, soft drinks, and Gateway Market cookies will be available for purchase. Attendees can meet and get a professional picture taken with American Idol talent and hometown sweetheart, Katelyn Epperly! ($5 Suggested Donation.) Proceeds go to help reduce childhood hunger. For more information go to boosterpak.org.
Thursday, May 19
Farmers Market/Music in the Junction
At 4pm, more than 100 vendors will fill up the first three blocks of 5th Street in Valley Junction for the weekly Farmers Market that runs through September 29. Railroad Park then plays host to a beverage garden starting at 5:30 pm while Lesson Seven plays from 6pm-8:30pm for Music in the Junction. Free.
Friday, May 20
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 2-12) and Seniors (ages 13-21) are eligible to compete. The event will be held from 5:30pm – 9:00pm in the center court of the lower level of the mall. Registrations will be accepted starting Wednesday, April 20 at 9:30 am. Call Tammy at 515-440-5601 or email tammy@careersearchassoc.com for registration information.
Saturday, May 21
Les Misérables Concert Performance
This concert performance celebrates the 25th anniversary of this world-famous production and will be held at Valley Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. Donations of personal care products to West Des Moines Human Services are welcome.
Tuesday, May 24
The Big Bash
On May 22-25, 2011, Iowa will host the National Main Street Conference. Main Street Iowa will celebrate 25 years of developing one of the strongest Main Street Coordinating Programs in the country. As part of this celebration, Historic Valley Junction will be hosting the final evening of the conference (May 24) by holding the Main Street Bash. The focus of the event will be on the diversity of Iowa and will feature art, entertainment, music and food from the many cultures prevalent in our great state. The Tony Valdez Large Band will be performing on-stage in the 100 Block of 5th Street with the various cultures being represented throughout the remainder of the district. An estimated 1,500 individuals will be in attendance as part of the Main Street Conference. As well, the general public will be invited to attend.
Thursday, May 26
Farmers Market/Music in the Junction
At 4pm, more than 100 vendors will fill up the first three blocks of 5th Street in Valley Junction for the weekly Farmers Market that runs through September 29. Railroad Park then plays host to a beverage garden starting at 5:30 pm while Comfort Zone plays from 6pm-8:30pm for Music in the Junction. Free.
Saturday, May 28 – Sunday, May 29
Smokin’ in the Junction
Join us for two great days of barbecue and live music in Historic Valley Junction on May 28-29, from noon-10pm on Saturday, and noon – 9pm on Sunday. 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. There will be live music both days featuring Mickel Williams, The Blue Band, Comfort Zone, and Matt Woods and the Thunderbolts on the 28th, and the Vince Cline Trio, The El Dorados, and Brother Trucker on the 29th. An awards ceremony will follow the barbeque competition. 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.