Engineer by day, comedian by night, and all-around man-about-town Sid Juwarker will open Teehee’s Comedy Club downtown in September. Here he shares other places you’re likely to find him.
1
The Copper Cup
Best Moscow mules in town, hands down. Gets busy on weekend nights but it’s a fabulous place for a weekday happy hour or weekend afternoon. Bartenders are personable, and they let you order in food from nearby places like Fong’s. I’d like to say it’s my home away from home, but that would make me sound like an alcoholic.
2
Adventureland
Maybe it’s the child in me but Adventureland is a great place for a summer getaway. The park has made some major changes to cater to adults—an amazing swim-up bar, an Iowa beer and wine tent, and a German Bier Garten. Local musicians are featured as is magician Ben Ulin.
3
Comedy Scene
Local comedy is booming. Improv shows are regular events at Java Joes Fourth Street Theater. Every Tuesday, Lefty’s has a great open mic night. Two periodic comedy showcases regularly sell out: No Sleep, hosted at the Des Moines Social Club, and Off the Rails, which travels among local venues. In addition, I perform regularly at the Funny Bone, another great place to check out touring comedians.
4
Mainframe Studios
The first Friday of every month, Mainframe opens the doors to the public for an event that showcases artists. It’s a great free, kid-friendly event to tour the place and check out the studios, visit with the artists and shop far from the retail hell of a mega mall. Special mention: Jesse Bogenrief has a glass blowing studio complete with a rad furnace.
5
Des Moines Art Center
Favorite place for some quiet “me time.” The museum is an architectural marvel and there’s something oddly tranquil about it. If you’re having a bad or stressful day, trust me: Spend a half hour here. You will experience a sense of peace that I can’t explain. Way cheaper than your therapist.
