Ankeny, Des Moines Metro Events: Writer's Group, Mom from ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’, Boat and Sports Show, Plus Bike Expo and RAGBRAI Ticket Info

There’s plenty to do in Ankeny 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.

ANKENY

Ankeny Writer's Group: Join other writers in the Ankeny Area at the Kirkendall Public Library Saturday morning for a special presentation on "Contemplating the Novel" by Mike Van Natta. Van Natta is a physician in Knoxville and the facilitator of the Marion County Writers Workshop. He has written six novels, and recently had one published. His novel, "Leo's Birds", was selected by the Write Place of Pella, Iowa as the winner of its 2012 Book Contest.

Saturday, Jan. 19, 9-11 a.m., Kirkendall Public Library.

METRO

71st Annual Des Moines Boat, Sports and Travel Show: Featured Attractions include The Live Shark Encounter, World's Outstanding Whitetail Display, The Great American Duck Race, Cold Stream Trout Fishing, and more. Featured Seminars cover topics from Big Game Hunting, Catfishing 101, Canoeing in the Boundary Waters, Canadian Fly-Fishing, House Boating, and more!

Hy-Vee Hall, Des Moines
Jan. 18, 5pm-9pm, Jan. 19, 9am-9pm, Jan. 20, 9am-5pm
Cost: Adults: $9, Students (under 18): $5, Children (under 5): FREE
Tickets available at Hy-Vee Hall during the show.

The Ugly Duckling: The poor Ugly Duckling is teased by all the other barnyard animals. He runs out into the world to discover where he belongs. Eventually, he returns home, and they all learn that it’s OK to be different. Interactive Theatre Shows for Children Ages 4-6

Des Moines Playhouse, Des Moines, 831 42nd St.
Jan. 18, 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $5 each for adults and children of any age.

Smart Talk Connected Conversations Series: Doris Roberts: Nine years as Marie Barone on “Everybody Loves Raymond,” brought Doris Roberts international accolades as the most popular comedic actress in television. Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.

The Civic Center, Des Moines
Cost: $112-$312 for 5 show Talk Series

Carnival of the Animals: Des Moines Symphony with l’Arsenal a Musique of Montreal, Canada. Discover this fantastical work by composer Camille Saint-Saëns, and enter into the marvelous universe of the Carnival of the Animals. Inspired by this piece, which still sounds fresh, we will take you on a fabulous musical journey.

The Civic Center, Des Moines
Jan. 19, 1 p.m.
Cost: $10 Find Tickets »

Live At The Temple Concert Series: Susan Werner: Iowa born, Susan Werner, is a genre-busting singer/songwriter traversing pop, folk, blues, country, roots, jazz and gospel with grace and wit.

The Temple Theater, Des Moines, 1011 Locust Street
Jan. 19, 7:30
Cost: $162.50 for the 5 Concert Series Season

Weekend Begin 24, 25, 26, 27

The Book of Mormon: Nine 2011 Tony Awards® say it's the Best Musical of the Year. Vogue says, "It's the funniest musical of all time." And The New York Times says, "It's the best musical of this century." It's THE BOOK OF MORMON, the Broadway phenomenon from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Avenue Q co-creator Robert Lopez. The Daily Show's Jon Stewart calls it "So good, it makes me angry." Contains explicit language.

Civic Center, 221 Walnut St, Des Moines
Jan. 24- Feb. 3
Cost: $40- $125

Iowa Bike Summit: The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is proud to announce the 2013 Iowa Bike Expo, Iowa Bicycle Summit and RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party. Last year's event attracted over 3,000 attendees, with over 60 exhibitors ranging from bike advocacy organizations like Raccoon River Valley Trail Association to bike shops like Bike World of Des Moines.

Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
Jan. 25 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: $160 Buy Tickets

Iowa Bike Expo and Ragbrai Announcement Party: Make plans the next day, January 26th, 2013 to attend the free Iowa Bike Expo that will also be held at the Iowa Events center. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about the best bicycle equipment, optimal riding destinations, and future cycling events.  

After the Expo, attendees can relax and kick back their cleats as the Iowa Bicycle Coalition is excited to host the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party at the Iowa Events Center Vets Auditorium in Des Moines. The evening will feature live music with a special performance by Johnny Holm Band. Other activities include a live auction of amazing cycling equipment, raffles for prizes, and complimentary snacks and refreshments.

Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
Jan. 26. Expo: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM, Party: 8-11 pm
Cost: Expo is free and open to the public.
Announcement Party: $30 before Jan. 15, and $35 after. Buy Tickets

MCC45 Schmauss vs Dicke: The MCC light heavyweight title is on the line as current champion, Will “The Franchise” Dicke faces off against Todd Schmauss.

Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
Jan. 25, 7:30pm
Cost: $25-$50 Buy Tickets

Winter Jam Tour Spectacular: Founded and hosted by GRAMMY®-nominated Christian music mainstay NewSong and presented by World Vision, the Winter Jam 2013 Tour Spectacular will be headlined by GRAMMY®-winning, multi-platinum recording artist TobyMac. The 44-city tour will also feature RED, Matthew West, Jamie Grace, Sidewalk Prophets and Royal Tailor, with a message from national speaker Nick Hall. In addition, the Youth Music Vault Pre-Jam Party will include performances from Jason Castro, OBB and Capital Kings.

Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
Jan. 26, 6:00 PM
Cost: $10 at the door, with no ticket required.

Comedy Xperiment: Comedy XPeriment is Des Moines' premiere long-form improvisation team. Each show is unique to itself as the genesis for the show is based on suggestions from the audience. Even the performers themselves don't know what could happen in a show.

Stoner Theater, Des Moines
Jan. 26, 7:30pm
Cost: $10 Find Tickets »

Weekend Begin 31, 1, 2, 3

The Book of Mormon: Nine 2011 Tony Awards® say it's the Best Musical of the Year. Vogue says, "It's the funniest musical of all time." And The New York Times says, "It's the best musical of this century." It's THE BOOK OF MORMON, the Broadway phenomenon from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Avenue Q co-creator Robert Lopez. The Daily Show's Jon Stewart calls it "So good, it makes me angry." Contains explicit language.

Civic Center, 221 Walnut St, Des Moines
Jan. 24- Feb. 3
Cost: $40- $125

Iowa Energy Basketball: The Iowa Energy play the Springfield Armor.
Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
Feb. 1 and 2,  7:00pm
Cost: $8-$20 Buy Tickets

UPCOMING

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

Jon Bon Jovi: The New Jersey rocker and his band will return to Des Moines on April 14 with the "Because We Can" Tour at the Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines. Ticket prices start at $19.50; tickets for the Iowa show went on sale Dec. 3 through dahlstickets.com.

Taylor Swift: Country star Taylor Swift returns to Wells Fargo Arena on Aug. 1. No word yet on ticket prices or an on-sale date. The event is listed on Swift's website but is not listed on Ticketmaster or its partner website. In nearby Kansas City, MO tickets range from $30 to $85.

Justin Bieber: Pop star Justin Bieber will also make an appearance at the Wells Fargo Arena on July 7. Tickets are on sale now. Tickets range from $40 to $95.