Johnston and Metro Weekend Events: Holidays in Johnston, Triple Espresso, Kathy Griffin

As the holidays approach, there are a variety of events in Johnston and the metro area.

Take a look at our latest list and plan accordingly. Add your suggested events to the comments.

Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting - 5:30 p.m. Friday at the State Capitol. This year's event will include a performance by the Johnston High School choir. Governor Branstand and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds will kick off the holiday season with this tree lighting. The Marines will also be in attendance to mark the start of their annual Toys for Tots campaign.

Holidays in Johnston - 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Johnston Public Library. Santa, stories, cookies, crafts, and more! Don't forget the Gingerbread House competition sponsored by Johnston Community Education.

Johnston Band Concert - The Johnston 8-12 grade bands will perform a concert at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Middle School.

Metro Events:

ISDTA High School and College Dance Championships-The ISDTA Dance Championships involving 270 High School dance teams and 25 college teams.Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
Nov. 29-30, 8:00am-9:00pm
Cost:$10 for 1 day pass $18 for 2 day pass: Tickets available at the door.


“Triple Espresso - A Highly Caffeinated Comedy”: — Tells the rags-to-rags story of Hugh Butternut, Buzz Maxwell and Bobby Bean, an aspiring comedy trio whose bid for showbiz fame and fortune ended in four minutes of magnificent failure on national television.
Temple Theater, Des Moines
7:30 pm. Tuesdays through Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 5 p.m. Sundays Nov. 27 through Jan. 6
Tickets

Evening with Kathy Griffin-Two-time Emmy winner, NY Times bestselling author, four-time Grammy nominee, Broadway darling, 2009’s GLAAD Vanguard recipient and 2011 Trevor Project Life Award honoree, Kathy Griffin is a multi-faceted performer with rapid fire wit. She has been making audiences laugh for years discussing Hollywood gossip and celebrity blunders.
Stephens Auditorium, Ames
Nov. 29, 7:30 pm.
Cost:$55-$65 Find Tickets

Jon Bon Jovi: The New Jersey rocker and his band will return to Des Moines on April 14 on the "Because We Can" Tour. Ticket prices start at $19.50.
Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
April 14; tickets will go on sale Nov. 30 through dahlstickets.com.

ISU Theatre Presents Alice In Wonderland-A girl falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world of the White Rabbit, The Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and The Queen of Hearts. Alice finds it all so curious that she finally concludes “It would be so nice if something made sense for a change.” This is a new script that takes a fresh look at Lewis Carroll’s masterpiece.
Stephens Auditorium, Ames
Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and Dec. 2, 7:30 pm.
Cost:$16 Find Tickets

Nada Silent Night: The Nadas’ 10th annual benefit concert for Toys for Tots.
8 p.m. Dec. 1
Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave.
$22.50 through Ticketmaster.

Jim McDonough: McDonough, an Iowa-born pianist, his orchestra and singers perform “Holiday Grande 2012.”
2:30 p.m. Dec. 2
Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave.
Cost: $31.50-$36.50.