April 21-27, 2026

Saylor and Scout Anderson visited with the Easter Bunny at the Easter Vendor Pop Up at Charlie Rae’s April 4.

Kites on the Green Festival

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and come to Johnston Commons Park, 6700 Merle Hay Road. Get ready for a day full of free, family-friendly activities and fun. This year, new activities and performances have been added, including two magic shows and balloon animals by Jonathan May, stilt walking, mesmerizing sway pole performances, and water balloon tricks by Laura Ernst with Kinetic Entertainment. There will also be an obstacle bounce house and numerous other exciting, free activities for your family to enjoy. Learn more here.

Museum open

The Johnston Historical Society 1902 Simpson House Museum at 6161 Northglenn Drive in Johnston will be open on the second Sunday of each month from 2-4 p.m. through December. Guided tours will be available. The museum is also open during Johnston Commons park events, including Kites on the Green on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundae in the Park on Sunday, Aug. 2 from 6-8 p.m. The museum is also open by appointment. Email johnstonhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call 515-330-0687 for an appointment.

Sign up for the Iowa Hero Academy

The Iowa Hero Academy provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young women 16-18 in central Iowa to explore careers in firefighting, policing and the military. The academy will take place July 26-31 at Camp Dodge in Johnston. The Iowa Hero Academy is a six-day, overnight camp designed to encourage young women to reach their potential by developing leadership skills, teamwork and self-confidence. From the moment campers check in to the moment they complete graduation, Iowa Hero Academy will engage participants through hands-on activities led by local female first responders passionate about making a difference in their careers. Learn more and sign up today here.

Bike to SingleSpeed

On Sunday, May 3 at 11 a.m., the public is invited to Backpocket Pin and Pixel, 6205 Merle Hay Road, Suite 100, Johnston, for a Bike to SingleSpeed event. Rendezvous at Backpocket where riders will depart at 11 a.m. on a roundtrip ride between there and SingleSpeed, approximately 10 miles away (20 roundtrip). Backpocket will open at 10 a.m. Both locations will have food and drink specials. This is a self-guided ride, and the first qualified 50 registrants will receive one free beer (choice limited) at the halfway point and at the end. Register here.

Tree branch and tire drop-off April 24-25

As part of spring cleanup, Johnston residents can drop off branches, limbs and passenger vehicle tires at no cost at the Public Works Facility. Drop-off hours are Friday, April 24, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 25 from 7 a.m. to noon. Bring your ID for proof of residency. For a full list of requirements, visit www.cityofjohnston.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=4063.

Firefighters Pancake Breakfast

Join the Johnston-Grimes Firefighters Foundation for a pancake breakfast at the new Public Safety Center, 2001 S.W. Sixth St., Grimes, on Saturday, April 25, from 7-11 a.m.

Farmers Markets vendor applications are now open

Applications are open for the Farmers Market through April 30. Approved applications are valid for one year, and vendor pricing is based on single- or double-space pricing. Spaces are limited, so apply early and include a brief description of your products. This year’s market will feature live music and community events to enhance the experience. Apply here.

Upcoming Public Meetings

• Wednesday, April 22: Park Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Monday, April 27: Planning and Zoning Meeting, 7 p.m.

Johnston Public Library spring events

Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, 515-278-5233, www.johnstonlibrary.com

Get a fresh start at the library this April. You can fly a kite, test your building skills, make crafts, party with Mario and start your spring cleaning. Read on for more details.

It’s an afternoon of maximum crafting cuteness at Kawaii Craft Day: Decoden Decorating. On Thursday, April 23, from 1-2:30 p.m., teens in grades 6-12 can watch adorable animal videos while making decoden art, a Japanese style of decorating everyday items with whipped clay “frosting,” rhinestones and charms.

School is out Friday, April 24. Teens can enjoy Extended Teen Space Hours from 1-5:30 p.m. No School Nostalgia: Movie & Craft begins at 1 p.m. with a showing of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” along with Shrinky Dinks and snacks. Jackbox Games begin at 3 p.m., followed by Kahoot! Trivia: Name That Tune Edition at 4 p.m.

Kids in grades K-5 can celebrate their no-school day at the Mushroom Kingdom Mario Party. From 1-2:30 p.m., Mario fans can enjoy snacks, crafts, Mario Kart racing and other activities.

Shred Day is back. Bring up to three disposable containers of confidential documents to the library parking lot on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to noon for on-site shredding by Shred-it. No registration is required.

Have spring fever? Head to the library for Press Play. This open playtime for you and your children will be held Tuesday, April 28 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Storytime Room. There will be books, sensory bins and play prompts to get you started.

Looking to recharge your parenting perspective? Wednesday, April 29, at 6:30 p.m., “The Best Thing: Finding Joy and Purpose in Parenting a Child With Special Needs” will be held. Drawing from her book, Dawn Schneider will share insights on how parents can transform challenges into inspiration.

More information about events and resources at the Johnston Public Library are available at www.johnstonlibrary.com or by calling 515-278-5233.

Sign up to be a Kites on the Green volunteer

Kites on the Green returns on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is organized by community volunteers. Volunteers are needed to help throughout the day, with full and partial shifts available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to earn volunteer hours, including silver cord hours for students. Learn more here.

Gold Star Military Museum events

Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston, https://goldstarmuseum.iowa.gov

• Free Docent-Led Museum Tours: Offered on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.

Polk County Conservation events

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

• Wildflower Hike. Sunday, April 26, 1-2:30 p.m. Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville, meet at pond parking lot. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the woods as we discuss one of the most dazzling and diverse displays of native wildflowers in the county. Learn how to identify these woodland beauties and how they were used by early people. Free, all ages welcome.
• Full Moon Night Hike. Friday, May 1, 8:30-10 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join us for an evening hike where we’ll discover the sights, sounds and wildlife that come alive after dark under the light of a full moon. Afterwards we’ll gather around a campfire to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. Registration required by April 30.
• World Migratory Bird Day. Saturday, May 9, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Ready to spread your wings? Join the Iowa DNR and Polk County Conservation for a high-flying celebration of World Migratory Bird Day at Jester Park Nature Center. This isn't just for the experts — it’s a morning of hands-on family fun. Get up close with majestic birds at our live raptor programs, sharpen your eagle eyes on a guided nature walk, and use binoculars to spot travelers stopping by the park. From interactive migration games for the kids to inspiring success stories for the grown-ups, you’ll discover the incredible superpowers these birds use to travel thousands of miles. Come find out how your family can help them thrive right in your own backyard. Free, all ages welcome.
• Creekology Hike. Saturday, May 9, 1-2 p.m., Mally’s Park, 5792 N.E. Berwick Drive, Berwick. Join a naturalist as they lead a hike down Four Mile Creek. Explore the many sciences a creek walk offers, like geology, archaeology, paleontology, limnology and biology, to name just a few. Not sure what all those “ologies” are about? Then join us to find out. Wear old clothes and sturdy shoes/boots that can get wet as we’ll be hiking in the creek/water. Free, all ages welcome.
• 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 April for a Wake Up With Spring walking series. Meet at the Jester Park's Wetland Shelter Wednesdays in April at 2 p.m. Polk County Conservation naturalists will lead participants on a walk through the park discussing a new nature theme each week. Walk with us this April to see how Iowa's landscape awakens during the spring months. Themes are as follows: 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. For more information, contact Laura Fraser at lafraser@iastate.edu or 515-957-5785.

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.

The Evening African Violet Club Sale and Show
Friday and Saturday, April 24-25
Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 33, 2501 Bell Ave., Des Moines
The Evening African Violet Club of Des Moines invites the public to its 2026 African Violet Show and Sale, “Music in Bloom.” Members of area garden clubs and plant societies are especially welcome as club members share so many interests in indoor and outdoor gardening with them. This is a nationally sanctioned show and sale that will have judges from the African Violet Society of America. Hours are Friday, April 24, noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The judging of violets, gesneriads and floral design will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Hours follow from noon to 5 p.m. for sales. Only members of EAVC are eligible to enter plants and designs in the show.

Made In The Midwest: The Lubben Brothers
Saturday, April 25, 7 p.m.
Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St., Des Moines
Des Moines Performing Arts announces the return of Made in the Midwest at the Temple Theater for an exciting new season. The Lubben Brothers perform traditional/contemporary folk music. Opener is Courtney Krause. To purchase tickets, visit DMPA.org, call 515-246-2300, or stop by the Civic Center Ticket Office at 221 Walnut St. Night-of tickets will be available for purchase at the Temple Theater Ticket Office two hours before the performance.

Fauna 10K
Through April 30
Reagan Maher, a Des Moines kidney transplant recipient, is launching the Fauna 10K — a powerful initiative throughout the month of April aimed at registering 10,000 new organ, tissue and eye donors across Iowa and beyond. This is not a race. There is no finish line. There is no competition. This is a movement.

Held during Donate Life Month in April, the Fauna 10K invites everyone who is not registered as an organ donor to take part from anywhere, making this a statewide and nationwide movement, not confined to a single location. Through April, you can register on Fauna Transplant Support’s Facebook Page or through Iowa Donor Network at www.iowadonornetwork.org/register.

Celebrate Spring in the Park
Various dates
Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines

• Earth Day In The Park: Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to noon. The free event includes educational information and activities from non-profit organizations in the area. Des Moines Water Works is also celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Arie den Boer crabapple arboretum with crabapple grafting demonstrations at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. and guided tours of the arboretum at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The Des Moines Biergarten will be open along with Green Finds Cafe and select food trucks. Learn more at www.waterworkspark.org/event/earth-day-in-the-park.
• How to Build a Rain Barrel: Thursday, April 30, 6 p.m. Continue to celebrate Earth Day with How to Build a Rain Barrel workshops thanks to the Burnett Family Foundation Cultural Series. The Rain Campaign will present proper installation, benefits and maintenance of rain barrels and guide participants through the process of making their own rain barrel to take home. Tickets available at www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/WaterWorksParkRainBarrelWorkshopApril30.
• Dwight Yoakam and ZZ Top: Thursday, May 7, 6 p.m. with opening act Southall, bring the Dos Amigos Tour to Lauridsen Amphitheater on Thursday, May 7, to kick off the new Willis Summer Series at Des Moines Water Works Park. It's sure to be a mix of country honky-tonk and Texas rhythm and blues, along with good old rock n' roll hits. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com/event/0600636DD02FEFA9.
• Styx with special guest Cheap Trick: Thursday, May 21, 6 p.m. Experience a legendary night of arena-rock anthems, powerhouse vocals, and nonstop hits from Styx with special guest Cheap Trick, two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame era icons. From “Come Sail Away” and “Renegade,” to “I Want You to Want Me” and “Surrender,” this is classic rock at full throttle as the Willis Summer Series heats up. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com/event/06006383E039973A.
• Scheels Outdoor Adventure Series: Saturday, May 16, 1-3 p.m. The Scheels Outdoor Adventure Series continues in May with a bike theme. The experts at Scheels will help you get your bike ready for the season and showcase new products and gear. It's a great opportunity to incorporate a bike ride in the park while learning about the latest cycling trends.
• Live performances: Monday, June 15, 6 p.m. The Kerry and Linda Killinger Foundation Community Series features live performances on the Killinger Family Stage throughout the summer. The Des Moines Performing Arts takes the stage in June, featuring a national touring act in the park. Stay tuned for the performance announcement. Learn more at www.waterworkspark.org/events-in-the-park/community-series.

(Feature Impact) If clear skies and bright sunshine have you dreaming of a fresh meal outdoors, a picnic may be just the solution. Rounding out your spread of sandwiches and cold refreshments doesn’t have to be a trick. Instead, treat yourself to a light, simple side like this Picnic Pasta Salad.

Cooked rotini is mixed with fresh veggies, tossed with Italian dressing and topped with crumbled feta cheese for a zesty complement to your favorite al fresco meals.

Visit Culinary.net to find more ways to round out a perfect picnic lunch.

Picnic pasta salad
Recipe adapted from “Budget Bytes”
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients:

• 1 pound rotini pasta
• 1 English cucumber
• 2 bell peppers
• 10 ounces grape tomatoes
• 1/2 red onion
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 bottle (16 ounces) Italian dressing
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Directions:

• Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain in colander and rinse with cool water; drain well.
• Slice cucumber into half-moons, chop bell peppers, halve tomatoes, thinly slice red onion and chop parsley. Set vegetables and parsley aside.
• Transfer drained pasta to large bowl. Add chopped vegetables, parsley and feta cheese.
• Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss until evenly coated. Add salt and pepper then refrigerate until ready to eat.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

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

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