May 06, 2026
By: Greater Des Moines Partnership
Keepin' It Local for 515 Day + Weekend Fun
On Friday, May 15, 2026, join us in celebrating 515 Day around Greater Des Moines (DSM). 515 Day highlights the wonderfully unique small businesses, artists, restaurants, coffee shops and other places that give charm and personality to our vibrant DSM community.
Every dollar you spend is a chance to choose local and support small businesses.
How do you join the fun? We’ve curated five ways for you to spend your 515 Day on Friday, May 15, 2026. And let’s keep the local party going into the weekend! Read on for 15 more ideas to shop and support local into Saturday and Sunday, too.
515 Day — Friday | May 15, 2026
1) LADIES NIGHT OUT
Where You’re Heading: Sip & Shop in Perry, 4 – 7 p.m., including local shops like Backwards Boutique, Century Farms Books & Brews and The Scottish Fox. Grab your girlies and make it a road trip!
Snag a sweet treat along the way from:
![exterior of ice cream shop in Waukee, Iowa]()
Waukee Ice Cream Shoppe in Waukee
2) FUN FAMILY FRIDAY
Where You’re Heading: Food Truck Friday at Campbell Park in Clive, 5:30 – 8 p.m. with live music by local band, Sons of Gladys Kravitz. This event is a fam favorite and a perfect Friday evening destination.
What to bring from a local spot in the area:
- Dessert from The Bake Shoppe in Windsor Heights
- Local beer, including N/A and root beer options, to-go from Barn Town Brewing in West Des Moines
- A can-cooler koozie for your drink from Bozz Prints in West Des Moines
- Something to entertain the kiddos from Learning Post in Urbandale
![three boys playing basketball]()
Great Escape in Pleasant Hill
3) FOR THE ACTION-SEEKER
Where You’re Heading: Great Escape bowling, arcade and laser tag in Pleasant Hill. Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a gathering place for friends or even just a fun time flying solo, you’re sure to get to your adrenaline pumping!
Fuel up with a local bite or drink:
Keep the adventure going:
4) GUYS’ NIGHT OUT
Where You’re Heading: Live After Five with Grand Marshall, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in Marshalltown. Live music, local eats and ice-cold drinks. Road trip? Yes, please!
Stops to make along the way:
![aerial of Downtown Farmers' Market]()
Downtown Farmers' Market in Historic Court District
5) COUPLES’ OUTING
Where You’re Heading: Winery tasting and tour. Try Summerset Winery or Tassel Ridge Winery in Indianola. Be sure to make a reservation! Or enjoy Sunset Happy Hour from 6-8 p.m. at Madison County Winery in St. Charles.
Local spots to shop & things to do nearby:
More 515 Weekend Fun
Here are 15 additional ways to keep the local support strong throughout the weekend following 515 Day.
Remember, your dollars can make a big impact when you spend them with artists and makers, local farmers, neighborhood restaurants and other small businesses right here in DSM!
![a man holding a pizza]()
Dough Co. Pizza in the Dogtown Des Moines Neighborhood
Saturday | May 16, 2026
- Ankeny Arts Festival, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Also check out this area close by: Johnston Town Center - Arts & Culture Trifecta, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Olde Town Plaza in Altoona
- The Cannon Ball at the Renaissance Faire, 6:15 p.m. at Sleepy Hollow in Des Moines
- Downtown Farmers’ Market in Des Moines, 7 a.m. – Noon
Another neighborhood to shop + eat nearby: Historic East Village - Grinnell Farmers’ Market, 9:30 – Noon
- Global Greens International Market, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in Des Moines
Make a stop close by: Dogtown Des Moines and Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand - Indianola Farmers’ Market, 8 a.m. – Noon
- Pigtails Bike Ride through Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater & Madrid
More places to shop + eat near here: Polk City Town Square - Scoop the Loop, 4 – 8 p.m. in Stuart
- Smoke & Sip BBQ Festival, Noon – 4 p.m. in Cumming
Another area to visit close by: West Glen Town Center - Spring Market in Downtown Baxter
Sunday | May 17, 2026
- Bingo at Kenny’s Garage, 3 – 6 p.m. in Waukee
- Historic Valley Junction Arts Festival, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in West Des Moines
- Island Time Thrift Market, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Captain Roy’s in Des Moines
A great neighborhood to shop + eat close by: Highland Park/Oak Park - Live Music: The Tighten Up All Stars, 2 – 5 p.m. at Middlebrook Mercantile in Cumming
Explore More & Spend More Locally
Visit DSMpartnership.com/DSMlocal for more local-centric activities and things to do.
Share your love for living in the 515! As you shop and buy small during 515 Day — that’s Friday, May 15, 2026 — and throughout the weekend, use the hashtag #515Day on social media to showcase how you are keepin’ it local.
Keep up with the momentum that's happening in and around Greater Des Moines (DSM) when you subscribe to one or all of the Greater Des Moines Partnership's newsletters — they're packed with the latest news, highlighting everything from upcoming events to development projects to policy updates. Join the mailing list to connect with The Partnership and help amplify stories from around the region.
Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy.