Fall Arts & Entertainment- Outdoors

8/21/2013

Somehow Iowans fail to let the brisk breeze of autumn chase us indoors with the threat of yet another long winter. But it’ll take more than dipping temps to bring Iowan down. Acclimated to fickle and often severe Mother Nature mood swings, Iowans always manage to survive, thrive and stay active while wearing a smile — well, maybe not eight miles into a 10K run, but the reward of a beer, food, friends and live music at the finish line is sure to make the corners of those chapped lips turn upward.

Here we offer readers about 10 pages worth of things to do in central Iowa over the next several months, from fairs and festivals to sporting events, charities and stuff for the fitness buff. So snap on the sweat bands and hit up a 5K for a good cause, browse a local farmers market fully stocked from fresh harvests or unpack those college football jerseys and shake away that looming cabin fever.

                   

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 7-8, 14-15 — Des Moines Renaissance Faire. Huzzah! Get ready for the 11th annual Des Moines Renaissance Faire located at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park. Enjoy more than 50 specialty shops stocked with the finest in jewelry, weaponry, leather goods, candles, clothing, pottery and more. Join the glass blowers, blacksmiths, potters, wood carvers and painters in demonstrations and learn a new craft with a team of adults who have more vivid imaginations than most children. Visit www.dmrenfaire.com for ticket information.

Sept. 7-8 — Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival. Diversity is something to celebrate in Iowa so events like Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival bring out beautiful cultural traditions, colors, dancing and foods representing 22 countries and cultures found south of the border. The fiesta will bring out beautiful dancers to perform traditional styles from Brazil, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Aztec in traditional costumes. With more than 100 exhibitors, artist displays and the famous “Chef Tania,” the high-energy weekend will be fun-filled and action-packed. For more information, visit www.latinoheritagefestival.org.

Sept. 8 — Autumn Antique Jamboree. Grab the family and enjoy this free event and see some of Iowa’s oldest treasures. The Antique Jamboree is one of the largest outdoor antique shows in the Midwest with more than 100 antique dealers. The large selection of furniture, primitives, architectural, vintage clothing, jewelry, linens, quilts, glassware, stoneware, textiles, toys and much more will provide hours of shopping. The Jamboree will be held rain or shine from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Fifth Street area of West Des Moines’ Historic Valley Junction.

Sept. 8 — Salisbury Concours d’Elegance. Shine up the Cadillac and get on the road for this Salisbury Concours d’Elegance car show. Classic Packards, Lincolns, Rolls Royces, Auburns, Cords, Duesenbergs and many more will be on display in a competition judged chiefly on the basis of elegance and beauty. All proceeds from the event benefit the restoration work of the Salisbury House Foundation and educational programs. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for students 13 and older. Children 12 and under are free. Learn more at www.salisburyconcours.com.

Sept. 20 — Zoobilation. It’s back. The second annual Zoobilation will bring fun and libations to the Blank Park Zoo’s annual fall gala. Enjoy food, cocktails, entertainment and all the zoo animals. The event proceeds will help support the zoo and all its famous features. This unique event is a fun way to give back to the zoo and its many educational programs, training and veterinary care. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. (See sidebar story.)

Sept. 20-22 — U.S. Cellular World Food Festival. Food is a delicious way to share culture in a language that everyone understands, and this year’s World Food Festival will allow all to better appreciate diversity. With 45 cultural cafes featuring cuisine from around the world, visitors will get a taste of everything. This event also includes live entertainment and cooking demonstrations. In 2012, the World Food Festival welcomed more than 75,000 guests. This year the goal is to attract and present top-notch world music artists from Iowa and around the globe while showing visitors diverse cultures.

Sept. 21 — Photography Day. Photography junkies and shutterflies of the like will be in camera heaven at Living History Farms Photography Day. Participants will enjoy the outdoors with photography experts on hand for in-the-field tips and assistance. Perfect those photography skills and learn new tricks as well as take advantage of an exclusive opportunity to take a lens for a “test drive” from the Canon, Nikon and Tamron representatives. The classes are included in the admission price.

Sept. 21 — Penoach Winery Apple Festival. Most people agree that free is a great price for a day of entertainment, barbecue, intoxicating wines and good company. It’s time for a 25-mile road trip west to Penoach Winery and Vineyard. This charming farmhouse-turned winery is encompassed by rows and rows of grape varieties plumping on the vines — a lush and peaceful atmosphere prime for wine-tasting or enjoying a glass or two with friends on a blanket on the lawn while El Dorado offers live music on the porch. It’s a celebration of Iowa agriculture of both grapes and freshly picked apples from a neighboring orchard along with other local vendors. Kids’ activities include marshmallow roasting at the backyard campfire, face-painting, balloon creations from Mari-Gold the Clown and horse-drawn wagon rides through the vineyard. Located at 26759 N Ave., two miles north of Adel, find out more by calling 993-4374, or visit www.penoach.com.

Sept. 26-28 — Oktoberfest. Get a little “betrunken” at this German-inspired event in Downtown Des Moines. Tickets are $7 in advance at www.tikly.co ($10 at the door) and include a two-day admission pass and a commemorative mug filled with your first beer of the day. Prizes (including beer tickets) will be awarded to those who dress up for Oktoberfest to get into the Polka spirit. This 10th annual Oktoberfest will feature German food, tented beer gardens and fun contests throughout the weekend.

Sept. 28 — Living History Farms Applefest. Spend the day in historic Walnut Hill located at Living History Farms for a day all about apples. The 1875-themed town will be preparing apple butter and cranking the cider press to celebrate the coming of the fresh fall fruit. Children can enjoy games, and craft time and all the goodies for sale at the local visitor center. The afternoon events begin at 11 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.lhf.org.

Oct. 2 — Zooktoberfest. Enjoy the first Zooktoberfest this fall at the Blank Park Zoo! The event is described as a mash-up of the popular Zoo Brew events and the widely known Oktoberfest. This drinking event features the best seasonal beers, live entertainment, Oktoberfest-style food all within the zoo atmosphere. Zooktoberfest is strictly for 21 and older visitors. Check in at www.blankparkzoo.com for updates on the events and featured activities.

                 

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Oct. 16-20, 23-27 — Family Halloween at Living History Farms. Halloween traditions can contain scary ghouls and ghosts, but for the kiddos it sometimes can be too much. Join Living History Farms in celebrating Halloween this year in a family-friendly atmosphere at its Family Halloween event. Children age 12 and under can trick-or-treat through the historical town and enjoy free pop and popcorn. There will be horse-drawn wagon rides, marshmallow roasts, storytellers and scarecrow and jack-o-lantern displays to keep the fun going all evening. For more information, visit www.lhf.org.

Oct. 17-20, 24-27 — Night Eyes. Grab a costume and explore a safari-themed trick-or-treat experience with Blank Park Zoo. Night Eyes will be returning for its 23rd year as one of the most original Halloween celebrations in central Iowa. Lights, castles and storybook characters will greet children throughout the evening between train rides, tractors races and skips down Scarecrow Lane to the Fun Zone. For ticket information, visit www.blankparkzoo.com.

Oct. 27 — Valley Junction Pumpkin Walk. Let the kids show off their costumes for a night out in the Historic Valley Junction. This free event will allow for a relaxing Sunday afternoon with the family from 2 – 4 p.m. Along with trick-or-treating and children’s activities throughout the district, children can also stop by the gazebo on Fifth and Maple for a free pumpkin before heading home. Go to www.valleyjunction.com to learn more.

 

NOT EXACTLY “OUTDOORS,” BUT…

Sept. 6-8 — Des Moines Kennel Club Dog Show Cluster. Bad hair day? Pooches at the Des Moines Kennel Club Dog show know nothing of such plights. See them show off their perfect manes at this dog-lovers’ delight. This event will offer a furry and friendly weekend of cute and adorable pups just itching for a good scratch behind the ears. The show, located at the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, will feature a Saturday and Sunday “Best in Show” winner. For more information, visit www.desmoineskennelclub.com.

Oct. 16-18 — Norman E. Borlaug International Symposium. The 2013 “Borlaug Dialogue” will launch the centennial observance of World Food Prize founder Dr. Norman E. Borlaug. This year the event will look ahead to the advances in agricultural research and application. Key guests this year will include: Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, current President of Iceland; and Cardinal Peter K.A. Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, at the Holy See in the Vatican. The event will be held at Des Moines Marriott downtown hotel. General registration is priced at $525. Visit www.worldfoodprize.org for more ticket information.

Oct. 17-21 — Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. It doesn’t matter if you’re 8 or 80, most people get an involuntary twinkle in their eyes when the circus comes to town. This timeless family entertainment has been striking magical joy and wonder to the hearts of kids for generations and this year is no exception. The world’s bravest entertainers coupled with the most exotic animals on Earth equates to a guaranteed jaw-dropping night of intrigue. See creatures such as tigers, elephants and camels like never before. No lounging in the shade or chewing on cud like their zoo counterparts. These animals know how to put on a show. The tent goes up at Wells Fargo Arena for six shows before they pack it up and travel on to the next audience on the tour. Learn more about the performance at www.ringling.com. Ticket runs between $30-$62, but a baby’s first circus is always free.

Oct. 19 — Mysteries of the Castle. Enjoy a day of mystery with the family at Salisbury House from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Explore the house in Halloween costumes and experience the holiday décor during an afternoon of face- and hair-painting, science experiments, reading and build-it kits. Guests can see bats and other furry critters and travel back in time for Halloween. Tickets are available at www.salisburyhouse.org for $5 per person.

Oct. 19-20 — Great Iowa Pet Expo. Enjoy the weekend with your pet at this pet-dedicated event at the 4-H Building in the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Guests can ask professionals tough questions about pet obedience and training tips all while being eligible to win prizes from one of the many exhibitors every 30 minutes. Pet owners can also equip their animals with a microchip at the daily Microchip Clinic and mingle with more than 100 pet-related booths and displays. Watch and participate in fun contests such as the Great Iowa Weiner Run, Ultimate Stay and Leave It. Ticket prices are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for children 6-12 and free for kids under 5. Find more details at www.greatiowapetexpo.com.

                 

PARTICIPITORY EVENTS             

Sept. 15 — Out of the Darkness Community Walk. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention estimates that youth suicide attempts may occur as often as every minute. To help raise awareness of this issue, raise funds for suicide prevention programs and honor those for whom it is too late, a walk has been scheduled around the lake at the Des Moines Community College in Ankeny at 2 p.m. Photos and buttons worn on shirts will display the faces of those who were lost to suicidal acts. Participants are encouraged to bring their loved ones and show support for those struggling with their mental health. Register at www.outofthedarkness.org. For more information, contact Stephanie McAdam at 225-6585 or smcadam@knappproperties.com.

Oct. 12 — Light the Night Walk. Today, 90 percent of children with leukemia have a chance of surviving compared to 3 percent 40 years ago. This is, in part, due to the emotional and financial support received by fundraisers. Friends and families will rally into teams to walk for those who are battling blood cancer. Participants raise an average of $220 but are encouraged to become a Bright Lights Club member by raising more than $1,000. The walk will take place at the West Glen Town Center in West Des Moines at 5:30 p.m. For more details and registration, go to www.lightthenight.org.

Sept. 21 — Fourth Annual John’s Baby Steps 5K. Iowa residents Steve and Jessica Gomke’s infant son, John, became an angel only 33 days after his birth. To raise money for sick infants and parents who have suffered a loss of their own, the Gomkes created John D. Gomke Charity Inc. The event will take place at Kinnick-Feller Riverside Park in Adel, starting at 8 a.m. To register early for $25, visit www.johndgomkecharity.org. Children 12 and under receive free admission.

Oct. 12 — Free to Breathe Central Iowa Lung Cancer 5K Run. Walk the Raccoon River Park trail around the Blue Heron Lake in West Des Moines to raise awareness and money for those suffering from lung cancer. New this year, participants can pay $30 to have a memorial sign honoring their loved one placed on the route and can be taken home after the event. The top three fundraising teams and individuals will receive recognition on the day of the event (based on totals as of 4 p.m. on Oct. 10). A kids’ dash and children activities are also included to maximize the diversity and number of participants. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and costs $25 the day of the event. For more information, visit www.freetobreath.org.

Oct. 20 — IMT Des Moines Marathon. Those who have yet to begin training better get started. Iowa’s largest and fastest marathon is quickly approaching. Last year the event hosted 8,500 athletes looking to improve their times or participate in a healthy community activity. The event features four different races that begin at different times. Anyone interested is encouraged to read about each route online at www.desmoinesmarathon.com to decide which one is the best choice. This year, those participating in the IMT marathon and half marathon will receive a Leslie Jordan one-quarter-zip pullover. Race day registration is not permitted, so check out the website for more details and registration pricing.

Oct. 26 — Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Start a team or join as an individual to fight against breast cancer and reach the $1 million dollar goal. Many exciting new activities are planned for this year, such as a custom T-shirt designing competition, an awards presentation for the best-dressed team, local bands playing throughout the course and the top five fundraising teams (open through Nov. 22) will receive their own “tailgating tent.” The event will take place at the State of Iowa Capitol Grounds and is the largest series of 5K runs in the world. For more info and registration, visit http://iowa.info-komen.org. Help raise money to combat the disease that is diagnosed in one in eight women.

 

SPECTATOR SPORTS

Basketball:

Iowa Energy

The Iowa Energy basketball schedule was not released by press time. Find it online at www.nba.com/dleague/iowa in coming weeks, or call (515) 462-2849 for more information.

Hockey:

Iowa Wild

Home games are played at the Wells Fargo Arena, located at 233 Center St., at 7:05 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Season tickets start at $9 per game. This is the team’s inaugural season in Iowa. Keep up-to-date and find the complete schedule and ticket information at www.iowawild.com, or call 564-8700 or email ticketing@iowawild.com.

Sept. 27 — Inaugural pre-season game vs. division rival Chicago Wolves at Chicago, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 — Home opener TBA

Nov. 2 — TBA

Nov. 16— TBA

Dec. 15 — TBA

Dec. 26 — TBA

Jan. 31 — TBA

 

Des Moines Buccaneers

Home games are played at the Bucs Arena located at 7201 Hickman Road, at 7:05 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For a full schedule, go to www.bucshockey.com. 515-278-2827.

Sept. 13 — Tri City Storm (Pre-season game)

Sept. 14 — Omaha Lancers (Pre-season game)

Sept. 21 — Sioux Falls Stampede

Sept. 28 — Omaha Lancers

Oct. 5 — Tri City Storm

Oct. 19 — Team USA

Nov. 9 — Cedar Rapids Roughriders

Nov. 15 — Lincoln Stars

Nov. 16 — Lincoln Stars

Nov. 27 — Omaha Lancers

Nov. 30 — Lincoln Stars

Dec. 6 — Tri City Storm

Dec. 7 — Lincoln Stars

Dec. 13 — Green Bay Gamblers

Dec. 14 — Green Bay Gamblers

Dec. 27 — Cedar Rapids Roughriders

Jan. 4 — Fargo Force

Jan. 5 — Muskegon Lumberjacks, 3:05 p.m.

Jan. 10 — Dubuque Fighting Saints

Jan. 17 — Dubuque Fighting Saints

Jan. 24 — Indiana Ice

Feb. 7 — Sioux City Musketeers

Feb. 8 — Fargo Force

Feb. 15 — Youngstown Phantoms

Feb. 21 — Chicago Steel

Feb. 22 — Sioux City Musketeers

Mar. 7 — Sioux Falls Stampede

Mar. 8 — Waterloo Blackhawks

Mar. 15 — Omaha Lancers

Mar. 16 — Waterloo Blackhawks, 5:05 p.m.

Mar. 29 — Chicago Steel

Apr. 4 — Tri-City Storm

 

Football:

Grand View University

Home games at Williams Stadium, 1591 E. University, at 1 p.m., unless otherwise noted. For the full schedule, go to www.gvvikings.com. 263-2800.

Aug. 29 — at Drake University, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 — University of Saint Francis

Oct. 19 — Trinity International University

Oct. 26 — Saint Ambrose University                 

Nov. 9 — William Penn University

                 

Simpson College

Home games played at Bill Buxton Stadium, 605 N. C St., in Indianola at 1 p.m. For a full schedule, go to www.simpsonathletics.com. 278-2827.

Sept. 7 — Iowa Wesleyan

Sept. 21 — Wisconsin – River Falls

Oct. 12 — Central

Nov. 2 — Dubuque

Nov. 9 — Buena Vista

 

University of Iowa

Home games are played at Kinnick Stadium, 825 Stadium Drive, in Iowa City. www.hawkeyesports.com. 319-335-9327.

Aug. 31 — vs. Northern Illinois, 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 7 — vs. Missouri State, 11 a.m.

Sept. 14 — at Iowa State, 5 p.m.

Sept. 21 — vs. Western Michigan (time TBA)

Sept. 28 — at Minnesota 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 5 — vs. Michigan State, 11 a.m.

Oct. 19 — at Ohio State  2:30 p.m.

Oct. 26 — vs. Northwestern (time TBA)

Nov. 2 — vs. Wisconsin (time TBA)

Nov. 9 — at Purdue (time TBA)

Nov. 23 — vs. Michigan (time TBA)

Nov. 29 — at Nebraska at 11 a.m.

 

Iowa State University

Home games played at Jack Trice Stadium, 1800 S. Fourth St., in Ames. Game times are to be announced unless otherwise noted. www.cyclones.com. 294-1816.

Aug. 31 — vs. Northern Iowa, 7 p.m.                 

Sept. 14 — vs. Iowa, 5 p.m.                 

Sept. 26 — at Tulsa, 6:30 p.m.                 

Oct. 3 — vs. Texas,  6:30 p.m.                 

Oct. 12 — at Texas Tech (time TBA)

Oct. 19 — at Baylor (time TBA)

Oct. 26 — vs. Oklahoma State (time TBA)

Nov. 2 — at Kansas State (time TBA)

Nov. 9 — vs. TCU (time TBA)

Nov. 16 — at Oklahoma (time TBA)

Nov. 23 — vs.  Kansas (time TBA)

Nov. 30 — at West Virginia (time TBA)

 

University of Northern Iowa

Home games are played at 4 p.m. at the UNI – Dome, 2501 Hudson Road, in Iowa Falls. www.unipathers.com. 319-273-4849.

Aug. 31 — at Iowa State, 7 p.m.               

Sept. 7 — vs. Drake                 

Sept. 21 — at Northern Colorado, 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 — vs. McNeese State                 

Oct. 5 — at North Dakota State, 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 12 — vs. Southern Illinois (Homecoming)

Oct. 19 — vs. South Dakota

Oct. 26 — at South Dakota State, 2 p.m.

Nov. 2 — at Illinois State, 1 p.m.                 

Nov. 9 — vs. Youngstown State

Nov. 16 — at Missouri State 1 p.m.                 

Nov. 23 — vs. Western Illinois                 

 

FARMERS MARKETS

Ames — Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon, through Sept. 28, at the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Cultural District, 400 block of Main Street. www.amesmainstreetfarmersmarket.com.

Des Moines – Downtown — Saturdays, 7 a.m.-noon, through September and 8 a.m.-noon from Oct. 1-26 at the Historic Court Avenue District of Des Moines; and Wednesdays through Oct. 2 from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Western Gateway Park. www.desmoinesfarmersmarket.com. 286-4928.

Des Moines – Drake Neighborhood — Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. through Sept. 25, at the First Christian Church parking lot (25th Street and University Avenue). www.drakefarmersmarket.com. 255-5630.

Des Moines – Four – Mile — Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m., through Sept. 25, at the Four Mile Community Center, 3711 Easton Ave., 248-6310, blbaker@dmgov.org.

Des Moines – Southridge — Mondays, 3:30-6:30 p.m., through Oct. 14, at the Southridge Mall parking lot, 111 E. Army Post Road. 287-3881.

Johnston — Tuesdays, 3:30-6:30 p.m., through Sept. 24, at the corner of Northwest 62nd Avenue and Merle Hay Road. Email andrsnjudy@mchsi.com, or call 278-0939.

Valley Junction — Thursdays, 4-8 p.m. (Music in the Junction, 5:30-8:30 p.m.), through Oct. 3, 137 Fifth St., West Des Moines. www.valleyjunction.com.

Waukee — Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m., through Sept. 25, at the Triangle Business District. www.waukeedowntown.com. CV

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