African Violet Show and Sale
March 28 and 29
Wesleyan Church, 2025 Lower Beaver Road, Des Moines
The Evening African Violet Club of Des Moines invites the public to its 2025 African Violet Show and Sale. This is a nationally sanctioned show and sale that will have judges from the African Violet Society of America. Club members’ plants and supplies will be available. The sale hours are Friday, March 28, noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, March 29, noon to 5 p.m. The judging of violets, gesneriads and floral design will take place on Saturday 10 a.m. to noon. Educational exhibits and AVSA promotional information will also be displayed. The Evening African Violet Club of Des Moines meets monthly from February to November on the third Saturday of the month at 2 p.m. at the Debra Heights Wesleyan Church. The public is invited.
Playhouse Summer Classes
Various dates
Des Moines Playhouse, 831 42nd St., Des Moines
The Des Moines Playhouse offers students from kindergarten through high school more than 30 different classes and camps this June-August to fill the long summer days and keep minds active. A complete list of classes and registration is available at dmplayhouse.com. Theatre arts education at The Playhouse provides students with the opportunity to explore, create, imagine and express themselves, all within a safe, nurturing environment. Every class at The Playhouse is unique and led by the theatre's professional teaching artists. For more information on summer theatre camps and other Playhouse educational offerings, contact The Playhouse education department at 515-974-5365.
“Jesus Christ Superstar”
Through March 23
Des Moines Playhouse, 831 42nd St., Des Moines
The Des Moines Playhouse presents the Broadway musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com and by phone at 515-277-6261. “Jesus Christ Superstar” tells the story of Jesus in the final days leading up to his crucifixion. Loosely based on the Gospels, Superstar focuses on the conflicts between Jesus, his disciples, the people of Israel, and the leadership of Rome. Told by his wavering disciple and ultimate betrayer, Judas, the rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice features such songs as “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane” and “Superstar.” Show times are 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets start at $29.
Iowa Deer Classic
March 21-23
Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines
iowaeventscenter.com
The latest in archery equipment, hunting gear, accessories, clothing, blinds, tree stands and lots more. Bring your antlers for official measuring, bring your bow for their 300 and 3D shoots, attend seminars and more.
DSM Book Festival
Saturday, March 22, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Franklin Event Center, 4801 Franklin Ave., Des Moines
Readers and book lovers in central Iowa will be thrilled to find an outstanding array of authors appearing at this free, fun-filled event, presented by Beaverdale Books and Beaverdale Neighborhood Association. In addition to author programs, panels, workshops and children’s activities, the event will offer attendees the opportunity to have their books signed, visit with publishers, and enjoy mingling with fellow book lovers. For the complete schedule, visit https://beaverdalebooks.com/dsmbookfestival/. Four headlining presentations will be offered in the venue’s large theater, including fiction writer Claire Lombardo, historian Alexis Coe, award-winning Hanif Abdurraqib and AViD author C.J. Box.