Datebook stories

Hairball kicks off Nitefall music series Saturday

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:29:00 CDT

The Nitefall on the River concert series makes its return to the Simon Estes Amphitheater this week, kicking things off with tribute act Hairball.

Datebook Best Bets for May 24

Thu, 24 May 2012 02:04:00 CDT

Nosh on great barbecue while enjoying free live entertainment at Smokin’ in the Junction; give and receive free stuff at the Really, Really Free Market; and watch bands compete in the Iowa Blues Challenge finals.

Dinner & Cocktails at El Patio

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:30:00 CDT

For more than 70 years, El Patio has been serving up Mexican dishes at various locations around town. Since 1952 the restaurant has been in its current location, an old house just off Ingersoll Avenue.

Mark Your Calendar, May 24

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:26:00 CDT

The Iowa State Fair has released the lineup for its free stages, and while there’s no ’90s hip-hop act this year, there is ’90s R&B act Boyz II Men. That seems like a fair substitute.

Cool Show: Experience The Devil Makes Three’s acoustic folk punk

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:52:00 CDT

There are some bands that can never quite capture the feel of their live shows in the studio. The California acoustic folk punk act The Devil Makes Three is such a group.

Dining News, May 24

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:31:00 CDT

A roundup of news from the central Iowa dining scene..

Kids & Family Events, week of May 24

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:27:00 CDT

Family friendly events in central Iowa this month.

Out to Lunch: Find heavenly angel wings at Saints

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:59:00 CDT

Bottom line: Come for the patio, stay for the hot wings.

Datebook Best Bets, May 17

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:56:00 CDT

The top entertainment and recreation events this week in central Iowa.

Mark Your Calendar, May 17

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:58:00 CDT

Ankeny Unplugged has announced its lineup for the 2012 music festival series. The series, which features live music, food vendors and an arts and crafts market, takes place the first four Saturdays in June from 4 to 9 p.m.

Kids & Family events week of May 17

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:57:00 CDT

The top kid and family friendly events this week.

Dining News, May 17

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:57:00 CDT

Latest happenings at area eateries.

Cool Show: Alejandro Escoveda Tuesday at Wooly’s

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:55:00 CDT

Alejandro Escovedo has a career that has spanned from punk rock to alt. country over the last 30 years. Despite ups and downs in his personal and professional lives, he’s still going strong and performs this week at Wooly’s.

19 ways to keep the kids busy this summer

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:35:00 CDT

Whether captivated by a fuzzy monster in a cape, awed by ancient acrobatics or riveted by Justin Roberts, the kids won’t be lacking for entertainment this summer.

Lazerfest a mix of new and familiar

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:59:00 CDT

There’s a lot that’s new about this year’s Lazerfest, as well as some familiar faces returning to rock the crowd of 20,000-plus fans. The biggest change is a new home for the hard-rock festival, the Central Iowa Expo in Boone.

Out to Lunch: Host offers a creative spin

Wed, 09 May 2012 13:02:00 CDT

If you were a devotee of Flour, the fairly recently departed pizza spot in the Nationwide building near the downtown library, you’ll hardly recognize the space, but you won’t be disappointed with Host.

Mark Your Calendar, May 10

Wed, 09 May 2012 13:01:00 CDT

Learn about the second annual Iowa Craft Brew Festival, which will be held June 16 on the Locust Street Bridge in downtown Des Moines, plus information about upcoming concerts.

Datebook Best Bets, May 10

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:56:00 CDT

The top entertainment and recreation events this week in central Iowa.

Cool Show: See ’swamp tech’ dance duo

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:56:00 CDT

The "swamp tech" dance duo Quintron and Miss Pussycat return to town this week for a show of their offbeat style of music at the Vaudeville Mews.

Kids & Family events, week of May 10

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:59:00 CDT

Family friendly events this week in central Iowa.

Datebook Dining News, May 10

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:58:00 CDT

Here are a few menus and other offerings at select Mother’s Day brunches around the metro, plus news about a forthcoming Dunkin’ Donuts store.

Joe Bonamassa: Prodigy of the blues

Wed, 02 May 2012 13:36:00 CDT

So me little boys want to grow up to be a firefighter, football player or Superman. Joe Bonamassa knew he wanted to be a guitar player from an early age. There were some key indicators early on that Bonamassa might achieve his goal.

Kids & Family events, week of May 3

Wed, 02 May 2012 13:37:00 CDT

Enjoy the Cinco de Mayo celebration in Valley Junction and other family events this week.

Dinner & Cocktails: King & I spices up Thai fare

Wed, 02 May 2012 13:35:00 CDT

Scene: Walk through the double trellis of vines inside the front door and you’ll leave behind the strip-mall sidewalk in favor of a cheery scene from Southeast Asia.

Dining News for May 3

Wed, 02 May 2012 13:34:00 CDT

After a two-year hiatus, Temple B’nai Jeshurun will be hosting its "Jewish Food Fair: Des Moines’ Non-Bacon Fest," this year on Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $12 (free for children under 6).