Johnston and Metro Weekend Events: Living History Farms Race, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert

There's everything from a holiday extravaganza to an off-road race happening in and near Johnston this weekend.

Here's our roundup of events in town and around the Des Moines metro area. Plus, we look ahead at big concerts and performances in the coming weeks.

Meals from the Heartland Packaging Event - 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul Presbyterian Church. Meals from the Heartland is coming to St. Paul this weekend. Teams will package meals for the non-profit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers are still needed for the event. Registration is required call or email Annie Temple at 270-1871 or atemple@q.com.

Holiday Extravaganza - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday at the Polk City Community Center. Enjoy over 15 of your favorite "at home" party products, plus handmade crafts without hosting a show. Full of amazing gift ideas for Christmas gifts.

Be sure to add your weekend photos to the Neighborhood Gallery!

Corder Family Bluegrass Band - 2 p.m. Sunday at Simpson Barn. The first winter bluegrass jam at the Simpson Barn is from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Doors open at 1:45pm for you to come in, tune up and get your seat! There will be coffee served and treats are welcome. There is a $5 goodwill donation to help pay the rental fee for the Barn. This is a fun upbeat acoustic jam.

Tangen Home Dinners - 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Living History Farms. Stroll along a lamp-lit boardwalk to the cozy 1875 Tangen House. Sip spiced punch next to the parlor fireplace while a host shares stories of Victorian life. Savor a multiple course meal in the elegant dining room as historical interpreters serve dinner family style. After dinner, gather with fellow guests for lighthearted parlor games, such as a Victorian guessing game or “Hunt the Thimble.” The event is at 6:30 p.m. at Living History Farms.

Beaverdale Craft & Vendor Show - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 4133 Urbandale Ave, Des Moines, IA.  You’ll find Aprons, Baked Goods, Blankets, Books (from local Author), Candy Bouquets, Christmas Decorations, Dish Clothes & Towels, Doll Clothes, Dust Unders, Etched Glasses, Fabric Organizers for E-Readers, Garden Ornaments & Critters, Handcrafted Books & Clipboards, Hats & Scarves, Homemade Candy, Jewelry, Lap Blankets, Pampered Chef, Placemats, Potato Socks, Purses, Re-Purposed Sweaters, Jackets & Coats, Scentsy, Slippers, Table Runners, Tupperware. Free admission.

Living History Farms Race  - 9 a.m. Saturday at Living History Farms. The 34th annual Living History Farms Race, put on by Fitness Sports, raises funds for Living History Farms and others. Over the last 13 years, the race has given $550,000 to Living History Farms.

Metro Events

Jordan Creek Tree Lighting Event: Come to the Amphitheater for a live performance by Flipside, followed by Santa's arrival, tree lighting and fireworks.
Jordan Creek Town Center, 101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines
Friday 11/16: 6 p.m.
Cost: Free

East Village Holiday Promenade: The 11th annual event is more than just great shopping at dozens of unique boutiques, it includes ice skating at Bren­ton Plaza, free horse-drawn hayrack rides, restau­rant and bar specials and carol­ing. Santa will be at the skating plaza, 520 Robert D. Ray Drive, from 5 to 6:45 p.m.
Downtown Des Moines’ East Village
Friday 5-9 p.m.
Cost: Free

Junior League Gift Mart: Kick-start your holiday shopping at the Junior League of Des Moines’ annual Gift Mart. The event features unique boutique shopping with more than 70 retailers represented. Proceeds help fund the Junior League’s causes.
Veterans Auditorium Memorial Convention Center, 730 Third St. in Des Moines
9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $5 in advance or $7 at the door Friday and Saturday.

Little Big Fest: Is expanding to three stages in Des Moines’ East Village. The Host Country, Mr. Baber’s Neighbors, Family Groove Company and others play at Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St., starting at 5:30 p.m. Rebel Creek, The Chroni­cles, Cirrus Minor and others play at the House of Bricks, 525 E. Grand Ave., starting at 5 p.m. Ob­sidian’s Dream, The Colt Walkers and Aqua­ma­rine Dream Machine play free shows at The Un­derground, 500 E. Locust St., starting at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Start times vary from 5 to 8 p.m.
Tickets: www.desmoinesmc.com.

65th Annual CIML Kiwanis Basketball Jamboree: We're featuring 16 of the 18 CIML boys’ and girls’ basketball teams--their first opportunity to "suit up" before the 2012-13 season begins.
Valley High School, West Des Moines
Nov. 17, 8 a.m.
Cost: $5 (Free ages 8 & under)

Lorie Line in Concert: Line will be bringing her Fab Five, which will feature new “stars” on the stage this year. Plan to bring and ring your bells as they will once again be part of this brand new and exciting holiday show!
Stephens Auditorium , Ames
Nov. 18, 3 p.m.
Cost: $28-$48
Tickets 

Sonny Landreth: He is one of the most in-demand blues guitarists playing today. Landreth has toured with Jimmy Buffet and played on several of his albums.

Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St.,  Des Moines

Nov. 18, 7 p.m.
Cost: $25/advance $30/door
Tickets: Ticketfly

UPCOMING: 
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: The smash hit Broadway musical is based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film. Dazzling production numbers include "Be Our Guest" and the beloved title song. 
The Civic Center, Des Moines
Nov. 20 and 21, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 23, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 24, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 25, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Tickets.

Kenny Rogers Hits and Christmas Show: Blending sets of timeless hits and Christmas favorites, the man known as "The Gambler" has sold over 120 million albums, Kenny Rogers offers a memorable, warm and fun Christmas event for the entire family.
The Civic Center, Des Moines
Nov. 26, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets.

“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

An Evening With Kathy Griffin: Two-time Emmy winner, NY Times bestselling author, Grammy nominee, and 2009′s GLAAD Vanguard recipient Kathy Griffin has been making audiences laugh for years discussing Hollywood gossip and celebrity blunders.
Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m.
Stephens Auditorium, Iowa State University, Ames
Tickets: Call (515) 294-3347

“War Horse”: As World War One begins, Joey, young Albert's beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped from England to France, where he's soon caught up in enemy fire. But Albert cannot forget Joey and he embarks on a treacherous mission to bring him home.
Civic Center of Des Moines
Dec. 11-17
Tickets.

Carrie Underwood: In concert with a stop in Des Moines.
Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
7:30 p.m. Dec. 14
Tickets on sale

Miranda Lambert: Locked and Re-Loaded tour stops in Ames with Dierks Bentley and Lee Brice.
Hilton Coliseum in Ames
7:30 p.m.  Feb. 21
Tickets on sale

Taylor Swift: Country star Taylor Swift returns to Wells Fargo Arena on May 6. No word yet on ticket prices or an on-sale date.