April 17-23, 2026

The North Polk High School Drama Department presented "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940" on April 10-12. Photo courtesy of North Polk CSD

Memorial Day Ceremony

Join the Polk City American Legion Post 232 on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 8 a.m. to noon, to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. They invite the community to reflect on the meaning of the day through tradition, tribute and shared remembrance. 

Breakfast will be served by the Sons of the American Legion at Post 232 (114 W. Broadway St., Polk City) from 8-10:30 a.m. The Memorial Day Ceremony will take place on the Polk City Square at 11 a.m., followed by refreshments back at Post 232. 
In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will move indoors at Post 232. For updates and additional information, visit the Polk City Iowa American Legion Post 232 Facebook page.

Everything You Wanted To Know About AI in Your Life

Thursday, May 21, 6 p.m.
Luana Bank Community Room, 855 W. Bridge Road, Polk City
Alex Current, IT security professional, will discuss how AI may affect our future, how to use it to enhance our lives, and steps for safeguarding ourselves. Open to the public.

Historical Society Programs coming up

Big Creek Historical Society, 116 S. 3rd St., Polk City

• Home Away From Home: May 12, 6 p.m. Presented by Camp Dodge Museum Curator Mike Vogt. Camp Dodge was one of 16 training camps for WWI draftees. Period images, maps and letters will detail the first time many of these young men left home. This is a program from the Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau. 
• The Dragoon Trail as Hiked by Kevin Mason: June 4, 6 p.m. Presented by Assistant Professor of History at UNI Kevin Mason. The story begins with the 1835 expedition of the First U.S. Dragoons. With archival records, maps, indigenous histories and ecological data, Mason will explore how Iowa's prairies and wetlands gave way to farms, towns and transportation networks. 

Polk City Public Library news

1500 W. Broadway   |   515-984-6119   |   www.polkcitylibrary.org

• Announcement: National Library Week is April 19-25.
• Monday Book Club, “A Happier Life” by Kristy Woodson Harvey: Monday, April 20, 2 p.m.
• Adult Crafternoon: Nature-Themed Scratch Art: Thursday, April 23, 2 p.m. Your choice of beautiful, pre-designed nature-themed scratch art. All supplies will be provided. Ages 17 and older. Registration required.
• Toddler & Preschool LEGO DUPLO Free Play: Thursday, April 23, 10 a.m. Parent/caregiver attendance is required.
• Pre-K Playday: Friday, April 24, 9-11 a.m. at City Hall. Parent/caregiver attendance is required.
• Comet Kids Cooking Club: Tuesday, April 28, 4:15 p.m. Learn some kitchen basics and enjoy a delicious snack. This month, we will chop strawberries and assemble a delicious strawberry shortcake. Registration required and limited to grades 2-6.
• Men’s Book Club (*NEW), “Chances Are…” by Richard Russo: Wednesday, April 29, 6 p.m. at Fenders Brewing. Consider joining us for our new Men’s Book Club located at Fenders Brewing. Swing by the library to pick up the first book: “Chances Are…” by Richard Russo. Book summary: One beautiful September day, three 66-year-old men convene on Martha's Vineyard, friends ever since meeting in college circa the 1960s. They couldn't have been more different then, or even today. Lincoln's a commercial real estate broker, Teddy a tiny-press publisher, and Mickey a musician beyond his rockin' age. But each man holds his own secrets, in addition to the monumental mystery that none of them has ever stopped puzzling over since a Memorial Day weekend on the Vineyard in 1971. Now, 44 years later, as this new weekend unfolds, three lives and that of a significant other are displayed in their entirety while the distant past confounds the present like a relentless squall of surprise and discovery.

Polk County Conservation events

Visit www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/events for information about upcoming programs offered by Polk County Conservation and for registration links.

• Sandhill Crane Count: Saturday, April 18, 6-8:30 a.m. Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, 8700 N.E. 126 Ave., Maxwell. Experience the comeback of midwestern cranes by participating in this exciting wildlife monitoring event as part of the International Crane Foundation’s Annual Midwest Crane Count. In partnership with the International Crane Foundation, Polk County Conservation is calling all bird lovers, newcomers and avid hobbyists to assist in our annual Sandhill Crane count. Driving and walking routes will be available at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt to encourage encounters for all types of accessibilities. Participants will need to be familiar with using GPS to record locations of sightings on their phones or other devices. This event is appropriate for all ages. Younger than 16 require adult supervision. No experience necessary, and all training is provided. Registration required by noon the day prior.
• Earth Week Sunrise Hike: Saturday, April 18, 7-8 a.m., Fort Des Moines Park, Shelter #3, 7200 S.E. 5th St., Des Moines. Celebrate Earth Week by getting outside, admiring the planet, and picking up a bit of trash as we see it. Join a naturalist in a leisurely hike around Fort Des Moines Park to get an appreciative start to the weekend. Free, all ages welcome.
• Sunset Flow Yoga: Monday, April 20, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Take time to unwind as the sun sets inside the Great Hall or patio (in summer months) of the Jester Park Nature Center with instructor Deanna Black. This all-levels yoga class that flows from one posture to another enhancing strength and balance then finishes with holding positions for flexibility and relaxation. This Rooted in Nature program is offered in sponsorship with Unity Point Health. Items to bring: yoga mat, comfortable clothing and water bottle. Ages 12 and up. Registration required by one day before.
• Women in the Woods with Wine - Celebrate Spring: Tuesday, April 21, 7-9 p.m. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join us for a rejuvenating Spring Celebration Hike as we stroll through the park's trails, exploring the prairie, woodland, and pond. We will discuss the balance and renewal in nature while learning about local flora, fauna, and seasonal changes. This program is for women ages 21+ who are interested in getting outside. Become more comfortable and knowledgeable about the natural world as you unwind and have fun. Registration required by April 19.
• Wake Up with Spring: Wednesdays in April, 2-3:30 p.m. Jester Park Wetland Shelter, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join ISU Polk County Extension and Polk County Conservation this walking series. Polk County Conservation naturalists will lead participants on a walk through the park while discussing a new nature theme each week. Themes are: April 1: Phenology; April 8: Birds; April 15: Spring Ephemerals; April 22: Critters; April 29: Trees. Free, ages 16 and older, no registration required, but RSVP appreciated here: https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b9Onxnuc7QSqVVk.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Mothers Day Breakfast Buffet and Bake Sale
Sunday, May 10, 8 a.m. until noon
West Des Moines Elks Lodge, 2060 N.W. 94th St., Clive
Enjoy a delicious Mother’s Day breakfast, which includes biscuits and gravy, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage patties, cheesy potatoes, and all-you-can-eat pancakes (including blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes), orange juice, milk and coffee. Cost is $11, $5 for children younger than 10. Enjoy a bloody mary or mimosa for $3.50. Proceeds support the Elks Hoop Shoot Program, other youth activities and veteran activities.

Des Moines Art Center Museum Highlights Tour
Saturdays, 1-2 p.m.
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave.
Discover the vast variety of the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collections during the Museum Highlights Tour. This tour offers a unique journey through the galleries, featuring a selection of timeless paintings, sculptures and more. Join knowledgeable guides to uncover the stories, techniques and inspirations behind the art on view, and experience the highlights of the Art Center in a fresh and engaging way. This guided tour is perfect for art enthusiasts of all ages. Free to all, no registration required.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Spring Programs
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
For information and tickets, visit https://dmbotanicalgarden.com/.

• Iowa Bonsai Association Spring Show and Sale: Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Experience the artistry of bonsai, chat with experts, and vote for your favorite miniature masterpiece.
• Celebrate Our Planet, Earth Day at the Garden: Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day with a full day of discovery, connection and family fun. Admission is free. Explore spring blooms, enjoy hands-on activities, and connect with local organizations promoting sustainability and earth-friendly living. Bring the whole family and celebrate our planet surrounded by beauty and community.
• Prom Photography: Saturday, April 18, 4-6 p.m. After Earth Day festivities, the garden will reopen exclusively for prom photos. Tickets are $12 per person and available first-come, first-served starting at 4 p.m. Note: Prom photography is not permitted during the free admission hours.
• Bulbs and Brews: Tuesday, April 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m. or 7-8 p.m. Stroll through peak spring color on a guided tour with Director of Horticulture Aaron Harpold while enjoying a local craft beer or kombucha. Two tour times. Drink included. Limited-time bloom experience. See these spectacular displays before they fade for the season.
• Summer Camp Registration Open: Give your child a summer of discovery, creativity and outdoor adventure. These nature-based camps combine science, art, exploration and play in a safe, inspiring environment led by experienced educators. Perfect for students entering grades 1–5.
• Spring Garden Market Preview Evening: Thursday, May 7, 5:30-8 p.m. Be first to shop the Spring Garden Market during this exclusive sip-and-shop event featuring early plant access, a signature drink, hors d’oeuvres, expert guidance from horticulture staff and door prizes. Upgrade to the Cultivator Ticket to demonstrate your support of the garden’s missions, and for early entry, special recognition and exclusive perks.
• Flora Mother’s Day Buffet Brunch: Sunday, May 10, Seatings at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. Enjoy a delicious buffet brunch in a beautiful garden setting. Reservations required at flora@dmbotanicalgarden.com or at 515-323-6288.

Downtown Farmers Market
Saturday, May 2 to Oct. 31, 7 a.m. to noon, 8 a.m. to noon in October
Historic Court District, Downtown Des Moines
The 2026 season will feature 305 vendors, including 43 new participants, with 75 produce and agriculture vendors highlighting the region’s strong farming community. Vendors represent 74 cities across 42 Iowa counties and span 12 city blocks from Water Street to Fifth Street. For more information visit www.dsmpartnership.com/desmoinesfarmersmarket/.

Middle River Arts Festival
Saturday, May 2
Madison County Conservation Center, 2508 Pammel Park Trail, Winterset
The Middle River Arts Festival will take place at the Madison County Conservation Center in Pammel Park, hosted by the Winterset Art Center. This event is scheduled for one day, is free of charge and open to the public.

Central Iowa Wind Ensemble presents FEAST!
Sunday, May 3, 3 p.m.
Staplin Performing Arts Center, 3650 Woodland Ave., West Des Moines
Join the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble with a musical feast, literally. Its final concert, FEAST!, pairs amazing music with the flavors of the metro. With spicy selections like Wine Dark Sea, Party Potatoes (yes, you heard that right, a tuba concerto about potatoes), and Godzilla Eats Las Vegas, the group is serving up a musical menu like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Purchase tickets at www.ciwe.org/feast/.

(Feature Impact) When the weather breaks, and it is time to get outdoors, there is hardly any better place to be than resting on a deck, lounging in the backyard or curled up on a picnic blanket at a local park. Enjoy that leisurely time with loved ones by sharing a spread that includes these Picnic Party Sandwiches, perfect for a filling lunch that provides the energy you need for kicking around a soccer ball, playing tag or flying a kite.

Find more lunch ideas fit for enjoying the sunshine by visiting Culinary.net.

Picnic Party Sandwiches

Recipe adapted from “Crunch Time Kitchen”
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Potatoes:

• 1/4 cup salted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
• 1 large fresh baguette
• 1/4 cup fig preserves
• 6-8 ounces cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami and capocollo
• 6 ounces brie cheese, sliced
• 2 cups arugula
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 pinch kosher salt

Directions:

• Mash together room temperature butter with fresh parsley. Set aside.
• Cut fresh baguette length-wise and smear bottom half of the baguette with herbed butter. Top with fig preserves.
• Layer on cured meats followed by slices of brie cheese. For brie, cut off any large pieces of rind.
• In small bowl, toss arugula with lemon juice and salt. Add arugula to sandwich followed by top half of baguette.
• Cut baguette into four even sandwiches and eat immediately or wrap each one tightly in paper or plastic wrap.

WANTED: Stereo and electronic radio stuff, receivers, speakers, guitar amp, etc. Any age or condition is OK. Call 515-238-3343.

HELP WANTED: River Valley Golf Course is hiring for ProShop. Must be over 21 to be considered, 25-40 hours available per week, combination of weekday & weekend shifts, competitive pay based on experience and FREE GOLF! We'd love to have you be a part of our family! Call 515-993-4029 for more details.

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