Downtown Events: <<    >>

Sbrocco Wine Bar & Wine Shop, 298 Court in the Court District, will open their doors and offer wine tasting during Farmer's Market Saturday mornings from 9AM to 11AM.

Race: Are We So Different? explores race in the United States from three unique perspectives to provide a highly personal exhibit experience. Learn the history of race, the role of science plays in that history and the everyday experience of race. Visit www.sciowa.org/race for the full calendar of special events, cultural celebrations, diversity discussions and Café Scientifique forums. Save with SCI’s Cultural Combo ticket and travel to exotic Arabia and uncover mysteries in ancient Greece through the immersive IMAX experience.

Relax and get invigorated at the same time at the Yoga in the Park sessions at Gray's Lake Peninsula. All skill levels are invited to attend the weekly Saturday morning classes that start at 9AM. A certified instructor will lead the class. All participants will have to sign a waiver. Anyone under 18 will need to have the waiver signed by a legal guardian. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing and bring their own mat.

Head to Sbrocco, 208 Court Avenue, to sample the new selection of specialty beers from Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The high proof beer is being added to the extensive retail wine selection Sbrocco offers. The tasting will take place from 1 to 4PM for all you can sample. Wine tasting from the higher end of their retail shop will also be available. Cost is $5 at the door.

The show for all ages at People's Court, 216 Court Avenue, Third Floor in the Court District, offers a full line up of entertainment. See Vampires Everywhere!, Modern Day Escape and Get Scared as they open for headliner Black Veil Brides. Doors open at 6PM. Music starts at 7PM and tickets are $10 in advance at www.midwestix.com.

Check out handmade goods, vintage and found items, indie art and lots more at Market Day at Aherns-Pershing Warehouse, 300 SW 5th Street in the Court District. Held the last Saturday of every month, Market Day features everything from cupcases to handmade greeting cards to 80's inspired workout items and more. You'll find the unusual from 9AM to 2PM and there's no charge to attend.

Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District, hosts a show featuring Cary Brothers and Greg Laswell. Harper Blynn opens the concert for those 21+ starting at 10PM. Tickets are available for $12 in advance at www.midwestix.com. Cover at the door is $15.

Singer/pianist/songwriter Lady Bianca brings her talent that cuts straight to the soul of the listener to Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway. Rooted in a combination of gospel, blues and R&B, with a tinge of country western, she performs at 9:30PM. The cover is $10.

The Italian American Heritage Festival makes its Downtown debut with two days of entertainment, contests and all things Italian. Enjoy everything from Italian folk dancers to a corporate bocce tournament to cooking demonstrations by Chef George Formaro and Tony Lemmo to a US Pizza Team demonstration to a presentation of Mama Mia. The event will be held on the Court Avenue Bridge from 11AM to 2AM on Friday and from 10AM to 2AM Saturday. There's no charge either day until 5PM. After 5PM there's a $5 entry fee per person. For more information, visit www.iahfofiowa.com.

See Max Wellman in concert live with his Big Band! Max and the band will perform old favorites blended with some of Max's origninal songs. Be there as your favorite local crooner records his second full-length CD!

Fourth Street Theater, 212 Fourth Street next to Java Joes in the Court District, will host a performance by the Valley High Jazz Band. They take the stage at 8PM and there's no cover charge.

The high school boys of summer take the field for the Boys State Baseball Tournament at Principal Park, One Line Drive in the Court District. See Class 1A through 4A games at noon, 2, 6 and 8PM starting July 23. Championship games for each class will be played on Saturday, July 31st. For more information, visit www.iahsaa.org

Students from DMACC will present "Hotel Paradise" at Stoner Theater in the Civic Center, 221 Walnut. The comedy focuses on a teen pop star who checks into rehab after signing a lifetime contract requiring that she remain 14 years old. Curtain time is 8PM Friday, 3 and 8PM Saturday and 1PM on Sunday. Tickets are $1 each. For more information visit www.civiccenter.org.

Try 40 high proof beers and nearly 40 wines at the Summer Beer and Wine Show at Sbrocco, 208 Court Avenue in the Court District. Beers from around the world will be featured with an emphasis on beers from Belgium or beers made in the Belgium style. The event will run from noon to 4PM and tickets are $10 at the door.

Hear Australian folk singer Martine Locke perform at Ritual Cafe, 1301 Locust in Western Gateway. Percussionist/vocalist Dionne Ward will be joining Locke for the show. Entertainment starts at 7:30PM and the cover is $10. For more information, visit www.ritualcafe.com.

Catch the sounds of Hot Club of Des Moines at Cafe di Scala, 644 18th Street in Sherman Hill. They will perform from 7-9:30PM. There is no charge, but reservations are required. To reserve your spot, visit www.cafediscala.com.

The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village, plays host to 6000 Wings and A Bended Bow for an evening of entertainment for those 21+. The show starts at 9:30PM.