Festivale Cinco de Mayo – Saturday, May 1

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 Latino Pride and Tony Valdez Large Band, 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.

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.

Public Works Day in Valley Junction - Thursday, May 20

In celebration of National Public Works Week, the West Des Moines Public Works Department displays all types of Public Works equipment on 5th Street during the Farmers' Market in Valley Junction. Free family fun with games for children and adults! Explore the large equipment and learn about streets, solid waste, snow plowing, City mapping - the many aspects of Public Works! This year PAWS (the really tall tiger Public Works mascot) will be back!

Smokin' in the Junction- Saturday, May 29 and 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. 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.