Scroll here for a complete listing of events.
Schedule is subject to change.
Friday, May 1
Holiday Park Baseball Club Spring Classic Tournament - For the second year in a row, the Holiday Park Baseball Club will be hosting this spring tournament at Holiday Park. This tournament is sanctioned as a USSSA NIT tournament for A/AA teams. This tournament is also a Global Sports WS Qualifier for AAA/Major teams. For more details visit their website.
Valley Drama Production (through May 3)– Valley High School Drama will perform The Grapes Of Wrath on May 1, 2, and 3 at the Valley Auditorium at 7pm. Desperately proud, but reduced to poverty by the loss of their farm, the Joad family piles their few possessions on a battered old truck and heads west for California, hoping to find work and better life. Despite the anguish and suffering and the stark realities of the Great Depression, the play becomes a soaring and deeply moving affirmation of the resilience of the human spirit and the goodness and strength of the "common man."
American Cancer Society Strides Eve Chef Event – This event at Village of Ponderosa features a silent auction, live auction, music, dancing, Pink Girls, food from chefs at Centro, Gateway Market, and Café’ de Scala. 7pm. Tickets are $50 per person. For tickets or more information, call 515-727-0048 or visit www.strideseve.com.
Saturday, May 2
Learnapalooza – This “Fun, Fabulous and Free Annual Event” sponsored by the West Des Moines Community School District’s Community Education will be held on May 2nd, 2009 from 9am to noon at Valley Southwoods School. Learnapalooza was originally planned as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th birthday of West Des Moines Community Education, but was so popular; it is now a yearly celebration. Help Community Education celebrate its 35th birthday by attending Learnapalooza 2009! Highlights include inflatable's, animals, puppets, music, games, and fire trucks. Free.
Rotary Pancake Breakfast - The West Des Moines Rotary will be sponsoring a pancake breakfast, featuring Chris Cakes, from 7:30am-11:00am at Valley Southwoods School – during Learnapalooza. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for kids.
Making Strides for 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.
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 fifth year, celebrates the Mexican heritage of the many railroad workers who moved to the area during the establishment years of Valley Junction. Visitors are invited to enjoy Mexican foods, artwork, live music featuring Latino Pride and Tony Valdez Large Band, dancing, and family activities. Fun starts at noon. Free.
Des Moines Menace Soccer Game (Menace v. Des Moines Latinos United at 7:30pm) –The Des Moines Menace begin their 16th 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 (515-457-6364) or email (ryg@menacesoccer.com) Bobby Godversen 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.
DowlingPalooza- This student-based music concert is put on by all Dowling students, not just those involved in performing arts. Free. Time and place TBA.
YESS Duck Derby – Twenty 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 $10,000 cash and there is even 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 2pm. For more information, go to YESSduckderby.org.
Sunday, May 3
Dimensions Show Choir Final Show– Dowling Catholic High School "Dimensions" show choir participants will perform one last time for the Dowling community during the final show. Free. Time TBA.
Jordan House Open House - The Jordan House, a restored Victorian mansion that now serves as a museum for the City of West Des Moines and as the office of the Historical Society, will be opening its doors for a special open house to kick off the open hours season. The house was the home of Valley Junction (now West Des Moines) founder, James Jordan and served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Docents will be available for questions throughout the house. 2pm-5pm.
Tuesday, May 5
Valley and Valley Southwoods Orchestra Concert – Held at Valley Auditorium at 7:30pm.
Wednesday, May 6
Choral Concert - Dowling students will be putting on a concert at Sheslow Auditorium at 7:30pm. Free.
Toddler Mother’s Day– Join us at the West Des Moines Library at 9:30 or 10:30 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 and begins on Monday, May 4. Free.
Valley and Valley Southwoods Vocal Music Spring Concert - All Valley High School and Valley Southwoods Choirs will perform at Valley Auditorium at 7pm.
Thursday, May 7
Farmers Market/Music in the Junction – At 4pm over 100 vendors fill up the first three blocks of 5th Street in Valley Junction for the weekly Farmers Market that runs through October 1st. Railroad Park then plays host to a beverage garden starting at 5:30 pm while the band, Back in the Day featuring Del “Saxman” Jones plays from 6pm-8:30 pm for Music in the Junction. Over 3,000 people come to this very popular event each week. Free.
Pre-School Mother's Day (also May 8) - Celebrate this special day for your MOM at the West Des Moines Library. Participants will make a surprise just for her with the help of library staff. Ages 2-6 plus an adult. The May 7 event is at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm; the May 8 event is at 10:30 am only. Registration begins on Monday, May 4. Free.
Ready, Set, Plant! - What's your landscaping plan this spring? We are here to talk about container gardens for spring and summer landscaping, as well as flowers, shrubs and trees! Join us at 440 Fairway Drive, Village of Ponderosa Sales Center. Hosted by Sharon Klaus, Village of Ponderosa and speakers from Wright Outdoor Solutions (www.wrightoutdoorsolutions.com). To attend, please RSVP at info@villageofponderosa.com or call 515.278.8505 ext. 845.
Friday, May 8
Large Group Festival: Orchestra – Valley High School will be hosting this event that features orchestra in an adjudicated setting. There is an admission fee but all are welcome to watch the amazing talents of area musicians. Held at Valley High School from 5pm-10pm.
Notes from West Glen Town Center - This ongoing event will feature local musicians at Caribou Coffee from 6pm to 8:30pm. This is a free performance by Rob Lumbard. $1.00 from every drink sold at Caribou Coffee benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Stop in to register for free drawings. Caribou Coffee is located at 5545 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 105. For more information contact Caribou at 515-225-1219.
Saturday, May 9
Zing into Spring - This second annual WDM Chamber event is a family fitness and wellness event featuring a 5K fun run/walk headquartered on the lawn of City Hall. Participants of all ages are welcome. Registration fee for the run/walk is $15 for adults and $10 for kids aged 12 and under. T-Shirts and treats for all paid registrants. Registration starts at 7am; walk/run starts at 8am. Contact Julie Weeks at the West Des Moines Chamber at 225-6009 for more information.
Des Moines Menace Soccer Game (Menace vs. Rochester Thunder at 7:30pm) -This year, the Des Moines Menace begin their 16th 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 (515-457-6364) or email (ryg@menacesoccer.com) Bobby Godversen 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.
Pancake Breakfast – The Lions Club and Eddie Davis Community Center will be hosting a pancake breakfast at the Eddie Davis Community Center in Valley Junction from 8am – 11:30am. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for kids 12 and under.
Tuesday, May 12
Lapsit Time for Babies – Using rhymes, stories, music and puppetry, we will engage baby and caregiver in language-rich activities designed for pre-walking babies. At the West Des Moines Library at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Registration is required. Free.
A Night of Jazz – Dowling students will be putting on a concert at St. Francis of Assassi at 7pm. Free.
Stilwell 7th Grade Choir Concerts – Held at Stilwell Auditorium at 6:30pm and 8pm.
Indian Hills Night of One Acts – Held at Indian Hills Auditorium at 7pm.
Grade 6 Honor Concert – Band, Orchestra, Choirs, and Handbells will perform at Valley Auditorium at 7pm.
Wednesday, May 13
After School Adventures- Get ready for a special treat at the WDM Library's May After School Adventure for ages 5 and up. The event is at 4 pm. Registration is required and begins May 4. Free.
Notes from West Glen Town Center - This ongoing event will feature local musicians at Caribou Coffee from 6pm to 8:30pm. This is a free performance by Chris Ranallo. $1.00 from every drink sold at Caribou Coffee benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Stop in to register for free drawings. Caribou Coffee is located at 5545 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 105. For more information contact Caribou at 515-225-1219.
Lakeside Live at Gateway Market and Village of Ponderosa – Rob Lumbard will be playing from 5-8pm.
Thursday, May 14
National 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.
Farmers Market/Music in the Junction – At 4pm over 100 vendors 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 pm while the band, Comfort Zone plays from 6pm-8:30 pm for Music in the Junction. Over 3,000 people come to this very popular event each week. Free.
Kids Club Read!- If you love to read and talk about books, this program at the West Des Moines Library is for you! For ages 8-12. 4:15 p.m. Register anytime in the Children’s Department. Free.
Grade 4 Orchestra Concerts – Held at Valley Southwoods Gym at 6:30pm and 7:30pm.
Indian Hills Spring Choral Concert – Held at Valley Auditorium at 7pm.
Stillwell 8th Grade Chorus, Men’s Choir, and Show Choir Concert – Held at Stilwell Auditorium at 7pm.
Friday, May 15
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. One change to the competition this year is that there will be three divisions: Sprouts (ages 2-5), Juniors (ages 6-14), and Seniors (ages 15-21). Winners in the Juniors and Seniors category will advance to compete at the Iowa State Fair. The Sprouts will be competing for experience only. Once again, Bill Riley Jr. will emcee the competition. The event will be held from 5:30pm – 8:30pm in the center court of the lower level of the mall. Registrations will be accepted starting Monday, April 6th at 10am. Call Tammy at 440-5601 or email tammy@careersearchassoc.com for registration information.
Fill the Mayflower - Fill the Freestore (through May 17)– 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 nonprofit organizations. Hours: Friday 9 am to 9 pm; Saturday 8 am to 8 pm; and Sunday 1 pm to 4 pm.
Improv Show - Join the Valley High School Drama Family as they take center stage at Valley Auditorium at 7pm for an evening of improv. If you like "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" the Improv Show will certainly tease your taste buds. Join us.
Valley High School and Valley Southwoods String Solo and Ensemble Festival – Valley High School will be hosting this event that features orchestra students (grades 9-12) in an adjudicated setting. All are welcome to watch the amazing talents of area musicians. 4pm – 8pm. Free.
Martinifest – Join West Glen Town Center and Cityview from 5 pm to 9 pm for the Second Annual Martini Fest! Travel throughout West Glen sampling some of the best martini sips and food bites Des Moines has to offer! Enjoy live entertainment, fresh cuisine, chic retail, gifts and prizes! Tickets can be purchased at Cabaret West Glen and the West Glen Leasing Office. Get your tickets early for only $20 or $25 the day of the event. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. For more information contact 515-223-7885.
Saturday, May 16
Des Moines Menace Soccer Game (Menace vs. Real Colorado at 7:30pm) -This year, the Des Moines Menace begin their 16th 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 (515-457-6364) or email (ryg@menacesoccer.com) Bobby Godversen 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.
Walking Tour in Valley Junction - ‘This Place Matters.’ Join your friends and neighbors in Historic Valley Junction as we acknowledge and celebrate National Preservation Month. Our inaugural Historic Walking Tours will be held at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Learn about the history, fun facts, and trivia surrounding the landmark buildings. Our tour will take approximately 60 minutes and requires walking throughout our historic business district. Tours will begin and end at Historic City Hall, located at 137 5th Street, immediately south of the Theatrical Shop. Please RSVP to 222-3642 or office@valleyjunction.com. A suggested donation of $5 per person will be donated to the Historic City Hall renovation fund.
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 10:30am until 1:00pm at Station 19, located at 8055 Mills Civic Parkway. There will be a memorial ceremony from 10:30 until 11:00 on the south side of the building to honor fellow EMS providers who are having their names placed on the EMS Memorial. From 11:00 until 1:00 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.
Sunday, May 17
Spring Art Market – From 11 am to 5 pm 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 19
Shake, Rattle, & Roll (also May 20) - You’ll be movin’ and groovin’ in this hand-clappin’, foot-stompin’ morning! At the West Des Moines Library at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. For ages 1-4 (9:30) and ages 2-6 (10:30) with an adult. Registration begins May 4. Free.
Valley Choir Awards/Senior Recital - Held at Valley Auditorium at 6pm.
Stilwell Band Concerts – Held at Stilwell Auditorium at 6:30pm (7th graders) and 8pm (8th graders).
Wednesday, May 20
Lakeside Live at Gateway Market and Village of Ponderosa – Rob Lumbard will be playing from 5-8pm.
Thursday, May 21
Farmers Market/Music in the Junction – At 4pm over 100 vendors 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 pm while the band, El Dorados plays from 6pm-8:30 pm for Music in the Junction. Over 3,000 people come to this very popular event each week. Free.
Public Works Day in Valley Junction –During 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. They also provide various displays, as well as games for kids and adults. The Metro Waste Authority and Artistic Waster have also been on hand the last three years to inform attendees about their role in our City. Free.
Fish Tales (also May 22) – Oliver the Sheepdog is going fishing and wants you to come along! A rollicking storytime for preschoolers, ages 2-6. At the West Des Moines Library at 10:30 am. Registration is required and begins on Monday, May 4. Free.
Indian Hills 7th and 8th Grade Spring Band Concert – Held at Indian Hills Auditorium at 6:30pm.
Stilwell Orchestra Concert – Held at Stilwell Auditorium at 7:30pm.
Valley and Valley Southwoods Spring Fling Thing – This concert and awards celebration will be held at the State Historical Building. Time TBD.
Friday, May 22
Holiday Park Baseball Club Memorial Day Tournament (through May 25)- Holiday Park Baseball Club is hosting their 5th Annual Memorial Day Tournament over the Memorial Day Weekend. This tournament is sanctioned as a USSSA NIT tournament. Please visit their website for more details.
Notes from West Glen Town Center - This ongoing event will feature local musicians at Caribou Coffee from 6pm to 8:30pm. This is a free performance by Rob Lumbard. $1.00 from every drink sold at Caribou Coffee benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Stop in to register for free drawings. Caribou Coffee is located at 5545 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 105. For more information contact Caribou at 515-225-1219.
Saturday, May 23
Smokin' in the Junction– Join us for a great day of barbecue and live music in Historic Valley Junction. This event will include a barbecue competition with cash prizes, food vendors, exhibitors, beverage garden and live music. The cook-off is limited to 30 contestants with 100% prize payout and will be held rain or shine. The Eldorados, Broken Spokes with Rob Lumbard and Wes Jordan, Matt Woods and the Thunderbolts, and The Blue Band will take the stage in Railroad Park from noon to 10:00 pm. 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. Download a flyer here.
Tuesday, May 26
Family Night – Valley West Mall hosts a night of fun for the whole family from 5:30 – 8:00pm. Inflatable rides, crafts, balloons, face painting and costumed characters are free to enjoy inside the mall on the lower level. Free.
Lapsit Time for Babies - Using rhymes, stories, music and puppetry, WDM Library staff will engage baby and caregiver in language-rich activities designed for prewalking babies. 9:30 am and 10:30 am. Registration is required. Free.
PGA Champions Tour Principal Charity Classic (through May 31)– The Principal Charity Classic (A PGA Champions Tour Event)– The Champions Tour will be back in West Des Moines at Glen Oaks Country Club May 26 – 31. Proceeds of the 2009 event will benefit Blank Children’s Hospital, Bravo, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, United Way and Variety-The Children’s Charity. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Tuesday, May 26 – The Bank of New York Mellon Celebrity Pro-Am, LWBJ Premier Celebrity Shoot-Out. Wednesday, May 27 – Pro-Am. Thursday, May 28 – Pro-Am. Friday, May 29 – First Round, Young Professional Social Networking Event, Live Concert. Saturday, May 30 – Second Round, Chuck “The Hitman” Trick Shot Show. Sunday, May 31 – Final Round, Trip to the Masters Giveaway. Tickets and more information are available at www.principalcharityclassic.com.
Wednesday, May 27
Outdoor Games - If you’re a game-lover, you’ll be a winner in this afternoon filled with all kinds of games. For ages 5-8 at the West Des Moines Library at 3:45 pm. Registration required. Free.
Notes from West Glen Town Center - This ongoing event will feature local musicians at Caribou Coffee from 6pm to 8:30pm. This is a free performance by Maximilian Eubank. $1.00 from every drink sold at Caribou Coffee benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Stop in to register for free drawings. Caribou Coffee is located at 5545 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 105. For more information contact Caribou at 515-225-1219.
Lakeside Live at Gateway Market and Village of Ponderosa – Max Wellman will be playing from 5-8pm.
Thursday, May 28
2009 West Des Moines JOBS EXPO– The West Des Moines Development Corporation and Iowa Workforce Development will sponsor a JOBS EXPO from 10am-4pm at the Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel. Registration for employers is $400 if before May 15; $450 after May 15. There is a reduced exhibit fee of $350 for nonprofit/volunteer organizations. Registration includes a six foot table, 2 chairs, and 2 boxed lunches. Jobseekers are encouraged to attend at any time during the six hours to visit with area employers.
Farmers Market/Music in the Junction – At 4pm over 100 vendors 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 pm while the band, Jonny & the Rectifiers plays from 6pm-8:30 pm for Music in the Junction. Over 3,000 people come to this very popular event each week. Free.
It's Magic - We’ll be exploring all kinds of magic and we invite you to bring some of your own to share. For ages 5-10 at the West Des Moines Library at 4:15 pm. Registration is required. Free.
Friday, May 29
Fridays at the Fountain - Celebrate your weekend freedom at West Glen’s Fountain Plaza every Friday this summer. We’re serving up rockin’ hot tunes and wildly cool drinks. Five dollars for admission gets you awesome giveaways, samples and prizes! This week, enjoy the deft pop sensibility of Chicago-based singer and songwriter Dick Prall, as he sings about the good, bad, and ugly. He will be performing his well known hit, “The Cornflakes Song.” Come early and Shop Before You Rock, taking advantage of shopping specials at participating retailers from 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Fridays at the Fountain is located on Stone Brooke Terrace, behind Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. For additional information call 515-223-7885.
Saturday, May 30