Scroll here for a complete listing of events.

Schedule is subject to change.

Thursday, May 1

Farmers Market/Music in the Junction – At 4 pm over 100 vendors fill up the first three blocks of 5th Street in Valley Junction for the weekly Farmers Market that runs through September. Railroad Park then plays host to a beverage garden while the band, Comfort Zone plays from 6pm-8pm for Music in the Junction. Over 3000 people come to this very popular event each week. Free.

Friday, May 2

Clifford Visit - This big, red dog is always looking for new friends. Come to the West Des Moines Library for a delightful visit with this mischief-loving character from Norman Bridwell’s books. Don’t forget your camera! Fun begins at 1:30 pm for all preschoolers. No registration needed. Free.

Friday & Saturday, May 2 & 3

State Large Group Music Contest – Valley High School will be hosting this event that features orchestra, band, and choir in an adjudicated setting. There is an admission fee but all are welcome to watch the amazing talents of area musicians.

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday May 2-4

Holiday Park Baseball Club Spring Classic Tournament - Holiday Park Baseball Club is adding this new spring tournament to their schedule in 2008. This tournament is sanctioned as a USSSA NIT tournament. Please join the club for this innaugural event. For more details visit www.wdmbaseball.com.

Saturday, May 3
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.

Learnapalooza – This “fun, fabulous free annual event” sponsored by the West Des Moines Community School District’s Community Education at Southwoods School has traditionally been held in April, but with the advent of A-may-zingDays, this event is now the first Saturday of May from 9am to Noon. It 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. Highlights include inflatibles, animals, puppets, music, games, and fire trucks. Free.

Free Comic Book Day - Pick up your free Comic Book between 9am and 5pm on Saturday in the Children’s Department and the Teen Area at the West Des Moines Library. Free.

YESS Derby Duck Race presented by NCMIC Group, Inc. – Ten thousand ducks will be launched into the lake at Jordan Creek Town Center to race toward the finish line, and potentially a prize. (Maybe even a 2009 Toyota Matrix or a million dollars!) 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. Click here for a flyer.

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 fourth 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, dancing, and family activities. Fun starts at noon. Free. View the poster or press release.

Des Moines Menace Soccer Game (Menace v. Imperio at 6:30pm) -This year, the Des Moines Menace begin their 15th 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. The Menace also offer special group nights and discounts throughout the season. Single match tickets can be purchased at the game for $9 for adults and $7 for kids. For more information about the Des Moines Menace, and to order tickets, visit www.menacesoccer.com or call (515) 226-9890.Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4.

NADAC Sanctioned Dog Agility Trials – Join the City of West Des Moines Parks and Recreation and Paws and Effect in welcoming NADAC sanctioned dog agility trials to our community! Dogs compete in a variety of obstacle courses that include jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and contacts. Teams compete for speed as well as accuracy and, sometimes, strategy. This fabulous spectator and family friendly event will take place at Raccoon River Park. The trials will attract dogs and their owners from throughout the midwest. Events start at 7:00 am each morning and will likely conclude by 4:00 pm each day. There will be raffle drawings for several prize packages available to participants and the public. On site registrations for the trials will not be accepted. Dogs must register by April 30th. For registration or event information please contact Bryan Nelson at bgnelson@augusthome.com or Nicole Shumate at (515) 326-4190.

Mothers Bracelet Making Classes – Artistic Bead in historic Valley Junction (234 5th Street) will be hosting free mothers bracelet making classes from 11am-4pm. Materials not included. No registration is required. Show up and make a present for Mom! (Class also offered on May 10)

Sunday, May 4

Zing into Spring (2008 “Zing to Beijing”) - This brand new event, sponsored by First Bank, the WDM Chamber and WDM Parks & Recreation, is a family fitness and wellness event featuring a 5K fun run, 1 mile walk and health fair, headquartered on the lawn of City Hall. There will be tons of fun for the whole family with a kids zing zone, a DJ spinning the tunes, and much more. Bring your old eye glasses and hearing aids to donate as Lions Club will have a drop box available. This is a fundraising event for the WDM Chamber with a percentage of the proceeds this year being donated to help send Coach Qiao (the coach of WDM’s own Olympic hopeful, Shawn Johnson) to Beijing for the 2008 Olympics. Registration fee for the run/walk is $20 for adults and $15 for kids. Download the registration form for the run/walk here.

           
Monday, May 5

Honors Banquet – Every year the Lions Club hosts a banquet to honor the top thirty students in the City of West Des Moines. This year they’ve moved their event to May to coincide with A-may-zing Days. The students, their families, and the general public are invited to attend the ticketed event, which will be held at the West Des Moines United Methodist Church at 6:30pm and will feature John Gaps III, as the keynote speaker. Admission is $15. Please confirm reservation before May 3rd with Lions Club President, Bennett Ely at 225-1574 or 554-1075.

        
Tuesday, May 6

Night of Jazz – Dowling students will be putting on a concert at St. Francis of Assassi at 7pm. Free.
         
Wednesday, May 7

Toddler Mother’s Day – Come to the West Des Moines Library at 9:30 or 10:30 for a special day celebrating mothers! If under 3 years old, bring Mommy or other caregiver into the library for rhymes and songs and fun. Registration begins on Monday, May 5, 222-3405. Free.
       
Choral Concert - Dowling students will be putting on a concert at Sheslow Auditorium at 7:30pm.
      
Thursday, May 8

Farmers Market/Music in the Junction – At 4 pm over 100 vendors fill up the first three blocks of 5th Street in Valley Junction for the weekly Farmers Market that runs through September. Railroad Park then plays host to a beverage garden while the band, Jonny & Rectifiers plays from 6pm-8pm for Music in the Junction. Over 3000 people come to this very popular event each week. Free.

Cancer Benefit Concert - Tempest Rose and various Valley vocalists will be performing in the Valley High School Auditorium at 7pm. Proceeds will be go to the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Tickets are $5 at the door or pre-sale from Tim Sheet at 537-4755. Click here for a flyer.

Preschool Mother’s Day (May 8 & 9)- Celebrate this special day for mom at the West Des Moines Library. Kids can make a surprise just for her! For ages 2-6 plus an adult. Registration begins on Monday, May 5, 222-3405. Free. Thur. May 8 @ 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 pm; Fri. May 9 @ 10:30 am.

Saturday, May 10

Des Moines Menace Soccer Game (Menace vs. St. Louis at 2pm) -This year, the Des Moines Menace begin their 15th 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. The Menace also offer special group nights and discounts throughout the season. Single match tickets can be purchased at the game for $9 for adults and $7 for kids. For more information about the Des Moines Menace, and to order tickets, visit www.menacesoccer.com or call (515) 226-9890. 

Mothers Bracelet Making Classes – Artistic Bead in historic Valley Junction (234 5th Street) will be hosting free mothers bracelet making classes from 11am-4pm. Materials not included. No registration is required. Show up and make a present for Mom! (Class also offered on May 3).

Monday, May 12
Lapsit Time for Babies – Using rhymes, stories, music and puppetry, baby and caregiver can engage in language-rich activities designed for prewalking babies. At 9:30 and 10:30 am at the West Des Moines Library. Registration is required, 222-3405. Free.                        

Tuesday, May 13th
Colbie Caillat at the ValAir Ballroom – With her platinum debut album, Coco, and popular song, “Bubbly,” this American pop singer-songwriter and guitarist is sure to please audiences. With opening act, Trevor Hall, she’ll play the Val Air at 8pm. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $22.50. 

Thursday, May 15
Farmers Market/Music in the Junction – At 4 pm 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 while the band, Blues Bureau plays from 6pm-8pm for Music in the Junction. Over 3,000 people come to this very popular event each week. Free. 

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 dogs!) that help keep our community safe. Tours of the building (including the jail cells), and of course free food are available from 5-8pm. Free. Click HERE to download a flyer.        

Friday, May 16

Bill Riley Talent Show and Family Fun Fair – Valley West Mall will be the location for the talented people of our community to step up and compete for a shot at going to the State Fair’s Talent Show. Competitions will be held for both Sprouts (ages 2-12) and Seniors (ages 13-21) with the winners in each category advancing to compete at the Iowa State Fair. Bill Riley Jr. will emcee the competition and there will be lots of fun activities for the entire family. The event will be held from 6pm – 8:30pm in the lower level of the mall. Download a flyer.

Saturday, May 17
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 - noon. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for kids 12 and under.

Des Moines Menace Soccer Game (Menace vs. Springfield at 6:30pm) -This year, the Des Moines Menace begin their 15th 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. The Menace also offer special group nights and discounts throughout the season. Single match tickets can be purchased at the game for $9 for adults and $7 for kids. For more information about the Des Moines Menace, and to order tickets, visit www.menacesoccer.com or call (515) 226-9890.

Killswitch Engage at the Val Air – This metal band rose to fame with their 2004 release The End of Heartache, which peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200, and was certified gold in December 2007. The title track was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2005. Opening bands are Poison the Well, Throwdown, and The End. Doors open at 7pm; show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $20.50.     

Tuesday, May 20

Tom Karpan Relays – Open to children 5 – 12 years old, this event will take place at Valley High School track from 4:45-7pm. Registration starts on-site at 4:15. Free.

Tuesday & Wednesday, May 20 & 21
Shake, Rattle & Roll – You’ll be movin’ and groovin’ in this hand-clappin’, foot-stompin’ morning! At 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. at the West Des Moines Library for ages 1-4 (9:30) and ages 2-6 (10:30) with an adult. Registration begins on May 5, 222-3405. Free.

The Honda Civic Tour Starring Panic at the Disco at the Val Air Ballroom - With songs like the Top 10 single, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” and nonstop touring, Panic At The Disco saw A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out land in the Top 15 of the sales charts with more than 1.6 million in sales. Their video was awarded top honors with “Video of the Year” at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2006. Opening bands are Motion City Soundtrack, The Hush Sound, and Phantom Planet. Doors open at 6pm; show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $32.50.

Thursday, May 22
Farmers Market/Music in the Junction – At 4 pm 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 while the band, One Nite Stand, plays from 6pm-8pm 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 two years to inform attendees about their role in our City. Free.

Friday-Monday, May 23-26
Holiday Park Baseball Club Memorial Day Tournament - Holiday Park Baseball Club is hosting their 4th Annual Memorial Day Tournament over the Memorial Day Weekend.  This tournament is sanctioned as a USSSA NIT tournament. Please visit www.wdmbaseball.com for more details.

Saturday, May 24

Musical Event in Valley Junction – Once again, 5th Street in Valley Junction will transform into the site of a huge street party. There will be three bands playing throughout the day. The evening will peak with a performance by Kool and the Gang, who will sing such hits as “Get Down On It,” “Ladies Night,” and of course, “Celebration.” Gates open at 4pm; show starts at 5pm. Tickets are $15 until May 10th; $20 after May 10th; and $25 at the door. Tickets are available at any ticketmaster outlet, including the Val Air Ballroom. 

Opening bands are the local favorite, Flipside, followed by Karen Durrant’s Dreamgirls, who will feature tributes to Tina Turner, The Supremes, Donna Summer, and Martha Reeves.  Click here to purchase your tickets online now!  

Tuesday, May 27

Family Fun 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.

Tuesday, May 27 – June 1

PGA Champions Tour Principal Charity Classic – The Champions Tour will be back in West Des Moines at Glen Oaks Country Club May 28 – June 1. Pro-Am events will be held on Wednesday and Thursday with Champions Tour competition Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The schedule of events includes Celebrity Appearances, Demo Days, Clinics and Chuck “The Hit Man” Hiter Trick Shot Show.

The Principal Charity Classic is a community event and contributes greatly to the economic vitality and quality of life in central Iowa. The tournament also serves as a way to raise money for local non-profit organizations supporting children. In 2007, The Principal Charity Classic was able to donate $575,000 to the “FORE Our Kids” Charities. Proceeds of the 2008 event will benefit Blank Children’s Hospital, Bravo, Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, United Way and Variety-The Children’s Charity. Tickets are available at www.principalcharityclassic.com.

Wednesday, May 28

Outdoor Games! –3:45 at the West Des Moines Library. You’ll have a chance to play all kinds of outdoor games with your friends! Join us! For ages 5-8, registration is required and begins on May 5 at 222-3405, or you may register online beginning May 14.
                   

Thursday, May 29

2008 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 $350 if before April 1; $400 after April 1. 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. For more information or to register, click HERE.
      
Business After Hours - The West Des Moines Chamber’s Business After Hours will follow the 2008 West Des Moines Job Expo at the Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel from 5-7pm. There is no charge to attend this networking event, but please RSVP to the WDM Chamber office at 225-6009.

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 September. Railroad Park then plays host to a beverage garden while the band, Free Style plays from 6pm-8pm for Music in the Junction. Over 3000 people come to this very popular event each week. Free.

Friday, May 30 (and every following Friday through the summer)
Fridays at the Fountain - Celebrate your weekend freedom at West Glen’s Fountain Plaza every Friday this summer, starting the last Friday of May. We’re serving up rockin’ hot tunes and wildly cool drinks. $5.00 admission gets you a free drink ticket and awesome giveaways. West Glen retailers will be offering everything from extended hours and samples to prizes! See a poster with band listing here.

Gallery Reception - Olson-Larsen Galleries at 203 5th Street will host an opening reception for a solo exhibition of pastels by Bobbie McKibbin and the annual Summer Landscape Show featuring Gary Bowling, Dennis Dykema, Barbara Fedeler, David Gordinier, Steve Herrnstadt, Bill Innes, David Ottenstein, John Preston and Eugenie Torgerson from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, May 31

Musical Event at Jordan Creek Town Center - A Principal Charity Classic concert will take place in the lake district at Jordan Creek Town Center featuring a “Dueling Pianos” act at 6pm. The concert will conclude with a fireworks show. Free.

Valley View Aquatic Center and Holiday Park Aquatic Center Open! – Perhaps the calendar doesn’t say it is summer yet, but the opening day of community pools sure makes it feel like summer has arrived! Come celebrate the return of summer on this last day of May. Admission prices for both pools are $7 for ages 13 and up; $5 for seniors; $4 for 3-12 year olds; and free for kids under 3 years old.

Ladies Day Out in Historic Valley Junction – Ladies! Come enjoy a day just for you in Historic Valley Junction with classes, demonstrations, and treats. Call Cheryl Erickson at 334-0020 for more information.