March is upon us and with it comes the beginning of spring, so it’s time to hang up those winter coats and get out and enjoy Des Moines. What’s happening this March, you ask? Here are a few items to add to your spring calendar.

13th Annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Fest

When: March 7^th

Calling all bacon lovers – the 13^th Annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Fest is back. However, this year they’re moving to a smaller venue, so get your tickets while they last. Recognized as the world’s premier bacon organization, the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival offers up all things bacon: bacon sampling, lectures on bacon, bacon inspired meals, bacon competitions, live entertainment, and the crowning of the bacon queen. Join your fellow bacon connoisseurs in celebrating what may be the best meat on Earth.

Historic Quilt & Textile Exhibit: Keeping Warm in the Midwest

When: March 1^st, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th

Living History Farms invites you to come out and share in the history of quilt making in the chilly winters of the Midwest's past. This exhibit includes winter artifacts such as a horse-drawn sleigh, wood burning stoves, bed warmers, and of course, handmade and machine made quilts, lap robes, and bed coverings. Quilters, knitters, and crochet aficionados  will be onsite to demonstrate their techniques and offer their expertise to those who would like to learn. Feel free to bring your projects along with you, as there will be community maker tables available. 

Sunday Winter Concert Series: Botanical Blues

When: March 1^st, 8^th, 15^th, 22^nd, and 29^th

If you’re thinking of exploring the Botanical Gardens, Sundays are the perfect time to go. Spend the morning perusing the flora and stop into the Conservatory for an afternoon of blues. This concert series features some of the best blues artists the Midwest has to offer. Enjoy some music as well as food and drink from The Trellis Cafe. Artists featured for March include Del “Saxman” Jones, Scott Dawson, Jodi Bodley, Dewey Cantrell, and Matt Woods. It’s a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

St. Patrick’s Day Events

When: March 15^th & 17^th

Celebrate the luck of the Irish around Des Moines at any of the St. Paddy’s Day events. Kick things off in a healthy fashion by joining in on the Des Moines St. Paddy’s Day Half Marathon and 5k. The race is in support of the American Heart Association and ends with a celebration at the Iowa State Capitol. In the mood for some Irish music? Come on out to The Hall on March 14^th for the Dueling Fiddles Irish Fiddle Concert featuring Hanna Wolle and Genevieve Salamone. This Des Moines duo performs a wide array of Celtic music from the more modern Dropkick Murphys to the traditional Lord of the Dance. If you’re more of a pub crawl person, then sign up for the Lucky’s St. Patrick's Day Crawl happening on March 14th.  Tickets include 1-2 complimentary drinks, custom badge and lanyard, exclusive drink specials solely for crawlers, food specials, free cover, as well as entry in the costume contest which will award $500 to the winner. And lastly, end the celebration on March 17^th at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade of 2020 through downtown.

Iowa Flower, Lawn and Garden Show

When: March 20^th – 22^nd

Get ready for spring at the Iowa, Flower, Lawn, and Garden Show. Explore the landscape displays and shop for all of your garden needs with over 100 vendors selling flowers, herbs, bulbs, outdoor furniture, and decor. Reiman Gardens will be onsite hosting seminars, and interactive activities will be available for you to partake in.

DIY of Don’t Expo

When: March 27^th

Are you a DIY-er or do you aspire to be? Come on out to the DIY or Don’t Expo to see if you have what it takes to tackle those home improvement projects yourself. The event is host to over 20 DIY workshops as well as vendors selling their handcrafted items. Food and drinks will be available as well as a plethora of information. 

Spring is here and there is a ton of fun to be had around town. What’s your favorite thing about spring?