Events
We would love to partner with you on your next event. Art Is Rad brings beginner-friendly, low-pressure art experiences that help people connect, create, and build community while making something rad together.
Art Is Rad — April 2026 Events
Join Art Is Rad this April for beginner-friendly, low-pressure creative events designed to help you relax, make something fun, and build community. Come make art with your friends, meet new people, and remember: you do not have to be an artist to make rad art with us.
APRIL THEME: CREATE TO UNWIND
For Stress Awareness Month, our April lineup focuses on calming, playful, beginner-friendly art experiences that help people relax, connect, and make something rad.
ART NIGHT TICKETS
Standard Art Night tickets are $10 unless otherwise noted for special events.
MONDAY ART NIGHTS — BIG GROVE BREWERY
555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
6:00 PM–8:00 PM
• March 30 — Watercolor Raindrops (Wet-on-Wet)
Soft, dreamy watercolor painting focused on relaxing blends and rainy-day textures.
Reserve your spot: https://artisrad.com/products/art-night-ticket
• April 6 — Neurographic Zentangles
Flowing lines and mindful patterns come together in a calming, meditative drawing project.
Reserve your spot: https://artisrad.com/products/art-night-ticket
• April 13 — Paint and Pass
A collaborative painting night where everyone adds to each other’s art for fun and surprising results.
Reserve your spot: https://artisrad.com/products/art-night-ticket
• April 20 — Big Grove x Art Is Rad: 420 Tie Dye
A colorful tie dye collaboration with Big Grove where you can create bold, wearable art.
Event details: https://artisrad.com/products/art-night-ticket
• April 27 — Pot Heads
Turn a plain pot into a playful face or character full of personality and charm.
Reserve your spot: https://artisrad.com/products/art-night-ticket
SUNDAY ART NIGHTS — SMOKEY ROW COFFEE
1910 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
6:00 PM–8:00 PM
• April 5 — Watercolor Raindrops (Wet-on-Wet)
Explore watercolor in a cozy setting with soft color blending and gentle, low-pressure painting.
Reserve your spot: https://artisrad.com/products/art-night-ticket
• April 12 — Neurographic Zentangles
Use lines, shapes, and patterns to create expressive art that feels both relaxing and fun.
Reserve your spot: https://artisrad.com/products/art-night-ticket
• April 19 — Paint and Pass
Let go of perfection and enjoy a shared art experience as paintings move around the table.
Reserve your spot: https://artisrad.com/products/art-night-ticket
• April 26 — Painted Jars
Paint and decorate jars to use for flowers, storage, candlelight, or simple colorful decor.
Reserve your spot: https://artisrad.com/products/art-night-ticket
• May 3 — Pot Heads
Decorate a pot with a silly, sweet, or whimsical design and give it a life of its own.
Reserve your spot: https://artisrad.com/products/art-night-ticket
SPECIAL EVENTS
• Friday, April 3 — Mainframe Studios First Friday
Pride & Power Buttons and Magnets
Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
5:00 PM–8:00 PM
• April 10–12 — Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention
Art Is Rad Tie-Dye Experience
EMC Expo Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Friday, April 10: 2:00 PM–8:00 PM
Saturday, April 11: 12:00 PM–8:00 PM
Sunday, April 12: 12:00 PM–7:00 PM
Pre-order here:
https://artisrad.com/products/middle-of-the-map-tattoo-convention-tie-dye-experience?_pos=2&_psq=tie&_ss=e&_v=1.0
• Sunday, April 26 — Brightside Pop-Up
Decoupage Drinkware
Brightside Aleworks, 480 Center Pl SW, Suite D, Altoona, IA 50009
2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Locations vary, so please double-check the event listing before attending. Follow us on social media for updates, photos, and special event announcements.