Monday, August 5, 2013

Not So Boring 3rd Quarter

Leslie Jasper
Group Sales Manger
Des Moines Performing Arts
It’s IOWA STATE FAIR time! 

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
(Find past happenings here and here)

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