Annual Events

  • Floatin’ Free Flicks


    Friday, July 9

    Northwest Aquatic Center

    4915 Madison Avenue

    Friday, July 30

    Teachout Aquatic Center

    2601 Hubbell Avenue

    Friday, August 13

    Nahas Aquatic Center

    1101 Porter

    Gates open at 8:00 p.m. on specified dates and locations for swimming. Movies begin shortly after sunset. All movies are rated PG. Free Admission.

    Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Pizza, popcorn, soft drinks and candy will be 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 flotation devices will be permitted in the pool during the movie and lifeguards will be on duty.

  • Father/Daughter Dance


    Dads come on out and spend an evening with your daughter(s). Enjoy desserts, drinks, and dancing.

    Due to the overwhelming response to the annual Father/Daughter Valentine Dance sponsored by the City of Des Moines Park and Recreation Department Dad’s will now have the option of a third night for the 2010 event. The 2010 Father/Daughter Valentine Dance will be held

    Friday, February 5th and 12th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (SOLD OUT)
    Thursday, February 11 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (SOLD OUT)

    Blank Park Zoo’s Discovery Center
    7401 SW Ninth Street

    Tickets for all three nights will go on sale Tuesday, January 12, 2010.

    Tickets are $15 per couple, $2 per additional child (daughter) and can be purchased at City Hall Information Center located at 400 Robert D. Ray Drive. City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm.

    All tickets must be purchased in advance and in person. No phone orders will be taken and tickets will NOT be sold at the event.

    We’re looking for volunteers. Come on out and Feel the Love by volunteering for this wonderful, fun event.

    Please note that ALL DATES FOR THIS EVENT ARE SOLD OUT!

    VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED!     Please click on the Volunteer link below to have a fun evening. Thank you.

    Volunteer for this Event

  • Nitefall on the River


    Held at the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater located on the east bank of the Des Moines River in downtown Des Moines, this popular, long-running summer concert series plays to crowds Thursday evenings at 7 in June and July. Bring your lawn chairs and pack a blanket or two to experience a relaxing evening on the riverfront with the breathtaking backdrop of the twinkling stars. Children 10 and under accompanied by a paid adult are FREE. Coolers and outside food or drink are NOT allowed. The 2009 summer line up can be found at www.sapresents.com and tickets can be purchased at www.iowatix.com

  • Run for the Egg

    Saturday, April 3, 2010


    Run for the Egg is a 5 mile run/walk held at Easter Lake. It is a cross-country course on a multi-surface trail loop with the start and finish line at the same location. Kids activities, fun run, and egg grab will be held after the race. REGISTRATION is available online at www.mycountyparks.com. More information is available by emailing lori.kirpes@polkcountyiowa.gov

  • Mayor's Annual Ride for Trails

    Saturday, April 17, 2010


    The ride begins at 10:00a.m. at Des Moines City Hall, 400 Robert D. Ray Drive. New this year is a 10-mile family friendly route as well as our popular 20 and 30-mile route options. Registration and route information will be available soon.


  • Hoopin' at the Dome

    The date for the 2010 event will be announced in the near future

    Location: Iowa State Capital
    Take it to the hoop as Des Moines Parks and Recreation partners with the Iowa Games for this famous 3-on-3 half-court basketball tournament. Temporary hoops are put in place on the Iowa State Capitol grounds for this annual spring event. There are youth and adult divisions, male and female divisions, and a coed division. Trophies will be awarded and the winners in each division will advance to the Summer Iowa Games’ 3-on-3 tournament.

  • Clowns at the Carousel

    Sunday, August 1, 2010
    4-7pm

    Union Park, 603 Guthrie
    Carousel rides, balloon art, inflatable rides, and more.
    Free admission

  • Fall Free Flicks

    The Fall 2010 schedule will be posted as soon as it is available. Please check back.


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City of Des Moines, Iowa
Parks and Recreation