Things to do in Des Moines this weekend for April 11-14, including Lil Wayne, Monster Jam

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Alicia Roth Weigel

Thursday night: Get to know Alicia Roth Weigel, a change agent who is working to improve the political and social landscape for marginalized populations in the South and around the world. She raises and invests capital to grow LGBTQIA-led companies. She appears at a 6 p.m. talk at the Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St., Des Moines. The event is free but participants do need to register online at capitalcitypride.org.

More: How to spend a perfect day in downtown Des Moines with food, drinks and more

Lil Wayne

Thursday night: “I have no stress, because I am the best.” Rapper Lil Wayne plays Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St. in Des Moines, during a 7:30 p.m. show with special guest rapper Cordae opening. Some of Lil Wayne’s most recognizable hits include “A Milli,” “How To Love,” “Lollipop” and “6 Foot 7 Foot.” For tickets, from $51 to $252, head to hyveetix.com.

More: Here are 5 restaurants to try near Wells Fargo Arena in downtown Des Moines

Wild Lights Festival

Thursday night: The lights go on for Blank Park Zoo’s Wild Lights Festival starting at 7:30 p.m. Through May 27 on Wednesday through Sunday nights, the zoo at 7401 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines, showcases nearly 50 handcrafted, larger-than-life, illuminated Asian lanterns shaped like animals and mythical creatures. Zoo officials suggest that visitors should arrive around sunset and plan 60 to 90 minutes for the best viewing experience. Tickets for peak times start at $25 for nonmembers and $21 for members. Head online to reserve a ticket.

’Beautiful: The Carole King Musical‘

Thursday night: "I Feel the Earth Move." Before Carole King wrote 118 pop hits, she was a young songwriter from Brooklyn. “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” takes you back to her start and through her hits such as “You’ve Got a Friend” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” This jukebox musical plays at the Des Moines Community Playhouse, 831 42nd St., Des Moines, at 7:30 p.m. and runs Wednesdays through Sundays through April 21. Tickets start at $29.

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Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention

Friday afternoon: Catch nearly 300 of the best tattoo artists from around the country including alum from the reality show “Ink Master” for the fourth annual Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention at the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines. The weekend features live tattooing, live music, fire dancing, and prizes for more than 25 tattoo competitions, along with a pinup competition. The convention runs on Friday from 2 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $40.

More: A visitors’ guide on things to do and places to eat in and around Des Moines

Iron Somm

Friday night: It's an epic battle of sommeliers. Watch two-time champion Rae Doyle from the Surety Hotel take on Sam Tuttle of Oak Park during Iron Somm from Winefest Des Moines at the Krause Gateway Center, 1423 Grand Ave., Des Moines. The 6 p.m. event includes a five-course meal from Aaron Holt of Doolittle Farms, Jacob Schroeder of Crafted Food Services, chefs Emila Zenkovic and Matti Suttter of Allora, and chef Alix Brower of Dore Bakery. Your votes for best pairing with each course determines the winner. Tickets are $175.

Mason Ramsey

Friday night: Mason Ramsey was discovered singing in an aisle at his local Walmart. Now he brings his country hits “Before I Knew It” and “Twang” to Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St., Des Moines, for a 7 p.m. show. Halle Kearns opens. Tickets start at $18.

More: The best places to dine in the Des Moines metro

Martha Redbone

Friday night: Native and African-American vocalist/songwriter/composer/educator Martha Redbone brings her brand of American roots music to the Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St., Des Moines at a 7:30 p.m. show. Her songs and storytelling explore her life experiences as a Native and Black woman, spanning social justice issues while bridging traditions from past to present and connecting cultures. Tickets are $20 to $50.

Jay Pharoah

Friday night: Jay Pharoah spent six seasons on “Saturday Night Live” before leaving in 2020. His stash of impressions includes President Barack Obama; hip-hop stars Jay Z, Kanye West, and Kendrick Lamar; and even comedians Katt Williams and Kevin Hart. Now he brings his comedy show to the Funny Bone, 560 S. Prairie View Drive, West Des Moines, for a 7:30 and 10 p.m. show for $30 to $40. He returns Saturday night at 7 and 9:30 p.m.

Vintage market

Saturday morning: Stop by a vintage clothing market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Picker Knows, 1208 Grand Ave., West Des Moines. Clothing at the market ranges from the 1950s to Y2K. Shoppers can also grab drinks at a full cash bar, food, giveaways, and more.

Monster Jam

Saturday afternoon: Watch as giant, 12,000-pound monster trucks perform stunts, battle and tear up dirt when Monster Jam comes to town. Some of the world’s most popular trucks like Grave Digger, Max-D, Megalodon and more compete in freestyle, skills and racing competitions at Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St. in Des Moines. Doors open an hour early for a Monster Jam Pit Party to see the massive trucks up close, meet drivers and crews, get autographs, and take pictures. Shows take place at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $30.

More: Escape rooms and ax throwing: Des Moines date ideas for couples beyond restaurants or a drink

Gina Gedler

Saturday night: “Let's break out the booze and have a ball if that's all there is,” Peggy Lee sings. Local singer Gina Gedler takes on the hits of Lee, known for songs such as “Is That All There Is?” and “Fever.” Gedler takes the stage at Noce, 1326 Walnut St., Des Moines, at 7 p.m. with tickets starting at $25.

More: The hottest new restaurants from Pepp's Pizzeria to Hokkaido in Des Moines, March 2024 edition

Architecture tour

Sunday afternoon: The Iowa Architectural Foundation hosts a pub crawl and guided architectural tour of downtown Des Moines starting at 1 p.m. from Hessen Haus, the Iowa Taproom, Royal Mile, or El Bait Shop. The $50 tour includes food and adult beverages, while the walk between each venue includes a docent pointing out notable buildings in the East Village, downtown, Court Avenue District, and the Market District. Find tickets on EventBrite.

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: Things to do in Des Moines this weekend: Lil Wayne, Monster Jam