July 30, 2026

The Botanical Garden's Garden Artists Summer Camp wraps up its five-day session Friday, giving students entering first through fifth grade a last day of nature-inspired projects -- painting, sculpting, garden design, and flower arranging -- spread across the Garden's collection and grounds.

Good to know: This session is full; the venue is maintaining a waitlist for anyone interested in joining.

When: Friday, July 31, 9:00 am-4:00 pm CDT. Where: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines.

Source: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

The Botanical Garden extends its hours into golden hour this Friday as part of its recurring Tuesday/Friday Extended Summer Evenings series, running June through September. Visitors can wander the grounds, relax on the lawn, or catch sunset light across the gardens.

Good to know: Members and donors get free access; general admission applies otherwise.

When: Friday, July 31, 10:00 am-7:30 pm CDT. Where: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines.

Source: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

This week's Story Sprouts session for children ages two to five explores "Sun and the Clouds" through stories and a themed activity, part of a Friday summer series set in the Garden's indoor and outdoor spaces.

Good to know: Included with general admission; members get free access.

When: Friday, July 31, 10:30-11:00 am CDT. Where: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines.

Source: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

The Botanical Garden hosts a reception during its Extended Summer Evenings for "Wild & Wonderful," a group exhibition by Iowa artists on view in the Evergreen Gallery, with light refreshments and a chance to meet the artists behind the all-botanical show.

Good to know: Included with admission; free for members; tickets available for prepurchase.

When: Friday, July 31, 5:00-7:00 pm CDT. Where: Juniper/Agave Room, Evergreen Gallery, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

Source: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

A knowledgeable guide leads visitors through the Art Center's permanent collection, spotlighting a selection of paintings, sculptures, and more, in this weekly Saturday tour aimed at art enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Good to know: Free; no registration required.

When: Saturday, August 1, 1:00-2:00 pm CDT. Where: Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines.

Source: Des Moines Art Center.

This first-Sunday-of-the-month meetup gathers adults for an open-ended discussion of a single work of art, guided by a docent but shaped by whoever shows up -- no art background required.

Good to know: Free; registration required. Brunch isn't provided, but the Art Center Cafe is open before or after.

When: Sunday, August 2, 11:00 am-12:00 pm CDT. Where: Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines.

Source: Des Moines Art Center.

This monthly program pairs older adults with an Art Center docent for a collaborative discussion of a single artwork, followed by informal social time over coffee and tea -- designed to build community connections and support cognitive health.

Good to know: Free; registration required. Two session times available, at 12 pm and 2 pm; each runs about 90 minutes.

When: Tuesday, August 4, sessions at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm CDT. Where: Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines.

Source: Des Moines Art Center.

The Art Center's monthly Social Saturday goes full silent disco this month, with a scavenger hunt, storytime, a guided tour, craft activities in the Art School studios, and treats at the Cafe rounding out the free family event.

Good to know: Free; no registration required. Storytime runs 11:15-11:30 am; the guided tour runs 1-2 pm; the disco runs 12-2 pm.

When: Saturday, August 8, 11:00 am-2:00 pm CDT. Where: Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines.

Source: Des Moines Art Center.