2014 Fall Arts & Entertainment Guide- Outdoors

8/20/2014

Although the season of warmth and sunshine is slipping away, nothing should stop you from stepping out of the house for all of the colder-weather events coming up. From food to sports events, charities to holiday specials, there is so much more that Iowa has to offer in the second half of the year. Don’t allow the weather to lock you away from all the fun and joy you should be experiencing during the fall season. Just be sure to bundle up and drive carefully when the snow is here.

IT’S SHOWTIME

Exhibitions, Shows and Contests

Aug. 22 — Blue Ribbon Contest. A homemade smoothies and nutrition snack bars contest hosted by Fleet Feet Sports at 6 p.m. right after the Iowa State Fair. Three winning prizes (gift cards) for each category: First place: $40; Second Place: $20; and Third place: $10. www.fleetfeetdesmoines.com.

Aug. 29 — Bridal Sneak Peek. The Blank Park Zoo is showing soon-to-be-brides how the zoo can become an ideal wedding venue for everyone. Attendees will be able to talk with on-site coordinators, the catering manager and the zoo’s preferred vendors while enjoying appetizers and cocktails served by the zoo. The event will be held from 6-9 p.m. Registration for up to three people can be made online at www.blankparkzoo.com. Each additional guest is required to pay $5 at the door. Any questions, please contact sales@blankparkzoo.org or 515-974-2506.

Sept. 6 — Fahrrad 2014. Easter Seals Iowa presents Fahrrad, a German-themed bike ride at the High Trestle Trail. The route begins from Ankeny firehouse at 10 a.m. and ends at Flat Tire Lounge in Madrid. The event features live performances by Jason Walsmith from the Nadas at the Flat Tire Lounge, German food and benerages, as well as raffle prizes including a BMW bike and kit. Admission fee is $50, include registration and a dri fit T-shirt. Registration is available at www.fahrrad2014.com. Assistance provided to people with disabilities. For inquiry, please contact Easter Seals Iowa at 515-309-2396.

Sept. 13-14 — Rustique Ranch Roundup. For fans of antique and vintage goods, get ready for a weekend of shopping sprees at Hawkeye Antique Acres. The 30-acre venue will be packed with vendors selling all kinds of antiques and flea market goods. Cook Shack will be serving food during the event. The Saturday market goes 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Sunday market runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The venue provides free parking and free admission. Located south of I-80, exit 117. For further inquiry, please contact rustiqueranch@aol.com.

Sept. 27 — 31st Annual Head of the Des Moines Regatta. Des Moines Rowing Club is inviting you to a 3-mile rowing race along the Des Moines River, from Botanical Center to Prospect Park. Custom-made medals and trophies will be awarded winners. Event begins 8:30 a.m. To 5 p.m. Free breakfast will be provided. Spectators are welcomed to watch the game at various spots along the banks. Registration for the regatta is opened from Aug. 1 to Sept. 24 noon CDT at www.regattacentral.com. Registration fees for each category are listed at headofthedesmoines.org.

Oct. 2 — Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Grand Opening. The botanical garden will celebrate a milestone with the grand opening of its first seven acres of outdoor gardens, built as part of a multi-phase, $18.2 million capital campaign. The gardens represent a significant investment in the property by the fledgling nonprofit since early 2013. The day-long event will feature a morning press conference, guided tour opportunities for the afternoon, and a private evening event honoring donors and supporters. The Des Moines Botanical Garden is located at Robert D. Ray Drive. Find more information at dmbotanicalgarden.com.

Oct. 10-12 — Super Circus Heroes. Presented by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, the circus offers a glimpse of the superhuman talents and their incredible feats alongside with all the amazing circus animals, which include Asian elephants, horses, camels and more. Audiences should be preparing themselves for a full load of laughter and surprises at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. For tickets and other information, please visit www.ringling.com.

Jan. 3-4 — Monster Jam 2015. Two days of family motorsports entertainment featuring 12-feet-tall,10,000-pound Monster Jam trucks. Attendees will have the chance to get a close look at these gigantic trucks, as well as to mingle with the drivers during the Pit Party scheduled at 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on both days. Pit Passes can be purchased for $10 at the Wells Fargo Arena box office, all Dahl’s food locations, online at www.dahlstickets.com, or charged by phone at 866-55-DAHLS. Both Saturday and Sunday showtimes begin at 2 p.m., and event ticket and Pit Pass are required for entry. Event ticket prices are $47, $28 and $22. For more information, please visit www.iowaeventscenter.com/calendar/wells-fargo-arena/372-monster-jam-2015.

BE A GIVER

Fundraising and Charity Events

Aug. 23 — Color Fun Fest 5K. An event that connects two extremes together — the Holi Festival and electronic dance movement by presenting a day and night color 5K run. Through the use of blacklights, a daytime color 5K run will be transformed into a glowing color 5K run, blasted with mass colors and electronic dance music at night at the Iowa Cubs Sports Turf. Registration is available at colorfunfest5k.webconnex.com/DesMoines2014. Contact 972-213-4796 or email info@colorfunfest.com.

Aug. 23 — Buddy Walk. GiGi’s Playhouse presents the 17th Annual GiGi’s 5K and Buddy Walk at Merle Hay Mall. Main events include a 5K Fun Run, a one-mile Buddy Walk, as well as Kids’ Zone and activities. The theme of this year’s event is “Super Buddy,” so participants are encouraged to wear their favorite superhero costumes. Contact 515-252-7529.

Aug. 23, Oct. 25, Dec. 20 — Bunny Spa & Piggy Pampering Retreat. An ongoing event presented by The Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Iowa every other month since February. Everyone is invited to bring your bunnies and guinea pigs to the event for a chance to receive services like grooming, massaging, nail trimming and ear cleanings at the cost of only $5 per service. All proceeds will benefit the ARL. The retreat will take place at the ARL Main location in the Animal Activity Center, at noon-2 p.m. Contact Brandi Braune at bbraune@arl-iowa.org.

Sept. 5 — Take a Chance on Me Fashion Show. The ARL Fashion Show provides a chance for the community to give support to homeless pets. The pets will be led down the walkway by their owners or celebrity handlers in fabulous clothing and accessories designed by two local entrepreneurs. Tickets are $50 after Aug. 15. The event takes place at Prairie Meadows from 6-9 p.m. Business-casual or cocktail attire. Contact 800-325-9015 or email arice@iastate.edu.

Sept. 7 — Third Annual Pedal for the House Bike Ride. An annual fundraising bike ride organized by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa Inc. The ride is taking place in Madrid on the High Trestle Trail from 1-6 p.m. Bike raffles are available for purchase at several spots throughout the summer and at the event: Flat Tire Lounge, Nite Hawk Bar & Grill, and the Whistlin’ Donkey. Prizes like gift certificates, bike gear and more will be given away. Advance registration is $30, while registration on the day of the event will be $35. Fee also includes a Polar Bottle Sport Insulated Water Bottle. McDonald’s Gift Certificate for a free dessert will be given to children who attended with decorated bikes. Registration can be made at the Flat Tire Lounge or online at www.rmhdesmoines.org.

Oct. 4 — 2014 Komen Iowa Race for the Cure. Prove your support to breast cancer patients by signing up for any of these categories: 5K walk/run, 1-mile Walk and Talk, or Sleep In for the Cure. On this meaningful day, nearly 15,000 people will be moving toward the finish line for a common goal. Registration for individual and team fundraising is opened until Nov. 1. Online registration for the race closes on Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. People who would like to register after that time may proceed with paper registrations at the packet pick-up on Oct. 2 and 3 at Merle Hay Mall, or Oct. 4 at the race site, the State of Iowa Capitol Grounds. First 15,000 registrants are guaranteed with free T-shirts. Visit www.komeniowa.org for more information.

Oct. 4 — 2014 NAMIWalk. For the eighth year, National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) is inviting everyone in central Iowa to walk side-by-side for the benefits of Iowan families who are troubled by mental illness. The 5K run takes place at Iowa Farm Bureau Lake at 10 a.m., and participants are required to check-in at 8:30 a.m. Registration is available online at www.namiwalks.org/iowa. Contact Marijke Hodgson at 515-254-0417.

Nov. 8 — Reggie’s Sleepout 2014. Iowa Homeless Youth Centers brought to you the ninth annual Reggie’s Sleepout at Drake Stadium to help raising funds and awareness to Iowa Homeless Youth Centers and all the homeless youths in central Iowa. Participants will gather together at the stadium for a night sleeping under the starry night. Participants may earn rewarding items for the fundraising efforts beginning at $50. Prizes will be awarded to the Top Two teams with the highest fundraised. Registration and more information is available online at www.reggiessleepout.org.

FAMILY FUN

Fair and Festival Celebrations

Aug. 22-23 — Dallas Center Fall Festival. An annual celebration filled with a variety of food vendors, contests, carnival rides and more fun activities. New events are added into this year’s schedule, including a BBQ contest, miniature golf in the park, a reenactment of the Civil War and others. Other activities offered are kid’s games, hot air balloon experience, a parade, fireworks, live music, outdoor family movies and more. The public can now sign up online for the 1K, 5K and half-marathon leapfrog races, as well as other contests listed on the website. Check online for schedule. www.dallascentercelebrations.com.

Sept. 4-7 — Pufferbilly Days. Known as one of the Top Five celebrations in Iowa, Boone commemorates its heritage of being a Railroad Town through celebrating the annual Pufferbilly Days the first weekend following Labor Day. Live music acts will be presented throughout the four-day event. Other activities include a BBQ Contest, Lil Miss and Mr. Contest, craft fair, golf outing, a parade, car show, softball tournament, music, motorcycle show, disc golf tournament, 5K/10K Run, horseshoe tournament and more at Downtown Boone. www.booneiowa.us. Contact 515-432-3342 or 515-432-3343 or email events@booneiowa.us for more information.

Sept. 25-28 — Oktemberfest. Oktemberfest in Marshalltown is an annual fall celebration that Iowan families do not want to miss. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Celebrate the Century.” Events during the four-day festival include the “Little Mr. & Miss Oktemberfest” contest for children on Thursday, The Classic Car Show on Friday, The 5K and 10K run/walk as well as the Grand Parade on Saturday. A new bike race event, the First Annual Oktember Criterium, will be making its debut this year on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday Night Concert invites Reckless Abandonment for the opening act from 6-9 p.m. followed by the John Michael Montgomery at 9 p.m. The concert will be held inside the Coliseum. $25 for a ticket covers both the opening act and the concert. Visit www.oktemberfest.com or contact 641-752-4895 for more information.

Sept. 12 — Thunder Nites in Newton. This Motorcycle Rally has been going on since May on every second Friday of the month through September. There will be bikes, bands, food and also a beverage garden served by the Newton American Legion Post 111, the American Legion Riders, American Legion Sons and the American Legion Auxiliary. Entertainment for the September event is “Small Town Superheroes.” The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. at Downtown Newton Square. Visit www.thundernitesinnewton.com or email robrien@thundernitesinnewton.com.

Sept. 25 — Zooktoberfest. An epic mash-up between Zoo Brew and Oktoberfest presented by the Blank Park Zoo. The second annual Zooktoberfest will be featuring live polka music by Barry Boyce Band, Oktoberfest-style food, pretzel necklaces as well as top seasonal beers. This is a 21-and-above event, set as a kick-off to Des Moines’ annual Oktoberfest. Zoo members are granted free admission, while non-members may purchase a ticket at the price of $7. Unused 2014 Zoo Brew Groupons are valid for this event. Zooktoberfest limited edition koozies will be given to the first 750 people. The entire event is scheduled for 5:30-9 p.m., and animals will be out until 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.blankparkzoo.com/en/events/zooktoberfest.

Oct. 16-19, 23-26 — Night Eyes. For 24 years, Blank Park Zoo has carried on its Halloween tradition in Central Iowa. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the magical characters, train ride and most importantly, all the sweet treats that you can get from Halloween. The event goes from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 1-8 p.m. on weekends.

FEEL THE GROOVE

Live Music and Concerts

Aug. 30 — 22nd Annual Bowlful of Blues. South Skunk Blues Society is a non-profit organization made up of fans and musicians of blues music in eastern central Iowa. The concert features blues musicians Cash Box Kings with Barrelhouse Chuck, Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Hot Tamale and the Red Hots, Sumpin Doo with George and Gilbert Davis, Ben Green and The Harvest Band with Johnny Juke. The concert takes place at Fred Maytag Bowl in Maytag Park. There will be an After Party Jam at the Newton American Legion Post 111 across the concert venue. Advance purchase tickets are $15, and tickets at the gate are $20. Visit http://www.southskunkblues.org/2014-line-up.html.

Aug. 24 — Caribbean Party with Tropical Steel. Annual event organized by Snus Hill Winery. It is a night to enjoy Caribbean music featuring Tropical Steel Band while sipping great wine from the winery. Prizes will be given away to the winner in Limbo Dance as well as the guest with the best tropical outfit. Visit www.snushillwine.com or contact info@snushillwine.com.

Sept. 11 — West Des Moines Community Band Farmers Market Concert. The West Des Moines Community Band is once again expressing its patriotic spirit by presenting an “America” concert at 6 p.m. in Historic Valley Junction. Admission is free. Contact 515-249-9250 or email wdmcb@mchsi.com.

FANTASTIC FOODIES

Food and Drinks Events

Through Oct. 10 — State Center Farmers Market. It is still not too late to grab some homegrown fruits and vegetables, freshly baked goods and handmade crafts at the State Center Farmers Market. Other things that the market offers include food vendors, free children’s activities and other live entertainment. The market goes from 5-7 p.m. on West Main Street every Friday. For inquiries, please contact 641-483-3002.

Aug. 23 — Beats, Burgers, Brats, Brews & Bikes. Have an enjoyable afternoon at the Old Creamery Nature Trails, a 15-mile-long former railroad bed with performances by Full Circle from noon to 5 p.m. Craft beers are available for sampling between 2 and 5 p.m., with a $10 admission that comes with a sampling glass. Raffle tickets for a new Trek bicycle are also available for purchase. The event takes place at Main Street, Dysart. Email Russ@wheretwocornersmeet.com.

Sept. 26-27 — Des Moines Oktoberfest 2014. Des Moines is back with the 11th annual Oktoberfest. Advance tickets are $7 for two-day admission, a mug and your first beer; $10 for tickets purchased at the door. Tickets can be purchased through tikly.co. The event will go on rain or shine at South of Court on Fourth Street. People who dress up for the occasion will be awarded with prizes that also include beer tickets. For more information, contact 515-371-4742 or visit www.oktoberfestdsm.com.

GAME ON

Spectator Sports

Hockey:

Iowa Wild

Regular season presented by Mercy Medical Center. 2014-2015 season tickets are open for sale online at www.iowawild.com starting from $9 per game. Home games will be held at Wells Fargo Arena at 233 Center St., Des Moines unless announced otherwise. Contact Iowa Wild office at 515-564-8700. Check out Iowa Wild’s website for further updates on game schedule and other details.

Oct. 1 — Iowa Wild vs. Chicago Wolves – Preseason. Full team autograph session following the game. Season ticket holders get free admission, and will be able to pick up their season tickets from 4:30 p.m. Ticket price is $6 in advance, $8 day of game. 6 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena.

Oct. 17 — Iowa Wild Opening Night. $2 Beer Night. 7 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena.

Oct. 18 — Iowa Wild Local Heroes Night. Guns N Hoses & Scout Sleepover. 7 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena.

Des Moines Buccaneers

This is the 35th year of Buccaneers Hockey in Des Moines. All home games take place at Buccaneer Arena, 7201 Hickman Road, at 7:05 p.m. unless it is announced otherwise. Season tickets are available for sale online at www.bucshockey.com. Visit the website or contact 515-278-2827.

Pre-Season Schedule:

Sept. 19 — Tri-City Storm. 1 p.m. at Tyson Events Center (Fall Classic West)

Sept. 20 — Omaha Lancers. 4 p.m. at Tyson Events Center (Fall Classic West)

2014-2015 Schedule:

Sept. 27 — Fargo Force.

Oct. 3 — Omaha Lancers. 7:35 p.m. at Ralston Arena

Oct. 4 — Tri-City Storm.

Oct. 10 — Omaha Lancers.

Oct. 14 — Omaha Lancers. 7:05 p.m. at Ralston Arena

Oct. 18 — Team USA (U17). 6 p.m. at Ann Arbor Ice Cube.

Oct. 19 — Team USA (U17). 2:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Ice Cube.

Oct. 24 — Sioux City Musketeers. 7:05 p.m. at Tyson Events Center.

Oct. 25 — Omaha Lancers.

Oct. 31 — Sioux Falls Stampede.

Nov. 1 — Chicago Steel. 7 p.m. at Edge Ice Arena.

Nov. 7 — Fargo Force.

Nov. 8 — Lincoln Stars.

Nov. 11 — Lincoln Stars. 7:05 p.m. at Ice Box.

Nov. 14 — Sioux Falls Stampede. 7:05 p.m. at Denny Sanford Premier Center.

Nov. 15 — Green Bay Gamblers.

Nov. 21 — Tri-City Storm. 7:30 p.m. at Viaero Events Center.

Nov. 26 — Tri-City Storm.

Nov. 28 — Omaha Lancers.

Nov. 29 —Lincoln Stars. 7:05 p.m. at Ice Box.

Dec. 5 — Chicago Steel.

Dec. 6 — Sioux Falls Stampede.

Dec. 12 — Green Bay Gamblers. 7:05 p.m. at Resch Center.

Dec. 13 — Omaha Lancers.

Dec. 17 — Sioux Falls Stampede. 7:05 p.m. at Denny Sanford Premier Center.

Dec. 19 — Waterloo Blackhawks.

Dec. 27 — Waterloo Blackhawks.

Dec. 31 — Fargo Force. 7:05 p.m. Scheels Arena.

Jan. 3 — Youngstown Phantoms.

Jan. 4 — Youngstown Phantoms.

Jan. 9 — Fargo Force. 7:05 p.m. at Scheels Arena.

Jan. 10 — Fargo Force. 7:05 p.m. at Scheels Arena.

Football:

Grand View University

All home games will be played at Williams Stadium at 1591 E. University, Des Moines. Visit www.gvvikings.com.

Aug. 30 — at Drake. 6 p.m.

Sept. 6 — vs. Graceland University. 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 — vs. Marian University. Noon.

Sept. 27 — at University of Saint Francis. Noon.

Oct. 4 — vs. Saint Xavier University. (Homecoming) 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 — vs. Olivet Nazarene University. 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 — at Trinity International University. 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 — at Saint Ambrose University. 1 p.m.

Nov. 8 — at William Penn University. Noon.

Nov. 25 — vs. Siena Heights University. Noon.

Simpson College

All home games will be held at Bill Buxton Stadium at 605 N. C St., Indianola at 1 p.m. Refer to www.simpsonathletics.com.

Sept. 6 — at Iowa Wesleyan. 1 p.m.

Sept. 13 — vs. Wisconsin – River Falls.

Sept. 20 — vs. Illinois Wesleyan.

Oct. 4 — at Buena Vista. 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 — at Dubuque. 4 p.m.

Oct. 18 — vs. Coe. (Homecoming)

Oct. 25 — vs. Loras.

Nov. 1 — at Central. 1 p.m.

Nov. 8 — vs. Wartburg.

Nov. 15 — vs. Luther.

Iowa State University

Home games will take place at Jack Trice Stadium at 1800 S. Fourth St., Ames unless it is announced otherwise. Refer to www.cyclones.com or contact the office at 515-294-3662.

Aug. 30 — vs. North Dakota State. 11 a.m.

Sept. 6 — vs. Kansas State. 11 a.m.

Sept. 13 — at Iowa. 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 — vs. Baylor. (time TBA)

Oct. 4 — at Oklahoma State. (time TBA)

Oct. 11 — vs. Toledo (Homecoming). 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 — at Texas. 7 p.m.

Nov. 1 — vs. Oklahoma. (time TBA)

Nov. 8 — at Kansas. (time TBA)

Nov. 22 — vs. Texas Tech. (time TBA)

Nov. 29 — vs. West Virginia. (time TBA)

Dec. 6 — at TCU. (time TBA)

University of Iowa

Home games will be played at Kinnick Stadium at 825 Stadium Drive, Iowa City, unless announced otherwise. Visit www.hawkeyesports.com for further updates.

Aug. 30 — vs. Northern Iowa. 11 a.m.

Sept. 6 — vs. Ball State. 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 — vs. Iowa State. 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 — at Pittsburgh. (time TBA)

Sept. 27 — at Purdue. 11 a.m.

Oct. 11 — vs. Indiana (Homecoming). 11 a.m.

Oct. 18 — at Maryland. 11 a.m.

Nov. 1 — vs. Northwestern. (time TBA)

Nov. 8 — at Minnesota. (time TBA)

Nov. 15 — at Illinois. (time TBA)

Nov. 22 — vs. Wisconsin. (time TBA)

Nov. 28 — vs. Nebraska. (time TBA)

University of Northern Iowa

All home games will be played at UNI-Dome, 2501 Hudson Road, Iowa Falls at 4 p.m. unless announced otherwise. For full schedule, visit www.unipanthers.com.

Aug. 30 — at Iowa. 11 a.m.

Sept. 13 — at Hawaii. 11 p.m.

Sept. 20 — vs. Northern Colorado (Homecoming)

Sept. 27 — vs. Tennessee Tech.

Oct. 4 — at Indiana State. 2 p.m.

Oct. 11 — at South Dakota. 3 p.m.

Oct. 18 — vs. South Dakota State.

Oct. 25 — at Western Illinois. 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 — vs. Illinois State.

Nov. 8 — vs. North Dakota State.

Nov. 15 — at Southern Illinois. 2 p.m.

Nov. 22 — vs. Missouri State.

Other sports

Aug. 29-30 — Hy-Vee Triathlon. Friday, Noon – 7 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Hy-Vee Hall.

Sept. 1 — WWE Raw. Ticket prices $95, $50, $35, $25, $15. 6:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena.

Sept. 5-7 — The Mat Games. Hosted by CrossFit 8035. Friday night, 7-9 p.m. Free. Saturday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Hy-Vee Hall.

Oct. 16 — Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors NBA Preseason Game. Presented locally by Wells Fargo. Ticket prices $21-$77. 7 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena.

Oct. 25-26 — IBCA Fall Clinic. Saturday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Open to public. Admission $75. Hy-Vee Hall.

Jan. 11 — Xtreme Spirit National Championship. Cheerleading and dance national championships. Ticket available at the door on the day of the event. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Hy-Vee Hall. CV

Arts

Film

Music

Outdoors

Theater