DES MOINES, Iowa — 'Twas the weekend before Christmas, and Hannukah, too, and Iowans were looking for something to do!
The weekend was set with fantastic events, so Local 5 stepped in to give its two cents.
In other words: Local 5 rounded up five events taking place in central Iowa this weekend to jumpstart your week of holiday fun.
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
- When: Friday, Dec. 20, 5-9 p.m.
- Where: 515 Brewing Company (7700 University Ave., Clive)
- Price: Free to attend
Happy Festivus ... for the rest of us! Festivus, a secular celebration meant to be an alternative to the commercialization of Christmas, was popularized by "Seinfeld" in 1997.
Enjoy a delicious soup menu, participate in contests and of course, air your grievances around the Festivus pole at this offbeat event.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 10:30 a.m.
- Where: Jester Park Nature Center (12130 NW 128th St., Granger)
- Price: Free
Dress for the weather and venture out into Jester Park to learn about the animals that call central Iowa home. Attendees of all ages will be joined by a Polk County naturalist on the hike.
Can't make it this weekend? Polk County Conservation will also host two winter hikes on Saturday, Jan. 11.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Where: Des Moines Civic Center (221 Walnut St., Des Moines)
- Price: Tickets start at $40
Join Mannheim Steamroller in celebrating 35 years of "Mannheim Steamroller Christmas." With more than 31 million albums sold, the neoclassical ensemble is the top Christmas music artist of all time. Attend one of the group's two concerts in Des Moines to hear twists on your favorite holiday tunes and see an array of dazzling multimedia effects.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 5 p.m.
- Where: Knapp Center (2601 Forest Ave., Des Moines)
- Price: Tickets start at $15
Drake men's basketball is currently 10-0 on the season, defeating opponents from the SEC, ACC and Big 12. Join the Bulldogs on Saturday to see them (hopefully) continue their hot streak against Green Bay.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22, 4 p.m.
- Where: Westminster Presbyterian Church (4114 Allison Ave., Des Moines)
- Price: $60 for Platinum seating
- Gold seating, which is further away from the stage, is already sold out
The Des Moines Symphony presents its first ever Holiday Brass Concert this weekend. Listen to favorites such as "Joy to the World" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" at this family-friendly concert. Westminster Presbyterian's pipe organ will be featured alongside the symphony's brass section.
Other events
- 'Beauty and the Beast'
- 'A Christmas Carol'
- Winter Solstice hike
- Iowa Wild game
- Sounds of the Season: "Christmas in Brass" concert
- Vox Men's Ensemble winter concert
- Candlelight concert
- Elton John and Billy Joel tribute concert
- Blue Violin Christmas concert
- "In the Christmas Mood" with the Glenn Miller Orchestra