GiGi's Playhouse Des Moines

02/03/2026

How exciting!!!! We're planning to head to the Fleur Hy-Vee tomorrow to meet Max, give him a high five, get an autograph, and stock up!!! Thanks Hy-Vee!!

Hello, Iowa!! Come get everything you need for the Super Bowl and say hi to Max at Hy-Vee 🏈🥳 He has lots of great recipes for game day snacks.

02/03/2026

Byron Pulsifer is quoted as saying: "Thursdays bring a focus to our week to complete all that needs to be done."

I don’t know who Bryan Pulsifer is, but I suppose he has a point. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves – we have too much going on this coming Thursday to remind you about!

First, there’s our 5 p.m. GiGi’s Kitchen Deli for Kids, Teens and Adults. Come join us; we’d love to fill the kitchen with participants. Then, after dinner, stick around for something new -- GiGiMOVE: Drumming that follows at 6. This program will teach basic drumming skills and rhythm. The use of drumsticks will help participants maintain dexterity and fine motor development while learning the rhythms of popular music. Here’s a few words from our instructor, Anna Scott:

My name is Anna and I am currently a first-year medical student at Des Moines University! I started drumming when I was 12 years old and participated in a variety of bands in high school, but I loved marching band most of all! I stuck with marching band into college and played the tenor drums for four years as part of the Iowa State University Cyclone Marching Band, and I also played in the percussion ensemble there. I was also part of a competitive drumline out of Des Moines called Crossroads Percussion for three years. I love the community, skills, and fun that drumming has given me over the years, and I am so excited to share it with you all!”

To sign up for either program (or maybe both!), know what to do: https://ow.ly/wgaR50Y8jT3

02/02/2026

PROGRAM REMINDER:

Tonight's Art Explosion (open for participants of all ages) is leaning into a Valentine's Day theme. Who knows, your son or daughter might save you a trip to the flower ship or chocolatier with a special yarn-strung Valentine, compliments of GiGi's Playhouse!

Curtain comes up at 5:30 p.m.! We welcome walk-ins, but we'd really appreciate your heads up by registering in advance: https://ow.ly/NJcn50Y6CWP

02/01/2026

What’s coming up at GiGi’s Playhouse this week? Program opportunities that we think everyone will love, that’s what.

Speaking of LOVE, that’s what participants of all ages will be spreading at Monday evening’s episode of Art Explosion with these beautiful yarn-strung hearts! (Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, you know…)

Then, it’s our typical jam-packed Tuesday, with the focus on purposeful (and fun!) programming for adults. Although our Kitchen program is at capacity, the other programs (GiGiFIT, Fantastic Friends and Music Makers) still have room for more!

Speaking of “room for more”, that’s we have for Thursday evening with GiGi Kitchen Deli for all ages at 5, followed by something new: a GiGiMOVE Drumline at 6! Led by a true Iowa State marching band veteran!

Friday brings Fantastic Friends (sorry; we’re already filled!), but Tuesday brings back Teen Tastic at 11! (And, unless you already contacted us for tickets, the ticket giveaway for the Saturday evening Basketball for All game with the Iowa Wolves has expired!)

To sign up for any of these programs, you know what to do: https://ow.ly/YzkQ50Y6CNQ

01/30/2026

🚨✨ **THE CLOCK IS TICKING ON THIS EARLY BIRD TICKET SALE!** ✨🚨

Get ready for an unforgettable night at the **2026 GiGi’s Playhouse Des Moines Boots and Bling Gala** on Saturday, March 7 at the spectacular Hilton Hotel in downtown Des Moines! 🎉

This event is much more than a gala — it's an experience? Beyond our incredible lineup of programs for individuals with Down syndrome, we’re throwing one of the most *impactful* and *inspirational* events you'll ever attend!

Imagine a delicious meal paired with exhilarating live and silent auctions (including a dessert auction—you won’t want to miss this!). We promise a presentation that will have you laughing, crying, and cheering as one of our amazing participants takes the stage for the keynote address!

And let’s talk style—feel free to embrace your *Boots and Bling* look! Whether that's classic denim with a ten-gallon hat or chic pink sparkles mixed with rustic flair, come ready to dance! You’ll be grooving all night long to beats spun by DJ DAS, the best DJ in Iowa!

🌟 **Early Bird Special Alert:** Grab your tickets NOW for just $1100 per table of ten—but hurry! This deal vanishes at midnight tomorrow night!

Secure your spot today: https://ow.ly/Fivz50Y1Ze0

Let’s make memories together while supporting an incredible cause!
🥳💖

01/28/2026

PROGRAM REMINDER:

This evening at 6 p.m., GiGi's Playhouse Des Moines is hosting a livestream of one of GiGi's virtual program offerings. It's part of a Family Speaker Series with Jennifer Lawson, who is an Occupational Therapist and the Director of Educational Instruction & Design at "Knowledge Is Now", an organization committed to enhancing the skills and knowledge of professionals in the field of pediatric therapy through Continuing Education offerings and Consulting Services.

Here is a description of the program: Parenting a child with an ongoing condition such as Down syndrome is a lifelong journey, evolving over time. In this session, we’ll explore how therapy interventions may be part of that journey, supporting children at different stages of development as needs, priorities, and goals shift. Jennifer will guide families through the different therapeutic paths children may follow and share the tools and resources therapists use to make recommendations along the way.

GiGi's staff and volunteers will be on hand to watch additional family members that you might want to bring along. We won't serve them dinner, but we'll keep them entertained!

Walk-ins will be welcome for this program, but we’d love to know that you’re planning to join us. To register for this program, go here: https://ow.ly/XRZG50Y41T3

01/27/2026

GiGi’s Playhouse is a proud member of the Windsor Heights Chamber of Commerce powered by the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce.

Today was a great start to the day as Allegra Marketing Print Mail sponsored the A.M. Exchange hosted by Amish Haus Furniture (what a gorgeous place this is!). It was cold outside, but we had a full house of area business representatives eager to get to know each other and network.

GiGi’s will host this group in December and we can’t wait!

01/27/2026

Have you wanted to attend an Iowa Wolves basketball game but needed a good reason? How about FREE tickets?

GiGi’s has free tickets for a special game coming up against the Maine Celtics on February 7th at 6:30, but you must contact GiGi’s by this Friday, January 30th at 5 p.m. to get them reserved. The game will be at the Casey’s Center in downtown Des Moines.

The special night is called Basketball for All, and it offers an exciting evening of inclusive family fun. For this game, the Wolves will be providing a special sensory-friendly environment, which includes reduced PA volume, limited light flashing, and lowered music levels as they strive to create an enjoyable experience for everyone who loves basketball.

To reserve your tickets, call GiGi’s at (515) 252-7529 or email us at desmoines@gigisplayhouse.org by this Friday at 5 p.m. with the number of tickets you’d like and a contact name (and phone number or email address) so we can follow up with you on ticket distribution.

The Iowa Wolves are part of the G League, which is the NBA’s official minor league that prepares players and coaches for the NBA. When you come to a Wolves game, you see some players that will compete in the NBA one day!

GiGi’s Playhouse thanks the Iowa Wolves for inviting us to be part of this fantastic evening, and we hope to see lots of GiGi’s families at the Casey’s Center on the 7th!

01/26/2026

This coming week at GiGi’s brings you several of our regular programs but includes something new that we think a number of our families will enjoy.

As you know, we have a vast array virtual programs at GiGi’s. The platform has been around for years and really grew when COVID hit. And it hasn’t stopped growing.

One particular program caught our eye and we decided to invite parents to the Playhouse this coming Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. as we stream it live in front of a GiGi’s Des Moines audience. It is a special edition of a Family Speaker Series with Jennifer Lawson, who is an Occupational Therapist and the Director of Educational Instruction & Design at KnowledgeIsNow, an organization committed to enhancing the skills and knowledge of professionals in the field of pediatric therapy through Continuing Education offerings and Consulting Services.

Here is a description of Wednesday evening's program: Parenting a child with an ongoing condition such as Down syndrome is a lifelong journey, evolving over time. In this session, we’ll explore how therapy interventions may be part of that journey, supporting children at different stages of development as needs, priorities, and goals shift. Jennifer will guide families through the different therapeutic paths children may follow and share the tools and resources therapists use to make recommendations along the way.

GiGi's staff and volunteers will be on hand to occupy additional family members, if needed. We won't serve them dinner, but we'll keep them entertained!

Walk-ins will be welcome for this program, but we’d love to know that you’re planning to join us. To register for this or any of this week’s program, go here: https://ow.ly/VVRu50Y1qHg

01/25/2026

It's another day of freezing temps in Central Iowa, but you never have to worry about the weather canceling GiGI's programming when you sign up for our Virtual Playhouse. Read today's blog to learn more:
https://ow.ly/ojea50Y31Pb

01/23/2026

EARLY BIRD TICKET SALE ALERT!!!!

Did you know that, in addition to providing a broad assortment purposeful programs for individuals with Down syndrome, GiGi's puts on one of the most impactful, inspirational and fun galas around? If you didn’t, we'd love for you to witness it firsthand. Come to the 2026 GiGi’s Playhouse Des Moines Boots and Bling Gala on Saturday, March 7 at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Des Moines!

Our event will feature an incredible meal, silent and live (and dessert) auction, fun and games and a presentation (with a keynote address by one of our very own participants) that will move you to tears and cheers!

Of course, you’ll be invited (but not required!) to dress up in Boots and Bling fashion to fit the décor of the banquet hall. What does that mean? To some, it will mean nice denim jeans and a ten gallon hat. For others, a chic blend of pink, glitter, and rustic cowgirl vibes. Whatever you wear, make sure you’ll be able to move on the dance floor, because you’ll be struttin’ your stuff to DJ DAS, the best DJ in the state!

And, if you get your tickets now, you can take advantage of early bird pricing – a table of ten for $1100! But hurry, because this pricing ends in January 31 at midnight!

To buy your tickets, go here: https://ow.ly/MEEo50XZPP9