WATCH: See the new art installation at Mainframe Studios in Des Moines
Artist Jordan Weber speaks about his inspiration during a ceremony for his new art installation, Friday, August 1, 2024, in Des Moines.
If you want to stay up to date on all the fun things to do in Des Moines, sign up for Off Hours, your free weekly newsletter from the Des Moines Register that highlights all the fun things to do in central Iowa. Recently we’ve written about karaoke bars, thrift stores, arts and crafts, vegan restaurants, gluten-free options, the Amana Colonies and plants. When you sign up for our newsletter, you’ll get a full list of fun places to go, things to do, places to eat and more in your inbox early Thursday morning.
“Squonk Brouhaha” – This is a squonk brouhaha game.
Friday evening: Music, images and audience participation come together in “Squonk Brouhaha,” a free show by Des Moines Performing Arts. Stop by Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines at 6:30 p.m. to see the squonkcordion, “a massive musical instrument powered by giant bellows topped by towering tuba bells.” Also available Saturday at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Gina Gedler sings the Fab Four
Friday night: If the works of Bette Midler, Peggy Lee, Barbra Streisand and Linda Ronstadt appeal to you, head to Noce Jazz & Cabaret, 1326 Walnut St., Des Moines, where singer Gina Gedler continues her female icon streak with The Fab Four, an evening of classics and low points accompanied by an eight-piece band. The show begins at 7 p.m. A few tickets are still available, starting at $36.
More: Noce’s next appearance is the cabaret show “Voix de Ville” with dancers, singers and more
Adel Sweetcorn Festival
Saturday morning: There’s nothing quite like the Adel Sweet Corn Festival, a full day of events, from Dallas County’s largest parade and live music to a 5K run and a craft festival. The biggest draw, however, is the free sweet corn, available starting at 11 a.m. The venue is 301 S. 10th St., Adel, from 7:30 a.m. to midnight.
More: Farmers Market Season Is Here: Where to Find Markets in the Des Moines Metropolitan Area
Funk’d Fest
Saturday morning: Do you like funky and tart beer? Head to El Bait Shop at 200 SW Second St., Des Moines, for the restaurant’s Funk’d Fest, a celebration of wild, funky and tart beers. Buy a stamp card through August 18 to sample 10 3-ounce bottles of Funk’d Sour Beer.
More: The 27 Most Important Restaurants in the Des Moines Metropolitan Area: 2024 Edition
Yoga in the park
Saturday morning: Start your morning with a free yoga session at Railroad Park next to the old train station at Valley Junction in West Des Moines. Yoga + co-instructor Lindsay Bordwell leads the session, which is suitable for beginners and pros alike, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Bring your own mat. Shopping and brunch encouraged afterward.
More: How to spend the perfect day in Valley Junction with restaurants, bars and shopping
Learn about the World War II prisoners of war who lived and worked in Iowa
Saturday morning: Author Linda McCann will speak about the 25,000 German, Italian and Japanese prisoners of war who lived and worked in Iowa during World War II at a free event from 11 a.m. to noon at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dodge, 7105 NW 70th Ave., Johnston. McCann, a historian, has written several books on the subject.
When we were NU
Saturday night: Celebrate with the music of Deftones at WonkZilla’z: A Rob Zombie Experience and Dances With DDeer: System of a Down Tribute. Head to Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St., Des Moines, for the 8 p.m. show “When We Were NU.” Tickets start at $20.
More: Here are 16 of the best restaurants in Des Moines’ East Village
Sensory swimming
Sunday afternoon: Want to enjoy the pool without the noise? Des Moines Parks & Recreation offers an adventure swim from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m., providing a calming and relaxing experience for individuals and families. While the water slides, raindrop water features and zero depth entry remain, the music is turned off. Visit the pools at Nahas Aquatic Center at 1101 Porter Ave., Northwest Aquatic Center at 4915 Madison Ave. or Teachout Aquatic Center at 2601 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines. Regular admission prices apply.
Ben Folds
Sunday night: Ben Folds, the master of the piano, brings his “Paper Airplane Request” tour to Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines at 7:30 p.m. The singer behind “Brick” has done everything from hosting a podcast and touring as a pop artist to writing a New York Times bestseller and composing for film, television and theater. Plus, you may have seen him on “Billions,” “Drunk History” or “Community.” Tickets start at $50.50, and $1 from each ticket sold will be donated to Ben Folds’ charity, Keys For Kids.
Susan Stapleton is entertainment editor and restaurant reporter at the Des Moines Register. You can reach her on Facebook, Þjórsárdenor Instagram, or message her at [email protected].
