Events

Dino Park Zoo

July 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025 - All Day at Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th St. Des Moines, IA

This summer, Blank Park Zoo transforms into Dino Park Zoo — a prehistoric experience 65 million years in the making. From July through the end of October, walk among 15 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and explore dino-themed exhibits, activities, and events that bring the ancient world roaring to life. These aren’t your average dinos. Created by the world-renowned team at Dino Don, these scientifically accurate creatures roar, move, and breathe like the real thing.

Guests will encounter a towering 40-foot-long T. rex and a Triceratops the size of a mail truck. These scientifically accurate animatronics don’t just move, they breathe, roar, and some even fart and pee, creating a truly immersive, prehistoric experience. Each dinosaur is placed throughout the zoo, right alongside your favorite animal ambassadors. Plus, learn how your favorite zoo animals are related to their prehistoric ancestors.

The dinosaurs were designed under the supervision of Don Lessem, one of the world’s leading presenters of dinosaurs. Each was created with painstaking attention to detail, using scientific supervision to bring these ancient giants to life. Lessem is the author of 40 books on dinosaurs and adviser to Stephen Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. The Argentine dinosaur, Lessemsaurus, was named in honor of his contributions to dinosaur research.

Fan-favorite zoo events will also get a prehistoric twist this summer. Zoo Brew will feature dinosaur-themed elements throughout the season. Then, in October, see the dinosaurs in a whole new light during the 35th annual Night Eyes! As the sun sets, the dinosaurs will come alive in a dazzling new way, with illuminated prehistoric creatures guiding trick-or-treaters through Des Moines’ most beloved Halloween tradition!

Learn more & get tickets!

Ames Pridefest

October 11, 2025 - 12:00 am at Ames Pride
5th St & Douglas Ave Ames, IA

Pridefest is Ames Pride’s flagship event that combines a vendor fair, educational opportunities, and entertainment into one great day! We hold Pridefest in the fall to allow Iowa State students and staff a better chance of participating. In addition to Pridefest, Ames Pride offers events at least once every quarter that center queer community and outreach.

Ames Pride is committed to fostering a safe, diverse, and welcoming environment at each of our events and for our volunteers. We can’t wait to meet you at the next Ames Pride gathering.

Learn more.