Walk to fight brain tumors

The Brain Tumor Walk for the Journey of Hope and Change takes place on Saturday, Sept. 24 at Southridge Mall, 1111 E. Army Post Road. The day kicks off with registration starting at 7:30 a.m., the opening ceremonies start at 8:30 a.m., with the walk beginning at 9 a.m. Along with the walk there will be plenty of other activities including face painting, greeting card stations, temporary tattoos, T-shirt stations, live entertainment and a raffle. Registration is $10 (kids 3 and under are free). For more information, visit http://www.abta.org or contact iowabraintumorwalk@gmail.com.

Merle Hay neighborhood picnic

The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association will host its annual picnic — Merle HayDay — on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Tower Park, 4900 Hickman Road. The free event will feature games, food and prizes as well as live entertainment by jazz musician Scott Davis. Free parking will be available at the First Federated Church, and residents are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. For more information, visit http://www.merlehay.org.

Arts and craft show

The ninth annual Fall Arts and Crafts Show will take place Sept. 23-25 at the Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. More than 300 exhibitors representing eight states will be in attendance selling an array of items including furniture, pottery, jewelry, clothing, stained glass and lawn/garden art. Admission is $6 (10 and under free), with all attendees receiving a three-day re-entry stamp. Show hours are 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 563-652-4529.

Audition opportunities

The Iowa Shakespeare Experience will hold open auditions for upcoming winter and summer productions on Oct. 2 and Oct. 4. Thirty roles will be available for both male and female performers (all ages) as well as paid crew jobs. The winter show, "A Christmas Carol," will take place Dec. 16-18 inside the governor's mansion. The summer show, "Romeo and Juliet," will be a part of The Iowa Shakespeare Experience's annual "Shakesperience Fest" in downtown Des Moines. For more information including times and locations for the auditions, visit http://www.iowashakespeare.org, or call 274-8989. CV

Send news of your upcoming events, noble, nefarious or lost causes; as well as generally weird happenings to matt@dmcityview.com.