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

Drinking Liberally has moved from its original home to a new space at AJ's on East Court. We'll be on the patio when it gets nice outside!

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!

The Historic East Village, it's retailers, restaurants and businesses, host East Village Goes Red...For Your Heart, in partnership with the American Heart Association. From 11:30AM to 1PM, The Grand Piano Bistro will be the location for a video casting call for women who have made lifestyle changes or heart-induced changes. Videos will be sent to the AHA national office for consideration with the person(s)chosen acting as the spokesperson(s)for the organization. There's no fee to participate, but filling out an application is requested. Visit www.americanheart.org. Starting at 5:30PM, the Historic East Village will host a fundraiser for American Heart at e300 on the first floor. A donation of $10 will include appetizers supplied by local restaurants, wine and live music. For more information, visit www.eastvillagedesmoines.com.

Put on your dancing shoes and head to Fourth Street Theatre, 216 Fourth Street in the Court District. Whether you just want to watch or are ready to kick up your heels, Swing Dancing will take over the theatre starting at 8:30PM. There's no charge to join in the fun.

Fancy yourself as a poet? Have a view you want to share with others? Head to The House of Bricks, 525 E Grand in the East Village for "Say What! Poetry and Open Mic Night". It all starts at 9:30PM and there's a $5 cover charge.

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 :)

Like to cook and looking for a great recipe for Pollo alla Cacciatora? Join chef Alessandra Meschini at a special cooking class at Basil Prosperi Restaurant, 801 Grand, 3rd Floor on the Skywalk. It starts at 6:30PM and the cost to attend is $30. To learn more or register for the class, call 525-401-7005 or emal ameschini@yahoo.com.

Featuring Centennial Pale Ale, Chocolate Milk Stout, & Hard Cider. A salute to homebrewers @ el Bait Shop. Every Thursday at 6pm, free beer from local brewers and homebrewers while it lasts.

Featuring Widmer & Redhook. 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.