January
Now–April
The Science Center of Iowa brings the mysteries of ancient civilization to the heartland with Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science. Open daily through April, the exhibit reveals how archaeologists use modern science and technology to understand ancient cultures. Ticket prices and exhibit times vary, so visit sciowa.org for more information.
January 4–22
In the new play Blind Date, join Mimi, a Parisian temptress, as she goes on a series of blind dates—with men plucked right out of the audience at the Civic Center. This fusion of improvisation, theater, and social experiment has delighted audiences from New York to Toronto. Its Des Moines run takes place at the Temple for Performing Arts. Ticket prices and show times vary. Purchase through civiccenter.org.
January 13
The World’s Toughest Rodeo is back in Des Moines and better than ever. Cowboys, cowgirls, and animal athletes present bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, women’s barrel racing, and even some comedy, stunts, and rock and roll. Tickets run $20–$57 (children’s tickets are half-price). Purchase through iowaeventscenter.com.
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January 13–15
Find the latest gear for hunting, fishing, and travel at the Des Moines Boat Sports and Travel Show this weekend at Hy-Vee Hall. Hundreds of exhibitors will be on hand to demonstrate and sell new products and equipment. Exhibit times and ticket prices vary, so visit desmoinesboatsportsandtravelshow.com for more information.
January 13–15
The 2012 Iowa Home Show returns to the Iowa State Fairgrounds for a weekend of fascinating seminars, entertaining presentations, and educational exhibits. Bring the entire family and enjoy the trick dogs, learn about repurposing architectural salvage, or just check out the latest products. The show features hundreds of exhibitors and all the latest ideas for renovating, decorating, and sprucing up your home. Ticket prices, exhibit hours, and all the latest show information are available at theiowahomeshow.com.
January 14
Tony Award nominee John Tartaglia brings Imagineocean to the Civic Center for a 1:00 p.m. show. This magical undersea adventure includes singing, dancing, and an audience full of new friends. See civiccenter.org for ticket information.
January 14
Tassel Ridge Winery hosts a Winemaker’s Dinner with each course created by Chef Linda DeJong and paired with a Tassel Ridge wine specially selected by the winery’s own Nadia Hetzel. The three-course dinner will be followed by a tour of the cellar. Cost is $50 per person. Reserve your spot at tasselridge.com.
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January 18
The Greater Des Moines Partnership hosts its 123rd Annual Dinner with keynote speaker Christiane Amanpour. Host of ABC’s Sunday morning political affairs program, Amanpour provides international analysis on current events. Tickets for the event start at $125 per person or $1,250 for a table of 10. Get more information at desmoinesmetro.com/events.
January 19
The SmartTalk Series brings Dr. Jane Goodall to the Civic Center stage. Dr. Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and famed for her work with Gombe chimpanzees, discusses current threats facing the planet and reasons for hope in these complex times. Tickets for the entire SmartTalk series start at $99. For details, see civiccenter.org.
January 20
Christian music’s largest annual tour stops at Wells Fargo Arena again this year for Winter Jam at 7:00 p.m. Featuring a full lineup of contemporary Christian music’s most popular artists, the tour is one of the most popular in the country. Admission is $10 at the door—no advance purchase required. Check out iowaeventscenter.com for more info.
January 20–21
Go-karts, four-wheelers, motorcycles, even lawn mowers go head to head at the Battle of the Barn IV at the Iowa State Fair Jacobson Exhibition Center this weekend. Head on out to the fairgrounds and watch the action. Admission is just $13; children 10 and under are free. For more details, visit battleatthebarn.com.
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January 20-22
The Des Moines Playhouse presents Harper Lee’s classic story, To Kill a Mockingbird, adapted for the stage. Experience the moving tale of a troubled small town’s battle with prejudice and one child’s painful lessons in integrity and kindness. Show times vary throughout the weekend. Tickets are $20-35 through dmplayhouse.com.
January 21
Grammy-nominated artist Karrin Allyson performs at Drake’s Sheslow Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Her repertoire has included everything from standards such as Gershwin and Porter to blues and John Coltrane during her 20-plus-year career. Tickets range from $5–$50. Purchase through civicmusic.org.
January 21–22
Don’t worry about the weather. January’s still the perfect time to enjoy some animal activities at the annual All-Breed Dog Show. Held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds again this year, the show is a great opportunity to meet breeders, check out some talented canines, and see the latest products available for your pet. The event includes competitions, demonstrations, and numerous exhibitors. Bring the whole family! Check out iowastatefairgrounds.com for complete details.
January 21
You don’t have to cross the pond to enjoy the party atmosphere of a Dublin pub. Just head over to the Val Air Ballroom for the Irish Comedy Tour. You’ll experience Celtic band Gaelic Storm along with some hearty laughter and an evening you’ll not forget. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. For more information, visit valairballroom.com.
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January 23–29
StageWest Presents: Parade, winner of two Tony awards and six Drama Desk awards. An epic musical based on the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager accused of murdering a teenage girl, Parade is a murder mystery, courtroom drama, love story, and all-around entertainment. Tickets are $22–$25 from civiccenter.org.
January 24
Many are called legends, but musician Peter Yarrow has earned the accolade. Part of folk group Peter, Paul and Mary, Yarrow has been singing and writing for nearly five decades. This month he brings his thought-provoking and entertaining performance to the Temple for Performing Arts. Get show details and ticket information at civiccenter.org.
February
February 3
Enjoy an evening of dancing, food, and fun at the Father/Daughter Dance at Blank Park Zoo. Spend some quality time with your daughter, dads, and make a special memory for your favorite girl. Tickets are $15 per couple and $2 for each additional daughter. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the zoo. For more information, email Tim Smith at tasmith@dmgov.org.
February 3–5
Come and play or just watch the fun at the Des Moines Winter Games at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park. Events include everything from snowboarding and skiing to downhill kayaking and a fishing derby. Get all the details—and complete your entry—at dmwintergames.com or sleepyhollowsportspark.com.
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February 4–5
The Des Moines Symphony presents An American Salute as part of the Symphony’s Spirit of America season. Guest conductor Sarah Hicks of the Minnesota Orchestra joins the Symphony for two performances. Tickets are $10–$55 through dmsymphony.org.
February 5
The Botanical Blues series continues with Tina Haase-Findlay and Brandon Findlay. Des Moines jazz and blues favorites, the Findlays perform from 1:00–3:00 p.m. Admission is $5. Get a full listing of Botanical Blues performers at botanicalcenter.com.
February 7–12
One of the greatest love stories of all time returns to the stage 50 years after it changed theater forever. West Side Story won critical and popular acclaim when it first appeared on Broadway, and it’s winning the hearts of audiences again. See civiccenter.org for show times and ticket prices.
February 9–12
The Des Moines Home & Garden Show is the perfect opportunity to discover what’s new in home, gardening, remodeling, home decor, and more. Every year, the Des Moines Home & Garden Show brings hundreds of experts to the Iowa Events Center to present the latest products for your home. This year’s event will include celebrity guests Ty Pennington of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and John Gidding of HGTV’s Curb Appeal: The Block. You’ll also find a wealth of ideas for entertaining, from fire pit designs to outdoor game plans. Stop by the show to see how you can make your home and garden spectacular. Show times vary throughout the weekend. Admission is $4–$11; children 6 and under are free. Get the latest information at desmoineshomeandgardenshow.com.
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February 11-12
The 15th annual HeartFest: A Fine Art Show takes place at Valley West Mall this weekend. Bring the kids and let them participate in the free KidzDuArt Valentine workshop while you shop for paintings, pottery, glass, fiber, jewelry, wood, and sculpture by local and regional artists. Admission is free. Show runs 10-9 Saturday and 11-6 Sunday. stookeyshows.com
February 18
Support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at the 18th annual Taste of Generosity. This premier wine event includes a silent auction, dinner, and live auction. Tickets are $100 each, and all proceeds benefit the National MS Society. For complete details, visit tinyurl.com/6ghp8zl.
February 18
Experience Diavolo at the Civic Center, an interdisciplinary performance that demonstrates the funny and frightening ways individuals act with their environment. You’ll see dancers, gymnasts, and actors using items such as doors, chairs, and stairways to leap and fly through the incredible sets. Directed by Jacques Heim, the company has been performing since 1992. You’ll be astounded at the beauty, creativity, and skill throughout the show. Ticket prices vary, so check out civiccenter.org for more information.
February 18
One of Des Moines’ most popular midwinter events returns, this time to the Iowa State Fairgrounds Varied Industries Building. Get your tickets early for Baconfest 2012 or you’ll miss out on some of the best—and most creative—bacon dishes you can imagine. Get ticket info and times at blueribbonbaconfestival.com.
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February 18
The Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble presents a Season of Love Dessert Cabaret. The ensemble will perform a choral concert at the Pappajohn Education Center. Dessert is included in the $25 ticket price. To order, log on to dmvae.org.
February 19
Comedian Gabriel Iglesias brings his hit comedy show to the Civic Center for a 7:30 p.m. performance. Iglesias’ clean comedy style has earned him national popularity with a broad audience for his mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters, and sound effects. Tickets are $42 through civiccenter.org.
February 21
Celebrate Fat Tuesday at Mardi Gras, the most festive party of the year. The festival benefits the historic trio of Salisbury House & Gardens, Hoyt Sherman Place, and Terrace Hill. Get all the festival details at salisburyhouse.org.
February 24
He’s a living legend, and he returns to Wells Fargo Arena for another spectacular show. George Strait with Special Guest Martina McBride stops in Des Moines on a national tour. Show begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets start at $71.50 through iowaeventscenter.com.
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