Things to do in Des Moines this weekend: Bill Murray, Monster Jam, puppy yoga and more
Looking for something to do this weekend?
Check out these events and activities happening across the metro, April 11-13. But make sure you check the weather before you head out.
Related video above: Meet the gigantic Iowa dog who stars alongside Bill Murray, Naomi Watts in new movie 'The Friend'
Friday, April 11
Bill Murray and the Blood Brothers at Val Air Ballroom, Wells Fargo Arena
7:30 p.m. Friday
Cost: $125-$225. Tickets are available online.
Iconic comedic actor Bill Murray and blues band the Blood Brothers will be stopping in central Iowa on Friday night. The Saturday Night Live alum will take the stage for the all-ages show at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Nature Center After Dark: Hawaiian Luau, Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday
Cost: Free
The hour will include storytelling, crafts, open Nature Center exhibits, and a short program on the theme of the night. Feel free to wear your grass skirt, tropical shirt, and Hawaiian leis. All ages welcome.
Saturday, April 12
Forest bathing at Brown's Woods, 465 Brown's Woods Drive, West Des Moines
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $20. Register online by Friday.
Explore the natural healing path of Shinrin Yoku, or Japanese forest bathing, with Brandy Case Haub, a certified forest guide. This mindful nature exploration will invite you to use your senses to enhance your well-being.
Enjoy a two-hour nature retreat and reconnect with nature. This Rooted in Nature program is offered in sponsorship with UnityPoint.
Learn to play bocce ball, 2633 Fleur Drive, Des Moines
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $10
Join the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa to learn the rules, strategy, scoring and tips for playing bocce ball.
Record Store Day Participating record stores across Iowa
Hours vary
Record stores get special vinyl and CD releases just for the occasion. The one-day event started in 2008 with a small list of titles. It has grown to include many big names in every genre and price point. Besides music, it's also a day to celebrate community and vinyl culture.
"What has happened now is that the list of special items has just gotten bigger and bigger, and now we're starting to see people line up before the event starts," Nate Niceswanger, Zzz Records, said.
Sunday, April 13
DoNot Stop Half Marathon, Altoona Aquatics Park, 1200 Venbury Drive, Altoona
8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday
Cost: $15. Register online.
Love running or walking? Love donuts? Join the annual DoNot Stop Half Marathon, 5k/10k, a donut-themed event perfect for the whole family.
Puppy yoga at Paws & Pints, 6218 Willowmere Drive, Des Moines
11 a.m. Sunday
Cost: $10 pre-registered, $15 day of. Register online.
Enjoy a 45-minute yoga session led by Power Life Yoga, featuring adoptable puppies from Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa.
Other events
Monster Jam, Wells Fargo Arena
1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $30+. Tickets available online.
The most exciting motorsport in America is back at Wells Fargo Arena. Combining three distinct competitions into one incredible package — Racing, Two-Wheel Skills, and Freestyle — the Monster Jam offers a little something of everything, so no matter what kind of monster truck fan you are, you're sure to come away happy.
Cake decorating with Molly's Cupcakes, 322 E. Court Ave., Suite 105
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday
Cost: $60. Register online.
Each class includes a beverage and a tutorial on designing your own six-inch cake. The design is intended for you to build your own Easter basket, learning the basket weave technique (with frosting) and filling it with grass, eggs and bunny ears. This is an intermediate cake class, but beginners are welcome.
This class is recommended for individuals aged 14 years old and up. Gluten-free options are available.
Check our list of Easter events here.
Catholic parishes across central Iowa will continue the Lenten season this week with weekly fish fry dinners. Check our list of fish fries and find one near you.
Looking for live music concerts and other shows? Check our extensive concert list here.
Weekend weather
Friday: Mostly sunny. High 60F. Winds N around 10 mph.
Friday night: A few clouds. Low 38F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. High near 68F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.
Saturday night: A few clouds from time to time. Low around 51F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
Sunday: Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 76F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph.
Sunday night: Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 50F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.
Have a weekend event or favorite place to grab a bite on the weekend? Share it with us by emailing web@kcci.com.