DES MOINES, Iowa — If you're in the mood for a laugh, a good shopping trip or a jaw-dropping show, central Iowa is the place to be this weekend.
Local 5 rounded up five events happening in and around Des Moines this weekend to help you put a spring in your step.
Have an event you want featured in Local 5's Weekend Guide? Text us at 515-457-1026 or email us at news@weareiowa.com.
- Where: Hy-Vee Hall (730 3rd Street, Des Moines)
- When: Friday, April 12, 2 p.m.-12 a.m.; Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m.-12 a.m. and Sunday, April 14, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Price: $27
Whether you're all inked up or still awaiting your first tattoo, this convention caters right to you. The event will feature tattoo artists and vendors from across the country, including big names such as DJ Tambe, a judge and three-time winner of Ink Master.
- Where: The Picker Knows (1208 Grand Ave., West Des Moines)
- When: Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Price: Free to attend
Get all your vintage goodies here! More than 20 vendors will set up shop at The Picker Knows, offering a curated selection of clothing and accessories spanning from the 1950s to the early 2000s. The event will also feature a cash bar, food from Hot Off The Presses and some special deals throughout the store.
- Where: The District Venue (1350 SW Vintage Parkway, Ankeny)
- When: Saturday, April 13, 7-11 p.m.
- Price: $20
Experience an evening of laughter and support a good cause at this comedy showcase. Organizers partnered with Mindspring Mental Health Alliance for this unique fundraising event, dedicated to raising awareness for mental health issues. Six Midwest-based comedians will perform, all in the spirit of educating the public about mental health and empowering those who struggle with mental illness.
- Where: Haunted Forest (1400 South 4th Street, Ames)
- When: Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, April 14, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
- Price: $25
Don your best costumes: It's almost time for the inaugural Ames Renaissance Faire. Organized by two Iowa State University students, the faire features more than 20 vendors selling pottery, crafts, art and more. Attendees can also grab meals from local food trucks and enjoy games such as foam sword fighting, axe throwing, knife throwing and more.
- Where: Wells Fargo Arena (730 Third Street, Des Moines)
- When: Saturday, April 13, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 14, 1 p.m.
- Price: Tickets start at $27
It doesn't get bigger than this: Monster Jam is returning to Des Moines for another weekend of thrilling shows. Dubbed "the most action-packed motorsports event on four wheels", Monster Jam shows will feature world-class drivers and epic monster trucks going head-to-head in intense competitions.