Puppy Bowl, African American Festival Highlight Weekend Events in Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa — Residents and visitors in Des Moines have a variety of events to enjoy this weekend, from celebrating African American culture to watching adorable puppies compete in the Puppy Bowl.

One of the major highlights of the weekend is the Iowa’s African American Festival, hosted by I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa (IMMAWII). The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Horizon Events Center in Clive. It will feature the 2025 State of Black Iowa Forum, historical presentations, soul food, a wellness expo, a kids’ carnival, and a headlining appearance by actress Meagan Good, star of the Amazon Original series “Harlem.”

Animal lovers can gather at Paws & Pints on Sunday, Feb. 9, for a Puppy Bowl watch party. The event will feature six puppies from AHeinz57 Pet Rescue competing in Animal Planet’s annual Puppy Bowl. Attendees can meet the puppies, enjoy the game, and support shelter dogs. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 in advance, and $5 for children under 10.

Train enthusiasts can visit the Des Moines Public Library on Saturday and Sunday to view a large model train display by the DesMoiNTrak modular railroad club. The N-scale trains will be set up in the library’s meeting rooms, offering a fun and educational experience for all ages.

Other weekend activities include a sensory-friendly family Valentine’s dance at the Des Moines Children’s Museum on Friday, Feb. 7, and Bald Eagle Day at the SE 6th Street Bridge in downtown Des Moines on Saturday, Feb. 8. The latter event offers a chance to learn about bald eagles and potentially spot them in their natural habitat.

For those looking for indoor activities, the Imagination Playschool indoor playground at Pioneer Columbus Rec Center is open on Friday, Feb. 7. It provides a space for children to develop motor and social skills while staying warm during the cold winter months.

The weekend weather forecast includes partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from 28F to 38F. Light snow flurries are possible on Saturday, with cooler temperatures expected in the evenings.