No matter what you resolve to do in the new year — learn how to make sushi, write a novel, dabble in pottery, get into astrology, swing from a flying trapeze — we guarantee there’s someone around town who can help you out.
We asked our friends and followers on Facebook to recommend their favorite community classes, lectures, workshops or boot camps. We’ve collected them here in a handy guide, for whenever you’re itching to try something new.
Cooking
“The Culinary Annex hosts me and other chefs for cooking classes. My classes focus on Puerto Rican food 101 and Puerto Rican baking. Other classes include Asian cuisine, vegetarian meal prep, wine pairings and more.” – José Clavell, aka Boricua in the Midwest
Other recommendations:
- Charcuterie workshops with Get on Board DSM
- Cooking classes from Chef Cass, Kitchen Collage and Cooking with Alessandra
- Cookie decorating with Biker Chic Cupcakes or Sweet Diva Custom Confections
- Focaccia baking at ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery
- Sushi making at Ninja Sushi and Ramen in Waukee
Art
“Love, love, love the adult pottery workshop through DMPS Central Academy, led by Dara Green.” – Beth Mensing
Other recommendations:
- Guided creative projects at a new maker space and DIY “project bar” called the Glitter Factory by Imperfect Inspiration
- Instrumental and vocal music for all ages through the Drake University Community School of Music
- Private watercolor classes with Humble Hands by Juelie Gish, who brings all the supplies to you and lets you keep them after the class
- Carnivorous plant terrariums, kokedama (pictured), marbled pottery and moss walls with the Trendy Gardener
- Various classes on calligraphy, figure drawing, photography and more at the Ankeny Art Center, Des Moines Art Center, Kunzler Studios and Mainframe Studios
Fitness
“Des Moines Rowing hosts a ‘Learn To Row Day’ the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend. Totally worth a try!” – Rachel Leigh Goranson
Other recommendations:
- Chair exercise classes with Grace Fitness
- Breath work in the Iris Aisle glass conservatory
- Dance classes in ballet, flamenco and other forms at Des Moines Ballroom Dance Studio, Des Moines DanzArts Studio, Pulse Dance Fitness Studio and Ballet Des Moines’ new downtown campus
- Meditation, sound baths and other holistic workshops at Inner Space
- Movement classes like barre, pole and yoga at Encore Fitness DSM, Love Life Pole Studio and DM Wellness & Yoga — plus choreography workshops with Hurley & Dancers at Hoyt Sherman Place
Other Opportunities
“The Des Moines Public Library! I have taken classes on monarch butterfly tagging, native plants, bread baking 101, sourdough bread 101, and cooking classes in different Asian styles.” – Andrea McNamara
Other recommendations:
- Acrobatics, aerial silks, floating sound baths, hula hooping, juggling, trapeze and more through Cirque Wonderland Studios
- Creative Aging seminars at the Des Moines Art Center
- Floral arranging at PepperHarrow in Winterset and Rose Farm in Norwalk
- Theater workshops for kids and adults at the Des Moines Playhouse
- Hands-on learning activities for kids at Mini Dreams Ranch
- Lectures on jazz, literature, outer space, and more through Drake University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
- Nature photography, mindfulness, rain barrels and other outdoorsy activities at Jester Park Nature Center
- Sewing machine basics and stitching techniques from RisSewn
“Girls Rock! Des Moines has some fabulous workshops for all ages, including community bands, jam sessions, and ‘We Rock’ — a chance for adults to come together to learn a fun instrument and form a band all in one weekend!” – Aria Huizenga
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