Not sure what you want to do this holiday weekend?

Are you looking to enjoy some live music? Maybe take in a game of baseball? How about watching a parade and enjoying a carnival? Maybe you want to do a little of it all?

Well this weekend you can, there are all  sorts of festivities planned this weekend across Des Moines that will be sure to please any Iowan.

The Iowa Cubs are back in action against the New Orleans Zephyr’s  this weekend with fireworks following the games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Another Iowa tradition, the Yankee Doodle Pops concert takes place on Friday beginning at 6:30 with live music from the Des Moines Symphony. Pops goers get a chance to take in a beautiful view of the Des Moines skyline and see a firework show accompanied by great live  music!

While 4th of July isn’t the focus of this event, the 4th annual 80/35 music festival will take over the Western Gateway Park district starting Saturday. 80/35 has all sorts of things to do with 2-free music stages, the YPC do more village, a craft fair, autograph sessions with participating bands and more!

Sunday there are more 80/35 activities, as well as the kick off the “Live At the Creek” summer concert series at Jordan Creek mall.  Featuring dueling pianos and Fireworks!  You can also enjoy music,  a wine & beer garden,  or watch the fireworks from the amphitheater or one of the five lakeside patio restaurants.

And if you’re looking for things to do on the actual 4th of July, some local communities will be having their celebrations too. Windsor Heights will have a fireworks show at 9:30 in Colby Park or West Des Moines has their’s as soon as dusk sets at the Blue Heron Lake.

So, whether you want food, music, fireworks, just a little of it or all of it, Des Moines has you covered!

For a full list of 4th of July action check out the list KCCI has created.

Last time we talked about all the fun things Gray’s Lake has to offer you this summer.

Today, we’re going to talk about the sporting events Des Moines has to offer you.

Des Moines has a variety of sports teams that are not only fun to watch, but talented as well.

This summer you could check out the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park. With a t-shirt gun, hot dog gun, the 7th inning stretch, dirtiest car in the parking lot contest of lots of other action; a cubbies game is always a great way to spend some time outdoors. Whether it’s a Friday night or Sunday afternoon. Your next chance to see the boys play is June 21st, when they return from the road for a 13 home game stay!

If the NFL lockout has you bummed out and you’re needing some pigskin action; the Iowa Barnstormers can offer some great arena football relief. After a 7 year hiatus, the Barnstormers are back for another season of great football action at the Wells Fargo Arena. You can check out their next home game on the 18th!

If you’re looking for some European style football action, the Des Moines Menace is the team you want to see. The Menace has been Des Moines’ premier soccer team since 1992. All Menace games take place at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines. Your next chance to see these guys is this Saturday!

If you’re not one to watch and you’d rather join in, there’s opportunity for you still. Check out the list of summer leagues with the Des Moines Parks and Rec; they have softball, flag football, volleyball and more!

So whether you want to watch or play, Des Moines has the niche for your sports fix. So, grab some friends and get out there and enjoy the summer!

Ryne Sandberg

With more than a foot of snow on the ground it’s hard to think about Springtime and baseball is certainly not top of mind but recent news from the Cubs organization has baseball fans all abuzz. Earlier this month the Chicago Cubs announced that former Cubs infielder and hall-of-famer Ryne Sandberg will be the next manager for the Iowa Cubs (AAA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs) starting with the 2010 season.
Principal Park, the home of the Iowa Cubs, has proven to be a favorite summertime venue of both Des Moines locals and visitors. The team, posting a winning record over the last 4 seasons, has played incubator for some of the MLB greats. Players like 2008 National League Rookie of the Year award winner, Geovany Soto, and pitcher Kerry Wood, famous for his record 20 strikeout game, have helped fill the stands.
For more information on the Iowa Cubs visit their site HERE.

@dsmhomes