DES MOINES, Iowa — Spring is in full bloom and our calendars are blossoming with possibilities. From sports to art, to furry friends and flowers, central Iowa residents will be busy bees this weekend.
Local 5 rounded up five events taking place in and around Des Moines this weekend to help you celebrate spring in style.
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: Various galleries in Valley Junction
- When: Friday, April 19, 5-8 p.m.
- Price: Free to attend
There are galleries galore in Historic Valley Junction, and on Gallery Night, patrons can explore all of them. Featuring eight galleries, this event will feature original artwork, custom jewelry, ceramics, glass and more.
Find a list of participating galleries here.
- Where: Wilson's Orchard & Farm (3201 15th Ave., Cumming)
- When: Friday, April 19, Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Price: $5
If you can't wait for Pella's Tulip Time, here's an opportunity to see some blooms this weekend. Wilson's Orchard & Farm just opened its Des Moines metro location this month, making the Tulip Festival its first big event.
Pick your own bouquet, enjoy the springtime photo ops and see everything the orchard has to offer.
- Where: Principal Park (1 Line Dr., Des Moines)
- When: Friday, April 19 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 20 at 3 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 at 1 p.m.
- Price: Tickets start at $10
Temperatures may be chilly this weekend, but nothing says summer quite like an Iowa Cubs game. This weekend, fans will have multiple opportunities to see the I-Cubs face off against Louisville.
And, if you attend Friday night, you can see some classic post-game fireworks.
- Where: Various locations
- Big Grove Brewery (555 17th St., Des Moines)
- Lua Brewing (1524 High St., Des Moines)
- Exile Brewing Company (1514 Walnut St., Des Moines)
- TeeHee's Comedy Club (1433 Walnut St., Des Moines)
- When: Sunday, April 21, 1-6 p.m.
- Price: Free to attend
Grab a drink and support local artists at this market on Sunday. Multiple vendors will be selling goods, including artwork, vintage items, home décor, jewelry and more, across participating venues.
Make a full afternoon of it by stopping at each location!
- Where: Knapp Center (2507 University Ave., Des Moines)
- When: Sunday, April 21, 2 p.m.
- Price: Free
It's time to crown the next Beautiful Bulldog! This annual contest kicks off the start of the Drake Relays. Judges, including Local 5's very own Stephanie Angleson, will determine which furry friend is the most beautiful bulldog of them all.
Turn out to cheer on these paw-sitively precious pups, and arrive early to enjoy a Rescue Dog Festival.