If you want to stay on top of all the fun things to do in Des Moines, sign up for Off Hours, your free weekly newsletter from the Des Moines Register that showcases all things fun you can do in central Iowa. Recently, we’ve written about karaoke bars, where to go thrifting, where to buy crafts, vegan restaurants, gluten-free options, the Amana Colonies and where to buy plants. If you sign up for our newsletter, you get a whole list of fun places to go, things to do, what to eat, and more early Thursday morning in your inbox.
Johnston Green Days
Thursday night: Johnston Green Days kicks off at Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston, with a business expo, parade, carnival, bags tournament, Johnston alumni night, and live entertainment in the beverage garden through Saturday. The event starts from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, and includes a car and truck show, carnival rides, food and drink starting at 4 p.m. Friday, and a pancake breakfast, parade, cornhole, craft show, and more starting at 7 a.m. Saturday. See the full schedule for this free event online at johnstongreendays.org/event-schedule/.
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Iowa Juneteenth Observance Community Builders Appreciation Banquet
Thursday night: Start the observance of Juneteenth early at the Iowa Juneteenth Observance Community Builders Appreciation Banquet at 5 p.m. at the Olmstead Center at Drake University, 2875 University Ave., Des Moines. Banquet speakers include owner and operator of ForWard Consulting Breanne Ward and Dr. Ian Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. Tickets for the event start at $60.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
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Jon Pardi
Thursday night: Take your music outdoors when country star Jon Pardi performs with Carter Faith at the Field Daze Music Series at Lauridsen Amphitheater inside Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines. Pardi performs songs such as “Head Over Boots,” “Night Shift,” “Your Heart or Mine,” and “Last Night Lonely.” His Mr. Saturday Night world tour starts at 6:30 p.m. with tickets starting at $45.
Jasmine Guillory
Thursday night: Author Jasmine Guillory, known as the “the undisputed queen of the modern-day romance,” visits the Des Moines Public Library, 1000 Grand Ave., Des Moines, as part of the AViD series. Guillory’s latest novel, “Drunk on Love,” brings romance to Napa Valley. She’s also behind the New York Times bestsellers “The Wedding Date” and “The Proposal.” This free event starts at 7 p.m.
‘The Play That Goes Wrong’
Thursday night: Think your life is chaos? Let “The Play That Goes Wrong” at the Des Moines Community Playhouse, 831 42nd St., Des Moines, make you feel much better about your situation. The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society inherited funds and decided to produce a 1920s murder mystery. Disaster follows, even as the curtain gets ready to rise. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show start at $29. The show continues Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. until June 16.
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‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’
Thursday night: The Ankeny Community Theatre puts on a production of Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” at 1932 S.W. Third St., Ankeny. The play from 1963 won a Tony for the tale of a college professor and his wife, who returned home from a party drunk. A young couple stops by for a nightcap, and by the end of the night as the drinking and games continue, a secret comes out. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show, which continues through June 16, start at $20.
Samara Joy
Thursday night: Three-time Grammy Award-winner and rising jazz star Samara Joy performs at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines, for a 7:30 p.m. show. The 24-year-old from the Bronx reached No. 1 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart with her second album, “Linger Awhile.” Expect to hear a combination of classic standards spun with her own songs. Tickets start at $49.
Scheels flag exchange
Friday afternoon: Mark Flag Day with a new flag from Scheels. The sports store at Jordan Creek Town Center, 101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, will exchange a frayed or faded American flag with a new three-foot by five-foot nylon flag for free from noon to 4 p.m. Scheels will take old flags to the American Legion of Iowa for a dignified disposal.
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Iowa Juneteenth’s Embrace The Race 5K
Friday evening: Start the weekend with Iowa Juneteenth’s Embrace The Race 5K at Gray’s Lake, 2101 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, at 6 p.m. Promoters call this a run that focuses on “health equity, spreads cultural awareness and unites the community together.” Organizers say “this event will be the first in-person (and live virtual) inclusive movement race in Des Moines.” Individuals and families with strollers, wheelchairs, skateboards, bikes and other ways of moving can join the run. Register for $40.
Sarah Grant
Friday night: Artist Sarah Grant opens her new gallery exhibit “New Directions” from 5 to 8 p.m. at Moberg Gallery, 2411 Grand Ave., Des Moines. The Ames native who owns Sticks in the East Village found inspiration in her travels and world events to show a world in motion. The event is free and the exhibit remains at the gallery through July 19.
Sips in the City
Friday night: Get ready for a night of wine during Winefest’s Sips in the City at the Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines. Sample from more than 25 drink vendors and nine food outlets from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets for the event start at $50.
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‘Melancholy Play: A Chamber Musical’
Friday night: “Melancholy Play: A Chamber Musical” comes to the Stoner Theater, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines. This chamber music version of Sarah Ruhl’s “Melancholy Play” turns protagonist Tilly’s melancholy into a sexy thing, which makes every stranger fall in love with her. Shows run on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. through June 16. Tickets start at $40.
Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus: United in Song
Friday night: The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus performs new works by composers Ben Wexler and Dr. Matthew Armstrong, along with several other regional pieces at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25 for the concert at the Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St., Des Moines. Also Saturday night.
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10th Annual Bacoon Ride
Saturday morning: Take a ride on the 10th Annual Bacoon Ride: Bacoonritaville. The ride starts at the Raccoon River Valley Trailhead in Waukee at 7 a.m. and winds along the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Cyclists stop at each town to eat bacon-themed food and drinks. Registration for the ride starts at $15.
Iowa Juneteenth Neighbor’s Day Celebration
Saturday afternoon: Iowa Juneteenth Neighbor’s Day Celebration takes over the Western Gateway Park at 1000 Grand Ave., Des Moines, from noon to 7 p.m. The event includes live music, food, shopping, and education. A children’s play area is provided. This event is free to the public.
Elle King
Saturday night: Elle King takes her influences from country, blues, and rock, producing songs such as “Playing for Keeps,” the theme song for VH1’s “Mob Wives Chicago” series, and “Ex’s & Oh’s,” which earned her two Grammy Award nominations. She performs at the Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, for an 8 p.m. show. Grace Bowers and The Hodge Podge open. Tickets start at $39.95.
Music Under the Stars
Sunday evening: End the weekend with Music Under the Stars on the west side of the Iowa State Capitol grounds at 1007 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The free outdoor concert features “Music in Our Schools” with the Des Moines Metro Concert Band and Big Band, Irving Ray as the euphonium soloist, and singer Max Wellman.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
