Des Moines Metro

Movies on the Yard: Lilo & Stitch (2025)
2025-09-18 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, IA 50131, IA, 50131, United States
Thursday, September 18, 2025Join us for a free screening of Lilo & Stitch (2025) on the Yard at the Johnston Town Center on Thursday, September 18, following the Johnston Homecoming Parade. Don't forget your blankets or lawn chairs! Experience the final Movie on the Yard. Join us at the Johnston Town Center (6245 Merle Hay Rd.) after the Johnston Homecoming Parade for a special showing of the new live-action Lilo & Stitch movie.

Thursday, September 18: Johnston Homecoming Movie, Lilo & Stitch (2025) Time: The movie will begin following the Johnston Homecoming Parade around dusk. What
to Bring: Grab your blankets, lawn chairs and gather your loved ones
for an outdoor movie experience. Snacks and drinks are welcome, making
it the perfect picnic opportunity! Admission to Movies on the Yard
is completely free, ensuring that everyone in the community can enjoy
this summer's entertainment!

Location:

The Yard at the Johnston Town Center

Address:

6245 Merle Hay Rd.Johnston, IA 50131

Email:

Email Molly with questions!

Cost:
Free!

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Tunes at Twilight
2025-09-11 19:30 - 21:00 | Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, IA 50131, IA, 50131, United States
Thursday, September 11, 2025Join us for live music by Damon Dotson on Thursday, September 11, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., presented by The Cork 50131. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy free entertainment on the Yard. Join us for live music by Damon Dotson on Thursday, September 11, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., presented by The Cork 50131. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy free entertainment on the Yard.

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The Smart Money Series: Your Path to Financial Confidence – Be a Savvy Borrower: Navigating the Mortgage Process with Confidence
2025-09-02 18:30 - 19:30 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Events DetailsDo you dream about buying a house but have no idea how you can do it financially? Are you interested in learning how you can boost your credit score to secure a better loan? Come learn how to do that and more in The Smart Money Series. Presented by Kyle Guldenpfennig and Charles Chedester, they will take you through building a strong financial foundation, boosting your credit score, and will even help de-mystify the mortgage process. Tonight's program is September 2 – Be a Savvy Borrower: Navigating the Mortgage Process with Confidence Demystify lending, avoid common mistakes, and understand how to borrow wisely. Contact InfoName: Jen Ohzourk Email: jen.ohzourk@wdm.iowa.gov Phone Number: (515) 222-3413

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Tween Club Read - Maizy Chen's Last Chance
2025-09-02 16:15 - 17:00 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Event DetailsIf you like to read and talk about books (but you’re getting too old for our other book clubs), this club is for you. Join us for discussion and activities related to this month’s book Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee! If you need a copy of the book, please come to the Children’s Desk and check out a book club copy! Registration for this program will begin 8/1/25. Book: Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee West Des Moines and contract city residents: Libby (audio) Contact Info Name: Hailey

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JPL Book Bike at the Johnston Farmer's Market
2025-08-26 16:00 - 19:00 | South side of Johnston Town Center
Event DetailsWe're taking JPL on the road. Come visit the JPL Book Bike at the Farmer's Market. South side of Johnston Town Center 6245 Merle Hay Road Johnston, IA 50131

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RipRoar Youth Triathlon
2025-08-16 08:00 - 12:00 | Johnston Terra Park
RipRoar Youth TriathlonSaturday, August 16, 2025The RipRoar Youth Triathlon will be held at Terra Park on Saturday, August 16. Be aware of closures along Pioneer Parkway.

Swim
OPEN WATER IN TERRA LAKE

JUNIORS: 50 METERS
INTERMEDIATES: 100 METERS
SENIORS: 200 METERS

Bike
CLOSED LOOP ON PIONEER PKWY

JUNIORS: 2 MILES
INTERMEDIATES: 4 MILES
SENIORS: 6 MILES

Run
TERRA LAKE PARK TRAIL

JUNIORS: 1/2 Mile
INTERMEDIATES: 1 MILE
SENIORS: 2 MILES

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Navigating the transition to Senior Living
2025-08-07 18:30 - 19:30 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Events DetialsAre you looking ahead at Senior Living for yourself or a loved one, but not sure how to start your research? It can be overwhelming if you’re not sure where to begin. Please join us for this educational program on senior housing options and transitioning to senior housing. You will learn what steps can be involved in transitioning to senior housing and how to help plan for the changes ahead. This presentation is given by Kate Mohr, Senior Living Advisor, Woodlands Creek Senior Living.

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In the Stacks: His-Story in the Making: Crafting Historical Fiction
2025-08-06 18:30 - 19:30 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Event DetailsJoin author and historian Jeff Kluever to hear the story of his writing and publishing journey and learn the inspiring tale of the United States Colored Infantry featured in his new book, Marching Home: A Story of Love, War, and Freedom. Jeff studied history at Grinnell College and earned a master's degree from Carroll University. As a former museum professional, Jeff has delivered hundreds of presentations, tours, and programs focused on slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction, making history real and consequential to his audiences. Books will be available to purchase after the program.

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The Smart Money Series: Your Path to Financial Confidence - Plan to Save
2025-08-05 18:30 - 19:30 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Events DetialsDo you dream about buying a house but have no idea how you can do it financially? Are you interested in learning how you can boost your credit score to secure a better loan? Come learn how to do that and more in The Smart Money Series. Presented by Kyle Guldenpfennig and Charles Chedester, they will take you through building a strong financial foundation, boosting your credit score, and will even help de-mystify the mortgage process. Tonight's program is Plan to Save: Setting Goals & Making Your Money Work for YOU! Learn how to create savings strategies, set realistic goals, and prepare for big financial decisions. Registration is requested, please.

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Sundae in the Park
2025-08-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Johnston Commons Park Shelter, 6050 Morningside Drive Johnston, IA 50131, Morningside Drive Johnston, IA, 50131, United States
Sunday, August 3, 2025Join us on Sunday, August 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Johnston Commons Park for a sweet summer evening the whole family will enjoy. Grab a free ice cream sundae, explore hands-on activities and connect with local school and city leaders before the start of the school year.

Sundae in the Park is back! Join us on Sunday, August 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Johnston Commons Park for a sweet summer evening the whole family will enjoy. Grab a free ice cream sundae, explore hands-on activities and connect with local school and city leaders before the start of the school year. Plus, kids can climb aboard fire trucks, police vehicles, and public works equipment during our Touch-a-Truck experience! It’s the perfect way to cool down, have fun and celebrate our community!

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Teen Mario Kart Tournament
2025-07-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd Johnston, IA 50131, Johnston, IA, 50131, United States
Event Details
Let's go! Drive, dodge, and maneuver your way to a first-place finish in our Mario Kart Tournament! Prizes for the winners. 6th grade and up. No tournament July 9. 6th grade and up. This is a drop-in program - no registration necessary.

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Sounds of Summer
2025-07-26 19:00 - 22:00 | Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, IA 50131, IA, 50131, United States
Saturday, July 26, 2025

Join attendees in The Yard for the Sounds of Summer Concert Series from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, for a performance by The Trip.

Join attendees this summer in The Yard for the Sounds of Summer Concert Series from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The concert series is sponsored by The Cork 50131.
Enjoy a free performance by The Trip - A high-energy, genuine cover rock band that will take you on a fun-filled musical journey through the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s… as well as today’s top 40 and rock hits. They truly play something for everyone.

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Summer Finale: Water Party!
2025-07-26 10:00 - 12:00 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Event DetailsCome and celebrate the end of Summer Escape 2025! This year's finale will feature a variety of water-based games and activities, from a foam machine to a giant inflatable slip-n-slide to a dunk tank and more! Come ready to get wet (bring your towels!) and have a blast. For all ages, no registration required.

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Friday Craft for Kids - Paper Plate Butterfly
2025-07-25 08:00 - 17:00 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Event Details
Each Friday we will provide a different fun, hands-on, screen-free craft project or activity to take home and enjoy! Available at the Children's Desk during library hours while supplies last. This week you can make a beautiful butterfly out of a paper plate!

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Puzzle Competition
2025-07-19 12:00 - 16:00 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Program DescriptionRegistration is required for this event.Registration will close on July 19, 2025 @ 12:00pm.Event DetailsDo you love puzzles? Have you ever thought about entering a puzzle competition? Put together a team of up to 4 people to join us on the afternoon of July 19th at 12:00 p.m. to test your team's puzzling prowess against 5 other teams. Teams will work to complete a 500-piece puzzle. The fastest 3 teams will advance to a second round. The first team to finish the second round will win a 1000+-piece puzzle for their team to take home. All teams get to keep the puzzles they worked on. There are no entry fees. Team captains, please register yourself below. Note: Due to the popularity of our puzzle competitions, we ask that all potential participants who attended our February competition to refrain from registering to allow other teams an opportunity to participate.

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Movies on the Yard: Elemental
2025-07-18 20:45 - 22:30 | Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, IA 50131, IA, 50131, United States
Friday, July 18, 2025
Join us for a free screening of Elemental on the Yard at the Johnston Town Center on Friday, July 18, at dusk. Don't forget your blankets or lawn chairs!
Experience the magic of summer evenings at Movies on the Yard. Prepare for a lineup of popular films under the stars!
Dates & Films: Friday, July 18: Elemental Friday, August 29: Wicked Thursday, September 18: Johnston Homecoming Movie, TBD Time: All screenings begin at dusk, so arrive early to secure your spot. What to Bring: Grab your blankets, lawn chairs and gather your loved ones for an outdoor movie experience. Snacks and drinks are welcome, making it the perfect picnic opportunity! Admission to Movies on the Yard is completely free, ensuring that everyone in the community can enjoy this summer's entertainment!

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Step Back in Time: Historical Fiction book group
2025-07-17 19:00 - 20:00 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Program Type:Book Club
Age Group:
Adults

Registration is required for this event.Registration will close on July 16, 2025 @ 9:00pm.

Event Details

Historical fiction is a great way to learn about people and events through stories that bring history to life. Our group discusses titles from a wide variety of time/places/people. Please join us for a discussion of The Secret War of Julia Child on July 17, 2025 at The Jordan House (2001 Fuller Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265). Books may be picked up at the Adult Services desk. Please note: this title is available as an e-book and e-audiobook on Hoopla. Registration is requested, please. Staff will register you for this program when you pick up a book. If you are not getting the book from the Library, please contact Jen at 515-222-3413 to register. The Library is very happy to partner with the West Des Moines Historical Society for these book group meetings. One of the oldest structures in Polk County, The Jordan House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program.

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Dungeons & Dragons: Summer Campaign
2025-07-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd Johnston, IA 50131, Johnston, IA, 50131, United States
Program Type:Gaming
Age Group:
Teens

Registration is required for this event.
Capacity has been reached. Additional registrants will be placed on the waitlist.
This event is for registrants grade 8th Grade to 12th Grade

Program Description
Event Details
Ready to roll for initiative? Join our 5-week Dungeons & Dragons campaign! This is an ongoing campaign, so participants should be entering 8th grade or above and able to attend most of the sessions—it’s okay to miss a couple, but regular attendance helps keep the story moving. We will have dice and pre-made character sheets available for those who need them. Session Dates: Mondays – June 2, June 9, June 23, July 14, and July 28 Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM Please Note: By registering for this event, you are signing up for the entire 5-week campaign. You’ll be automatically enrolled in all five sessions—no need to register separately for each date.

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WDM Writer's Group
2025-07-12 10:00 - 14:30 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Program Type:
Program

Age Group:
Adults

Program Description
Event Details

This in-person group is open to aspiring authors of all experience levels. Each participant brings an approximately 1500-word excerpt of their work-in-progress to read aloud. Fellow writers offer constructive critique following each writer's turn. Currently, members email excerpts to each other ahead of time so those who plan to attend can bring hard copies if they wish. Hard copies with notes are turned over to the writer following each critique. Novelists, short-story writers, essayists, memoirists, poets—all writers are welcome.

This Library program is facilitated by local writers Marianne and Vic.

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