Red Carpet Gala – Fleur Cinema 

Celebrate awards season at Fleur Cinema’s Red Carpet Gala! Benefitting Greenlight Grants in support of Iowa filmmakers, Fleur will be hosting their very own black-tie affair. Guests will be welcomed by a red carpet and velvet ropes and a photographer taking group or individual photos. Specialty hors d’oeuvres, along with beer, wine, and champagne will be served, and the concession stand will be open as well. The highlight of the night will be watching and cheering on your favorite movies of the year with a live broadcast of the awards ceremony on the big screen. Tickets start at $40 per person; purchase and learn more here

Table 128 

A former foodie favorite will be returning in March. Table 128, the farm-to-table restaurant formerly located in Clive, is returning just south of downtown Des Moines. Many longtime favorite dishes will be returning, including The Brussels sprouts salad, Lynn’s Burger, and their chocolate chip cookies. The new space will also feature a rooftop terrace and a large patio, perfect for spring season. They are slated to open in mid-March, along with Chef and owner Lynn Pritchard’s other new restaurant, Hugos’ Wood-Fired Kitchen. 

St. Patrick’s Day 

Throw on your kitschiest green t-shirt (Kiss Me, I’m Iowa-ish) and try your luck at any number of St. Paddy’s Day celebrations around the metro. Anchored by the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Grand Avenue at Noon on March 16, there's mischief to be made all week, from bar crawls and corned beef to half marathons and even Selection Sunday. So, raise a glass of green beer and check out our full list here

Guesthouse Tavern + Oyster 

Guesthouse Tavern + Oyster is officially open in West Des Moines. Inspired by partners Derek Eidson and Pete Faber’s trips up to the Northwoods of Wisconsin, Guesthouse pays homage to their love for the outdoors. Serving everything from half shell oysters to pierogis to steaks and lobster rolls, you’re sure to feel like you’ve stepped into the coziest cabin of all. Open daily for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, make your reservations here

Funny Girl 

One of the most beloved musical comedies is heading to the Des Moines Civic Center in March. Funny Girl originally opened on Broadway in 1964 and is still stealing audiences' hearts today. Everyone told Fanny Brice that she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened – she became one of the most beloved performers in history. Tickets start at $40; get them here

Boys State Basketball 

Wrap up state tournament season at Wells Fargo Arena with the Iowa High School Boys State Basketball Tournament from March 4 – 8. Cheer on teams from each of the four classifications throughout the entire week as they battle to be the last one standing and holding the beloved state title trophy. Looking for something to do while you’re in town? Check out the best places to explore, shop, play, and eat in our blog here

Egg Bistro 

The most important meal of the day just became even more delicious. Egg Bistro, a new breakfast spot in Ankeny, is officially open. Family-owned, serving up everything from savory skillets to sweet pancakes and french toast. We recommend the tres leches pancakes, and you can never go wrong with an order of biscuits and gravy. The best part? Coffee is 50¢! Open daily Tuesday – Sunday, 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  

Hoops & Hops 

The madness has just begun – March Madness that is! Cheer on your favorite college basketball teams at Hoops and Hops at Cowles Commons from March 21 – 23 with a large, heated tent to protect you from any March weather elements. With multiple televisions showing games, you won’t miss a minute of the action, no matter your team colors. Food trucks will be on site, as well as Thirsty Pigs Mobile Events for all your food and beverage needs. If all that competition has you ready to relive your glory days, there’s two full basketball courts that will be open to show off your (March) mad(ness) skills. Did we mention there is no admission fee? Sounds like a slam dunk to us.