As Iowan’s were always at the wrong end of out of staters jokes. People from NYC or L.A. or pretty much anywhere, seem to think we have nothing going on, particularly when it comes to the arts. Whether it’s music, fine art, or theatre.

Well, we know better. So this week, we decided to highlight just a few of the places you can catch any number of artsy-fartsy activties in Des Moines, and in turn put those nasty “Des Moines has no art scene” rumors to rest.

Des Moines Art Festival This 3 days festival takes place in downtown, and is consistently ranked as an outstanding arts festival on the national and even international scene. The festival features almost 200 professional artists from across the country and 22 emerging artists from our great state. Combine that with interactive exhibits,all sorts of food vendors, live entertainment, roving artists and a film festival and there’s plenty to be seen and done! This year’s festival will be June 24-26th.

Stoner Theatre If live theatre is your thing, then Stoner Theatre is

Photo via StageWest Facebook Fan Page

a good place to check out. Stoner is home to StageWest, the resident theatre company of the Civic Center. StageWest produces contemporary plays that seek to increase both the audience and actors understanding and enjoyment of our lives,society and world. The company produces both national and international works, covering a wide range of topics. To see what’s on the bill for this season click the above link!

Mars Cafe Nothing beats good art and good caffeine. Mars Cafe is the well known coffee shop located in the Drake neighborhood, and home to a number of artistic opportunities. Whether you want to view the current art show displayed on the walls, or attend a benefit concert, Mars is your place to go. The recently opened “Pour-Over Poster Show” an event featuring 30 local artists hand printed artworks, currently graces the walls of the cafe. For upcoming events,their menu or more information on the upcoming poster show, check out the Mars Cafe website

If you’re looking for live music, Des Moines has some great places to check out, and two of them are right in the same neighborhood. Vaudeville Mews and People’s, both have live music going on all week. Concerts vary from Dave Matthew’s cover bands, to Michael Jackson tributes to Ingrid Michaelson. Check out their websites to see what concerts they have coming up!

You may recall our post a couple weeks ago giving you suggestions how to beat the winter blues in Des Moines

Well, if you don’t have any plans this weekend, we have another fun,exciting and unique opportunity for you to have some fun among all this snow.

This weekend marks the 4th annual “Des Moines Winter Games”.

“The philosophy behind the winter games is to get people out and active,” Max Kenkel, general manager of Sleepy Hallow,” said. “We want to give central Iowans an opportunity to go out and do something in the middle of winter.”

And from what we’ve seen, there will be plenty to do this weekend.

The Kick Off and Polar Plunge event starts off the weekend at Sleepy Hallow sports park starting at 5pm on Friday. Admission for the event is just one canned food item that will go to the Des Moines Area Religious Council. At the kick-off competitors and spectators alike will be able to mix and mingle before the weekend kicks off. And for those who are brave enough to take the plunge (no pun intended). The Polar Plunge will start around 6:00pm, with costumes encouraged.

Another event on our radar is the cardboard sled race. Competitors in this event are challenged to create a sled out of just cardboard and then brave the slopes. Registration for the event is $15 and you can sign up on site. The race will take place at 7pm on Friday out at Sleepy Hallow.

If you’re missing the lake and kayaking during these icy water months, there’s even an event for you. Downhill kayak racing is going on once again. Competitors can either bring their own kayak or use one of the kayaks provided. There will first be round-robin style racing. Followed by head-to-head competition, with the fastest time advancing. Once again, you can register on site for just $15.

For those of you that don’t like racing and prefer traditional winter activities, like snowman making, you are in luck. Snow sculpting starts at 1pm on Friday at Sleepy Hallow and contestants have until 8:30pm to finish their creations. Des Moines Winter Games attendees will then get to vote on the sculptures. There’s even a cash prize for the winner and a tubing party for all the contestants.

For the central Iowan who likes skateboarding and snowboarding. There will be a Des Moines Rail Jam on Saturday night under the lights of Court Avenue. For $15 contestants can showcase their grinding talents starting at 7pm. Live music will also be going on during the event.

There’s also plenty of team events going on during the weekend;whilee registration for those has passed, spectators are welcome and encouraged. This includes sno-ball softball at the Savage Softball and Des Moines Softball Complex all weekend. Flag football will be going on Friday and Saturday out at Cownie Soccer Complex and even Broomball will be played on Friday and Saturday night at Brenton Skating Plaza.

And there’s of course plenty of events for the kiddo’s. Winter Carnival games will take place at the skating plaza on Saturday from 10:00 to Noon. Kid’s can compete in an obstacle course, dance contest, and create snow art. Everyone who participates gets a prize at this event!

So, instead of complaining about how tired of winter you are, go out and do something this weekend. We heard there could be a heat wave of 32 on Saturday!

For more information on other events going, details on the events we talked about or anything else. Check out the Des Moines Winter Games Facebook page.

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