05/29/2026
Summer is showing up early in Greater Des Moines. Here’s everything happening May 29–31 👇
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Des Moines Con — Iowa Events Center
Fri–Sun at the Iowa Events Center. Iowa’s comic con is back for year five — comics, anime, cosplay contests, video games, concerts, and burlesque. Code DMC10OFF saves 10% on adult tickets. KIDS4FREE gets kids in free.
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Lucy Darling — Hoyt Sherman Place
Sun May 31 • 8 PM • Nearly Sold Out
A Guinness World Records-holding magic and variety performer at one of Des Moines’ most beautiful venues. Tickets are almost gone — move fast.
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Des Moines Pools Pre-Season Weekend
Sat & Sun at Ashworth, Birdland, Teachout, Nahas & Northwest. Free or low-cost. Last preview before the official season opens June 6.
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Venardos Circus — “Alice” — Altoona
Six shows Fri–Sun under a real big top at the Outlets of Des Moines. Broadway-style, animal-free, Alice in Wonderland-inspired circus. Youth from $17.95, adults from $28.95. Best family event of the weekend.
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Living History Farms — Urbandale
Sat May 30 • 9 AM–4 PM
500 acres, 300 years of history, interpreters in period costume. $19 adults, $15 kids. Late May is the sweet spot before summer crowds arrive.
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High Trestle Trail — Ankeny
Any time this weekend • Free
25 miles of trail starting in Uptown Ankeny ending at one of Iowa’s most iconic bridges. The bridge at dusk is worth the ride every time.
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