Get your drink - and lederhosen - on

Nobody needs an excuse to kick back and have some beers after a tough week at work. But just in case an excuse would encourage you, there's Oktoberfest on Friday and Saturday just south of Court Avenue on Fourth Street. Two tented beer gardens will house live music, authentic food, contests and more. And polka and rock stages will play host to 10 bands throughout the weekend. Almost 12,000 people attended last year's event, and more are expected to find their way downtown for this year's. The $5 cost is good for both days of the event. Visit www.oktoberfestdsm.com for a schedule and more information.

Dinner to honor immigrants, refugees

The Iowa Council for International Understanding will host its annual fund-raising event, "Passport to Prosperity: A Celebration of Iowa's Immigrants and Refugees Award Dinner," on Saturday at 7 p.m. in a tent on the top of the Third Street and Court Avenue parking garage. This event honors and highlights the achievements and contributions of Iowa's immigrants and refugees.

"Passport to Prosperity" includes a reception, international buffet and awards ceremony. Tickets are $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of eight. For more information about the five honorees, the program schedule and purchasing tickets, visit www.iciu.org.

Oh, baby!

A funky, maternity-oriented boutique opened last week in the East Village. Urban Belly, 400 E. Locust St., offers maternity, nursing, transitional and gift items for new and expecting mothers, while introducing Des Moines to maternity brands and styles that are not already offered in the area.

Owner Kellie Ulrich shopped markets and manufacturers in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago to bring these styles to Des Moines. She hopes to fill the gap for professional and event wear in addition to providing hip and fashionable everyday wear.

Contact Urban Belly at 244-5000.

Salisbury House to host events

On Friday, the Salisbury House will host The Gatsby Gala, a party including live entertainment, food and festivities that will relive an era that brought us big band radio, the Charleston, bathtub gin, Packards and Cadillacs and the "Great Gatsby." Tickets are $150 per person over 35 and $75 per person under 35.

Then on Sunday, the Sixth Annual Salisbury Automobile Classic will bring vintage and classic automobiles to the historical mansion from noon to 5 p.m. On display will be more than 70 Cadillacs, Packards, Lincolns, Auburns, Cords and other classics. Tickets are $15 per person, $10 for kids aged 7 to 12, and free for those under 6.

For more information on either event, contact the Salisbury House at 274-1777. CV

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