Jess' top events Sept. 19-26

Thursday through Sunday: Head north to Maximum Ames, a weekend of music in the college town. Jeff Mangum (of Neutral Milk Hotel) and Wanda Jackson (above) headline the bill of more than 130 bands in four days in multiple venues, with more performances by Mount Eerie, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Poison Control Center, Trouble Lights and others. An all-festival pass is $100, a Saturday and Sunday pass is $60. Buy tickets for Jeff Mangum with the Music Tapes and Poison Control Center for $36 in advance or $38 the day of show. Wanda Jackson-only tickets are $20 in advance or $22 the day of show. Buy tickets, and get more info on set times and locations, at maximumames.com.

Zoobilation

Friday: Support the Blank Park Zoo, its animals and conservation and education programs during the annual Zoobilation gala. Tour the zoo and enjoy cocktails, food and entertainment to support the construction of “Gateway to Africa,” a new exhibit at the zoo (the first phase will open in 2013). The event will include an “African Safari Adventure,” native music and dancing and an African market. Food will be provided by Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse. 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 for young professionals 40 and under, $150 for age 40 and above, or $1,000 for a “tribe” of eight people. Blank Park Zoo, 7401 S.W. Ninth St. Go to blankparkzoo.com.

World Food Festival

Friday through Sunday: Taste cuisine from around the globe at the World Food Festival this weekend. The festival features 40 food vendors,(such as Saloo Sadiq, right) offering everything from vegetable chaat (Indian) to muffaletta (Cajun) to Chebureki (Ukrainian), as well as more than 30 beers and wines. In addition to food and drink, the schedule is packed with continuous entertainment from worldly acts and bands, children’s activities, cooking demonstrations, shopping and more. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Free to attend. On East Locust Street in the East Village. Go to worldfoodfestival.org.

Saturday: West End Architectural Salvage turns 7 this year, and to celebrate, the store will host its second annual Cherry Street Market. The day-long market is the opportunity to shop unique antiques, collectibles, vintage items and jewelry from outside vendors, plus enjoy food and entertainment. Many of the store’s items will be on sale as well. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. West End Architectural Salvage, west parking lot, at the intersection of Cherry and Ninth Streets. Go to westendsalvage.com.

Rock 'n Run

Saturday: The Metro Arts Alliance will host its first annual Rock ’n’ Run this weekend at the Clive Aquatic Center, combining entertainment and fitness. The event is a fundraiser to help metro schools collect art supplies. The 5K run will begin at 8 a.m. Afterward, participants can enjoy a performance by The Nadas, left, (starting at 9:30 a.m.) and a local microbrew or two. There will also be vendors with food, drinks and fitness information, as well as inflatables and activities for kids. Registration for the 5K run or 1-mile run/walk (also starts at 8 a.m.) is $30 ($25 for students). Register at metroarts.org. Clive Aquatic Center, 1801 N.W. 114th St., Clive.