9 things to do this weekend in Des Moines, including appearances by Mike Pyle, Chris Janson
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The last weekend in February brings plenty of things to do. Head out with the kids to see a new production at the Des Moines Playhouse or learn how to bake with a celebrity. Get inspired for a new home project at the Des Moines Home + Garden Show. Celebrate Mardi Gras a little late with a five-course meal. Or take in a show from Chris Janson, Ballet Des Moines and more.
The weekend awaits. What will you do?
Plot your next home remodel
Thursday afternoon: Take a stroll through the Des Moines Home + Garden Show at the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines, starting on Thursday. Aside from finding inspiration for your next home project or checking out home-related products and services, Mike Pyle, the co-host of HGTV’s “Inside Out,” takes the stage on Friday night at 6 p.m. and Saturday at noon. Tickets start at $14 at the door, with a $2 discount for advance purchase online. Kids 6 and under are free. The show opens Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., followed by 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Thursday night: Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St., Des Moines, holds a five-course Cajun-inspired meal paired with beers and cocktails, live music from NOLA Jazz Band, and a photo wall to make it even more memorable. Doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets are $140 for two people online.
'Buy Me a Boat' with Chris Janson
Thursday night: Country singer Chris Janson takes over the Horizon Events Center, 2100 NW 100th St., in Clive to sing his hits such as “Buy Me a Boat,” “Fix a Drink,” “Drunk Girl,” “Good Vibes” and “Done.” Tickets are $35 to $45 for the show, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
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Dance away the night
Friday night: Get in the mood to dance when the Gibney Co. performs at the Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. in Des Moines. Performances will feature commissioned repertory including Yin Yue’s “A Measurable Existence,” Sonya Tayeh’s “Oh Courage,” and Rena Butler’s “Lusus Naturae” as well as Inger’s “Bliss.” Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are $15 to $61.
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Bake with a celebrity
Saturday afternoon: Get a baking lesson from “Kids Baking Championship” Season 11 contestant Nash Roe at the Kitchen at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave. in Des Moines. The owner of Nash's Confections shares tips and tricks that got him on the Food Network and what earned him first place at the Iowa State Fair. New and experienced bakers ages 7-15 years old can sign up and make cookie-inspired cupcakes, featuring chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes and cookies and cream cupcakes with Oreo for $40 per person. Everyone takes home four cupcakes.
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Watch fashion, music, prose and dance
Saturday afternoon: "Sanaa ya Sanaa" (Swahili for "Art in Art") will delight audiences with music, dance, prose, fashions, and more at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive in Des Moines. Guest artists include Courageous Fire and Imani Family Church Disciples Choir. Also featured are "Crowns, Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats" and Star of Africa fashion show. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.; program runs from 2 to 3 p.m. Admission is free.
See choreography from Balanchine
Saturday night: The Ballet Des Moines pays tribute to the co-founder and choreographer of the New York City Ballet. "Balanchine+" features a performance of “Who Cares?” a ballet from Balanchine set to music from George Gershwin, the composer of the American opera "Porgy & Bess," among other works. The show at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines, starts at 7 p.m., with tickets from $42 to $82. Also Friday night.
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'Are you going to Scarborough Fair?'
Saturday night: Relive the artistry behind Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon when the Des Moines Performing Arts brings “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” to the stage for a 7:30 p.m. show. A pair of impersonators put on this concert-style show that includes film footage, photos and a live band as hits from the folk duo's career are performed through the evening. Tickets for the show at the Des Moines Civic Center run from $30 to $75 online.
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See 'The Hundred Dresses'
Sunday afternoon: Watch the story of a bully who forces a girl who wears the same faded blue dress to school every day and her family to move away. Maddie feels guilty and learns that allowing her friend Peggy to be a bully can be just as bad as acting that way herself. “The Hundred Dresses” is based on the Newbery Medal book by Eleanor Estes. Shows run at 1 and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, plus Friday nights at 7 p.m. through March 12 at the Des Moines Playhouse, 900 42nd St., Des Moines. Tickets start at $14.
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: The best things to do near me in Des Moines Feb 23, 24, 25, 26
