DES MOINES, Iowa — With summer on the horizon, central Iowa is blooming with potential. From Pella Tulip Time to a Cinco De Mayo celebration in Valley Junction, there are so many ways to celebrate what makes central Iowa special.
Local 5 rounded up five events taking place this weekend, ranging from sports to music to cultural celebrations. Take a look below as you begin to plan out your weekend.
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.
- When: Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4
- Find a full schedule here
- Where: 507 Franklin St., Pella
- Price: Free to attend
Nothing says spring quite like Pella Tulip Time. Take a mini road trip to Pella to see historical sights, enjoy Dutch foods and, of course, see thousands of tulips.
Tulip Time organizers estimate there are more than 300,000 tulips available to see throughout Pella, and at least 88 different varieties.
- When: Friday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 4 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 5 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines
- Price: Tickets start at $79
The 2023-2024 Willis Broadway Series continues with "MJ: The Musical". The jukebox musical features many of Michael Jackson's greatest hits, while also offering a rare look at Jackson's rise to stardom.
The multi-Tony Award-winning musical is already selling out tickets at the Civic Center, so make sure to get them while you can!
- When: Friday, May 3 at 7:08 p.m., Saturday, May 4 at 3:08 p.m. and Sunday, May 5 at 1:08 p.m.
- Where: Principal Park, 1 Line Dr., Des Moines
- Price: Tickets start at $11
Make your weekend a home run and head to an Iowa Cubs game. The I-Cubs will face off against the Omaha Storm Chasers in a series of four games, three of which take place Friday through Sunday. Buy some peanuts and cracker jacks and stick around for Friday's post-game fireworks.
- When: Saturday, May 4, 7 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Where: Court District, 300 Court Ave., Des Moines
- Price: Free to attend
It's the most wonderful time of the year: Farmers' market season! Known as one of the best farmers' markets in the U.S., a Saturday morning at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market is a time-honored tradition sure to impress visitors and lifelong Iowans.
If you can't make it this weekend, don't worry: The farmers' market will return every Saturday until Oct. 26.
- When: Saturday, May 4, 12-10 p.m.
- Where: Historic Valley Junction, 137 5th St., West Des Moines
- Price: Free to attend
Cinco De Mayo celebrates Mexico's victory in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In central Iowa, the holiday also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the Mexican heritage of railroad workers who helped to establish Valley Junction.
Attendees will enjoy Mexican foods, art, music, dancing and more.