Downtown Events: <<    >>

Often imitated... the Open Jam has been a Thursday night tradition since 1992! The host band warms up the crowd from 9:30 to 10:30. Musicians, ranging from the accomplished professional to the inspired novice, are then invited to take the stage. Unrehearsed and straight from the heart, this is some real Blues guaranteed to fill the house week after week. $3 Cover

Aikido translates to “the way of harmony”. Through the innovative teachings of this Japanese martial art you will experience a new way to resolve conflict in your life. By accepting conflict as a natural occurrence, you will learn to see more opportunity for movement and resolution. Through the practice of the physical movements, you will learn patience, acceptance and a new way to communicate. In doing so, you can create a powerful existence with yourself and within the relationships in your life. Come experience for yourself, your first class is free!

A salute to the Baby Boomer Generation, The Wonder Bread Years is a fast-paced, hilarious production that gracefully walks the line between stand-up and theater. Audiences across the country are enjoying a show that not only restores a much-needed sense of wonder, but leaves audiences laughing and savoring the past like never before.

Allow your body and mind the chance to awaken the day with clarity, focus and strength! Of the many benefits, yoga helps bring length to our bodies while helping to strengthen muscles that are underused. This creates greater range of motion for all our many parts. Overall, this practice helps increase ones knowledge and awareness of proper body alignment, resulting in a more balanced, toned, and revived self. Come join us for a warming yoga session at Revive!! We have plenty of mats :)

Get a jump on the Battle of the Books booklist! Our books for March will be Peter and the Starcatchers, The Lemonade War and Willow Run. Join us for snacks, crafts, and games! Please preregister online or by calling 515-283-4152, ext. 3. Ages 8-up. Meeting Room 1.

Designed by Botanical Center horticulturist, Jessica Barnett, Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center’s Dome will be filled with brightly colored bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, alliums, hyacinths and a variety of unusual bulbs, February 15-March 31. The garden design is inspired by There was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe and will include a giant shoe, porch swing and children’s toys. Easter lilies will be incorporated for the holiday and children can visit with the Easter Bunny and live animals including bunnies, chicks and ducklings on March 20. Visitors to the Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center in 2010 will be welcomed with a new horticultural and educational experience as the gardens transform throughout the year, all inspired by popular children’s stories, including Dr. Seuss, Charlie Brown and Eric Carle books. “Story Time in the Gardens” includes seven plant bed changes in the Dome – many bringing the stories alive with life-size props – educational activities, theme-related gift shop items, Riverwalk Café menu choices and special events, all inspired by children’s books. The theme continues into the Show House, with four unique, seasonal designs, and outside to the Herb Garden which is open May through September. Please visit the Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center throughout the year to see each new garden. The Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center is a family-friendly environment with plenty of free parking and wheel chair accessible. Admission is just $5.00 adults, $4.00 for seniors, $3.00 for students, members and children under three are free. The Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center is open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Iowa, providing educational, recreational, and community resources to thousands. More than 150,000 visitors visit the Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center to see over 200 different kinds of tropical and household plants in the Dome. The Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center is operated by Des Moines Water Works. The Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center is located at 909 Robert D. Ray Drive in Des Moines.

All ages will enjoy the music of The Promise. Catch them at The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village. They take the stage at 5PM and more bands are expected to appear. Tickets are available directly from the band.

Ever want to get up on stage and recite some poetry or just talk to an audience? This is your chance. The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village will host a Say What! Poetry & Open Mic night. The fun, geared to those 21+, starts at 9:30PM and there's a $5 cover.

Andy Anderson and Megan Hill perform at the The Grand Piano Bistro, 506 East Grand in the East Village. Catch their dueling pianos starting at 8:30PM.

Featuring an Irish Carbomb Stout. A salute to homebrewers @ el Bait Shop. Every Thursday at 6pm, free beer from local brewers and homebrewers while it lasts.

Featuring Rogue Kells Irish Lager. Every Thursday from 5-7pm we will be sampling out new in, seasonal, and year-round beers from commercial breweries. Brewery draws are $3 all night.

Denver indie group Flashbulb Fires performs at Vaudeville Mews, 212 4th Street, in a concert for all ages in the Court District. Joining them will be Ely Falls, Modern Day Satire and Tyke starting at 5PM. Cover is $5.

Show off your singing skills at 101 Lounge, 101 Third Street in the Court District. Karaoke starts at 9PM.