Happy Thanksgiving eve! I hope you have an absolutely fantastic holiday. Here are some things to do before the turkey, and some stuff to get you out of the house when the green bean casserole is gone. Talk to you Monday!
See other Thanksgiving and Holiday events in my planners. There's something for everyone!
WED 11/25 (Jump to: THU 11/26 | FRI 11/27 | SAT 11/28 | SUN 11/29)
What: MCC 23: Thanksgiving Throwdown
Where: Veterans Memorial Auditorium
See bloody noses and black eyes at the fourth annual thanksgiving event from Midwest Cage Championship. Watch 13 fights, including three championship bouts: Elvis Mutapcic vs. Mike Van Meer for the middleweight championship, Jesse Lund vs. Derrik Mehman for the light heavyweight championship, and Eric Marriott vs. Josh Henry for the featherweight championship. When: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., fists start flying at 7:30 p.m. Cost: $25-$50.
What: Leslie Hall Thanksgiving Special on the JG Faux Show
Where: Des Moines Social Club
Cewebrity star Leslie Hall will grace the JG Faux Show with her gold-clad awesomeness for a Thanksgiving special. Don't miss it! When: 8:30-10:30 p.m. Cost: Free.
What: Back to the 80s Thanksgiving Eve party
Where: Uncle Buck's
Wear you best 80s attire and get a wristband for drink specials at this Thanksgiving eve party. Listen to great 80s music, and enjoy $2 drinks. When: 8 p.m.
What: Third annual Thanksgiving Pianopalooza Reunion
Where: Grand Piano Bistro
Tony Bohnenkamp and Jared Hall will be dueling, with $5 martinis all night. Try their new winter menu this evening, also. When: Open for dinner at 5 p.m., pianos begin at 8:30 p.m.
THU 11/26 (Jump to: FRI 11/27 | SAT 11/28 | SUN 11/29)
What: Turkey bowling
Where: Plaza Lanes
"Bowling a turkey" takes on a whole new meaning today. Lanes open at 2:30 p.m. for bowling, with Turkey Bowling at 7 p.m. (with frozen turkeys and real pins). Plus, there's a beer pong tournament at 8 p.m., a Buck Hunting contest at 9 p.m. and Bowling for Beer at 10 p.m. When: Open at 2:30 p.m.
What: Buc Beer Nite
Where: Buccaneer Arena
The Des Moines Buccaneers take on the Omaha Lancers tonight. What's even sweeter: it's Buc Beer Nite! That means you get 12-ounce draws for just $1, 20-ounce draws for $2. When: 7:05 p.m. Cost: $11-$15.
FRI 11/27 (Jump to: SAT 11/28 | SUN 11/29)
BLACK FRIDAY MALL SHOPPING INFO (cuz I know you want to get your shopping done at the crack of dawn)
What: Rockin' Shoppin' Eve
Where: Jordan Creek Town Center
Get your holiday shopping done early, and I mean early, at Jordan Creek's Rockin' Shoppin' Eve event. Live entertainment, food, free coffee, and of course, great deals, highlight this Black Friday mayhem. When: 12:01 a.m. Cost: Free to attend.
Valley West Mall, 1551 Valley West Drive, West Des Moines.
Hours: Doors open at 3 a.m. Stores open at 4 a.m. Info: Pick up a briefing packet with info on secret sales. Eat a free breakfast and sign up to win a $5,000 shopping spree from 3-4 a.m. Shopping spree giveaway at 4 a.m.
Merle Hay Mall, 3850 Merle Hay Road
Hours: Doors open at 3 a.m., stores open at 6 a.m. Info: Alice Boyd will play live piano performances from 8-10:30 a.m. and
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Southridge Mall, Army Post Road and 14th St.
Hours: Stores open from 8a.m.-10 p.m. Info: From 9a.m.-noon 40 random shoppers will be given a $10 gift card.
What: Holiday Lights Des Moines
Where: Brenton Skating Plaza
For me, it doesn't feel like the holidays until I've put up my lights and decorated my tree. Another great kick-off is Holiday Lights Des Moines, they "flip the switch"on the holiday lights downtown, making the district look like a winter wonderland. The event also features live performances from musicians and choirs, carriage rides, seasonal food vendors, face painting, and an appearance by Santa Claus from 4-7 p.m. for the kiddies. When: 4-7 p.m. Cost: Free.
What: Comedy XPeriment
Where: Civic Center
Work some improv humor into your holiday. These actors perform 30-40 minute "plays" based on a few suggestions from the audience. No show is the same. When: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $10.
SAT 11/28 (Jump to: SUN 11/29)
What: Comedy XPeriment
Where: Civic Center
Work some improv humor into your holiday. These actors perform 30-40 minute "plays" based on a few suggestions from the audience. No show is the same. When: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $10.
What: An Intimate Christmas with Lorie Line
Where: Civic Center
This is the entertainer's 20th anniversary year, and she's is bringing just five of her favorite musicians to highlight the "best of the best" of 20 great years on the stage. She also plans to return to some of the old favorite and memorable traditions that were a part of the show in the earlier years, including sharing a very personal letter from a fan, and taking audience requests for her on-the-spot medley of popular songs. Bring your favorite bell from year's past. When: 3 p.m. Cost: $44.50.
What: The Napalm and Noise Tour
Where: Val Air Ballroom
All That Remains and The Devil Wears Prada co-headline the hardcore Napalm and Noise Tour. The Devil Wears Prada's song "Dez Moines," which may or may not be a reference to our city, has been featured in "Guitar Hero: World Tour." Story of the Year and Haste the Day open. When: 7 p.m. Cost: $20.
