West Des Moines and Des Moines Metro Events, When and Where: Celtic Thunder, Ballet Des Moines, Kenny Rogers

There’s plenty to do in West Des Moines in the days ahead, and if you want to travel into to Des Moines and around the metro, there’s plenty to do there, too.

Here are some selected events, with a full list of Des Moines metro events available here.

This Weekend in West Des Mointes
Halloween Party: How hauntingly fun does this sound – a costume and dance party with a chance to learn how to dance the Monster Mash, Transylvania Twist, and many other dances in time for Halloween.
Madhat Ballroom
Friday, Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Tickets.

Metro
Ballet Des Moines: The inaugural company of six professional dancers will perform “Prelude: A Triple Bill” this weekend.
Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines
Friday, Oct. 19, and Saturday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m.; 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21
Tickets.

Explore Mysteries of the Castle: Des Moines’ own historic castle, the Salisbury House, will be decked in Halloween decor. Kids can participate in science experiments, storytelling, and face painting. See the Owl Lady, along with bats and other furry critters. Costumes are encouraged at this family friendly event.
Salisbury House and Gardens, Des Moines.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tickets.

Night Eyes: This Halloween tradition is a merry, not scary, event for the whole family.
Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines.
5:30-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 1-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Cost: $5.

Scary Jump Night: Each child will receive a glow necklace and treat bag. Fabric costumes are welcome but must be conducive to jumping.
Pump It Up of Urbandale, 4069 121st St., Urbandale.
6-8 p.m. Friday
Call 515-270-5017 to register.

Hullaboo: The Iowa Arboretum welcomes kids in costumes to join the parade of activities and treats, including hayrides, a hay maze, games, and pumpkin and scarecrow decorating.
Iowa Arboretum, 1875 Peach Ave., Madrid.
2-4 p.m. Saturday
Free

Upcoming

Clifford the Big Red Dog, Live: Kids in grades preK-2 are invited to help Clifford celebrate his 50th anniversary. Scholarship admission is available for students enrolled in the federal lunch program.
Oct. 22, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Stephens Auditorium, Iowa State University, Ames
Tickets: Call (515) 294-3347

Great Pumpkin Party: Families with children with special needs are invited to celebrate with giant inflatables, carnival games and ice cream.
Oct. 23, 6-8 p.m.
Valley Church, 4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines.
Free

The Fresh Beat Band: Fans of Nickelodeon’s popular preschool TV series won’t want to miss seeing the show’s music group live on stage.
The Civic Center, Des Moines
Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m.
Tickets.

Celtic Thunder: Hailed as BILLBOARD’s Top World Music Artist, along with Top World Music Imprint and Top World Album of 2011 for their most current disc, Heritage.
The Civic Center, Des Moines
Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets.

Playhouse Halloween party: The Des Moines Community Playhouse Hollywood Halloween costume party will benefit the Kate Goldman Children's Theatre and other educational programs conducted by the Playhouse. Guests will enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, hosted beer and wine and music by Final Mix.
West End Architectural Salvage, Des Moines
Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets.  

Symphonie Fantastique – Des Moines Symphony Masterworks 2: Benny Kim performs Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 - one of the violin repertoire’s most beautiful and beloved of all pieces. Plus, just in time for Halloween, experience Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique - a fanciful and vivid musical exploration of passion, tragedy and the supernatural.

The Civic Center, Des Moines
Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 28, 2:30 p.m.
Tickets.

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.

STOMP: The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with rhythm.
The Civic Center, Des Moines
Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 10, 2 p.m.; Nov. 11, 7:30 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.