DES MOINES, Iowa — Whether you want to cheer on your favorite team, enjoy the fall weather or create a new annual tradition this weekend, there are a variety of events around central Iowa to get the job done.
Local 5 rounded up five events to help you make the most of a perfect fall weekend.
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, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.
- Where: Wells Fargo Arena (233 Center St., Des Moines)
- Price: Tickets start at $10
Basketball season is still over the horizon, but the good news is you can catch a preseason NBA game right here in Des Moines. The Timberwolves will face off against the Philadelphia 76ers Friday night, marking the first time the team has ever played at Wells Fargo Arena.
- When: Friday, Oct. 11, 12-11 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 13, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Where: Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines (205 South 64th St., West Des Moines)
- Price: $45 for a weekend badge
Formerly known as the Cardboard Caucus, this annual event is for all board game lovers in central Iowa. The event will feature a selection of more than 1,500 games to choose from. The convention will also include play-to-win games, local vendors and businesses and other activities.
- When: Friday, Oct. 11, 6-9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, 5-9 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 13, 5-9 p.m.
- Where: Reiman Gardens (1407 University Blvd., Ames)
- Price: $16 for adults
Join in on this central Iowa Halloween tradition. Reiman Gardens will be decked out in its Halloween best, with more than 1,000 Jack-O-Lanterns on display. Get a sneak peek of the Jack-O-Lanterns on Friday night, or come on Saturday and Sunday for extra activities including chemistry experiments, trick-or-treating and more.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Where: Living History Farms (11121 Hickman Rd., Urbandale)
- Price: General admission ($19)
Indigenous People's Day is on Monday, Oct. 14, but you can get a head start on commemorating the lives and legacy of Iowa's Indigenous people at this event presented by Living History Farms. Learn about the Ioway tribe through activities such as finger weaving, flintknapping and cornbraiding.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Where: Madison County Courthouse Square (112 S John Wayne Dr., Winterset)
- Price: $3 for one person or $5 for 2 people
Come see the famous bridges of Madison County in person. This historic event will feature events such as a covered bridges tour and a Civil War reenactment. Plus, the Courthouse Square will be full of local vendors selling arts and crafts, food and other goodies.
