Dino Park Zoo
July 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025 - All Day at Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th
This summer, Blank Park Zoo transforms into Dino Park Zoo — a prehistoric experience 65 million years in the making. From July through the end of October, walk among 15 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and explore dino-themed exhibits, activities, and events that bring the ancient world roaring to life. These aren’t your average dinos. Created by the world-renowned team at Dino Don, these scientifically accurate creatures roar, move, and breathe like the real thing.
Guests will encounter a towering 40-foot-long T. rex and a Triceratops the size of a mail truck. These scientifically accurate animatronics don’t just move, they breathe, roar, and some even fart and pee, creating a truly immersive, prehistoric experience. Each dinosaur is placed throughout the zoo, right alongside your favorite animal ambassadors. Plus, learn how your favorite zoo animals are related to their prehistoric ancestors.
The dinosaurs were designed under the supervision of Don Lessem, one of the world’s leading presenters of dinosaurs. Each was created with painstaking attention to detail, using scientific supervision to bring these ancient giants to life. Lessem is the author of 40 books on dinosaurs and adviser to Stephen Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. The Argentine dinosaur, Lessemsaurus, was named in honor of his contributions to dinosaur research.
Fan-favorite zoo events will also get a prehistoric twist this summer. Zoo Brew will feature dinosaur-themed elements throughout the season. Then, in October, see the dinosaurs in a whole new light during the 35th annual Night Eyes! As the sun sets, the dinosaurs will come alive in a dazzling new way, with illuminated prehistoric creatures guiding trick-or-treaters through Des Moines’ most beloved Halloween tradition!
2025 Downtown Farmers’ Market
October 4, 2025 - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm at Historic Court District
Court Avenue from 5th Street to Water Street
The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines supports farmers, growers and artisan food entrepreneurs from all around the state of Iowa who offer locally grown produce, seasonal flowers, farm fresh eggs and cheese, fresh baked goods, locally produced wine, Iowa-raised meat and more.
Ames Pridefest
October 11, 2025 - All Day at Ames Pride
5th St & Douglas Ave
Pridefest is Ames Pride’s flagship event that combines a vendor fair, educational opportunities, and entertainment into one great day! We hold Pridefest in the fall to allow Iowa State students and staff a better chance of participating. In addition to Pridefest, Ames Pride offers events at least once every quarter that center queer community and outreach.
Ames Pride is committed to fostering a safe, diverse, and welcoming environment at each of our events and for our volunteers. We can’t wait to meet you at the next Ames Pride gathering.
2025 Downtown Farmers’ Market
October 11, 2025 - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm at Historic Court District
Court Avenue from 5th Street to Water Street
The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines supports farmers, growers and artisan food entrepreneurs from all around the state of Iowa who offer locally grown produce, seasonal flowers, farm fresh eggs and cheese, fresh baked goods, locally produced wine, Iowa-raised meat and more.
The Goonies in Concert (40th Anniversary!)
October 11, 2025 - 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm at Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
221 Walnut St
Hey, you guys! Release your inner pirate and tag along with the beloved group of kids from the “Goon Docks” as they embark on their epic hunt for One-Eyed Willy’s treasure. Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of this timeless adventure when the Des Moines Symphony brings Dave Grusin’s iconic score to life while the movie plays on the big screen. And remember… Goonies never say die!
Paul McCartney – Got Back Tour
October 14, 2025 - 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm at Casey’s Center
233 Center Street
Irrefutably one of the most successful and influential singer-songwriters and performers of all time, McCartney’s concerts bring to life the most beloved catalogue in music. With songs like “Hey Jude,” “Live and Let Die,” “Band on the Run,” “Let It Be” and so many more, the Paul McCartney live experience is everything any music lover could ever want from a rock show and more: hours of the greatest moments from the last 60 years of music – dozens of songs from Paul’s solo, Wings and of course Beatles songbooks that have formed the soundtracks of our lives.
Paul McCartney launched his Got Back tour in 2022 with16 sold out shows across the US that led up to his history-making set at Glastonbury in June 2022. In 2023 Paul performed 18 shows as Got Back rocked through Australia, Mexico and Brazil. In 2024, Paul amazed capacity crowds at more than 20 dates spanning from South America and Mexico to the UK and Europe.
Doors 6:30PM.
2025 Downtown Farmers’ Market
October 18, 2025 - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm at Historic Court District
Court Avenue from 5th Street to Water Street
The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines supports farmers, growers and artisan food entrepreneurs from all around the state of Iowa who offer locally grown produce, seasonal flowers, farm fresh eggs and cheese, fresh baked goods, locally produced wine, Iowa-raised meat and more.
2025 Downtown Farmers’ Market
October 25, 2025 - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm at Historic Court District
Court Avenue from 5th Street to Water Street
The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines supports farmers, growers and artisan food entrepreneurs from all around the state of Iowa who offer locally grown produce, seasonal flowers, farm fresh eggs and cheese, fresh baked goods, locally produced wine, Iowa-raised meat and more.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
November 15, 2025 - 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm at Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd Street
The Des Moines Playhouse presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever November 7-29. The Herdman children appear to be the worst kids ever. They lie, they steal, and they curse. When the Herdmans hear the neighborhood church serves treats, they show up and volunteer for the lead roles in this year’s pageant. Ultimately everyone is reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.
