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

5-Day class for teens age 13-17 to learn fundamentals of sailing. Registration deadline for each session is one week prior to start date. Bring a proper-fitting lifejacket and be able to pass a swim test. Additional forms on the SYCSS website must be completed and submitted prior to first class.

5-Day class for students ages 8-12 to learn sailing basics and develop teamwork skills and good sportsmanship. Registration deadline for each session is one week prior to start date. Bring a proper-fitting lifejacket and be able to pass a swim test. Additional forms on the SYCSS website must be completed and submitted prior to first class.

It's a one night stand with fireworks following the game as the Iowa Cubs take on the Omaha Royals in AAA baseball at Principal Park, One Line Drive. Game time is 7:05PM and ticket price varies.

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.

Join the Des Moines Symphony on the Iowa State Capitol Grounds for its 16th annual patriotic concert. Maestro Giunta and the Orchestra will perform patriotic favorites complete with city's premier fireworks display over the downtown skyline. This free event is perfect for the whole family and a great way to kick off the Independence holiday weekend.

Hop on board the Symphony's Mystery Bus for a backstage tour of some of downtown Des Moines' coolest spots, the Symphony's fundraising event for its season debut. A local celebrity guide will host each bus and each mystery location will include hors d'oeuvres, drinks and great entertainment. Once the tour is over, guests will be dropped backstage at the Civic Center for the Symphony's Season Debut concert featuring Arnaldo Cohen and Beethoven's Emperor Piano Concerto. (Concert tickets purchased separately.)

Brian Congdon and Brad Seidenfeld will perform at the Jasper Winery Summer Concert Series at Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway. The concert will run from 6 to 9PM and is open to the public without charge. Attendees are encouraged to bring along a blanket or folding chair. Burgers and brats will be available for purchase from the grill. Wine and beer may be purchased inside the winery Event Room.

A taste of poetry is sweet...a tasty treat...a nice surprise. Take the stage for Say What! Poetry and Open Mic Night at The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand in the East Village. Hosted by Lennytwin with DJ Extract on the ones and twos. The fun starts at 9:30PM and the cover is $5. For more information visit www.thehouseofbricks.com or email lenny at saywhatpoetry@yahoo.com.

Popular children’s books, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Grouchy Ladybug, by author Eric Carle, have been brought to life at Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center. Designed by Botanical Center horticulturist, Angie Buchanan, the summer gardens include a 16-foot caterpillar and larger-than-life ladybugs that greet you as you walk into the tropical Dome. Visitors will also learn about the benefits of insects as they walk through the Dome. The Botanical Center will host an event, Buggy About Plants, on Saturday, June 6, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Have fun while learning about honeybees from the USDA and butterflies from Des Moines’ Butterfly Lady, Kathy Ziemer. Enjoy hands-on activity by holding live insects from the Blank Park Zoo. Visitors can also help with the annual ladybug release in the Dome. Enjoy the creativity of AJ’s Copper Garden sculptures, including giant copper bugs and butterflies placed throughout the Botanical Center and inside the Dome. Throughout 2010, visitors to the Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center 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.

Wing Ding is Gold Wing Road Riders Association’s (GWRRA’s) annual convention, get-together, party, etc. It is our once-a-year chance for our Members, and everyone else who wants to see the world’s largest Gold Wing trade show, to gather to party! The show moves to a different city every year and is held over the 4th of July holiday for four days of FUN, Food, Entertainment, Shopping, Education, Riding and Meeting old and new Friends.

Hear Index Case and Mindrite as they open for headliner Cavo at People's Court, 2l6 Fourth Street, Third Floor in the Court District. Music starts at 7PM. Tickets are available in advance for $15 at www.midwestix.com. Cover at the door is $20.

With Daniel Maurice & Heart Cumpton. A salute to homebrewers @ el Bait Shop. Every Thursday at 6pm, free beer from local brewers and homebrewers while it lasts.

Featuring Capital Brewing. 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.

Catch some jazz and the kick off to the Metro Arts Alliance's Jazz in July series with the Soya Vista Jazz Orchestra at the State Capitol Grounds, East 9th and East Grand, in the East Village. The group will take the stage prior to the Des Moines Symphony's Yankee Doodle Pops concert, starting at 6:30PM. Stick around for the concert by the symphony and the fireworks that follow. It's all free!

Put on your dancing shoes...or just kick back and watch. The Fourth Street Theater, 216 4th Street in the Court District is hosting a Swing Dance Social and you're invited. Whether you're a pro, a novice or interested in watching or learning a few steps, you'll want to be there for the fun starting at 8PM. There's no cover charge.

Hear rock/pop/indie music in a show for all ages at Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. Performing will be SSIC, Elliot Burke, The Chatty Cathy's and headliner The Prospectors. Doors open at 5PM and the show starts at 5:30PM. Cover is $5.