Fireworks at Winterset Cidery, Fourth of July parade among things to do this weekend
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Just because the Fourth of July falls on a Tuesday doesn’t mean you have to wait until then to celebrate. Kick off the Independence Day weekend with a visit to Living History Farms in Urbandale on Saturday to hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a parade and games. End the evening with music and a fireworks display at Winterset Cidery and on Monday, catch performances by Girls Rock! Des Moines and The Punching Pandas in West Des Moines. On the non-patriotic side, see "Ain't Too Proud," the Broadway production showcasing The Temptations, the shenanigans of Dude Perfect of YouTube fame, or Billy Bob Thornton and his band play. Check out all the things you can do in the Des Moines metro this long holiday weekend.
See story of The Temptations on Broadway
Thursday night: Relive all the hits from The Temptations including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and more during “Ain’t Too Proud — The Life and Times of The Temptations” at the Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. in Des Moines. The Broadway musical takes the audience through the group’s journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, snazzy dance moves and all. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show that runs through Sunday start at $40.
Check out muscle cars and hot rods
Friday morning: Ogle more than 4,000 hot rods, muscle cars and more built before 1998 during the GoodGuys Heating Up in the Heartland Car Show, taking over the Iowa State Fairgrounds at 3000 E. Grand Ave. in Des Moines. The event features a swap meet, cars for sale, an arts-and-crafts gallery, a kids’ zone, Saturday night fireworks and more. Stoop by from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Single-day tickets start at $25 for adults, $10 for kids ages 7-12.
More: When and where you can find July 4 celebrations and fireworks displays in central Iowa
Grab a happy hour drink with friends at The Bartender's Handshake
Friday night: Find some of the most upscale cocktails in Des Moines at The Bartender’s Handshake, 3615 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines. Head over daily from 2 to 6 p.m. for an apertivo hour that includes $5 Aperol Spritz, Garibaldis (with Campari and fresh orange juice), From the Tank wine (red or rosé), PBR and a shot of house amaro, two handshakes (shots/mini cocktails), and pepper poppers. Return on Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. for a late-night happy hour that features $2 off house cocktails as well as $2 PBR, Miller High Life, house Amaro shots, or house pretzels. Consider happy hour an excuse to sit on The Bartender’s Handshake’s patio in back.
More happy hours: 12 great happy hours to try at bars and restaurants in the Des Moines area
Enjoy an all day, family-friendly Independence Day celebration
Saturday afternoon: Living History Farms presents a Fourth of July celebration reminiscent of one in the 19th century from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Experience a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a performance by the West Des Moines Community Band, a parade and games, including sack races. Food will be available to purchase from Done Rite Soulfood, Totally Rolled Ice Cream and beverages from Rural Revival. Visit Living History Farms' website to purchase tickets. General admission for adults is $19. Living History Farms is located at 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale.
Celebrate with a crawfish broil
Saturday afternoon: Head to the drive-thru at Cajun Belle, 5460 Merle Hay Road in Johnston, to pick up a crawfish broil ready for any picnic from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Options include a $19 single serving with a pound of crawfish with corn, potatoes and andouille sausage, a half serving for $11, or six boudin balls for $12. Diners can pre-order by calling 515-207-5050, emailing zhollier@cajunbelleia.com or stopping in the shop in advance.
Catch a country jam in Norwalk
Saturday evening: Pella native and country musician Jason Brown is helping folks celebrate Independence Day early with a performance as part of Dirt Road Country Jam at event venue Happy Apple Celebrations in Norwalk. The “You Don’t Play Fair” and “Mama Was a Rebel” singer performs at 8 p.m. following Americana singer-songwriter Robert Deitch at 7 p.m. There will be a fireworks show at 10 p.m. followed by a DJ. Doors open at 6 p.m. Happy Apple Celebrations is located at 3408 Clarke St. in Norwalk. Tickets purchased in advance cost $10 online on Eventbrite.
See a fireworks show
Saturday evening: Take in some scenic sights at Winterset Cidery with live music from band Sista and the Misters and a firework display. There will be food available to purchase from Madison County Cattlemen, Rockin Moroccan and for dessert, rolled ice cream. Bring your lawn chairs and get comfortable for the evening. Cover charge is $5 a person or $20 a carload. Winterset Cidery is located at 1638 Hwy. 169 in Winterset. The event starts at 6 p.m.
See the hijinks of Dude Perfect in person
Saturday night: The five dudes behind Dude Perfect bring their antics to the stage at Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St. in Des Moines and compete in crazy, trick-shot themed battles. The tour will feature some of the most popular segments from their award-winning “Overtime” series such as Cool Not Cool and Wheel Unfortunate with Ned Forrester, and new fan-favorite segments including Get Crafty and Top 10. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show start at $31.75.
More must-see concerts: 15 must-see events and concerts in central Iowa to check out this summer
Eat brunch with a beer made in Des Moines
Sunday morning: Stroll down to Court Avenue for some brunch with beer. Court Avenue Brewing Co. at 309 Court Ave. in Des Moines serves brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Diners can pick up Oreo pancakes, a waffle sandwich with fried chicken or bacon with a fried egg and cheese, biscuits and gravy, or a breakfast burrito stuffed with ham, bacon, jalapenos, cheese sauce and scrambled eggs. If Cabco's Honest Lawyer IPA, Courthouse Honey Wheat or Chocolatariat imperial stout beers don't speak to you, try a house-made root beer, bloody Mary or sangria.
More brunches: 21 great brunches to try in the Des Moines area right now, including Early Bird, Eatery A
See a famous opera
Sunday afternoon: The Des Moines Metro Opera kicks off its season with “Carmen,” the French opeara that debuted in 1875 and tells the story of Carmen, who falls for military officer Don Jose, who leaves behind everything to be with Carmen. But a charming bullfighter, Escamillo, woos Carmen, creating a love triangle with intrigue and obsession. Tickets for the show at the Blank Performing Arts Center, 513 N. D St., Indianola, range from $30 to $133 for the show at 2 p.m., but other dates remain available on weekends through July 15.
Hear some electric swamp funkin’ blues
Sunday night: Songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Selwyn Birchwood just released his latest album, “Exorcist,” and celebrates with a show at xBk Live at 1159 24th St. in Des Moines at 7 p.m. With two Blues Music Awards already on his shelf, the Florida native is one of the blues’ brightest young stars, playing roots music that he calls “Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues.” Tickets start at $25 in advance, $30 on the day of the show.
More: When and where you can find July 4 celebrations and fireworks displays in central Iowa
Party with a parade and live music
Monday evening: Stay for the tunes under the Railroad Avenue arch in Valley Junction after the West Des Moines Independence Day Parade. Girls Rock! Des Moines kicks off the Junction Street Party at 5 p.m., followed by performances from Des Moines songwriter Allegra Hernandez, funk band BitterSweet Nation, and party band The Punching Pandas. The show is free to attend with food and drinks available for purchase.
Toast to the Fourth of July at Peace Tree Brewing Co.
Monday evening: It’s something like Independence Day Eve at Peace Tree Brewing Co. in the East Village at 317 E. Court Ave. in Des Moines. Stop by starting at 7 p.m. to catch a beer on the patio and enjoy live music from guitarist and vocalist Aaron Winters. The Americana musician is part of the band Dust Radio.
See Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters perform
Monday night: The Boxmasters, a ‘60s-inspired rock band from Southern California, originally formed when J.D. Andrew and Billy Bob Thornton started playing together in 2007. Now the group tours, landing in Clive for a 7 p.m. show at the Horizon Events Center 2100 N.W. 100th St. Tickets range from $25 to $35.
Take part of a benefit race in Ames
Tuesday morning: Previously known as the July 4th Run/Walk, the Bill Bergan 5K on the 4th starts at 8 a.m. The former Iowa State University men’s track and field and cross country coach died in November last year. He was also a founding board member of Friendship Ark, which provides support services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The race/walk, which starts at 8 a.m. at the Ada Hayden Heritage Park, 5205 Grand Ave. in Ames, benefits Friendship Ark. Visit Friendship Ark’s website for more information about how to participate in the race.
Cool off thanks to a slip n’ slide
Tuesday afternoon: Families and kids can cool down with a special Fourth of July celebration at Nahas Aquatic Center, 1101 Porter Ave. in Des Moines. There will be a giant slip n’ slide on the north hill at Nahas from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. All participants will need to sign a waiver before participating, and parents or guardians must sign on behalf of anyone under 18.
Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at pbarraza@registermedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: The best things to do in Des Moines for Fourth of July weekend
