Spring is officially here! Celebrate with these five events.
DES MOINES, Iowa — Spring is officially here and Iowans are celebrating with a full weekend of events.
From a classic musical and hockey games to stargazing on the equinox and a behind-the-scenes look at Principal Park, here are five events taking place across the metro this 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, March 20, 7 p.m. | Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Sunday, March 22, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Des Moines Civic Center (221 Walnut St., Des Moines)
- Price: Tickets start at $42
There are few things more Iowan than “The Music Man.” The hit musical follows a traveling salesman who cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a band he plans to organize. However, his plans to skip town with the money are foiled when he falls in love with the town librarian.
Featuring songs like “Seventy-Six Trombones” and “Pickalittle,” this family-friendly show is a timeless classic.
- When: Friday, March 20, 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 21, 5 p.m.
- Where: Casey’s Center (233 Center St., Des Moines)
- Price: Tickets start at $20.25
The Iowa Wild is at home for two games this weekend, facing off against the Ontario Reign. Friday is Legacy Reds Night and ALS Awareness Night, featuring a bobblehead giveaway and an online jersey auction. Proceeds will benefit the ALS Association.
Saturday night is Spring Break Saturday and Pride Night. The first 1,500 fans will receive free sunglasses. In addition, Capital City Pride will host a Pride meet-up between the first and second periods. Learn more here.
- When: Friday, March 20, 7:30-9 p.m.
- Where: Jester Park Nature Center (12130 NW 128th St., Granger)
- Price: Free
Friday marks the spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox. Central Iowans are invited to celebrate the changing of the seasons and view planets and spring constellations with the help of experts from Polk County Conservation.
- When: Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Where: Iowa Events Center (730 3rd St., Des Moines)
- Price: $14 on Saturday, $13 on Sunday
- Saturday tickets good for both days
Train enthusiasts of all ages are invited to the Iowa Events Center to see the whole exhibit hall full of trains for sale. Dealers from across the country will be in attendance with engines, scenery, books, magazines and more. The event will also feature operating model railroads, a free test track, free workshops and even a Thomas the Tank Engine riding train for kids.
- When: Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Where: Principal Park (1 Line Dr., Des Moines)
- Price: Free
While the Iowa Cubs opening night is still a week away, the team is hosting an open house for fans this weekend. Tour Principal Park, walk through the Clubhouse and the locker room, see the broadcast booth and more. Attendees can get a free hot dog and a soda by checking in when they get to the ballpark. Plus, everyone who comes through the doors will receive a free ticket to Opening Night on Friday, March 27.