Kids & family events, May 25-31

Paula Reece
Special to the Register

Fun and cultural education at CelebrAsian 2017

The Des Moines Nepalese group dances to Resham Filili during CelebrAsian Friday, May 22, 2015.

Celebrate the 15th anniversary of the largest Asian American event in Iowa — CelebrAsian 2017.

Over two full days, experience more than a dozen Asian Villages, featuring authentic Asian food, educational activities and live cultural entertainment for the whole family. Some of the villages represented include Cambodian, Chinese, Thai, Hmong, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Vietnamese and more.

Friday’s entertainment includes live music from Larry Berenguel, the Vida Sisters, Dueling Fiddles, Dhun Band and Gimmik. Indian Classical and Filipino dance will be performed, as well as a performance from the Anthony San Break Dancing Group. Learn about Chinese Mandarin from kids at Walnut Street School and the Flower Season Chinese Ribbon Dance. On Saturday, hear live music by Bryce Kai, Cong Thanh and Lyn, DJ Raj & Himanshu and more. See Bollywood Folk Dance and the CelebrAsian Fashion Show, and enter the Cosplay Competition. (There’s even a youth category.)

This family-friendly event is happening at Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The event is free, and everyone is invited. Learn more and see a schedule of events at iowaasianalliance.com.

Promote hope with #KidsLivesMatter

Hosting the #KidsLiveMatter event will be none other than Silentó of “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” fame.

Kids ages 8-17 are invited to the “hippest dance challenge in the world,” the first-of-its-kind #KidsLivesMatter “Funraiser” Challenge, where dance organizations of all ages from around the state will be participating to promote kids’ health, education and safety while having a good time.

Kids can learn about culture, unity, diversity and overcoming challenges — because #KidsLivesMatter! Local artists and celebrities, along with parents and teachers, will be celebrating with the kids.

Remember the Whip and Nae Nae viral dance craze, with more than 1 billion views on YouTube? Hosting the #KidsLiveMatter event will be none other than Silentó of “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” fame. Watch him perform and even get your picture with him and an autograph. The event takes place on Sunday at Hy-Vee Hall in the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., from 2-7 p.m. Admission is free-will donation, with a suggested amount of $15 at the door. All proceeds go to Hip-Hope Inc., a local non-profit organization that promotes and advocates hope by developing and empowering kids with projects that help bridge the gap between kids and community. Learn more at iowaeventscenter.com.

Other events

Friday

Free Movie Night on the Lawn — Watch the animated movie “Sing” on the lawn of Ashworth Road Baptist Church, 5300 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines. Free admission, as well as snacks and drinks. A balloon artist will even be on site to entertain the family. Bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on. 8 p.m.

Saturday

Decoration Day — Be a part of America’s earliest Memorial Day traditions at Living HIstory Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale. At 1 p.m., join a procession from Walnut Hill to the town cemetery for a pageant honoring the Union’s fallen soldiers and featuring Victorian speech and song. Afterward, watch the Walnut Hill Bluestockings play a historic baseball game using 1870s rules. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets are $15.50 for adults and $9 ages 2-12.

Music in the Park — Bring a blanket or lawn chair and the whole family to Jester Park to listen to the Four Mile Creek Bluegrass Band, which plays a variety of acoustic music including traditional bluegrass, contemporary bluegrass and old-time country and gospel. 6:30 p.m. Jester Park Amphitheater, 11407 NW Jester Park Drive, Granger. Free admission.

Tuesday

Mystery Zoo Animals — Bring the family to a show-and-tell presentation by Blank Park Zoo featuring mystery live animals. Enjoy crafts and a hot dog picnic at the Lester Davison Memorial Pavilion at the Annett Nature Center, 15565 118th Ave., Indianola. 5-7 p.m. Register at warrenccb.org/events/mystery