13 things to do for March 28-31 in Des Moines, including Deerhoof, trans festivals
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Poetry UnPlugged
Thursday night: It’s an open mic night with poetry at Peace Tree, 317 E. Court Ave., Des Moines, during Poetry UnPlugged. “Share on the mic or just chill and listen.”
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Kristin Key
Friday night: Comedian Kristin Key waited in line for seven hours to try out for “Last Comic Standing” in Austin, Texas. After making the show, she landed in the final six and decided to move to Los Angeles to become a comedian. Most recently, she performed on “Bring the Funny” and she hosts the “Kristin Knows Blank” podcast. Key performs as part of her “Lesbian Army” tour at Funny Bone, 560 S. Prairie View Drive, West Des Moines, for a 7:30 p.m. show as well as 6:30 and 9 p.m. shows on Saturday. Tickets start at $17.
Mike Zito
Friday night: Contemporary blues artist Mike Zito with The Buckmiller Schwager Band take over xBk, 1159 24th St., Des Moines. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show start at $23 in advance, $27 for the day of the show.
Son Peruchos
Friday night: Make it a night of salsa with Son Peruchos at Noce, 1326 Walnut St., Des Moines. This fusion of Andean and South American folk music with more modern Latin and Caribbean rhythms such as cumbia, bachata and rock en español can make you kick up your heels and dance. Tickets for the 9 p.m. show start at $15.
Easter celebration at Living History Farms
Saturday morning: Join the 1876 town of Walnut Hill at Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale, from 9 a.m. to noon during a celebration of Easter that includes egg hunts by age group, horse-drawn carriage rides, games and more. Local food vendors will be on hand, as well as the Easter bunny for photos. Tickets are $9 for ages 2 and up ($8 for members; 1 and under free).
More egg hunts: Here are Easter egg hunts in the Des Moines metro. There's something for every-bunny.
‘The Pa’akai We Bring’
Saturday morning: “The Pa’akai We Bring” introduces native Hawaiian philosophies of salt, known as pa’akai, and the balance and healing they bring. The play looks at a family of salt farmers on Kauai, who bring together traditional tales, live music, hula dancing and audience participation. Tickets for this 11 a.m. show at the Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St., Des Moines, start at $10.
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Ruby the reading panda at Blank Park Zoo
Saturday afternoon: Ruby the reading red panda helps Blank Park Zoo, 7401 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines, celebrate spring. The day includes chats with the zookeeper, stories, and more. An animal feeding experience may also be part of the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. General admission to Blank Park Zoo is free for children age 1 and under, $12 for children ages 2 to 12, $18 for adults, and $16 for senior citizens.
More: Easter brunch, dinner options in the Des Moines metro, from Hy-Vee to Hoq to Jethro’s
Central Iowa Trans Lives Festival
Saturday afternoon: The First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, 1800 Bell Ave., Des Moines, holds the Central Iowa Trans Lives Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fourth annual event features creative work of transgender, genderqueer, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming adults and youth from around Iowa. Participants at this free festival can see visual art and crafts for sale, food trucks and booths, live music, poetry, literature, dance, drag, and comedy performances. Local nonprofit and community organizations providing support and resources to the trans community will also be on hand.
Heather Gudenkauf
Saturday afternoon: Heather Gudenkauf, the Edgar Award-nominated and bestselling author of eight novels, makes a stop at Beaverdale Books, 2629 Beaver Ave. in Des Moines, to launch her latest novel, a twisted, locked-room thriller with a game show that promises to be life-threatening. “Everyone is Watching” showcases five contestants competing for $10 million on the game show “One Lucky Winner.” None of them knows what to expect as they live on a Northern California ranch with no contact with the rest of the world. But someone is out for blood. Gudenkauf, who lives with her family in Iowa, will be on hand at 2:30 p.m.
More: How to spend the perfect day in Beaverdale with restaurants, bars and shopping
Dan St. Germain
Saturday night: Spend the night laughing with Dan St. Germain when he performs at Teehee’s Comedy Club, 1430 Walnut St., Des Moines, for 7 and 9:30 p.m. shows. The writer, comedian, and actor has appeared on “This is Not Happening,” “Conan,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” and more. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
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Deerhoof
Saturday night: Stop by Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St., Des Moines, to see San Francisco’s Deerhoof and their “mix of noise, sugary melodies, and an experimental spirit.” The band played 80/35 last year. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show start at $25. The Poly Mall Cops open.
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The Brothers Osborne
Saturday night: Country duo The Brothers Osborne bring their “Might As Well Be Us” tour to Vibrant Music Hall, 2938 Grand Prairie Pkwy., Waukee, for an 8 p.m. show. Brothers T.J. Osborne and John Osborne perform songs such as “It Ain’t My Fault,” “Nobody’s Nobody” and “Stay a Little Longer.” Tickets start at $53.
Transcend: A Trans Day of Visibility
Sunday evening: Celebrate Transcend: A Trans Day of Visibility at xBk, 1159 24th St., Des Moines, featuring performances by Stabbed To Death punk band, indie rocker Sarah Tonin, punk rocker Allegra Hernandez, V VanEllsbury with improvised looping, and drag performer Blaq Heart Complex. The event features free gender-affirming clothing by Common Love DSM as well. Doors open at 5 p.m. and tickets start at $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: The best things to do in Des Moines arch 28-31, 2024, include Deerhoof
