Arts & Entertainment
Worm Races
Jun 30, 3:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
Ages 6 to 10
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Sheila Olson
On your mark...get set...wiggle! Cheer on your worm and we will see who is the first to squirm across the finish line. There is no registration for this program. Recommended for ages 6-10, but siblings may also attend. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult for this program.
Sunshine Stories and Yoga with Happy Heart Yoga
Jul 1, 10:00 am
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
Pre-k to 5th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Sheila Olson
Start the morning with a yoga story time out on the lawn! Happy Heart Yoga will be here to teach a class for children and their grown-ups. Older siblings are welcome. Feel free to bring your own towel or mat. We will have some mats available. If there is inclement weather, we will move inside.
Teen Tuesday – The Hot Glue Gun Games: Trophy Challenge
Jul 1, 4:30 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Get ready to battle it out with nothing but old trophies, weird craft supplies, and a hot glue gun! In this chaotic art competition, you’ll transform forgotten awards into outrageous, one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events!
Jackbox Games
Jul 2, 3:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade through 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Drop by the teen space for a fun afternoon of Jackbox Games, which is a collection of fun interactive party games you play by using your phone or device. You’ll need a phone, tablet, or other device to join in, but don’t worry—the library has devices you can borrow if you don’t have one.
Teen Mario Kart Tournament
Jul 2, 4:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
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.
Teen Smash Bros. Tournament
Jul 2, 5:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Test your skills! Prizes and bragging rights for the winners. Tournaments happen every Wednesday - except June 25 & July 9. 6th grade and up.
Acrylic Art Adventure
Jul 2, 5:30 pm
Location
1501 Woodland Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
Organization
Hoyt Sherman Place
Dive into color and creativity! In this fun acrylic painting class, kids will learn techniques like color mixing, layering, and brushwork while creating their own unique masterpieces. Projects are inspired by fish. All materials provided — just bring your creativity!
Dungeons & Dragons: Quick Quests
Jul 3, 1:30 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade through 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
All levels of experience are welcome! We will host four sessions this summer - June 5 & 19 and July 3 & 17. We'll be playing a different one-shot adventure each time. Bring a character or use one of our premade characters. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events for each separate event.
Anime Club
Jul 3, 4:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Join JPL's Anime Club each week for Japanese snacks, anime trivia, and art projects! All fans welcome! Registration is not required, but it is appreciated for planning purposes. You will receive reminder emails about meetings if you register at johnstonlibrary.com/events,
Kids Kitchen: Bread
Jul 3, 4:30 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
Kindergarten to 5th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Sheila Olson
Kids can join our monthly cooking class to learn basic cooking skills and practice following a recipe. Registration is required at johnstonlibrary.com/events. This month, Iowa State Extension Office will be coming to teach us how to make Bread in a Bag and talking about different types of bread.
GR!T Camp
Jul 4 (all day)
RSVP By
07/04/25
Location
6301 University Ave, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
Event For
ages 12-18
Cost
Sliding scale, pay what you can afford
Organization
Girls Rock! Des Moines
Contact
Taylor Raibikis
Email
pd@girlsrockdsm.org
Phone
(515) 218-6551
Do you want to learn how to record music? Do you want to learn how to produce music? Join us at GR!T Camp from 7/7-7/18! GR!T offers youth a unique experiential learning opportunity in recording artistry, audio engineering, audio technology, and production through working with an actual record label
Arts & Snacks
Jul 7, 4:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
K-5th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Sheila Olson
We will have hands-on art projects that will spark learning and discovery for kids in K-5 as well as a snack! This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Teen Tuesday – 90’s Mario Movie Night: So Bad It’s Super
Jul 8, 4:30 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Travel back to 1993 for a truly legendary level of weird with the original Super Mario Bros. movie—the live-action version. We’ll watch the movie and use MuVChat to add your live, on-screen reactions. The Library will have devices available to participate. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.
Doodlerz Art Studio
Jul 10, 4:30 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
3rd Grade to 5th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Sheila Olson
Love to doodle, scribble, and sketch? Learn new drawing techniques, practice your art skills, and chill with your friends. Registration at johnstonlibrary.com/events is required for kids in grades 3-5.
Zoo to You with the Blank Park Zoo
Jul 11, 10:00 am
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
K-5th Grade, All Ages
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Sheila Olson
See different animals up close and learn about what they eat, where they live and other fun facts! Ambassador Animals that travel with Zoo to You programs are small animals such as small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
Critter Camp Drop-Off
Jul 14 (all day)
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
K-5th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Sheila Olson
Drop off your favorite stuffed-animal critter for Critter Camp. Your animal will enjoy a fun-filled week at camp. Pick up your stuffed animal on Friday, July 18 and discover what the critters did while they were away at camp.
Dungeons & Dragons: Summer Campaign
Jul 14, 3:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
8th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
This is an ongoing campaign, so participants should be entering 8th grade or above and able to attend most of the sessions. We will have dice and pre-made character sheets available for those who need them. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events to sign up for the entire 5 week campaign.
Pop-Up Library in the Park
Jul 15, 10:00 am
Location
6400 Pioneer Pkwy
Event For
K-5th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Rebecca Taylor
Visit us at various parks throughout Johnston this summer, weather permitting. Create a fun craft, explore different activities, and participate in our Summer Library Program and earn prizes!
Teen Tuesday – Snack Boss Battle: Level Up Your Taste Buds!
Jul 15, 5:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Face off against a series of wild food challenges in this boss-level snack competition! Each round brings a new “boss” to beat—spicy, sour, mystery ingredients, and more! Some foods will contain allergens. Please contact staff with allergy and diet restrictions before the program. Register online.
Jackbox Games
Jul 16, 3:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade through 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
interactive games. Drop by the teen space for a fun afternoon of Jackbox Games, which is a collection of fun interactive party games you play by using your phone or device. You’ll need a phone, tablet, or other device to join in, but don’t worry—the library has devices you can borrow if you don’t h
Teen Mario Kart Tournament
Jul 16, 4:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
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.
Teen Smash Bros. Tournament
Jul 16, 5:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Test your skills! Prizes and bragging rights for the winners. Tournaments happen every Wednesday - except June 25 & July 9. 6th grade and up.
Dungeons & Dragons: Quick Quests
Jul 17, 1:30 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade through 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
All levels of experience are welcome! We will host four sessions this summer - June 5 & 19 and July 3 & 17. We'll be playing a different one-shot adventure each time. Bring a character or use one of our premade characters. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events for each separate event.
Anime Club
Jul 17, 4:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Join JPL's Anime Club each week for Japanese snacks, anime trivia, and art projects! All fans welcome! Registration is not required, but it is appreciated for planning purposes. You will receive reminder emails about meetings if you register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.
July Rock Camp
Jul 18 (all day)
RSVP By
07/18/25
Location
6301 University Ave, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
Event For
ages 7-18
Cost
Sliding scale, pay what you can afford
Organization
Girls Rock! Des Moines
Contact
Taylor Raibikis
Email
pd@girlsrockdsm.org
Phone
(515) 218-6551
Rock out with us at Girls Rock! Des Moines! Rock camp is a two week day camp experience where campers form bands, learn an instrument, play and write music, attend educational workshops, enjoy performances, and perform in a showcase at the end of camp! June rock camp is from 7/21-8/3 this year.
Varsity Summer Camp: Around the World Through Movies
Jul 18, 9:00 am
Location
Varsity Cinema
Event For
Grades 2-5
Cost
$125
Organization
Des Moines Film
Email
team@desmoinesfilm.org
Phone
(515) 259-0167
Travel around the world through movies! Earn a new stamp for your passport each day as we watch a movie from a different country then explore that country’s culture through fun activities. Campers will receive a free t-shirt, plus a light snack each day, including movie theater popcorn on Friday.
Acrylic Sunsets on Canvas
Jul 21, 5:00 pm
Location
1501 Woodland Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
Event For
Middle School-High School
Organization
Hoyt Sherman Place
Contact
Emily Roeder
Capture the beauty of a sunset on canvas using vibrant acrylics. Bring your own sunset photo or paint what you see in the sky. Guided by artist Kelsey Wilson, you'll explore color blending and brush techniques in a relaxed, creative setting. Supplies included— just bring your vision and let the sky
Dragon Rider Training: Escape Room
Jul 22 (all day)
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
K-5th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Sheila Olson
Your mission begins in a fiery lair where you’ll need sharp eyes, quick thinking, and teamwork to escape. Kids will solve puzzles, discover secret clues, and prove they've got what it takes to fly with the dragons. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events. Available July 22-24, 2025.
Pop-Up Library in the Park
Jul 22, 10:00 am
Location
5225 NW 64th Pl
Event For
K-5th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Rebecca Taylor
Visit us at various parks throughout Johnston this summer, weather permitting. Create a fun craft, explore different activities, and participate in our Summer Library Program and earn prizes!
Jackbox Games
Jul 23, 3:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade through 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Drop by the teen space for a fun afternoon of Jackbox Games, which is a collection of fun interactive party games you play by using your phone or device. You’ll need a phone, tablet, or other device to join in, but don’t worry—the library has devices you can borrow if you don’t have one.
Teen Mario Kart Tournament
Jul 23, 4:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
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.
Teen Smash Bros. Tournament
Jul 23, 5:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Test your skills! Prizes and bragging rights for the winners. Tournaments happen every Wednesday - except June 25 & July 9. 6th grade and up.
Anime Club
Jul 24, 4:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Join JPL's Anime Club each week for Japanese snacks, anime trivia, and art projects! All fans welcome! Registration is not required, but it is appreciated for planning purposes. You will receive reminder emails about meetings if you register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.
Kindermusik Class
Jul 24, 5:30 pm
Location
1501 Woodland Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
Event For
Preschool-Kindergarten
Organization
Hoyt Sherman Place
Contact
Emily Roeder
Kindermusik is a German phrase that translates to "children's music". The program aims to help children learn and grow through music-making during the years when their brains are most critical for development. Children will explore music through instruments, movement, singing, and play.
SummerSongs
Jul 25 (all day)
RSVP By
July 7th, 2025
Location
Windsor Heights Lutheran Church
Event For
Completed Kingergarten through 8th grade
Cost
The price range varies, there are scholarships available.
Organization
Heartland Youth Choir
Contact
Kelli Stoermer
Phone
(515) 221-3922
Singers who have finished grade K through 8 will enjoy five days of singing and fun that ends with a musical performance! Participants will experience choir rehearsals, musicianship, sectional rehearsals, and movement activities.
SummerSongs
Jul 25 (all day)
RSVP By
July 1, 2025
Location
Windsor Heights Lutheran Church
Event For
Finished kindergarten through 8th grade
Cost
The price range varies, there are scholarships available.
Organization
Heartland Youth Choir
Contact
Kelli Stoermer
Phone
(515) 221-3922
Singers who have finished grade K through 8 will enjoy five days of singing and fun that ends with a musical performance! Participants will experience choir rehearsals, musicianship, sectional rehearsals, and movement activities.
Teen Laser Tag Lock-In Super Reward Party Primary tabs
Jul 25, 6:30 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
You did it—you hit 500 points in the Summer Reading Challenge, and now it’s time to celebrate in epic style! The library is your playground at this special after-hours event! Registration at johnstonlibrary.com/events and reward ticket required.
Family Puzzle Competition
Jul 26, 10:30 am
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
All Ages
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Beth Schaefer
You will have 90 minutes to complete a 400 piece puzzle with you and your friends/family. Please register at johnstonlibrary.com/events once for your team and write in your registration how many team members will be participating. Ages 9 and up can participate in this event.
Summer Needle Felting Workshop
Jul 27, 2:00 pm
Location
1501 Woodland Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
Event For
8+
Organization
Hoyt Sherman Place
Contact
Emily Roeder
Learn the art of needle-felting! Create beautiful felted wool art as you learn techniques step-by-step in this beginner-friendly workshop. Follow along to create a summer prairie landscape filled with your favorite flowers, or create freely with fluffy, colorful wool!
Dungeons & Dragons: Summer Campaign
Jul 28, 3:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
8th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
This is an ongoing campaign, so participants should be entering 8th grade or above and able to attend most of the sessions. We will have dice and pre-made character sheets available for those who need them. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events to sign up for the entire 5 week campaign.
Jackbox Games
Jul 30, 3:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade through 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Drop by the teen space for a fun afternoon of Jackbox Games, which is a collection of fun interactive party games you play by using your phone or device. You’ll need a phone, tablet, or other device to join in, but don’t worry—the library has devices you can borrow if you don’t have one.
Teen Mario Kart Tournament
Jul 30, 4:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
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.
Teen Smash Bros. Tournament
Jul 30, 5:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Test your skills! Prizes and bragging rights for the winners. Tournaments happen every Wednesday - except June 25 & July 9. 6th grade and up.
Diamond Painting Workshop
Jul 30, 5:30 pm
Location
1501 Woodland Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
Event For
All ages
Organization
Hoyt Sherman Place
Contact
Emily Roeder
Diamond painting is similar to painting by numbers—you use small, sparkly gems that stick to an adhesive canvas to create a beautiful design. You will create your own image and “paint” using colors of your choice. We’ll provide instructions and ideas to spark your creativity.
Anime Club
Jul 31, 4:00 pm
Location
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Event For
6th Grade to 12th Grade
Cost
Free
Organization
Johnston Public Library
Contact
Jessica Young
Join JPL's Anime Club each week for Japanese snacks, anime trivia, and art projects! All fans welcome! Registration is not required, but it is appreciated for planning purposes. You will receive reminder emails about meetings if you register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.
Diamond Painting Class
Aug 3, 1:00 pm
Location
1501 Woodland Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
Event For
All ages
Organization
Hoyt Sherman Place
Diamond painting is similar to painting by numbers—you use small, sparkly gems that stick to an adhesive canvas to create a beautiful design. You will create your own image and “paint” using colors of your choice. We’ll provide instructions and ideas to spark your creativity.
Inhale, Exhale, Draw Class
Aug 9, 1:00 pm
Location
1501 Woodland Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
Event For
16+
Organization
Hoyt Sherman Place
Contact
Emily Roeder
Join us for a calming blend of meditation, gentle yoga, breathwork, and intuitive drawing. Through mindful movement and spontaneous pencil work, you’ll reconnect with your body, quiet your mind, and express yourself freely—no art experience needed.
Charcoal Exploration
Aug 13, 6:00 pm
Location
1501 Woodland Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
Event For
High School
Organization
Hoyt Sherman Place
Contact
Emily Roeder
Learn to draw a realistic still life using charcoal and expressive mark making techniques. You'll create a toned background to enhance contrast, making highlights and shadows more impactful. This class is perfect for building observational skills and exploring dynamic, engaging drawing styles.
Kindermusik Class
Aug 14, 5:30 pm
Location
1501 Woodland Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
Event For
Preschool-Kindergarten
Organization
Hoyt Sherman Place
Contact
Emily Roeder
Kindermusik is a German phrase that translates to "children's music". The program aims to help children learn and grow through music-making during the years when their brains are most critical for development. Children will explore music through instruments, movement, singing, and play.
Arrow Academy of Music School Year Lessons
Aug 17 (all day)
RSVP By
8/15/2025
Location
10430 New York Ave G, Urbandale, IA
Event For
Elementary, middle, and high school students
Organization
Arrow Academy of Music
Contact
Kevin Bellile
Phone
(515) 331-0700
Arrow Academy of Music's School Year session begins the week of August 17th! We offer accredited in-person and online piano lessons for ages 6-17, and guitar lessons for ages 10-17 all from our studio in Urbandale. Attend a free trial lesson to get started!