Scroll here for a complete listing of events.

Schedule is subject to change.

Friday, April 30 - A-MAY-Zing Days Eve

Chamber Awards – Citizen of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award – The West Des Moines Citizen of the Year Awards have been given to a deserving individual in our community each year since 1945. Citizens from all walks of life have been honored for their exemplary service, dedication and contributions made to the City of West Des Moines. Nominations are taken annually from the general public, and given to a selection committee comprised of representatives of various segments of West Des Moines. This award recipient has traditionally been honored in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner in January. However, this year, the Award Reception will be held on April 30th – A-May-Zing Day’s Eve, to formally kick off the entire month of celebration within West Des Moines.

Saturday, May 1

HPBC Spring Classic Tournament (April 30 – May 2) - For the third year in a row, the Holiday Park Baseball Club will be hosting this spring tournament at Holiday Park. The tournament is sanctioned as a USSSA NIT tournament for A/AA and AAA/Major teams. For details, visit www.wdmbaseball.com.

NADAC Dog Agility Trials - Dogs will be running wild at Raccoon River Park as they make their way over, under and through a variety of obstacles in attempts to be the fastest doggy on the course! Dogs of all shapes, sizes and colors will try their hardest to be “top dog” on a variety of agility courses based on North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC) regulations. The obstacles consist of a dog walk, A-frame, jumps, tunnels, hoops and weave poles. The goal is for the dog and owner to complete the course fast and error-free as they accumulate points for ribbons, titles and awards. It's all for fun and a great event for everyone involved. Spectators are welcome to watch and cheer on the dogs! For details, contact Bryan Nelson at (515) 491-7258 or bgnelson@augusthome.com.

YESS Duck Derby – YESS Duck Derby - Twenty-five thousand rubber ducks will be launched into the lake at Jordan Creek Town Center to race toward the finish line, and potentially a prize. (Some lucky duck will win $10K and a chance for a million dollar prize!) Ducks can be adopted for $5 each or $25 for a six quack. Proceeds will benefit YESS, an agency committed to keeping children safe and families together. Fun starts at noon; race starts at 2 p.m. For details, visit YESSduckderby.org.

“Putting Your Best Food Forward” – More details later. West Des Moines Leadership Academy organizing event at West Glen….

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.

Bennett School Rummage Sale

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer at Village of Ponderosa – This 5k/3-mile walk begins at 9am with registration beginning at 8am. To register or for more information call 515-727-0048 or visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline.

Wednesday, May 5

Toddler Mother’s Day – Join us at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. for a special day celebrating mothers! If you are under 3 years old, bring your Mommy (or other caregiver) into the library for rhymes and songs and fun. Registration is required.

Thursday, May 6 & Friday, May 7

Preschool Mother’s Day at the West Des Moines Library- Celebrate this special day for your MOM! We will help you make a surprise just for her! For ages 2-6, plus an adult at 10:30 a.m. Registration begins on Monday, May 4.

Thursday, May 6

Farmers Market/Music in the Junction – At 4 p.m., 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 Sept. 30. Railroad Park then plays host to a beverage garden starting at 5:30 p.m. while the band plays from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. for Music in the Junction. 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.

Monday, May 10

Outdoor Games – 4:15 p.m. If you’re a game-lover, you’ll be a winner in this afternoon filled with all kinds of games. For ages 5-8. Registration required.

Tuesday, May 11

Lapsit Time for Babies – 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Using rhymes, stories, music and puppetry, we will engage baby and caregiver in language-rich activities designed for pre-walking babies. Registration is required.

Wednesday, May 12

Lakeside Live at Gateway Market and Village of Ponderosa – live music 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. Registration is required.

After School Adventures – at 4:15 p.m. Get ready for a special treat at our May “After School Adventure “for ages 5 and up. Registration is required.

Farmers Market/Music in the Junction – At 4 p.m., 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 October 2nd. Railroad Park then plays host to a beverage garden starting at 5:30 p.m. while the band plays from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. for Music in the Junction. Free

Police Week Observance - The West Des Moines Police invite the community to the Law Enforcement Center for an opportunity to meet the officers (and the dog!) that help keep our community safe and to honor fallen officers. Tours of the building will be available, as will free food for as long as it lasts. The event runs from 5-8pm. Free.

Chamber Luncheon - This event is typically only open to Chamber members, but in the month of May, anyone is welcome to attend. Held once a month at the West Des Moines Golf & Country Club, the luncheon features a speaker and is also a great opportunity to meet and greet your fellow business professionals. The luncheon is $20/person. Register with julie@wdmchamber.org or call 515-225-6009.

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. 
    

Fill the Mayflower - Fill the Freestore (through May 16) - Bring donations to Valley West Mall for the Freestore which supplies free furniture, kitchen items and linen items to people coming out of the Family Violence Center, as well as to many other not-for-profit organizations. Hours: Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

     
Saturday, May 15
 
EMS Week Open House - Iowa Emergency Medical Services Association (IEMSA), West Des Moines EMS and Westcom are hosting an open house in honor of EMS Week. The open house will take place from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Station 19, located at 8055 Mills Civic Parkway. There will be a memorial ceremony from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the south side of the building to honor fellow EMS providers who are having their names placed on the EMS Memorial. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be an open house, BBQ lunch, inflatable bounce house, clown with face painting and balloons, both Life Flight and Mercy One and Station 19 tours. Parking will be available at the Valley View Aquatics Center (255 81st Street) with free shuttle service to the station.

Des Moines Menace Soccer Game (Menace vs. Rochester Thunder at 7:30pm) - The Des Moines Menace begin their 17th season as Iowa’s premier soccer team. Playing in the Premier Development League (PDL), the team focuses on the training and advancement of amateur soccer players who aspire to play professionally. This season, Des Moines Menace games will be played at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines. There are a variety of ticket packages – season tickets, flex packs (six tickets for the price of five), or VIP Table tickets. Single match tickets can be purchased at the game for $9 for adults and $7 for kids. Through the month of May, adult tickets are $7 if the word “amayzing” is used when ordering. Either call (515-457-6163) or email (sjf@menacesoccer.com) Steve Fulton to order “amayzing” tickets. Please indicate which May game, number of tickets, and a phone number to call back. Tickets will be available at will call. For more information about the Des Moines Menace visit www.menacesoccer.com or call 515-226-9890.
   
National Kidney Foundation Kidney Walk – The inaugural Kidney Walk in West Des Moines is a fundraiser designed to raise both awareness and dollars for the fight against kidney disease. More than 100 Kidney Walks are held across the country each year, and the number is growing. All walkers are encouraged to raise as much money as possible from family, friends, co-workers and business associates in support of their participation in the Walk. All Walkers who raise $100 or more will receive an event t-shirt. Additional incentive prizes will be awarded after the Walk. Form a team! All you need is a Team Name, a Team Captain and you can recruit team members. Pre-registration is strongly recommended, as there will be limited on-site registration on the day of the Walk. To register or get more information, please visit www.kidneywalk.org. Registration starts at 9am; walk starts at 10am. If you’d like to volunteer, call 267-275-7892 for details.
  
Sunday, May 16