Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in May

Tulips are blooming, spring is settling in, and we hope Iowa decides to take a break from the wind. While we wait for that to happen, plan your May in Des Moines today with tulip festivals, a Cinco De Mayo celebration, giant kites and plenty other family-friendly events.

Where: Des Moines Civic Center

When: Monday, May 19 at 6 p.m.

Cost: Varies. Purchase tickets here.

Get ready, Des Moines! Blippi is back with an all-new musical adventure in Blippi: Join the Band Tour, live at Des Moines Performing Arts. Perfect for young fans, this high-energy show invites kids to grab their drumsticks, tune up their guitars, and sing along as Blippi and his friends explore the world of music through dancing, learning, and endless fun. Don’t miss this interactive, family-friendly experience that will have everyone on their feet!

Tulip Time 2025

Address: Pella, IA

When: Thursday, May 1-Saturday, May 3

Cost: Free to attend

Purchase tickets in advance for shows and tours.

Kick May off with Pella’s Annual Tulip Time Festival. This annual festival brings people from all over to see over 380,00 tulips. Don’t miss the parades in Downtown Pella at 2:45 PM and 8:30 PM. See all the tulips on Tulip Avenue in Central Park, Sunken Gardens Park and Brinkhoff Park. See performances in the afternoon and evening at the Tulip Toren on Franklin Street. New this year is an art installation at Brinkhoff Park of a large wooden shoe with a bench inside, a great place for pictures. Find all our tips for attending the festival here. If you want to avoid the crowds but still see the tremendous amount of tulips, then go the weekend before the festival to see all the tulips in bloom.

Tulip Festival at Wilson’s Orchard & Farm

Address: 3201 15th Ave, Cumming, IA 50061

When: Thursday, May 1-Sunday, May 4

Thursday, May 1, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Friday, May 2, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Saturday, May 3, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM
Sunday, May 4, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM

Cost:

Ages 3+ | $5
Online prepaid admission, ages 3+ | $3*
2 & Under | Free

Tulip Bouquets (12 stems)

You-Pick | $18
Pre-picked | $22

We are slightly obsessed with Wilson’s Orchard & Farm so you better believe we will be heading to their Tulip Festival this month. Wander through their beautiful fields of tulips. Pick your own or buy pre-picked bouquets. Kids can play at the play barn. Stop at the Farm Market for locally-sourced goods. Finish your visit to their Ciderhouse for a crisp cider and a sourdough crust pizza. The views, service, and atmosphere can’t be beaten.

Baby Animal Days at Center Grove Orchard

Address: Center Grove Orchard, 32835 610th Ave, Cambridge, IA 50046

When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, May 3- May 26, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Cost: Tickets are $9.95 each (3 and older need a ticket)

Spring is a time for new beginnings, and that means baby animals! Head to Center Grove Orchard for their Baby Animal Days. This event will allow children (and adults) the joy of playing with baby lambs, chicks, goats, kittens, bunnie,s and many other animals in a safe environment. Jump in the corn pool, take a scenic hayride, or try the Honey Beeline (zipline)! Don’t forget to stop in at their Country Store for a delicious treat.

Cinco De Mayo at Valley Junction

Address: Valley Junction, West Des Moines, IA 50265

When: Saturday, May 3, 12:00 PM-10:00 PM

Cost: Free to attend
The Historic Valley Junction Foundation presents its annual Cinco De Mayo Festival, a chance to celebrate the Mexican heritage of many railroad workers during the establishment years of Valley Junction. Enjoy Mexican foods, artwork, live music, dancing and family activities.

Kites on the Green

Address: Johnston Commons Park, 6700 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131

When: Saturday, May 3, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Cost: Free to attend

Attend the 12th annual Kites on the Green festival in Johnston. Enjoy a giant kite show, free kite building, live music, stunt performances, and an inflatable obstacle course. You can try running with the bols. This is where you wear a parachute and run against the wind, racing against two other participants. Check out the list of events here.

Greenbelt Music Festival

Address: 2100 NW 100th St, Clive, Iowa 50325

When: Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17

Cost: Tickets start at $89 each (12 and under are free)

Listen to live music inside and out at the Greenbelt Music Festival. There will be over 20 bands performing throughout the two days. You can purchase one or two-day passes. Other fun activities include the famous Greenbelt Goats, a kids’ zone, face painting, and food trucks.

Ankeny Art Center Arts Festival

Address: Uptown Ankeny

When: Saturday, May 17, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Cost: Free

Head to Historic Uptown Ankeny for the Ankeny Art Center Arts Festival! The highlight of the day will, of course, be the artists. Visit with a variety of art vendors working in mediums including painting (acrylic, oil, pastel, etc.), ceramics, woodworking, jewelry, mixed media, metal works, glass, digital, and many others. View art demonstrations, shop, have delicious food, and enjoy live music at this annual festival.

CelebrAsian Festival

Address: Western Gateway Park, 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

When: Friday, May 23-Saturday, May 24

Cost: Free admission
Experience the 22nd annual CelebrAsian Festival at Western Gateway Park. Devour authentic foods, learn at the cultural exhibits, listen to live entertainment, play at the inflatables and take part in other family-friendly activities. Nationwide is providing free parking at their 1100 Walnut employee ramp.

Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in May