This Week in DSM: Food, Music, Culture & Valentine’s Vibes (Feb. 13-19)
Love is in the air, and so is chocolate, live music, cultural flavor and community connection! This week in Greater Des Moines (DSM), Feb. 13-19, offers up some seriously fun ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day and beyond. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly outing, craving a night of dancing or just looking to try something new (and delicious), the DSM area has you covered. From Perry to West Des Moines and everywhere in between, these events will warm up your winter and fill your week with local flavor. Keep reading for five can’t-miss events happening across the DSM region.
Dueling Pianos Event
Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 | Adair Community Centre, Adair
Ready to kick off your weekend with laughs, music and a little friendly competition? The Adair Chamber is bringing the energy with this BYOB Dueling Pianos event! Grab a seat, enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and sing along as two pianists go head-to-head, taking requests and keeping the vibes high. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and a limited supply of free beer means early birds get extra perks. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door, and there’s even an onsite cash option for tips or donations. It’s going to be loud, lively and a ton of fun!
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23rd Annual Chocolate Walk
Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 | Various Perry Shops, Perry
Looking for a sweet way to spend your Saturday? Perry’s beloved Chocolate Walk is back for its 23rd year and it’s overflowing with delicious treats, local charm and small-town shopping. Grab a passport, hit up more than a dozen participating shops for complimentary chocolate samples and in-store specials and get your card stamped to be entered for the grand prize drawing! It all goes down this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and tickets are on sale now. Bring your BFF, your sweetheart or your whole crew, and don’t forget your sweet tooth!
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Bowlin’-tine’s Family Glow Bowling Party
Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026 | Warrior Lanes, Waukee
Valentine’s Day plans with the kiddos? Warrior Lanes in Waukee is turning up the glow with this fun-for-all-ages Bowlin’-tine’s Family Glow Bowling Party! From noon to 1:30 p.m., you and your crew can enjoy 90 minutes of glow-in-the-dark bowling, a pizza-and-pop combo, arcade fun and family-friendly tunes. All that for just $64.95 per lane (up to five people per lane). No booze, no stress — just glowing pins, strikes, and sweet memories. This one’s a hit with families, grandparents or anyone looking for a screen-free Sunday. Space is limited, so grab your lane before it’s gone!
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Iowa Files: Ako Abdul Samad; A Life Working For Justice
Sunday, Feb 15, 2026 | West Des Moines Public Library, West Des Moines
Get inspired by a life of advocacy and action at this free Iowa Files event hosted by the West Des Moines Library and Historical Society. Ako Abdul-Samad — educator, mediator, organizer and former Iowa legislator — shares powerful stories about his fight for equity and justice. From founding Creative Visions Human Development Institute to serving nearly two decades in the Iowa House, Ako’s journey is one of dialogue, resilience and building community. This thoughtful talk is open to all and perfect for anyone passionate about change, conversation and real leadership. No registration needed, just show up ready to listen and learn.
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Dine & Dance with CultureALL: A Night in Peru
Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 | Panka Peruvian Restaurant, Des Moines
If you love trying new flavors and cultures, this dinner will sweep you off your feet, literally. CultureALL is hosting “A Night in Peru” at Panka Peruvian Restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course meal, live music from Carlos Chacon and stories hosted by Mariela Maya. It’s a cultural adventure that blends dancing, storytelling and amazing food into one unforgettable evening. Think of it as dinner and a show, but way more meaningful. Tickets are $60 and seating is limited, so grab your spot for this Peruvian-style celebration that’s full of flavor and fun.
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Think winter’s a snooze? Not in DSM! February is bringing the heat with a full lineup of totally free fun all month long.
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