ia Season Preview

With all due respect to Punxsutawney Phil, we prefer yesterday's forecast from Polk County Paula. She predicted a speedy end to winter during the annual Groundhog Day shindig at the High Life Lounge in downtown Des Moines.

No matter which fortune-telling rodent you trust, spring will come sooner or later. And as the days get longer, so does the list of fun options to fill them. Scroll down for our editorial team's best bets for concerts, shows, festivals and more in February, March and April — whenever you're ready to emerge from your burrow.

All the best,

Michael Morain
Editor, dsm and ia

Around Iowa

Hike out to see the stars at Yellow River State Forest

Escape to the great outdoors and gaze at the stars during the Fire Tower Moonlight Hike at the Yellow River State Forest in Harpers Ferry. You can hike or snowshoe (if there’s snow) to see the stars in the dark sky, away from the glare of city lights.

The adventure starts on Feb. 12, when participants will meet at the forest’s headquarters and then hike out to Iowa’s only fire tower. The Allamakee County Conservation Board will offer snowshoes or trekking poles for free, but pre-registration is required for those who want to use it. Check the weather ahead of time so you can dress appropriately, and consider bringing a headlamp or flashlight, too.

More Outdoor Recreation

Midwest Sled Fest, Feb. 8, Clear Lake. Snowmobiles hit the ice again this winter for a day of winter racing.

Vintage Okoboji Ice Drags, Feb. 15, Arnolds Park. Old-school snowmobiles line up and race on East Lake Okoboji, free for the general public to watch.

Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb. 15-16, Maquoketa. Iowa birders can flock to the Hurstville Interpretive Center for an annual day of education on winter bird identification. You’ll go on a short hike to identify birds and develop the skills to record bird sightings at home.

Iowa Winter Games, Feb. 22-23 and March 1, Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. The annual winter games started in January, but February brings more fun competition.

Iowa Trail Run Series, April 19, Iowa City. This spring, take part in the Iowa Trail Run series at Sugar Bottom in Iowa City. You’ll get a commemorative race item at random and free beer from Singlespeed Brewery post-race.

Iowa Wind and Rock, April 19-20, Winterset. Are you up for a challenge? If so, partake in this 340-mile gravel bike ride which honors the legacy of the TransIowa race.

Decorah’s Earth Day Festival, April 26, Decorah. Enjoy free snacks and coffee at this educational festival to celebrate mankind’s home. Visitors will learn about recycling, composting, renewable energy and more important topics relating to conservation.

Earth Day at Brenton Arboretum, April 27, Dallas Center. Enjoy Earth Day with various special activities: face painting, kids’ crafts and even a round of “100 Things to Do in Des Moines Before You Die” Bingo.

Sac County Prairie Pedal, May 9-10, Sac City. Take a 35 1/2-mile bike ride with a Bloody Mary bar and camping opportunities with fundraising to support Sac County’s cycling trails.

Arts & Culture

Solve an ancient Mayan mystery in Davenport

If you’ve ever wanted to be like Indiana Jones, here’s your chance: A traveling exhibit called “Mystery of the Mayan Medallion” opens Saturday and runs through June 1 at the Putnam Museum and Science Center in Davenport.

The immersive, interactive exhibit is designed to appeal to visitors of all ages with an imaginative story that’s based on real history and science. It’s set in Palenque, in southern Mexico, where “an archaeological team has mysteriously disappeared while investigating a priceless jade medallion buried in the ruins,” according to the museum’s website. “Luckily, the team left behind clues at their dig site to help locate the precious artifact.”

While investigating the mystery, you can learn how ethnobiologists use food, insects and animals to understand cultures, and how epigraphers decode glyphs and symbols to learn about ancient Mayan life. Bonus: You can crawl through a (replica) tomb to inspect (fake) skeletal remains.

The museum’s education team has organized an array of related events and activities, so check the calendar before you head out on your expedition. And please, watch out for snakes.

More Arts & Culture

Winter Arts Snow Sculpting Festival, Feb. 6-9, Dubuque. Watch hardy artists carve massive blocks of snow into art. The sculptures last only a few days, so it's a race against the clock, the sun and the weather.

Emanuel Ax and Anthony McGill, Feb. 8, Iowa City. The famous pianist and principal clarinetist for the New York Philharmonic join forces for a concert at Hancher Auditorium.

“it’s a fine thing,” Feb. 13-July 20, Iowa City. A wide-ranging group show at the University of Iowa’s Stanley Museum of Art examines the Black experience in the Midwest, with multimedia work by Elizabeth Catlett, Sonya Clark, Beauford Delaney, Betye Saar, Kara Walker and others.

Color the Wind Kite Festival, Feb. 15, Clear Lake. Giant kites and inflatables fill the winter sky over the lake. When you’re ready to warm up, head for downtown’s coffee shops, cafes and the Clear Lake Art Center. The event was featured a few years ago on CBS Sunday Morning.

“See the Music,” a collaboration between Ballet Des Moines and the Aizuri (String) Quartet, hits the stage at Grinnell College (Feb. 20), Hoyt Sherman Place (Feb. 28) and Stephens Auditorium in Ames (March 2).

Oneota Film Festival, March 6-9, Decorah. Enjoy four days of documentaries, fiction, student films and animation, and a chance to chat with their creators.

“Mean Girls” bullies its way through Iowa with stops in Iowa City (March 7-9), Sioux City (March 11), Cedar Rapids (March 12) and Davenport (March 13).

“Dear Evan Hansen,” March 8-9, Cedar Falls. If you’re a fan, you will be found ... at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.

“Cara and Diego Romero: Tales of Futures Past,” March 8-June 8, Davenport. The contemporary artists and members of the Chemehuevi and Cochiti nations present cutting-edge pottery, lithographs and photographs (pictured) in this nationally touring exhibition at the Figge Art Museum.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, March 11, Iowa City. The iconic company returns to Hancher Auditorium for a program that includes “Revelations,” which more than 25 million people in 71 countries have seen since its 1960 premiere.

Jane Goodall, March 16, Sioux City. The celebrated primatologist, conservationist and U.N. Messenger of Peace (pictured) shares some hard-earned wisdom and hope at the Orpheum.

Mission Creek Festival, April 3-5, Iowa City. The citywide bonanza of music and literature features creative folks from Iowa City and beyond, including Rachel Kushner, Mannequin Pussy and Neko Case.

“Hadestown” retells its hellish tale from Greek mythology in Cedar Falls (April 4-5) and Des Moines (April 11-13).

Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival, April 4-6, Marion. Since 2001, “the film festival with real butter” has showcased films with Iowa connections, both real and fictional.

Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, April 21-27, Dubuque. Every year, hundreds of filmmakers from across the United States and several other countries gather at Iowa’s biggest film festival for screenings, workshops and parties.

“The Book of Mormon” rings the doorbell and pays a visit to Ames (April 30 and May 1), Sioux Falls (May 2-3) and Mason City (May 4).

Food & Dining

Sample some potent potables in Sioux City

Raise a glass at the Sioux City Convention Center during the city’s annual Steins & Vines beverage showcase on Feb. 15. The event gathers dozens of breweries, wineries, cider makers and even energy drink producers from near and far under one roof for sampling and education. Sioux City’s own Marto Brewing Co. will be in attendance among other popular Iowa brewers, along with representatives from nationally recognized brands like Angry Orchard, White Claw and Blue Moon.

Guests will receive their own souvenir tasting glass and hear from the brewers and vintners at each booth as they dive into the artistry behind each sip.

More Food & Dining

Winterset Chocolate Walk, Feb. 8, Winterset. Enjoy sweet discounts and samples as you browse through downtown Winterset retailers. Start at the Madison County Chamber for a game of Candy Land and prizes.

Perry Chocolate Walk, Feb. 8, Perry. This Valentine’s Day-themed shopping event tours through dozens of local businesses for free samples and prizes.

Dubuque on Ice Brewfest, Feb. 22, Dubuque. At the annual showcase event, sample a variety of craft beer, liquor, wine and locally roasted coffee from more than 60 vendors at the Five Flags Center. Tickets are on sale now, and all proceeds benefit three nonprofits.

Fireside Winery Production Tour, March 8, Marengo. Tour the Fireside Winery production facility for a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process. The tour will be led by the assistant winemaker, Mark, and include samples.

Chef's Winter Table Series, March 28, Iowa City. Head out to Walker Homestead (pictured), a private farm and winery about 40 minutes west of Iowa City, for a special farm-to-table dinner. The secret menu is revealed two weeks before the feast, and ticket prices include a complimentary drink.

Maple Syrup Festival, March 29-30, Cedar Rapids. At the 42nd annual event, take a whiff of sweet steamy cauldrons of sap in the old-fashioned sugar house, then feast on a stack of pancakes at the Indian Creek Nature Center.

Iowa Eats Food & Drink Festival, April 5, Waterloo. Find Iowa food, drinks, chefs, cookbook authors and ag products all under one roof at the Waterloo Convention Center. Enjoy samples and demos from various special guests. Proceeds from the event benefit Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area.

Those in the know drizzle honey on the pizza crust at Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co.

Around Iowa

Ames aims high and hits the mark

Iowans try not to brag, but in Ames it’s hard to be humble when even the tap water tastes good. It pumps up from an alluvial aquifer and has won a few state and even national awards.

But other local delights run just as deep. There’s a steady stream of arts and culture, sporting events, recreational opportunities and hot spots for a drink and a good meal. As a popular Raygun shirt proudly proclaims, the city “Ames to please.”

STAY: Check in at one of the newer hotels on the south side for easy access to Iowa State University or try a homey vacation rental in the historic neighborhood north of downtown. After you unpack, head out for a night on the town.

EAT: On the north end of town, the Village of Somerset has some of the city’s favorite places to eat. At The Café, the menu changes with the seasons, from Iowa sweet corn risotto to miso salmon with black rice and coconut-carrot puree. (The Cafe’s owners also run Provisions Lot F, which serves upscale comfort food, in the ISU Research Park.) Nearby you’ll find Wallaby’s Bar and Grill, a mainstay since 1988. Head downtown to dig into barbecue at Cornbred in the old train depot or thick, rustic-crust pizza at Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co.

DO: If it’s a game day, just follow the crowds to Jack Trice Stadium or Hilton Coliseum. But there’s plenty to do on campus on all the other Saturdays, too. At the Iowa State Memorial Union, you can shop for Cyclone swag at the bookstore, enjoy a round of bowling or pool, or take an art class at the Workspace, a thrumming hive of creativity.

Downtown bustles year-round with eclectic shops like Dog-Eared Books and Cooks’ Emporium, plus Nook & Nest and Z.W. Mercantile for home decor. Poke into the Octagon Center for the Arts gift shop for Iowa-made art and jewelry.

This article has been updated from its original version, written by Beth Eslinger in 2023.