Things to do this weekend in Des Moines include Greek food, Des Moines Con, Iowa Brew Fest
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The first weekend in June comes jam-packed with big events, from Des Moines Con with celebrities, the Iowa Craft Brew Festival, and the Greek Food Fest to First Friday in the East Village, yoga on Cowles Commons and aerialists and more from Cirque Wonderland performing on the stage. Check out these things to do in Des Moines this weekend.
Kick off the weekend with happy hour
Thursday afternoon: With picture perfect weather on the agenda, head to Juniper Moon, 2005 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, for the Half Moon happy hour every Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Snag half-priced Ingersoll Manhattans, moon mules, draft beer, sangria, and Prosecco and drink one on the patio.
More: 9 great happy hours to try at bars and restaurants in the Des Moines area
Drink some beer in Altoona
Friday afternoon: Try drinks from your favorite wineries and breweries, as well as catered food, live entertainment by Dan Medeiros, and more during the Altoona Wine & Craft Beer fest from 5 to 8 p.m. Buy $20 tickets online in advance or at Hy-Vee customer service or pay $30 at the door. The event takes place at the Enabling Gardens, 1050 First Ave. S., Altoona.
Celebrate First Friday
Friday evening: Do a little shopping, stop in for a cocktail or grab a bite to eat during the East Village First Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. Look for events sprinkled throughout the East Village. Parking is even free from East Second to East Sixth streets on Locust Street and Grand Avenue.
More: Here are 16 of the best restaurants in Des Moines' East Village
Hear a saxophone legend
Friday night: Saxophonist Tim Cappello from “The Lost Boys,” “Miami Vice” and as part of the backing band for Tina Turner and more performs at xBk Live, 1159 24th St., Des Moines. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show start at $10 online.
More: 11 places to eat near Drake University including Indian, diner fare, burgers, ice cream
Laugh with the funniest man in Wisconsin
Friday night: Catch some laughs when comedian Ton Johnson takes the stage at Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1433 Walnut St. in Des Moines. The comedian based in Chicago and Milwaukee is the reigning champion of Madison’s Funniest Comic Competition and opened for Damon Wayans Jr., Tim Dillon, Charlie Berens and more. Tickets for the 7 or 9:30 p.m. show are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
See some celebrities at Des Moines Con
Saturday afternoon: Des Moines Con returns to Iowa with guest appearances from comics, TV and film stars and more delving into cosplay, gaming, and anime. Celebs on the docket include Ross Marquand from “The Walking Dead,” “Marvel's What If?” and “Avengers: Endgame;” Tom Kenny from “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Adventure Time,” and “Powerpuff Girls;” Amy Jo Johnson and David Yost from “Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers;” WWE and WCW stars Sean Walton and Kevin Nash; and so many more. Tickets start at $39.11 for Saturday and $29.76 for Sunday. Des Moines Con runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Iowa Events Center at 730 Third St., Des Moines.
More: Here are 5 restaurants to try near Wells Fargo Arena in downtown Des Moines
Eat Greek food
Saturday afternoon: Need an excuse to eat gyros and spanakopita? The Greek Food Fair takes place at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1110 35th St., Des Moines, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. or even Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. Souvlaki, Greek potatoes, tiropita and more are all on the menu.
Drink Iowa beers
Saturday afternoon: Try samples of more than 300 Iowa craft beers and ciders from 80-plus cideries and breweries during the 13th annual Iowa Craft Brew Festival at Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy. in Des Moines. From 1 to 4 p.m., live music and local food vendors will be on hand as well. Breweries range from 515 in Clive to Wise-I Brewing Co. in Le Mars. Tickets start at $50 online or $60 at the door.
More: Your guide to 20 Des Moines metro breweries, taprooms and their craft beer
Watch some aerialists and acrobats
Saturday evening: Check out Cirque Wonderland’s presentation of “Bloom Nocturne” with circus artists from around Iowa and the Midwest. Aerialists, acrobats, and other circus artists perform in this 7:30 p.m. show at the Stoner Theater, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines. Tickets start at $47.50.
More: How to spend a perfect day in downtown Des Moines with food, drinks and more
Stretch with yoga on Cowles Commons
Sunday morning: Start Sunday off with some free yoga compliments of Des Moines Performing Arts. Meet under the “Crusoe Umbrella” on Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines at 9 a.m.
Eat a Southern take on brunch
Sunday morning: When you’re in the mood for chicken and biscuits for brunch, give Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar at 665 Grand Ave., Suite 100, a try. The honey-dusted fried chicken comes with apple cider bacon and milk gravy. Other options include a bacon and sausage scramble, shrimp and grits, avocado toast and eggs, eggs Benedicts, and loaded cracklins. Pair your order with a mimosa, such as the Blueberry Lavender withlavender lemonade and blueberry puree. Brunch takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More: 19 great brunches to try in the Des Moines area right now, including Early Bird, Eatery A
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: Go to Des Moines Con, Iowa Craft Brew Fest this weekend in Des Moines
