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!
Zakk Sabbath
November 12, 2025 - 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm at Val Air Ballroom
301 Ashworth Rd West Des Moines, IA
Trivium
November 19, 2025 - 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm at Vibrant Music Hall
2855 Grand Prairie Pkwy Waukee, Iowa
Trivium wsg JinJer
A Conversation w/ Chevy Chase!
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2855 Grand Prairie Pkwy Waukee, Iowa
A Conversation w/ Chevy Chase! + National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation!
A Nostalgic Night With Macaulay Culkin
December 10, 2025 - 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm at Vibrant Music Hall
2855 Grand Prairie Pkwy Waukee, Iowa
A Nostalgic Night With Macaulay Culkin + Screening Of Home Alone
Charlie Berens
January 24, 2026 - 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm at Des Moines Civic Center
221 Walnut Street Des Moines,
Charlie Berens
Hairball
February 7, 2026 - 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm at Vibrant Music Hall
2855 Grand Prairie Pkwy Waukee, Iowa
Hairball
Dropkick Murphys
February 27, 2026 - 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm at val air ballroom
301 Ashworth Rd West Des Moines, IA
Dropkick Murphys with special guests The Aggrolites and Haywire






