9 things to do in Des Moines this weekend, including a wine dinner and a punk show
You can almost feel spring in the air. The first weekend in March brings a bevy of opportunities to help out the arts or the opera, along with a chance to stock up for hunting and fishing season, a fish fry for Lent, a punk rock show, and a chance to kids to sing and dance in Spanish and English. Get out of the house and explore all the Des Moines has going on this weekend.
This week, we add 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.
Grab a burger or a happy hour special
Thursday afternoon: Head to a great jumping off point for a night in the Western Gateway neighborhood, where you can snag a $12 burger and a draft beer at The Walnut, 1417 Walnut St. in Des Moines. The restaurant that used to be The Spot food truck also holds a happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. with $1 off all beverages.
More:9 special occasion restaurants in Des Moines for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries
Get the scoop on Des Moines Arts Festival
Thursday night: Find out which artists will appear at this year’s Des Moines Arts Festival during Reveal at the Des Moines Heritage Center, 120 E. Fifth St., Des Moines. The night, which starts at 5:30 p.m., includes artist demonstrations, food stations, and drinks. Tickets are $125 and include admission, dinner, and drinks.
Jam out to Three Dog Night
Thursday night: Rockers Three Dog Night take the stage at Hoyt Sherman Place with their hits including “Mama Told Me (Not To Come),” “Joy to the World,” “Black and White,” “Shambala,” and “One.” Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show at 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines, go for $45 to $89 online at ticketmaster.com.
More:23 winter concerts and shows in central Iowa spanning Dionne Warwick to Broadway's 'Six'
Get ready for hunting and fishing season
Friday afternoon: You can try out the latest in archery equipment, pick up some new hunting gear, and so much more during the Iowa Deer Classic at the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines, starting on Friday. For $12 for adults or a $20 wristband for all three days, you can check out hunting and fishing outfitters, attend seminars and take part in activities for kids. The show is open Friday from 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
New restaurant alert:Get to know the rotisserie birds at Panka Peruvian Chicken, now open near Drake
Eat at a fish fry
Friday evening: Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar, 665 Grand Ave. Suite 100, Des Moines, dives into the Friday fish fry tradition with its own dish: a scratch-made, beer-battered cod platter with subtly sweet Georgia peach slaw, french fries served with a tangy New Orleans-style remoulade, and a biscuit for $24.50. Tupelo Honey donates $1 from every Friday fish fry ordered to the Hope+Elim Church, located in Des Moines’ Drake neighborhood.
More:Where to go around Des Moines for fish fries during Lent
Help out the opera with food and wine
Friday night: Help out the Des Moines Metro Opera while sampling food and drink from 36 area restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries and distilleries during the Wine, Food & Beer Showcase. The event starts at 6 p.m. at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, 700 Grand Ave. in Des Moines, for $50 in advance, $60 at the door for the Grand Showcase. The Reserve Experience features access to exclusive rare and fine wines (90 point and above) from the private collections of members of The Wine Group, paired with high-end culinary creations from The Embassy Club, Aura Restaurant & Lounge, The Cheese Shop, and Chellie's Sugar Shack for $125 per person.
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Take the kids to a show
Saturday morning: Grab the kids and get your groove on for 123 Andrés, the husband-and-wife team of Andrés and Christina. The Latin Grammy-winning duo brings a lively show that gets families singing in Spanish and English and dancing. Tickets range from $12 to $24 for the 11 a.m. show at the Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines.
Eat a brunch
Sunday morning: Take some time for a Sunday brunch. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, 440 S. 68th St. in West Des Moines, offers baked French toast with a caramelized cinnamon custard, pork belly and grits, and a steak and egg bowl. Pair your meal with an espresso martini for the brunch that starts at 11 a.m. Also on Saturdays.
More:HomeGrown brings homemade Pop Tarts and brunch favorites to Sherman Hill
Do some body surfing
Sunday night: Albany, New York, punk rock band Prince Daddy & the Hyena takes the stage at Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St. in Des Moines. The band’s latest album, “Cosmic Thrill Seekers,” features hints of pop, indie, garage rock, and orchestral sounds paired with Queen-style arrangements and theatrics. Tickets for the 7 p.m. all-ages show start at $20.
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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: What to do this weekend in Des Moines, including a fish fry, brunch
