And,
although “Nothing Compares”… really, nothing does… I am here to remind us of
all the great happenings as we wrap-up the remaining summer months, in addition
our beloved Iowa State Fair. Just in
case someone wants to load their August calendar with something other than the
Butter Cow or Porkchop-On-A-Stick!
If the
Iowa State Fair really DOES occupy most of your August days/nights, be sure to
check out these awesome places and events that make our community and state not
so boring after the fair, too!
“Not So Boring” Happenings
I-Cubs
“Dog Day”
August 12, bring your dog to the park for a game and enjoy dollar hot dogs!
www.MILB.com/index.jsp?sid=t451
Fridays at the Fountain
Free live
music Friday nights at the West Glen Center in West Des Moines. Family friendly.
August 9
and August 23
www.WestGlenTownCenter.com
Nightfall on the River
Nitefall on the River, presented by Veridian Credit
Union, is an annual summer music series at the picturesque Simon Estes
Amphitheater. All Ages Shows, tickets
$22-$31.
Final two shows of the summer!
Owl City,
August 9 and Hanson, August 28
www.NightfallDSM.com
Des Moines Social Club
Fireball
is back in a big way. It’s the ball of all balls. This year they’ve got
sizzling sets by The Envy Corps and The Olympics, pair that with a fire-tastic
performance by Chicago’s Pyrotechniq — all happening at the beautiful Simon
Estes Amphitheater.
August 15,
7:30p. Advance tickets $15 or $25 at the
door.
www.DesMoinesSocialClub.org
Science Center of Iowa
Don’t miss the Science Center of Iowa’s
15th Annual Fundraising Event & Auction, one of the most talked about
celebrations in Des Moines! With amazing live and silent auctions, delectable
cuisine and cocktails and live music, the event is an exciting celebration of
SCI and our commitment to informal learning.
August 23, 6p.
www.SCIowa.org
“Dancing on the Lake”
It’s the
last one of the season! Every
Thursday night, come out and learn to dance social dances like salsa, swing,
line dancing or contra dancing. Lessons start on the Overlook Terrace at 7:30
and the dancing begins at 8:00.Each week (June – August 22 ) will feature a
different kind of dancing and music.
www.DMGov.org
Iowa Wineries
Did you
know Iowa has over 70 wineries to explore?
During the remaining warm months, plan a road trip to visit these
beautiful destinations and sample their delicious wines!
For a
complete list of Iowa wineries:
www.CatchWine.com/wineries/iowa/
www.TravelIowa.com/attractions/wineries
Principal Riverwalk
Check out
one of downtown’s hottest attractions, the newly finished riverwalk, starting
at Walnut and Court Street in Des Moines.
Featuring a new “rest stop” that offers drinks, food, and a gorgeous
view, The Riverwalk Hub Spot.
Ewing Park STAR Party
Bring
your picnic blanket and come to Ewing Park to view the Perseid meteor shower!
SCI and Des Moines Astronomical Society (DMAS) will have telescopes set up for
you to experience this annual cosmic event. The action in the sky doesn’t get
started until later, but the fun starts at 6:00 pm with activities in the park. August 10
www.DMGov.org
Parks and Recreation
There are
only a few weeks left to take advantage of the pools and outdoor water
fun! Most pools close for the season September
2.
Des Moines
Parks and Recreation
Gray’s
Lake Bike Rental and water sports
www.DMGov.org
Big Creek
Marina
www.BigCreekMarina.com
Windsor
Heights Parks and Recreation
www.WindsorHeights.org/index.htm
Waukee
Parks and Recreation
www.Waukee.org/parksandrecreationdepartment.html
Polk
County Conservation
www.PolkCountyIowa.gov/conservation
Knoxville Raceway
The
biggest sprint car race in the world with the top drivers in the sport. Join us for Knoxville Nationals, A four-day
racing extravaganza that includes music, food, camping, expo and more that ends
each night with some of the most exciting racing you can ever experience.
August 7 –
10
www.KnoxvilleRaceway.com/Event/53rd-Annual-Knoxville-Nationals
Blank Park Zoo
Last month
of Zoo Brew! Every Wednesday in August,
starting at 5:30p.
www.BlankParkZoo.com