Mixology: Science of Happiness

February 12, 2026 - February 12, 2027 - 12:00 am at Science Center of Iowa
401 W MLK Jr Parkway

Science of Happiness – February 12th
21+ Science of Happiness event (paired with our Mind Matters traveling exhibit)

Discover what truly makes us feel good at the Science Center of Iowa’s 21+ Science of Happiness night! In partnership with our Mind Matters traveling exhibit, this uplifting evening explores the psychology and neuroscience behind joy, connection, gratitude, and well-being in a fun, interactive setting designed just for adults.

During this evening you’ll answer the questions: What ingredients do we need to be happy? What is happiness anyway? We will have a fun, interactive look at the science of happiness as part of the Mind Matters exhibit. We’ll shake up common myths about happiness, stir in interesting research, and explore simple ingredients that can contribute to our happiness, life satisfaction and flourishing. Join us to discover the main ingredients of happiness and mix your own recipe.

Bengü Ergüner-Tekinalp, PhD, is a Distinguished Professor of Counseling at Drake University whose work explores happiness, positive psychology, and culturally grounded approaches to wellbeing.  She has taught and written about happiness across cultures and enjoys turning research into practical ideas people can use in everyday life.

Phantom Fall Fest

September 26, 2026 - October 31, 2026 - All Day at Adventureland
3200 Adventureland Dr

Phantom Fall Fest returns to Adventureland, Sept. 26 through Oct. 31 on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Enjoy fall family fun during the day with seasonal rides, comfort food and festive entertainment. At night, the park transforms into full Halloween mode with haunted attractions, scare zones and eerie live experiences.

Junie B Jones in Boo… and I Mean It!

October 16, 2026 - November 1, 2026 - All Day at Des Moines Community Playhouse
831 42nd Street

Junie B. Jones is terrified of Halloween due to scary secrets told by a classmate. To combat her fear, she plans to create the scariest costume ever to “outscare” the monsters. She decides on a clown, but ultimately her efforts lead to a humorous, unexpected scare for her father.

7:00 PM Fridays; 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays; 1:00 PM only, Saturday, Oct. 31

Tickets and showtimes HERE!

Taste of Norway

October 17, 2026 - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at Valley High School
3650 Woodland Ave

The annual Taste of Norway features baked goods, local artists and craftspeople, vendors with everything from books to clothes to soaps, and music. Presented by Daughters of Norway – Eva Nansen Lodge #46.

SCI’s Big Blast: Sprinkled with Stardust

October 17, 2026 - 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm at Science Center of Iowa
401 W MLK Jr Parkway

Join the Science Center of Iowa for our signature annual fundraising event, an elegant cocktail party designed to celebrate curiosity, connection, and the extraordinary power of science to change lives.

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 7–10 p.m., SCI transforms into a sparkling night of discovery, inspiration, and community. Think martini glasses, meaningful conversations, dazzling experiences, and a touch of cosmic magic.

SCI’s BIG BLAST: Sprinkled with Stardust invites guests to step into an evening where imagination shines and every moment supports hands-on science learning for thousands of Iowans.

Sip, mingle, explore, and be inspired by stories of impact that reveal how SCI ignites curiosity in future scientists, innovators, and dreamers.

Your presence helps make science accessible, unforgettable, and life-changing.

Because when we invest in wonder, the future gets brighter.

Save the Date
Saturday, October 17, 2026
7–10 p.m.
Science Center of Iowa

Cocktail Attire
Little black dresses, sport coats, and star-filled conversation encouraged.

AUDITIONS: Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress

October 19, 2026 - 5:45 pm at Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd Street

Cast: 8 Youth Roles | 2 Adult Roles

Morris likes lots of things: doing puzzles, painting pictures, pretending to be an astronaut, and wearing a tangerine dress from his school’s dress-up box because it “reminds him of tigers, the sun, and his mother’s hair.” But some of his classmates think boys can’t wear dresses because … well, because they’re boys. With his vivid imagination and space-animal friends, Morris travels the galaxy in search of an answer to the all-important question: “Do astronauts wear dresses?”

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled audition time to check in.

• Upon arrival, you’ll sign in, receive a name tag, and have your photo taken. You’ll be introduced to the production team present at the start of the audition.

• Please prepare the sides provided for any character or characters you are interested in reading for

(CLICK HERE TO VIEW SIDES AND AUDITION MATERIALS)

• Walk-in auditions are welcome. Please arrive at 5:45 PM to sign up in person. Depending on availability, you may be asked to come back for a 7 pm or 8 pm spot.

• If you are needed for callbacks, you will be notified by 12:00 PM on Tuesday Oct 20.

• All who audition will receive an email regarding final casting, whether cast or not. The cast list will also be posted online.

Final Act Ensemble: Halloween Show

October 27, 2026 - 7:00 pm at Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd Street

Join the Final Act Ensemble (FAE) for old-time fun this Halloween.

The Final Act Ensemble is a troupe of performers ages 60 and older that present classic and original radio plays, including commercials and live and recorded sound effects.

https://dmplayhouse.com/events/final-act-ensemble-halloween-show/

AUDITIONS: Les Misérables

November 1, 2026 - 1:45 pm at Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd Street

In nineteenth century France, Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe that Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean’s adopted daughter. His world view shattered, Javert commits suicide, and Valjean finally attains the peace that he has sought for so long.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled audition time to check in.

• Upon arrival, you’ll sign in, receive a name tag, and have your photo taken. You’ll be introduced to the production team present at the start of the audition.

• Please prepare 16–32 bars (30–45 seconds) of a song in the style of the show for your audition. Choose material that best showcases your voice. This usually is about the length of one verse plus a chorus of a given song.

• Walk-in auditions are welcome. Please arrive at 1:45 PM on Sunday Nov 1. to sign up in person. Depending on availability, you may be asked to come back for a later spot.

• If you are needed for callbacks, you will be notified by 12:00 PM on Nov.3

• All who audition will receive an email regarding final casting, whether cast or not. The cast list will also be posted online.

AUDITIONS: The Lifespan of a Fact

November 9, 2026 - 6:00 pm at Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd Street

Cast: Three adult roles

Adventure Clubhouse: The Princess and the Pea

November 13, 2026 - 9:30 am at Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd Street

9:30 AM, 10:45 AM, & 1:30 PM

Can true courage and kindness be felt through 20 mattresses?

Adventure Clubhouse is a creative, participatory story theatre program for children 4-6 years old and their adults. Children learn the Adventure Clubhouse secret handshake, the spell to open the magic storybook, and listen for the word of the day. A new story is presented each month! Students are encouraged to use their imaginations, read, develop creative thinking skills, and be inspired to explore their world.