May 15, 2026
By: Greater Des Moines Partnership
Top 5 Things to Do in DSM This Week: May 15-21
May is rolling right along across the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region, and this week brings a lineup of events that makes it easy to get out and enjoy the season. You can spend time wandering through local art and handmade goods, lean into a weekend full of food and live music or step into a completely different world for a day. There are also plenty of opportunities to gather with friends, dance the night away or slow things down with a stop at a local farmers’ market. Whether you’re planning a full weekend of activities or just looking for one thing to add to your calendar, here are five can’t-miss events happening across DSM during May 15-21.
![Cozy Worldwide]()
Cozy Worldwide
Friday, May 15, 2026 | Vibrant Music Hall, Waukee
If your ideal night out includes throwback R&B, current hip hop and a packed dance floor, Cozy Worldwide at Vibrant Music Hall might be your move this weekend. This 21+ party leans heavily into good music and good energy, mixing nostalgic favorites with newer hits throughout the night. It’s less “stand around and watch” and more “show up ready to dance with your friends.” Whether you’re making it the main event of your night or just looking for somewhere with a fun atmosphere, this is one that’s built for a late night out.
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![Ankeny Art Center Arts Festival]()
Ankeny Art Center Arts Festival
Saturday, May 16 2026 | Historic Uptown Ankeny, Ankeny
Historic Uptown Ankeny is turning into a full-on celebration of creativity for the Ankeny Art Center Arts Festival. Expect streets lined with artists and makers showing off everything from paintings and ceramics to jewelry, woodworking and mixed media pieces. It’s the kind of event where you can wander for hours, stumble across something unexpected and maybe leave with a piece you didn’t know you needed. There will also be live music, artistic demonstrations, food trucks and activities for kids, making it easy to turn it into a full afternoon out. If you love local art and community events with a laid-back feel, this is a good one to add to your weekend plans.
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![Smoke & Sip BBQ Festival]()
Smoke & Sip BBQ Festival
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | Middlebook Farm, Cumming
Smoke & Sip BBQ Festival feels less like a formal event and more like the backyard BBQ party everyone wishes they got invited to. Held at Middlebrook Farm, the festival brings together local pitmasters, beer sampling, live music and yard games, all with plenty of smoked meat in the mix. You can roam the farm grounds with a plate in hand, settle in for live music on the porch or try your luck at Barnyard Bingo, which involves a chicken and a surprising amount of excitement. It’s casual, a little quirky and exactly the kind of event that’s fun to linger at longer than you planned.
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![Des Moines Renaissance Fair Spring Fling]()
Renaissance Faire Spring Fling
Saturday, May 16 – Sunday, May 17, 2026 | Sleepy Hollow, Des Moines
The Renaissance Faire Spring Fling at Sleepy Hollow is back this weekend, fully leaning into the pirate-themed adventure. Between jousting, live music, falconry, fire stunts and armored combat, there’s always something happening around every corner of the village. You can shop handmade goods from dozens of vendors, grab a turkey leg or Buttered Beer and spend the day people-watching in the best way possible. And if you really want to commit to the theme, stick around for the Cannon Ball pirate party Saturday night. Whether you go all out with a costume or just show up curious: It’s one of the more unique weekends you’ll find around DSM.
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Looking for more good times over the weekend? Adventureland opens for the season this Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Altoona.
Farmers’ Markets
Various Dates & Locations in DSM ,
Farmers’ market season is hitting its stride across the region, and it’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy the season. From fresh produce and baked goods to flowers, handmade items and local treats, every market has its own personality and pace. Whether you make a quick stop or spend the whole morning wandering, it’s a chance to slow down, support local vendors and enjoy being outside for a while.
Head to your favorite market or explore somewhere new this week to stock up on fresh finds!
<>You might also be interested in celebrating 515 Day on Friday, May 15, 2026, by getting out, shopping local and supporting the small businesses that make DSM feel like home.
Late spring is bringing even more reasons to get out and explore across the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region, including a few free ways worth adding to your calendar.
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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.