Downtown Events: <<    >>

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.

Interviews, performances, & live commercials swaddled in a blanket of funny. It may or may not be a magical evening. If you are into banality and mediocrity then this is the show for you. and... It's the one and only, longest running live talk show in Des Moines.

Meet at the Central Library to practice playing bridge on Wednesday evenings in March. For more details, contact Nancy Wilson at 285-9916. Study Room Four. Preregister by March 3rd by signing up online or by calling the library at 515-283-4152 ext. 3. To preregister after March 3rd, call Laura at 515-283-4957.

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.

Down-home, junk house blues area favorite Matt Woods & The Thunderbolts bring their thumping rhythm and stomping slide work-outs to Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway. Catch their performance starting at 9PM. Cover is $3

Des Moines' best local talent @ el Bait Shop 200 SW 2nd Street, Downtown Des Moines. Bands every Wednesday 8pm to 11pm, with great beer specials. Bands every Sunday night 8pm to 11pm with beer specials all night.

everyone can learn to draw! no matter how reluctant you are, drawing is a natural ability you already possess. there is no right way or wrong way to draw. in this workshop you will explore methods that will help you learn to SEE, develop a sense of your own inner vision and unleash your creativity.

Pianopalooza entertains at dueling pianos at The Grand Piano Bistro, 506 East Grand in the East Village. Catch the music starting at 8:30PM.

Local birder, John Bissell, shares his skills with park visitors of all ages over the lunch hour to learn the basics of bird watching. The first session starts March 10th at the beach, ONLY if there is open water; please call 313-1298 to verify. Binoculars are encouraged.