DES MOINES, Iowa — Don't let the winter blues get you down: there are still plenty of ways to get out and explore what the Des Moines metro has to offer this winter.
Local 5 rounded up five events and activities taking place Dec. 15-17 to help you make the most of your weekend.
Whether you are a sports fan, a Broadway buff or just looking to get in the holiday spirit, Local 5 has you covered.
Have an event you want featured in Local 5's Weekend Guide? Text us at 515-457-1026 or email us at news@weareiowa.com.
Friday, Dec. 15 through Sunday, Dec. 17 | Des Moines Civic Center (221 Walnut St, Des Moines) | Tickets start at $40
Catch "The Wiz" at the Des Moines Civic Center this weekend before it closes. The musical puts a modern spin on "The Wizard of Oz", infusing Dorothy's journey with ballet, jazz and modern pop to "conjure up an Oz unlike anything ever seen before", according to Des Moines Performing Arts.
The production is part of DMPA's Willis Broadway Series, which brings Broadway national tours right to the heart of Iowa's capital city. Buy tickets for one of the five shows this weekend here.
Friday, Dec. 15 through Sunday, Dec. 17 | Hy-Vee Hall (730 4th St, Des Moines) | Free to attend
It's soccer like you've never seen it before: The Skywalk Futsal Classic is returning to Des Moines. Futsal is the FIFA version of indoor soccer, described by U.S. Youth Futsal as "an exciting, fast-paced small sided soccer game."
The free event is an opportunity for Des Moines families to watch high-quality soccer in a unique venue.
WATCH: 5th annual Skywalk Futsal Classic takes place in downtown Des Moines (2022)
Friday, Dec. 16, 1-5 p.m. | Mainframe Studios (900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines) | Free to attend
If you are still finishing up your holiday shopping, artists and vendors are urging you to shop local. That's why Mainframe Studios is hosting a festive holiday market on Saturday. The event will feature unique gifts made by local artists, as well as live music. With any luck, you'll be able to find gifts for everyone on your list.
Sunday, Dec. 17, 1-3 p.m. | Terrace Hill (2300 Grand Ave, Des Moines) | $25 per person or $50 per household
Share in some holiday cheer with Gov. Kim Reynolds and First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds as they welcome Iowans to Terrace Hill, the official Iowa Governor's Residence. Guests are invited to take photos with Santa, decorate ornaments, complete a scavenger hunt through the mansion and more. In addition, attendees can write letters to deployed Iowa National Guard service members, which will be sent out along with care packages.
Tickets for the annual event must be purchased in advance. Proceeds will benefit the Terrace Hill Partnership, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Terrace Hill's conservation and restoration. Purchase tickets for you or your family here.
Sunday, Dec. 17, 2 p.m. | Knapp Center (2601 Forest Ave, Des Moines) | Tickets start at $4
Cheer for the Bulldogs (...or the Bluejays) at the Camper Reunion Game on Sunday. Since 1977, Drake women's basketball has racked up 43 wins against Creighton. However, Drake is looking to rebound from last year, when the team fell to Creighton 75-71. Buy tickets here.
Not enough basketball for you? The Iowa Hawkeyes basketball doubleheader is also taking place this weekend at Wells Fargo Arena. Tickets are technically sold out, but you can still find them on Seat Geek or Ticketmaster.