DES MOINES, Iowa — Spring is here, and with the changing of the seasons comes a variety of new events in and around the metro.
Local 5 has rounded up five events happening in and around Des Moines this weekend to help you ring in spring.
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: Cowles Commons (313 Walnut St., Des Moines)
- When: Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Price: Free to attend
March Madness is here, which means it's time for the 7th annual Hoops and Hops, presented by Willis Nissan. The event will feature a heated tent with large screen TVs, as well as music, two basketball courts and food trucks. Gather with fellow basketball fans and don your team's colors for this watch party like no other.
- Where: Smash Park (6625 Coachlight Dr., West Des Moines)
- When: Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m.
- Price: $15
Celebrate man's best friend and meet adoptable dogs at this paw-sitively adorable event. Dogs from the Hope Animal Rescue will mingle with attendees while you participate in a guided yoga class. As a bonus, $10 of your ticket price will go back to the rescue. Bring your own mat or a towel to get in on the fun!
- Where: 4250 114th St., Urbandale
- When: Saturday, March 23, 3-5 p.m.
- Price: Free
The Spring Egg Event works to make egg hunts inclusive for all kids. This free event will feature an egg hunt for children with special needs, including a quiet egg hunt for those with sensory processing issues; a beeping egg hunt for children who are visually-impaired and a magnetic egg hunt for kids with mobility restrictions. In addition, attendees can enjoy food, carnival games and other activities.
WATCH: 2023 Special Egg Event
- Where: Merle Hay Mall (3800 Merle Hay Rd., Des Moines)
- When: Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Price: Free to attend
Whether you're a fan of comics, role playing, video games or cosplay, the Des Moines Comic & Toy Show promises to be a full celebration of pop culture. Organized by Quad Con, the Des Moines event boasts will feature more than 90 vendors and artists.
In addition, cosplayers of all ages can get involved in the Cosplay Contest at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Adults can register here and kids 13 years or younger can register here.
The celebration has been postponed until Saturday, March 30 due to forecasted rain and temperatures, organizers confirmed with Local 5 on Friday.
- Where: Hindu Temple & Cultural Center of Iowa (33882 155th Lane, Madrid)
- When: Sunday, March 30
- Price: Free to attend
Bring some color to your weekend and learn more about your Hindu neighbors at this event. Holi is a Hindu festival welcoming the spring season and celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Attendees should prepare for a bonfire, dancing and of course, getting covered in colored water and powder.