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Looking to get out of the house this weekend?Check out these events and activities happening across the metro Sept. 12-14, but make sure you check the weather and put on sunscreen before you head out. Friday, Sept. 12 Rock Around the Clock at Grimes Sports Complex, 1055 N.E. Beaverdale Blvd., Grimes6:30 to 8 p.m. FridayCost: Non-perishable food donation item or monetary donationThe city of Grimes is partnering with the Grimes Storehouse this month for three outdoor concerts to help raise non-perishable food items and monetary donations for the food pantry. There will be food trucks on site and yard games available for fun for the whole family. Sept. 12 features Anthony Koester; Sept. 19 has Brother Trucker and Sept. 26 will have The Unfortunate Sons.The Author Afterparty with Storyhouse Bookpub, 505 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines7 p.m. FridayCost: $10. Buy tickets online.Join the Author Afterparty at Storyhouse Bookpub. Celebrate the third installment in Megan Bannen’s refreshingly quirky rom-com fantasy series (“The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy”) alongside Elise Wayland’s funny new romance for book lovers. Des Moines’ own beloved romance author Denise Williams (“Just Our Luck”) will facilitate the conversation.Storyhouse Author Afterparties are casual hangouts with your book friends, featuring mingling with the author before their reading. Tickets include dessert and drinks.The evening includes author readings, a Q&A and a book signing.September Swing Dance with Heartland Swing, 1925 High St., Des Moines7:15 p.m. FridayCost: $10. Buy tickets online.Join Heartland Swing for their September Swing Dance at the Des Moines Ballroom. A beginner lesson starts at 7:15 p.m. and is included in the entry fee, so no need to worry if you don't know how to dance.Saturday, Sept. 1311th annual Oktoberfest at Adventureland Park, 3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona11 a.m. SaturdayCost: $19.99Oktoberfest is back for a day of adults-only fun. Enjoy live music, thrilling rides, authentic food and cold beer. Dust off your best lederhosen and raise a glass to our fan-favorite Oktoberfest celebration. This 21+ has become a beloved Iowa tradition. Join Adventureland on Saturday for a day of traditional polka music, games, contests, and of course, your favorite rides.Global migrations - monarch butterflies at Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger10:30 to 11:30 a.m. SaturdayCost: FreeJoin Polk County Conservation for a family-friendly program focused on the migrations of an amazing animal. You'll travel around the world together as you learn animal facts and how climate change is affecting this species. The program will involve a presentation and hands-on fun. Stop by Critter Club afterward to meet one of the Nature Center’s amazing animals.Critter club at Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. SaturdayCost: FreeCome and visit with Jester Park Nature Center’s resident animals up close. They will have one or two ambassador animals out to learn what special role they play in education. You may even get to touch them. This is an open house-style program, so come and go as you please.Calligraphy class at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des MoinesNoon to 1:45 p.m. SaturdayCost: $25. Register online.Students will learn how to use an Asian calligraphy brush and ink to practice traditional calligraphy techniques. They will explore the beauty of brush strokes and develop control through guided practice and character formation. All supplies are included. For ages 12 and up. Sunday, Sept. 14Halfway to St. Pat's charity car show, 305 Grand Ave., West Des Moines11 a.m. to 3 p.m. SundayCost: FreeThe Friendly Sons of St. Patrick are holding a fundraising car show to benefit the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Bring your classic or unique vehicle. Registration is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., trophies awarded at 3 p.m. Vendors and food will be available on site. Other events Galaxycon Des MoinesA three-day comic con at the Iowa Events Center. Fans from across the galaxy will come together to celebrate comic books, pop culture, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, gaming, cosplay and more. Find the full schedule and get tickets here. 2025 Fall All-State Barn TourReady for a road trip? This fall's Iowa Barn Foundation All-State Barn Tour includes a record-breaking 103 restored barns, all open for visitors on Saturday and Sunday. The self-guided tour is free and open to the public. For a full list of barn locations, visit the Iowa Barn Foundation's website. This is the last weekend of the Fall Renaissance Fair at Sleepy Hollow. Find the schedule and purchase tickets online.Find our guide to nearly two dozen central Iowa farmers markets here.Looking for live music concerts and other shows? Check our extensive concert list here. Weekend weatherFriday: Mostly sunny skies and hot. High 93F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph.Friday night: Partly cloudy skies. Low near 70F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.Saturday: Partly cloudy. Hot. High 95F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.Saturday night: Partly to mostly cloudy. Low near 71F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.Sunday: Scattered clouds with the possibility of an isolated thunderstorm developing by evening. Hot. High 93F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.Sunday night: Mostly cloudy skies, isolated showers. Low 68F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.Have a weekend event or favorite place to grab a bite on the weekend? Share it with us by emailing web@kcci.com.