Scroll here for a complete listing of events.
Schedule is subject to change.
Tuesday, May 1
Citizen of the Year Reception– The West Des Moines Citizen of the Year distinction has 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. A cocktail reception for the honoree will be held in the Council Chambers from 4:30pm-6:30pm.
Wednesday, May 2
Preschool Mother’s Day - Celebrate this special day for your Mom at the West Des Moines Library at 9:30 or 10:30am. We will help you make a surprise just for her! For ages 2-6 plus an adult. Registration begins on Wednesday, April 30. Free.
Thursday, May 3
Toddler’s Mother’s Day - Join us at the West Des Moines Library at 9:30am or 10:30am 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 Wednesday, April 30. Free.
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.
Friday, May 4
Des Moines Menace Soccer Game at 7:30pm - The Des Moines Menace begin their 19th 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 $5 if the word “amayzing” is used when ordering. Either call (515-457-6163) or email (tcm@menacesoccer.com) Todd Meiners 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.
Saturday, May 5
5th Annual 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 pm. For more details, visit YESSduckderby.org.
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 establishment years of Valley Junction. Visitors will enjoy Mexican foods, artwork, live music, dancing and other family activities. Fun starts at noon. Free.
Des Moines Menace Soccer Game at 7:30 pm - The Des Moines Menace begin their 19th 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 $5 if the word “amayzing” is used when ordering. Either call (515-457-6163) or email (tcm@menacesoccer.com) Todd Meiners 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.
Wednesday May 9
Lego Club - What CAN'T you build with Legos??!!? Join Nate in the Community Room and put your best block building skills to the test! Nate will even have a building challenge for you if you think you can handle it. Registration is required and begins on Wednesday, April 30. Please only register for one Lego Club each month. Free.
Thursday, May 10
Chamber Luncheon – The monthly Chamber luncheon will be held at Des Moines Golf & Country Club. $25/general admission; $20/member. Register online at www.wdmchamber.org.
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. Free.
Saturday, May 12
National Kidney Walk – The National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Walk is a fun, inspiring, community fund-raiser which calls attention to the prevention of kidney disease and the need for organ donation. It’s also an opportunity for patients, families, friends and businesses to come together to support the millions of Americans with chronic kidney disease. Join us on May 12th for the Central Iowa Kidney Walk at West Glen Town Center. Check-In is at 9am, and Walk begins at 10am. For more information visit www.westglentowncetner.com.
Des Moines Menace Soccer Game at 7:30pm- The Des Moines Menace begin their 19th 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 $5 if the word “amayzing” is used when ordering. Either call (515-457-6163) or email (tcm@menacesoccer.com) Todd Meiners 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.
Monday, May 14
Summer Reading Club Registration - Sign up for the summer reading club starting today! Everyone is welcome and sign-up continues through July. Stop into the library to pick up your reading log and other supplies and join us for a summer of creative fun!
Wednesday, May 16
Breakfast B4 Business– This event is typically only open to Chamber members, but in the month of May, everyone is welcome to attend. Breakfast B4 Business is an informal hour of business networking, held from 7:30am-8:30am. Held once a month at various member businesses throughout the West Des Moines area, the breakfast is free of charge. For the month of May, the event will be held at Greater Iowa Credit Union at 1630 22nd Street. Be sure to bring a handful of business cards and brochures to make the most of this great networking function. While there is no formal program or speaker at these events, you'll be able to hear chamber announcements, a brief introduction of the host business and maybe even win a great door prize! RSVP to office@wdmchamber.org or call 515-225-6009.
Thursday, May 17
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 18
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 19
Runzing IV - Get out and put some zing into your step and join us for this 5 and 10K Fun Run and Walk that will snake its way through the West Des Moines trails. Starting and ending from the WDM City Hall, this event will begin at 8am and provide awards for age group winners for men and women. The first 200 registered will receive a CamelBak water bottle and Wickify t-shirt. Post run goodies will be available as well. Register on line at www.runningroom.comSunday,May 20 or register with West Des Moines Parks and Recreation. For more information contact Todd at 222-3448.
Des Moines Menace Soccer Game at 7:30pm- The Des Moines Menace begin their 19th 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 $5 if the word “amayzing” is used when ordering. Either call (515-457-6163) or email (tcm@menacesoccer.com) Todd Meiners 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.
Sunday, May 20
Spring Art Market – From 11am to 5pm, 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.
Monday, May 21
WDM JOBS EXPO 2011 –The WDM JOBS EXPO, sponsored by the West Des Moines Development Connection will be held on May 21, 2012. Over 50 booths will be available. Registration information will be available March 1 at www.wdmchamber.org.
Wednesday, May 23
Lego Club - What CAN'T you build with Legos??!!? Join Nate in the Community Room and put your best block building skills to the test! Nate will even have a building challenge for you if you think you can handle it. Registration is required and begins on Wednesday, April 30. Please only register for one Lego Club each month. Free.
Thursday, May 24
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. Free.
Public Works Day in Valley Junction –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! PAWS will be back again this year (the really tall tiger Public Works mascot)!
Business After Hours– This event is typically only open to Chamber members, but in the month of May, anyone is welcome to attend. Business After Hours, from 5pm-7pm, is a great way to unwind after work, meet friends, and network with business associates and fellow Chamber members in a fun, casual atmosphere. Each Business After Hours event is hosted by a member company at their business location. For the month of May, the event will be held at Springhill Suites, 1236 Jordan Creek Parkway. There is no charge to attend, but advance reservations are always appreciated. RSVP to office@wdmchamber.org or call 515-225-6009.
Saturday, May 26 – Sunday, May 27
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.
Monday, May 28 (through June 3)
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 31 – June 5. Proceeds will benefit Blank Children’s Hospital, Bravo, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, United Way of Central Iowa, and Variety-The Children’s Charity. Tickets and more information are available at www.principalcharityclassic.com.
Tuesday, May 29
Family Night– Valley West Mall hosts a night of fun for the whole family from 5:30pm to 8pm. Inflatable rides, crafts, balloons, face painting and special guest, Tinkerbell are free to enjoy inside the mall on the lower level. Free.