Hooray for May! 5 Events Coming to Downtown This Week

Hooray it’s May in Downtown Des Moines (DSM)! This week is about to be full of all our favorite things in Downtown DSM: outdoor recreation, arts and culture, live music, sports action and lots more. Here’s a look at what’s coming up.

Wild About Fishing

Sunday, April 30 | Gray’s Lake Park
Come for the fishing, stay for the games and prizes! From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., bring your fishing poles and join the fun with the Iowa Wild staff and Crash the mascot to see who can catch the biggest fish. This event is free to attend, and the first 50 kiddos will receive a complementary tackle box from Fleet Farm plus a special gift from the Iowa Wild.
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AViD Presents: J. Ryan Stradal

Monday, May 1 | Central Library
The Des Moines Public Library’s next installment of Authors Visitor in Des Moines (AViD) will feature J. Ryan Stradal, author of “The Lager Queen of Minnesota” which was named among the best books of the year from the likes of NPR and USA Today. Stradal is set to publish his latest novel, “Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club,” this month. Admission to the AViD events is free, and free parking can be found nearby as well.
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Thomas Rhett Home Team Tour

Thursday, May 4 | Wells Fargo Arena
Bring your crew and get ready for a night of fun in Downtown DSM! Country singer Thomas Rhett will take to the stage to share songs like “Make Me Wanna,” “Crash and Burn,” “Think a Little Less” and “Die a Happy Man.” Cole Swindell, singer of “She Had Me at Heads Carolina,” and Nate Smith, who sings “Whiskey On You,” will open the show.
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Ronald K. Brown’s Evidence Dance Company

Thursday, May 4 | Des Moines Civic Center
Based in Brooklyn, New York, the EVIDENCE dance company is making its appearance in Downtown DSM to showcase works by artistic director, Ronald K. Brown. EVIDENCE brings together traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word. In addition to the performance, Brown is leading several dance classes for the community while visiting DSM on Wednesday, May 3 at the Valley West location for Iowa Ballet Academy, including from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Community Dance Class) and 7 – 8:30 p.m. (Masterclass).
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Practice with the Des Moines Roosters

Every Tuesday and Thursday, Now Through Nov. 2 | Water Works Park
Did you know Des Moines has an Australian Football team? Each week the Des Moines Roosters, part of the United States Australian Football League (USAFL), practices near the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park in Downtown DSM. Stop by and see what Australian football is all about, and give it a shot yourself! You might just find your next favorite hobby.
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P.S. — Mark your calendar for next week: Saturday, May 6 is the return of the Downtown Farmers’ Market season in the Historic Court District, 7 a.m. to Noon. See ya there!

For these upcoming events and more, find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For additional upcoming events, visit the Downtown DSM events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.