Editor’s note: Some of the events listed in this Things to Do calendar have been postponed, rescheduled or canceled due to the coronavirus public health crisis. Be sure to call ahead to the venue before making plans to attend.
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September 22
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Des Moines’ Annual Oktoberfest
Get your German on at the Oktoberfest celebration held in the heart of the HIstoric Court District. Enjoy the Craft Beer Village, Lederhosen Lane, Silent Disco Party Plaza and much more. 3 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets are $10 at the door and include a commemorative Oktoberfest pint glass. Bring the pint glass back Saturday for only $5 admission. Learn more at oktoberfestdsm.com.
September 27
Iowa Remembrance Run/Walk
The Iowa Remembrance Run/Walk is to remember and honor the Iowan military casualties of war from Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Learn more and register at iowaremembers.com.
October 3
Jeff Dunham
Rescheduled twice, comedian/ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and his somewhat-inappropriate proteges, Peanut, Walter, José Jalapeño, Bubba J. and Achmed the Dead Terrorist, will finally make a stop at Wells Fargo Arena on their “Seriously?! World Tour.” Don’t miss their cringe-worthy banter and antics. 7 p.m. 730 Third St. Tickets are $50.50 at HyVeeTix.com.
October 4
2020 Certified Piedmontese IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship Des Moines Triathlon
This rescheduled event will offer 75 qualifying slots to the 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in New Zealand. Learn more at ironman.com/im703-des-moines/.
October 10
Brooklyn Rider: Healing Modes
Experience the healing properties of music, when Brooklyn Rider plays Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 15 in its entirety alongside five compact new commissions which explore the subject of healing from a wide range of historical and cultural perspectives. Sponsored by the Civic Music Association. 7:30 p.m. Franklin Junior HIgh School Auditorium, 4801 Franklin Ave. Tickets start at $24 for students and $40 for adults at civicmusic.org.
October 12
Air Supply
Iconic band of the 1970s and 80s, Air Supply sold more than 20 million copies of their albums Lost in Love, The One That You Love, Now & Forever and The Greatest Hits. Hear them belt out favorites like “All Out of Love” and “Lost in Love” when they play at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave, in a concert rescheduled from March 29. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $49 at hoytsherman.org.
Oct. 23
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Hear legendary singer Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, whose fame grew even larger after the success of the musical “Jersey Boys,” which chronicles the life of Valli and the formation of the band. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees will perform live at the Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $54.50 at desmoinesperformingarts.org.
October 29
Ricky Skaggs with Dee White
Bluegrass legend and 15-time Grammy Award-winner Ricky Skaggs continues to cross genres and break through musical barriers. Hear him perform live and hear songs spanning his 50-year career when he plays at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave. 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $35 at hoytsherman.org.
October 30
Joe Rogan
Originally scheduled for May 15, Joe Rogan will perform his stand-up comedy at Wells Fargo Arena on October 30 as part of The Sacred Clown Tour. Host of “The Joe Rogan Experience” and one of the most prolific stand-up artists touring, Rogan is sure to make you laugh, think and possibly cringe a little. 8 p.m. Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third St. Tickets start at $39.50 at HyVeeTix.com.
November 6
Corks & Kegs
The 18th Annual Corks & Kegs, formerly known as the Wine Opener, starts at 5:30 p.m. at Des Moines University, 3200 Grand Ave. Partake in wines, beers and delicious cuisine from Des Moines’ finest eateries. Enjoy silent and live auctions, as well as a mystery wine auction and special musical guest. Proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Purchase tickets at events.cff.org/corksandkegsia/.
Tig Notaro
Comedian Tig Notaro’s show at Hoyt Sherman Place has been rescheduled from May 2. Ground-breaking stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer and director Tig Notaro brings her effortless storytelling and fearless stage presence to Hoyt Sherman Place. See why Rolling Stone has named her “one of the 50 best stand-up comedians of all time.” 8 p.m. 1501 Woodland Ave. Tickets are $39 at hoytsherman.org.
November 7
Jeanne Robertson
This rescheduled event features 75-year-old comedian Jeanne Robertson on her Rocking Humor Tour. The former Miss North Carolina, at 6 foot 2 inches, continues to charm audiences with her humorous observations about life around her. 7 p.m. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave. Tickets start at $40 at hoytsherman.org.
November 9
MasterChef Junior Live!
Originally scheduled for April 5, MasterChef Junior Live! has been rescheduled at the Des Moines Civic Center. See the culinary hit TV show live on stage in this high-energy, interactive stage production. See head-to-head cooking demonstrations and challenges and more. 7:30 p.m. 221 Walnut St. Tickets start at $30 at desmoinesperformingarts.org.
November 10
View from Above
National Geographic Live! presents NASA astronaut Terry Virts in a special special performance at the Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. Virts has spent 200 consecutive days in space as commander of the International Space Station. His photography from space has been featured in an IMAX film and the National Geographic book “View from Above: An Astronaut Photographs the World.” 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15-$48 at desmoinesperformingarts.org.
November 12
Georgia on My Mind: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the hit “Georgia on My Mind,” the first number one hit of Ray Charles, who would become one of the most influential musicians of the 21st century, the Civic Music Association presents a special concert featuring the music of Ray Charles performed by Take 6, Nnenna Freelon and Clint Holmes. 7:30 p.m. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave. For tickets, visit civicmusic.org.
November 14
Gladys Knight
Legendary singer Gladys Knight has won seven Grammy Awards and has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B and Adult Contemporary. At the age of 16, Gladys Knight fronted Gladys Knight and the Pips when they released their first album in 1960. They went on to record the most memorable songs for the next three decades, including “Every Beat of My Heart,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “Midnight Train to Georgia.” 7:30 p.m. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave. All ticket holders will be invited to tour the new Center for Arts and Education at Hoyt Sherman Place and enjoy celebratory refreshments. Tickets start at $79 at hoytsherman.org. This is a rescheduled event.
November 19
Jingle in the Junction
Kick off the holiday season with the first Jingle in the Junction in Historic Valley Junction, complete with horse-drawn trolley rides, family activities, balloon art, ice carvings and Santa and Mrs. Claus. See the streets lined with more than 150,000 twinkling lights. 5-9 p.m. Free.
November 20-22
Iowa’s Largest Arts and Craft Show
Get your holiday shopping list ready and head to Iowa’s Largest Arts and Craft Show, with over 325 talented exhibitors selling thousands of unique products. 5-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds, E. 30th Street and E. University Avenue. $6 adults, free ages 10 and under.
November 21
Tour De Lights
Don’t miss Make-A-Wish Iowa’s annual Tour De Lights family fun ride. Run, walk or bike through the Jolly Holiday Lights and get a sneak peek of the amazing holiday light displays. 4:30-8 p.m. Adventureland Park, 3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona. $20 adults, $10 ages 5-11, free ages 4 and under. To register, visit site.wish.org/tourdelights.
November 22
Fall Makers Market at Jester Park
Support local merchants in a beautiful park setting at the Jester Park Nature Center’s Locally Grown, Raised & Created Fall Makers Market. Shop for nature-inspired gifts, handmade jewelry, decor, furniture, candles and more. While there, explore the nature center’s exhibits and, weather permitting, relax on the back patio in an Adirondack chair by the fireplace. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 12130 NW 128th St., Granger. Free admission.
November 27-December 30
Jolly Holiday Lights
Jolly Holiday Lights has become the largest fundraising event for Make-A-Wish Iowa, funding more than 1000 children’s wishes to date. Drive through and see amazing holiday light displays. 5:30-10 p.m. daily. Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Visit Santa in the Wish Shop until Dec. 23. Adventureland Park, 3202 Adventureland Drive, Altoona. $20 per car.
December 2
Jonny Lang with GA-20
See Grammy Award-winning Jonny Lang, known as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation, when he performs at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave. He’s shared the stage with such greats as The Rolling Stones, B.B. King, Aerosmith and Buddy Guy, and he’ll share the stage with GA-20 at this performance. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $43 at hoytsherman.org.
December 5
An Evening with David Sedaris
In a show rescheduled from April, bestselling author and NPR contributor David Sedaris will bring his wit and humor to Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave, on Dec. 5. Hear him share stories from his most deeply personal and darkly hilarious collection, “Calypso,” as only he can narrate them. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $50.50 at hoytsherman.org.
Canadian Brass: Making Spirits Bright
Experience entertainment, spontaneity, virtuosity and most of all, fun, when the Canadian Brass comes to Franklin Auditorium, sponsored by the Civic Music Association. Hear holiday favorites played by this brass quintet that has played in nearly every major concert hall worldwide. 7:30 p.m. 4801 Franklin Ave. Purchase tickets at civicmusic.org.
December 12
Holiday Tea at the Castle – Virtual Event
Holiday Tea at the Castle will be going virtual this year due to COVID-19. The Salisbury House will provide everything that would be at the regular tea event, all wrapped up in a beautiful package to enjoy safely at home. Each package will include two different varieties of tea, two types of finger sandwiches, madeleines and tea cookies, mini scones, clotted cream, jam and fresh flowers. Then log in to a private website to experience hosts sharing history of Salisbury House and collections, tours, music and more. 1-3 p.m. $40. Learn more and sign up at salisburyhouse.org.
December 17
Live from the Temple: Winter Fantasia
Celebrate the holiday season virtually with the Des Moines Symphony, as they provide an evening of festive music to inspire warmth, peace and joy. Hear Boyce’s “Symphony No. 5,” Torelli’s “‘Holy Nativity’ Concerto,” Michael Torke’s “December,” Elgar’s “Love Greeting,” Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” and Vaughan Williams’ “Fantasia on ‘Greensleeves.’” 7 p.m. Streaming passes are $15 at dmsymphony.org. See options for dinner and a show.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Find dozens of ideas for things to do, activities and events in Des Moines