Annual Events

  • Western Gateway Park Spring Free Flicks

    Friday's in May

    Western Gateway Park, 15th & Locust Streets
    Movies begin at sunset. Chairs and blankets are encouraged. Pop, popcorn, and candy will be available for purchase.
    Free admission

    May 2 - Transformers* - PG-13
    May 9 - SpongeBob Squarepants - PG
    May 16 - Charlotte's Web** - G
    May 23 - The Toy - PG
    May 30 - Wizard of Oz

    *Iowa Comic Book Club promotion - free comic book hand out
    **Polk County Conservation 8-830 p.m. program

  • Nitefall on the River

    Thursday's June 5 - July 31, 2008

    Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater
    Doors open at 6:00pm, concert begins at 7:00pm
    $8 per person, 12 and under free with paid adult

  • Clowns at the Carousel

    Sunday, August 3, 2008
    4 - 8 p.m.

    Union Park, 603 Guthrie
    Carousel rides, balloon art, inflatable rides, entertainment on the Showmotion Stage, and more.
    Free admission

  • Gray's Lake Fall Free Flicks

    Saturday's in September

    Gray's Lake Park on the Peninsula
    Movies begin at sunset. Chairs and blankets are encouraged. Pop, popcorn, and candy will be available for purhcase.
    Free admission

    Sept. 6 Hoot** - PG
    Sept. 13 Shrek the Third - PG
    Sept. 20 Bee Movie - PG
    Sept. 27 Ironman* - PG-13

    *Iowa Comic Book Club promotion - free comic book hand out
    **Polk County Conservation 8-830 p.m. program

  • Father / Daughter Dance

    Thursday, February 12, 2009
    Friday, February 13, 2009

    Location: Blank Park Discovery Center, 7401 SW 9th Street
    Watch this website for the date tickets will go on sale.

  • Floatin' Free Flicks

    June 10 Teachout Family Aquatic Center, 2601 Hubbell Avenue
    Free Willy

    July 22 Northwest Family Aquatic Center, 4915 Madison Avenue
    Surfs Up

    August 2 Nahas Family Aquatic Center, 1101 Porter Avenue
    To be determined

    Gates open at 8:00pm for swimming. Movies begin shortly after sunset.
    Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Pizza, popcorn, soft drinks, candy are available for purchase. Outside food and beverages NOT permitted inside the gates. Chaise lounges are available or bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. One-person floatation devices will be permitted in the pool during the movie and lifeguards will be on duty.

  • Grass Seats Cinema

    Saturday, May 17 at dusk(rain date - May 18)
    Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

    Ashby Park
    Held in conjunction with the Beaverdale Neighborhood Association
    Free admission
    More Information

  • Mayor's Annual Ride for Trails

    Saturday, April 18, 2009

    Ride begins at 10am at City Hall, 400 Robert D. Ray Drive
    Registration information to be announced.



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City of Des Moines, Iowa
Parks and Recreation