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 pizza farms, 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.
Wild Lights Festival
Thursday night: The lights go on for Blank Park Zoo’s Wild Lights Festival starting at 7:30 p.m. through May 27 on Wednesday through Sunday nights, the zoo at 7401 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines, showcases nearly 50 handcrafted, larger-than-life, illuminated Asian lanterns shaped like animals and mythical creatures. Zoo officials suggest that visitors should arrive around sunset and plan 60 to 90 minutes for the best viewing experience. Tickets for peak times start at $25 for nonmembers and $21 for members. Head online to reserve a ticket.
CelebrAsian
Friday morning: Take the day off to head to the CelebrAsian festival at Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des Moines. The two-day festival from the Iowa Asian Alliance brings food, cultural exhibits, entertainment and family-friendly activities. The festival opens at 11 a.m. and runs until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is free. Head to the website for more info: iowaasianalliance.com.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
More:How to spend a perfect day in downtown Des Moines with food, drinks and more
Food Truck Fridays
Friday night: Spend some time outside, listen to music and eat food from local food trucks during Food Truck Fridays in Clive. The free Food Truck Friday events take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Campbell Park, 12385 Woodlands Pkwy., Clive. This week, Damon Dotson performs.
More:Out to Lunch, the downtown food truck event, returns. Find out where and who will be there
Josh Sneed
Friday night: Comedian Josh Sneed, who has his own comedy special on Comedy Central, takes the stage at the Funny Bone, 560 S. Prairie View Drive, Suite 100, West Des Moines. Sneed appeared on “Last Comic Standing” and is one of the most played artists on Sirius/XM radio. His new special, “Josh Sneed: Live in the Dessert,” was released in 2018 by Dry Bar Comedy. Clips from the special have been viewed more than 60 million times. Tickets are $17 for the 7:30 p.m. show. Also 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
40 Oz to Freedom: A Sublime Tribute
Friday night: If you count “Santeria,” “What I Got,” and “Wrong Way” among your favorite Sublime songs, book a night at Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St., Des Moines, to see 40 Oz to Freedom: A Sublime Tribute. The band, named for the Sublime song of the same name, plays a mixture of ska punk, with hip hop and surf vibes. Tickets for the 9 p.m. show start at $20.
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Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market
Saturday morning: Load up on spring produce, baked goods, arts and crafts, plants and more when the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market returns to the Historic Court District in Des Moines. Wander from Water to Fifth streets along Court Avenue from 7 a.m. to noon through October to find eggs, meats, cheeses, mushrooms, and more at this free weekly event.
More:Farmers market season is here: Where to find markets in the Des Moines metro
Global Greens International Market
Saturday morning: The Global Greens International Market returns for its 10th year. Stop by 1907 Carpenter Ave. in Des Moines from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for locally grown veggies, ready-made food, coffee, honey, and more. Runs through Oct. 26.
The Foundry Distilling Co.
Saturday afternoon:The Foundry Distilling Co., 111 S. 11th St., West Des Moines, has a new six-year-old cabernet cask-finished whiskey coming out. The whiskey is finished for four to six months in 228-liter French oak barrels from Tonnellerie Redmond cooperage that previously held cabernet from Fortunati Vineyard in Napa Valley. Stop by starting at noon to pick up one of the $40 bottles.
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Adventure Bay
Saturday afternoon: Summer is nearly here when Adventure Bay opens for the season. The water park at Adventureland Resort opens for the season at noon, and to celebrate, military members receive free admission all weekend, and up to four guests receive discounted tickets. Find the state’s largest wave pool, the longest lazy river in Iowa, two dozen water slides, and dozens of private cabanas. Access to the water park is included with admission to Adventureland theme park. Adventure Bay is open from noon to 6 p.m. all Memorial Day weekend. For more information, head online: adventurelandresort.com. Tickets start at $39.99 per person.
More:Adventureland is celebrating its 50th season this year: How to get tickets, passes and more
Authors on the Riverwalk
Saturday afternoon: Check out Authors on the Riverwalk, an opportunity to meet with authors at the Marriott, 700 Grand Ave., Des Moines. The free event from noon to 4 p.m. includes more than 50 authors of all genres from all over the country.
Willie Nelson & Family
Saturday evening: Willie Nelson & Family return to Des Moines Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, to play the Field Daze Music Series at the Lauridsen Amphitheater. Fans can expect to hear favorites such as “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys,” “Workin’ Man Blues,” “On the Road Again,” “Always on My Mind,” “Good Hearted Woman,” and more, if he sticks to his setlist. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show start at $49.50.
Pete Davidson
Saturday night: Former “Saturday Night Live” performer Pete Davidson brings his “Prehab” tour with his relatable comedy style to Vibrant Music Hall, 2938 Grand Prairie Parkway, Waukee. Davidson tends to lean into topics such as marijuana, sex, and relationships through what he calls “a series of brutal truths and vulgar confessions.” Tickets to 7 p.m. show start at $65.
Iowa Cubs
Sunday afternoon: Watch the Iowa Cubs take on the Indianapolis Indians for a 1:08 p.m. game at Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines. Kids can run the bases after the game. Tickets start at $10.
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 [email protected].
