Top 8 Things to Do This Spring in Des Moines for Adults
Each month, we curate a list of 8 things to do around Des Moines. Well, kids don’t get to have all the fun. Parents need fun too! So we compiled a list of fun things for adults to do around Des Moines this spring. Whether your idea of fun is sipping local brews, swimming without the kids, or wandering through a garden, we have something for you.
1. First Fridays in the East Village
Address: East Village, Des Moines, IA
When: Fridays, May 2, June 6, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Head to the East Village for First Fridays. Each week, businesses will stay open late and offer a variety of specials, such as $2 off margaritas at the Nightingale Cocktail or live music at Vibrant Coffeehouse & Kitchen. There is free parking in the lot across from the Historical Building or metered parking on the streets.
2. Chill on the Hill
Address: Copper Creek Lake Park, 4390 E University Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
When:
- May 30, June 6, June 13, June 20, June 27, 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Cost: $12 each (includes a drink ticket)
Chill on the Hill is a concert series at Copper Creek Lake Park that is just for the 21 and over crowd. Each week, there will be a different band, beer, and food. The first night, May 30, is Healthcare Workers Night. June 20 will be Educators’ Night. And the final night, June 27, is First Responders Night. The first 50 people to show a proper ID will receive free admission each of those nights.
3. Iowa Craft Brew Festival
Address: Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50321
When: Saturday, June 7th, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Cost: Tickets are $50 each
Iowa Craft Brew Festivalis a 21+ event at Water Works Park. Taste over 70 local craft beers while hanging out with friends. Aside from beer, there will be hop water, cider, wine, seltzer, and non-alcoholic beverages. Food trucks will also be on site. Tickets include a tasting glass, unlimited beer samples, a silent disco, and games. VIP tickets are available for $65. That gives you early access to the festival from 12:00 PM-1:00 PM. Designated driver tickets are only $20.
4. Mainframe Studios First Fridays
Address: 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: First Fridays of the month, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Spend a Friday evening at Mainframe Studios. Enjoy live music, food, drinks, themed exhibitions, five floors of artists and unique shopping possibilities.
5. Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden
Address: 1716 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Open May-September, Fridays, 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Cost: Free
Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden is a quiet retreat in busy Downtown Des Moines. It is a display garden, used as the photography studio for Better Homes & Gardens. The courtyard has benches and patio seating available for visitors. The garden boasts a variety of plant varieties, including a vegetable and herb garden.
6. Zoo Brew at Blank Park Zoo
Address: Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
When: Wednesdays in June and July, the first two Wednesdays in August, 6:00 PM-9:30 PM
Cost: Tickets are $20 each or free if a member (Must be 21+ to attend)
Enjoy a night out in the middle of the week at Zoo Brew. Zoo Brew is a fundraising event for Blank Park Zoo that features live music and local brews. When you purchase a beer, you are directly helping support the zoo. Animals will be out until 30 minutes before sunset. See our take on a date night at Zoo Brew here.
7. Adults Only Swim
Address: Cascade Falls Aquatic Center, 2350 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023
When: Wednesdays, June 11, July 9, 7:15 PM-9:15 PM
Cost: $5 each or season pass (Must be 18 + over to attend)
Make a splash at the Adults Only Swim at Cascade Falls Aquatic Center. Swim some laps, make a cannonball splash, or just enjoy time in the pool without the chaos of children.
8. Des Moines Biergarten
Address: Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50321
When: *Depending on the weather
- Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3:00 PM-9:00 PM
- Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Located on the east side of Lauridsen Amphitheater under a canopy of trees, Des Moines Biergarten is a pop-up German-themed Beer Garden offering steins of beer and German-inspired eats. This is family-friendly, but it might be fun to just go with friends.
