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Anticipate a busier Des Moines weekend as the Iowa Caucuses approach, driving members of the media and politicians from out of town to the city. Kick off your weekend with a prix-fixe meal at some of your favorite area restaurants such as Aposto or Harbinger as part of Winefest’s Winter Wine & Dine week. Then head to the Des Moines Civic Center for an unforgettable percussion performance. Stop by Big Grove Brewery on Saturday for a free exhibit from the Des Moines Children’s Museum that the little ones will love. After, take the family to the rodeo at Wells Fargo Arena. On Monday, observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day with two different events.
Treat yourself to a dinner special at your favorite restaurants
Friday night: Winefest Winter Wine & Dine week returns through Jan. 21 in which 11 Des Moines restaurants will offer three-course prix fixe dinners with optional wine pairings for more than a week. Participating restaurants include Bubba, where you can enjoy grilled pork tenderloin with baked beans and glazed carrots, to house made gnocchi in Clive’s Aura Restaurant & Lounge. Visit winefestdesmoines.com for a full list of participating restaurants — think Splash Seafood Bar & Grill, Django, Allora — and their special menus for Wine & Dine week.
More: 33 of the best places to eat in Des Moines
Don’t sleep on this night of comedy
Friday night: Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St., is hosting No Sleep, a night dedicated to showcasing some of the funniest comedians in fast-paced sets, all leading up to a headliner. This year, 11 comedians — including Teehee’s Comedy Club owner AJ Simmons as well as Des Moines-based comics Lisa Rossi and Sam Hirchak — will perform five-minute sets before headliner and Des Moines native Darius Daye takes the stage. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.
More: Here are 16 of the best restaurants in Des Moines’ East Village
Hear how unconventional items make music
Friday night: Zippo lighters, brooms and garbage cans will be used to make music with “Stomp” at the Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. The eight-member troupe will use other unconventional percussion instruments for a show that incorporates dance and theatrical performance. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35.
Editor’s note: All four performances of “Stomp” shows are postponed until June 21-23. All previously purchased tickets will be honored on the new dates and reflected in the mobile app. If ticket holders cannot attend the new date, refunds or exchanges will be offered by request. Ticket holders can request those by visiting the Des Moines Civic Center Ticket Office, calling 515-246-2300, or emailing info@dmpa.org.
Take the little ones to an exhibit and catch a beer during
Saturday afternoon: Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th St., is hosting Des Moines Children’s Museum and its traveling exhibit, “Fairy Wings & Pirate Things.” Let children enjoy a day of “imaginative play” and stick around for a bite or drinks. The free event is from noon to 4 p.m.
Get your cowboy boots on for a rodeo
Saturday night: Yeehaw! Head to Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third St., for Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo, which boasts the “world’s toughest bulls and broncs.” Visit early for the pre-show at 6 p.m. for pony rides, to meet the cowboys and more. Tickets start at $35.
See a former ‘Impractical Jokers’ in Des Moines
Saturday night: Comedian Joe Gatto is bringing his stand-up solo show “Night of Comedy” to Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave. Gatto previously starred in “Impractical Jokers,” the television series that captured the hilarious antics of a group of friends. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $36.
Catch Grammy-nominee Danielle Nicole at Wooly’s
Saturday night: Grammy-nominated blues musician Danielle Nicole performs at Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St. The Kansas City singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist will be joined by fellow Kansas City act Katy Guillen & The Drive. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25.
More: Spend the perfect day in Des Moines’ East Village with restaurants, bars and shopping
Honor Martin Luther King Jr. during a celebration
Monday afternoon: Hope + Elim Church, 2500 University Ave., hosts “Stand Up,” a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. Experience performances from Bridges 2 Harmony choir and see special guest speaker Brittany K. Barnett, an author and attorney. The celebration starts at 1 p.m.
Participate in discussions for Martin Luther King Jr. Day in West Des Moines
Monday afternoon: Visit the MidAmerican Energy Co. RecPlex, 6500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for discussions, educational exhibits, and community awards to honor his life and legacy. The event, from the Greater Des Moines Partnership, starts at 3 p.m. and is free to attend.
Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at PBarraza@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.