11 things to do this weekend in Des Moines, including the Oscars, a car show and country music
It's Oscars weekend, and the Academy Awards get ready to honor the best of 2022. In Des Moines, that means a chance to watch some of the nominated shorts or the red carpet and ceremony on Sunday. As you await Hollywood's biggest night, check out the newest cars on the road, buy some crafts, or listen to a symphony, Fleetwood Mac, outlaw country or jazz. And don't forget to change your clocks.
Get out of the house and explore all that Des Moines has going on this weekend.
We added a happy hour and a brunch to our weekly roundup of fun things to do in Des Moines. Have a brunch or happy hour we should feature? Drop us a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
Watch some Oscar-nominated shorts
Thursday afternoon: Get ready for the Academy Awards on Sunday night by watching the 2023 Oscar-nominated shorts for animation at the Varsity Theater, 1207 25th St. in Des Moines, at 4 p.m. The 95-minute show includes four films suitable for kids age 10 and older, but the final film is for adult audiences only, according to the theater. Reserve tickets online for $12.
Grab a happy hour drink
Thursday night: Head out to happy hour at Clyde’s Fine Diner, 111 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines from 4 to 6 p.m. for house red, white and rose wines for $8; $6 draft beers; $5 craft cans and bottles of beer; or an Old Fashioned, dirty martini, lemon drop or Negroni for $8.
More:The 33 essential restaurants of Des Moines: 2022 edition
Check out new cars
Friday afternoon: Check out the latest new cars ranging from compacts to SUVs and everything in between at the All-Iowa Auto Show at the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines. The event showcases new models in every category, up close looks at luxury vehicles, and electric and hybrid models. This free show runs on Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Buy some crafts
Friday evening: Organizers call this Iowa’s largest arts and crafts show with more than 250 exhibitors selling handmade products. The event at the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fair, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, costs $7 for adult admission and kids 10 and younger are free. The show takes place on Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More:64 Iowa beers compete for bragging rights. You can vote now for your favorites.
Check out a guest conductor and violinist
Saturday night: The Des Moines Symphony turns over the baton to conductor and music director of the Pacific Symphony Carl St. Clair, who leads the orchestra through John Wineglass’s “Alone Together,” a piece that addresses social issues and systemic racial disparities. Aubree Oliverson plays Bruch’s beloved “First Violin Concerto,” followed by Tchaikovsky’s ethereal “Pathétique” Symphony, known for its haunting conclusion that fades to black. The show at the Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. in Des Moines, starts at 7:30 p.m. with tickets ranging from $15 to $70. Also Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
More:Broadway shows coming to Des Moines include 'MJ,' 'Moulin Rouge,' 'The Wiz' and 'Funny Girl'
Jam out to Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours'
Saturday night: Listen to Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 album “Rumours” from front to back when The Black Jacket Symphony recreates it from “Dreams” to “Go Your Own Way.” Since 2013, The Black Jacket Symphony has performed more than 40 classic rock albums. This one takes the stage at 8 p.m. at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave. in Des Moines. Tickets range from $25 to $35.
Listen to some outlaw country music
Saturday night: If you love the sounds of outlaw country artists like Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and David Allan Coe, then Whitey Morgan and the 78’s might be right up your alley. Whitey Morgan and the 78's recorded their new album in the Neve Room at Sonic Ranch Studios in Tornillo, Texas. The album features collaborations with songwriters Travis Meadows and Ward Davis plus a cover of ZZ Top’s “Just Got Paid.” See them take the stage at Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St., Des Moines, at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $12.
Take a time out
Sunday morning: Change your clocks. Daylight saving time starts at 2 a.m. Move your clocks forward one hour.
More:When is daylight saving time 2023? When to spring your clocks forward this year in Iowa
Eat brunch with a French chef
Sunday morning: Head to Salt Bistro/BeerStyles for a special French brunch from chef David Baruthio, who formerly operated Baru 66, among other restaurants in the metro area. The restaurant at 5513 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines offers live action stations at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. for $46.49 per person. Go online for tickets.
Listen to some jazz
Sunday afternoon: Get your fix of jazz music when Yaala Ballin sings “Symphony Song Swing” with Vahagn Hayrapetyan on piano, Ari Roland on bass and Keith Balla on drums. Ballin sings favorites from The Great American Songbook such as “Night And Day” and “All Of Me,” as well as classics by iconic composers George Gershwin and Irving Berlin at Caspe Terrace at 33158 Ute Ave. in Waukee. Tickets for the performances are $30 and can be ordered at 515-279-6452 or at abegold1951@gmail.com. All concerts are followed by a meet-the-artist dessert reception hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines, the organization that owns and operates Caspe Terrace.
Watch the Academy Awards
Sunday night: Could "Top Gun: Maverick," directed by Marshalltown native Joseph Kosinski, win best picture? Will "Whale," the play from Iowa Playwrights Workshop grad Samuel D. Hunter and adapted into a film by him, win one of three Oscars? It’s one of Hollywood’s biggest nights Sunday evening with the 95th Academy Awards and the Varsity Theater is here for it. Arrive at 5:30 p.m. at the Varsity Theater, 1207 25th St. in Des Moines, for small bites from Dough Co. Pizza, Lucky Horse, and late-night coffee from Mars Café for $35 to see the red carpet arrivals and land two drinks and small bites. Or pay $25 for a 6:30 p.m. entrance that includes one drink ticket and small bites. Multiple bars on both floors of The Varsity serve beer and themed cocktails. The Oscars telecast begins at 7 p.m., and you can buy Varsity tickets online.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Things to do near me this weekend in Des Moines including the Oscars
