AREA EVENTS

‘Pippi Longstocking’
April 22 - May 8
Des Moines Playhouse, 831 42nd St., Des Moines
Follow the adventures of a freckle-faced, mismatched-stockinged, red-pigtailed girl named Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Ephraim’s Daughter Longstocking — or “Pippi” for short. She lives on the outskirts of town in a ramshackle house, with a horse on the porch, a monkey in the kitchen, a pirate captain father and an angel of a mother. The Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre presents “Pippi Longstocking.” Purchase tickets and find more information at www.dmplayhouse.com.


GDP Music Festival
Saturday, April 23
Downtown Des Moines
The Des Moines Music Coalition presents Gross Domestic Product (GDP), an all-Iowa music festival featuring 12 new and emerging artists from across the state, including LVMAKING, Wave Cage, Bouquet and Good Morning Midnight. Performances will take place at various venues in Downtown Des Moines. Buy tickets at www.desmoinesmc.com.


Earth Day at the Garden
Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
Celebrate Earth Day among breathtaking florals, verdant foliage and towering trees in the Botanical Garden. Featuring plants from Iowa and around the globe in its signature conservatory plus seven acres of outdoor gardens. Free admission on this day only. Find more information at www.dmbotanicalgarden.com.


The GAIA Project: A Climate Crisis Dialogue
Multiple events
Artisan Gallery 218, 218 Fifth St., West Des Moines

The Gallery is collaborating with the Upper Mississippi River Initiative to host exhibits and gallery talks addressing water quality issues, rapid species extinctions and dangerous destabilization of the Earth’s climate.
• Artist reception in celebration of Earth Day, Friday, April 22, 5-9 p.m.
• Guest speakers: David Thoreson, Saturday, April 23, 1 p.m., with book signings of his work, "Over The Horizon.”
• Panel Discussion with KCCI Meteorologist Chris Gloninger and Lillian Hill, Saturday, April 30 at 1 p.m.


Putting an End to Human Trafficking
Tuesday, April 26, 4 p.m. registration; 4:30-6 p.m. program
Hilton Garden Inn, 205 S. 64th St., West Des Moines
The Greater Des Moines Rotary Multi-Club Committee presents this program focused on ending human trafficking in the area. The public is invited to learn from some of the local heroes fighting this important issue. The panel will include Rocky Vest, partnership development manager, Hope for Justice U.S., and BTC 200 co-founder; Brenda Long, Garden Gate Ranch; and David Gonzalez, senior investigator, Midwest region, Hope for Justice U.S. After the program, attendees can visit booths of nonprofits fighting human trafficking, network with Rotarians and enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Cost is $20 per person. Rotary members RSVP to your club. Non-members can register at https://civitasdsm2022.eventbrite.com.