13 things to do this weekend in Des Moines, from 'Funny Girl' to Avenged Sevenfold
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Pi Day pies
Thursday morning: Celebrate Pi Day on 3/14 at Cha Cha’s Hiland Bakery, 3615 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, with $3.14 pieces of pie starting at 5 a.m. Choose from chocolate cream, strawberry, Key lime, custard, bourbon pecan or Dutch apple, or pick up a gluten-free and vegan mixed berry slice.
Matt Villinger
Thursday night: Max Wellman says that “one of my favorite things about Noce is our opportunity to link up with the great artists of the Midwest and share their talents with Des Moines audiences.” Thursday night brings one of the most in-demand pianists in Kansas City, Matt Villinger and his All Night Trio, to Noce, 1326 Walnut St., Des Moines, for a 7 p.m. show. Tickets range from $25 to $49.
‘Funny Girl’
Thursday night: The comedy featuring Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of life on stage, with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People,” takes the stage at the Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines, through Sunday. Find out if Brice makes it to the stage in “Funny Girl.” Tickets range from $40 to $175. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Avenged Sevenfold
Friday night: Heavy metal act Avenged Sevenfold brings their “Life Is But a Dream…” tour to Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St. in Des Moines. The Grammy-nominated act is known for songs including “A Little Piece of Heaven,” “Bat Country” and “Hail to the King.” Special guests Poppy and Sullivan King open the 6:30 p.m. show. Tickets: Start at $39.95 at hyveetix.com.
Matteo Lane
Friday night: The laughs roll in at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines, when New York-based comedian Matteo Lane takes the stage. Some fun facts about the funny guy: Lane is fluent in five languages, has a singing range of six octaves, painted a mural for the Obamas' headquarters in Chicago, and worked as an oil painter and opera singer in Italy before starting his comedy career. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show start at $37.50.
St. Paddy’s Marathon
Saturday morning: Get in a run starting at the Iowa State Capitol at East Locust Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Des Moines, during the Des Moines St. Paddy’s Marathon. Starting at 7:45 a.m., runners can see the city, including Gray’s Lake and Water Works Park, during a marathon, half-marathon, 5K or kids’ run.
More: Get your green on. Des Moines' St. Patrick's Day Parade has a different date, route
Zing-Zoom Family Fun Festival
Saturday morning: Head to the Horizon Events Center, 2100 N.W. 100th St., Clive, for the Zing-Zoom Family Fun Festival with a carnival, petting zoo, craft stations, and more for the whole family. The event for $40 per family runs on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Look for face painting, live entertainment and dancing, games and sports competitions for the kids and a market, wellness zone and treats, from cotton candy to savory delights, for everyone.
A self-guided bike ride from Backpocket to SingleSpeed
Saturday morning: Take a 10-mile bike ride from one brewery to another. Start at Backpocket Pin & Pixel, 6205 Merle Hay Road, Suite 110, Johnston, at 10:30 a.m. and take a self-guided and self-paced ride to SingleSpeed Brewing, 303 Scott Ave., Des Moines, and then back. Both breweries plan to offer food and drink specials.
More: Your guide to 21 Des Moines metro breweries, taprooms and their craft beers
All Iowa Auto Show
Saturday afternoon: See all the newest cars at Hy-Vee Hall at Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines, during the All Iowa Auto Show on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Dozens of manufacturers and auto dealers display new makes and models during this free event. New this year, pin-up appearances, artist owned classics and hot rods at a Middle of the Map Tattoo. The event also features a crashed Camaro, courtesy of the Iowa State Patrol, an EV Summit on electric vehicles, an Indy pace car on display, and more.
Coldplay by candlelight
Saturday night: Fans of Coldplay can get a different take of their songs during candlelight concerts. Listeso String Quartet performs in candlelight at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, 100 Locust St., Des Moines. The setlist includes favorites such as “Clocks,” “Trouble,” “Yellow,” “The Scientist” and more. Tickets start at $49 for the 6:30 and 8:45 p.m. shows.
More: Parade, brunch and booze. Here are 11 ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Des Moines
Judy Niemack
Sunday afternoon: Jazz at Caspe Terrace presents Judy Niemack for a 2 p.m. show at 33158 Ute Ave. in Waukee. The $30 performance features Niemack accompanied by pianist John DiMartino. “If you want to know what real jazz singing can be (but rarely is), listen to Judy Niemack,” jazz critic Dan Morgenstern said. The concert will be followed by a meet-the-artist dessert reception.
Chappell Roan
Sunday night: Months before the Midwest native the Los Angeles Times dubbed “L.A.’s queer pop superstar” performs at Hinterland Music Festival in St. Charles, Chappell Roan will appear at the Val Air Ballroom. Roan released her album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” last year. See the 7 p.m. show at the Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines. Tickets start at $35 at axs.com.
‘Dude Dad’
Sunday night: Spend St. Patrick’s Day with Taylor Calmus, better known as “Dude Dad.” The Colorado-based video creator highlights family life and his struggles with parenthood. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines, range from $30 to $40. Must be older than 18 to attend.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: The best things to do in Des Moines this weekend March 14-17, 2024
