Happy New Year!

This weekend leads up to what may be your first -- and worst -- hangover of 2018. This is a long weekend for most of us, so make sure it's a fun one.

SATURDAY:Charlie LawsonMonthly residency with a different featured artist each month. 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Every last Sat.; Free. Dubliner Pub, 2162 University Ave. W., St. Paul; 651-646-5551.

Harrison Street9 p.m. Dec. 30; Free. Schooner Tavern, 2901 27th Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-729-4365.

Jack Knife and the Sharps8 p.m. Dec. 30; Free. Shaw's Bar & Grill, 1528 University Ave. NE, Minneapolis; 612-781-4405.
SUNDAY:
New Year's Eve at Brit'sRing in the UK New Year at 6 p.m. with free bubbly and bagpipes. The evening will also feature drink specials and Beatles tribute band A Hard Day's Night. Sunday, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Brit's Pub, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis.
Back Alley New Year's Eve Party9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31; Free. Schooner Tavern, 2901 27th Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-729-4365.

Moonstone Fever8-12:15 a.m. Dec. 31; Free. Rosetown American Legion #542, 700 County Rd. C. W., St. Paul; 651-483-4405.

New Year’s Eve WassailAll-ages drum jam with drums provided, with a raffle, performance by Taikollaborative, food, and beverages. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 31; Free. The Women's Drum Center, 2242 University Ave. W., St. Paul; 651-695-1941.

Noon Year's EveFamily New Year's celebration featuring kids’ dance, music, contests, prizes, craft making, giveaways, and beach ball drop at noon. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Daily from Dec. 31-Jan. 1; Free. Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park, 1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul; 651-487-8200.

Check Out What’s Happening in Mason City & North Iowa! December 28, 2017-January 4, 2018

December 31, 2017

New Years Eve Party (featuring Howl2Go Dueling Pianos) - Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr. Clear Lake (641-357-6151). Enjoy an exciting night with the dueling pianos- which includes a drummer and a guitarist and guarantees a full night of dancing and fun!  Doors open at 8pm. Tickets: $20 Adv/ $25 Door. Must be 21 to attend. https://www.surfballroom.com/boxoffice/index.htm

 

January 4- January 10, 2018

Exhibit: Susanne Crane: Selected Works - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum (Center Space Gallery), 303 2^nd St. SE (641-421-3666). This exhibition features the paintings of Albert Lea, MN artist Susanne Crane.  The artworks highlight the natural landscape and, perhaps, give the viewer a glimpse into the symbolic world. Open during all normal operation hours of the Museum. Exhibit will be on display until February 10, 2018. https://macniderart.org/

Showing at Cinema West Theaters

(641) 421-1617 / www.cectheatres.com  / Movies starting Friday, December 29, 2017 - Thursday, January 4, 2018

General admission is $9.00; matinees general admission (before 6 p.m.) is $7.00;

Children (3-12) and seniors (62 and over), $6.50 all times. 3D movies additional $2.25.

Now Showing	Rating	Times
Downsizing	R	Mon-Thurs:  12:45, 3:50, 6:45, 9:45pm Fri-Sun:  10:00, 12:45, 3:50, 6:45, 9:45pm
Ferdinand	PG	Mon-Thurs:  11:45, 2:00, 4:20, 7:10, 9:40pm Fri-Sun:  9:35, 11:45, 2:00, 4:20, 7:10, 9:40pm
Jumanji In LDX	PG-13	Mon-Thurs:  11:35, 4:10, 6:50pm Fri-Sun:  9:15, 11:35, 4:10, 6:50pm
Pitch Perfect In LDX	PG-13	Mon-Thurs:  2:10, 9:40pm Fri-Sun:  2:10, 9:40pm
Father Figures	R	Mon-Thurs:  4:00, 7:05, 9:55pm Fri-Sun:  9:35, 4:00, 7:05, 9:55pm
Star Wars the Last JEDI 3D	PG-13	Mon-Thurs:  9:45pm Fri-Sun:  9:45pm
Star Wars the Last JEDI in LDX	PG-13	Mon-Thurs: 12:15, 3:20, 6:30, 9:45pm Fri-Sun:  9:20, 12:15, 3:20, 6:30, 9:45pm

MASON CITY ATTRACTIONS

·   Charles H. MacNider Art Museum- 303 2^nd St. SE - (641) 421-3666 - Wed., Fri., Sat., 9am-5pm; Tues & Thurs. 9am-8pm.  Admission Free. www.macniderart.org

·   Historic Park Inn Hotel (Frank Lloyd Wright Designed Hotel / Bank) Tours – 7 West State Street (641) 423-0689 Thurs. & Fri. & Sun. 11:30am & 1:00pm; Sat. 11:30am or by appointment for groups 10 or more.  Admission: $10 per person www.wrightonthepark.org

·   Lime Creek Nature Center- 3501 Lime Creek Rd. - (641) 423-5309 – Center open Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun noon-5pm; Multiple use trails open daily: 6am – 10:30pm.  Admission Free.   www.co.cerro-gordo.ia.us

·   NIACC Art Gallery – 500 College Drive. Open to the public Monday – Friday 9am-4pm. Free admission. www.niacc.edu

·   Prairie School Architecture Tour/Historical Walking Tour- Prairie School Tour encompasses 14 blocks & the Historic Tour is an additional 13 blocks. Walking tour guidebook is available for $5.00 at MacNider Art Museum & Frank Lloyd Wright Stockman House.

·   The Music Man Square and Meredith Willson Boyhood Home- 308 and 314 S. Pennsylvania Ave. -  (641) 424-2852 – Open Tues.- Sun., 1pm-5pm, other times by appt., closed holidays.  Admission: $10 Adults; $5 students, children 6 & under free.  Admission includes both The Music Man Square and The Meredith Willson Boyhood Home. www.themusicmansquare.org

·  

Central Iowa Events, NYE and Beyond

(Some content courtesy: Des Moines Register)

DEC. 31

New Year’s Eve Pops: The Classic Hits of Motown

The Des Moines Symphony is playing the classic sounds of Motown featuring the awardwinning vocal group Spectrum.

Hear hits like “Under the Boardwalk” and “Soul Man” backed by the power of the symphony, and hear Motown like you’ve never heard before. 8 p.m. Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. Tickets are $35-$90 at desmoinesperformingarts. org.

Comedy XPeriment’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza Laugh in the New Year with improv by Comedy Xperiment in a special show. At 9 p.m., meet the improv artists and enjoy a dessert buffet. The show begins at 10 p.m., followed by a countdown to midnight and a champagne toast. Stoner Theater at Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. Tickets are $25 at desmoinesperformingarts.org.

New Year’s at The Tea Room Spend your New Year’s Eve Gatsby-style at the New Year’s at the Tea Room bash. Dress up and enjoy themed drinks, appetizers and desserts, live music and more. Actors dressed up as characters from “The Great Gatsby” will be roaming the party. Dress in your best 1920s garb for a chance to win luxury prize packages. Enjoy a champagne toast at midnight. A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to Variety-A Children’s Charity. 8 p.m. 713 Walnut St., Suite 600. Tickets are $150 for the first 50 and then $175 after.

Tickets are available at eventbrite. com.

JAN. 5

Come Fly with Me: Max Wellman Sings Frank Sinatra Max Wellman joins the Des Moines Big Band to celebrate the life and music of Frank Sinatra. Hear them cover his hits like “All of Me,” “All or Nothing At All” and more. 7 and 9 p.m.

Noce, 1326 Walnut St. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $50 for VIP Reserved at noce.ticketleap.com.

JAN. 11-28

UTOPIA - The Iowa Musical Revue

See the all-new Version 5.0 of UTOPIA, the musical that celebrates — and pokes a little fun at — the great state of Iowa.

The show consists of more than a dozen original sketches and more than 30 parodies from some of the biggest musicals, including Rent, Hairspray and more. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays.

Mainframe Studio Theater, 900 Keosauqua Way. General admission tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for students. A full service bar and selection of appetizers will be provided during the evening performances. Purchase tickets at robertjohnford.com.

JAN. 13

‘Mr. Popper’s Penguins’

The whole family will love this hit musical about a painter and decorator who dreams of going

to Antarctica and then finds penguins on his doorstep. The production includes original songs and performing penguin puppets. 1 p.m. Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St.

Tickets are $12 at desmoinesperformingarts. org. Tallymoore

Hear contemporary Irish folk band Tallymoore perform a range of Irish and Scottish folk tunes, ballads, reels and classic pub songs, breathing new life into Irish favorites. This concert, presented by the Celtic Music Association, begins at 8 p.m. at Holy Trinity Hall, 2926 Beaver Ave. Ticket are $25-$30 at thecma.org.

JAN. 13-15

‘The Velveteen Rabbit’

Ankeny Community Theatre brings to life the heartwarming story by Margery Williams about a toy bunny who becomes real through the power and magic of love. 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday at 1932 SW 3rd St., Ankeny.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $12 for kids at midwestix.org.

JAN. 16

Gina Chavez

Gina Chavez is a multi-ethnic Latin pop singer-songwriter who is a nine-time Austin Music Award winner. Chavez and her band have been featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” and their Tiny Desk concert made NPR’s Top 15 of 2015. See Chavez perform live at the Temple for Performing Arts, 1011 Locust St. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $28 at desmoinesperformingarts. org.

JAN. 19-FEB. 3

‘Stop Kiss’

Tallgrass Theatre Company presents “Stop Kiss,” the story of Callie and Sara who unexpectedly fall in love and whose first kiss provokes a violent attack that transforms their lives in ways they could never anticipate. 7:30 p.m. Rex Mathes Auditorium, 1401 Vine St., West Des Moines. Tickets are $17 at tallgrasstheatre.org.

There's More To Do Than Shop!

December 21, 2017
Stuck in the Jungle (ages 6+) - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2nd St. SE (641-421-3666). Get stuck into this art class! Complete jungle crafts and games to find your way out. Fee: $20.00, members $18.00. Event time: 5:30pm-7:30pm. http://macniderart.org

December 21, 2017
Christmas Centerpiece Class – Otto’s Oasis Floral Mason City, 30 E. State Street (641-424-7070). Blow your friends and family away with a one-of-a-kind floral centerpiece on your table for Christmas. The designers of Otto Oasis will guide you through the process of creating a fabulous piece to take home. Event time: 5:30pm-6:30pm. Cost $35 includes all materials. Stop in the store, or register online – www.ottosoasis.com

December 21-January 3, 2017
Exhibit: Iowa Crafts: 43 - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum(Kinney-Lindstrom Gallery), 303 2nd St. SE (641-421-3666). The purpose of Iowa Crafts: 43 is to provide the public with further enriching arts experiences and to promote interest in and recognition of the accomplishments of Iowa artists. The competition for Iowa Crafts: 43 is open to all residents of Iowa above high school age. Entries include: clay, fiber, metal/wood, jewelry, and other craft media. All works are to be original, entirely by the entering artist, and completed since September 2015. Exhibit will be on display until January 3, 2017. Exhibit open during normal museum hours. https://macniderart.org/

December 22, 2017
Winter North Iowa Farmers Market - Located at Willowbrook Mall, 1631 4th St SW from 10am -2pm. Enjoy the good old home grown fruits and vegetables and homemade baked goods. www.northiowafarmersmarket.com

December 23, 2017
Mr. Taco’s Christmas Piñata Party with the Arrieros – Mason City Brewing, 28 E. State Street (641-424-1080). Come celebrate the season with Mr. Taco and the Arrieros Band. Those ugly sweater parties are SO 2008. This year come get busy with beer, spicy food and music. While you’re at it help us bust open some piñatas or just watch (up to you). It’s going to be a great time! Event time: 7pm-11pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/1505347512847188/

December 26, 2017
Live Music: Michael Betz - Mason City Public Library, 225 2nd St. SE (641-421-3668). Michael Betz will play live from 11am-1pm. Free and open to the public. http://www.mcpl.org/

December 27, 2017
Live Music: Sam Crosser - Mason City Public Library, 225 2nd St. SE (641-421-3668). Sam Crosser will play live from 11am-1pm. Free and open to the public. http://www.mcpl.org/

December 27, 2017
FREE Trivia Night - Mason City Brewing, 28 E State Street (641-423-1080). Join us for FUN and FREE America Pub Quiz Trivia every Wednesday at Mason City Brewing! Prizes, brews and a great time! Doors open at 6:00pm with trivia from 7pm-9pm. https://www.facebook.com/masoncitybrewing/

December 27, 2017
Christmas Break at Lime Creek – Lime Creek Nature Center, 3501 Lime Creek Rd. (641-423-5309). It’s time to get the kids out of the house for some fresh air! All ages are invited to join us for an afternoon of snowshoeing and other for activities. There will be a warm fire burning in the center and hot chocolate will be served. Children Must be accompanied by an adult. Event time: 1:00pm-3:00pm. There is no charge but registration is required – call 641-423-5309.http://www.co.cerro-gordo.ia.us/

December 27, 2017
Kids & Canvas - Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S. Fourth St. (641-357-1998). Looking for something fun and creative to do with the kids or grandkids over Christmas break? How about a painting party for you and your favorite young person? The Clear Lake Arts Center is offering two adult and child classes - one at 10am and the other at 1:30pm. The painting is a beautiful winter scene of one of our favorite snowbirds - the cardinal. Art teacher Christina Newton will walk participants through the step-by-step process of painting on an 11” x 14” canvas. In the end, everyone walks away with a finished painting, ready to hang on the wall. All materials are provided, right down to the paint smocks. $40/couple (adult & child) Includes light snacks and beverages. Class size limited. To register, call or email the Clear Lake Arts Center at 641-357-1998 or clac@cltel.net. http://www.clartscenter.com/cgi-bin/index.pl

December 27, 2017
Arty Party: Canvas & Cocktails! - Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S. Fourth St. (641-357-1998). Grab a friend and meet us at the Clear Lake Arts Center at 6:30pm for an Arty Party! The painting is “Starry, Starry Snowman”. You’ll love painting this whimsical, winter scene on a 16’ x 20’ canvas. Arty Parties are fun-filled parties centered around an art activity with step-by-step instructions from an art instructor. Snacks and soft drinks provided, with the opportunity to purchase wine/beer. The cost is $32 for Arts Center members and $35 for non-members (cost includes all supplies right down to the paint smocks). Space is limited. To register, call 641-357-1998 or email clac@cltel.net http://www.clartscenter.com/cgi-bin/index.pl

December 28, 2017
Live Music: The Hats - Mason City Public Library, 225 2nd St. SE (641-421-3668). Sam Crosser will play live from 11am-1pm. Free and open to the public. http://www.mcpl.org/

December 28, 2017
Ice Fishing Fun! – Lime Creek Nature Center, 3501 Lime Creek Rd. (641-423-5309). Join us on Quarry Lake at the Lime Creek Conservation Area for a fun afternoon of ice fishing techniques for beginners. There will be a limited amount of equipment available; or purchase a rod/reel combo and job for $10.00. A door prize drawing will be held for kids at the end of the event. Pre-registration is required – call 641-423-5309. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Event time: 1:00pm-3:00pm. http://www.co.cerro-gordo.ia.us/

December 28, 2017
Winter Break Fun Day (ages 5-12) - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2nd St. SE (641-421-3666). Looking for winter fun while on holiday break? Fill your day with cool winter activities. Snack provided. Event time: 9am-Noon. Fee: $25.00, members $23.00 https://macniderart.org/

December 28-January 3, 2017
Exhibit: Iowa Crafts: 43 - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum(Kinney-Lindstrom Gallery), 303 2nd St. SE (641-421-3666). The purpose of Iowa Crafts: 43 is to provide the public with further enriching arts experiences and to promote interest in and recognition of the accomplishments of Iowa artists. The competition for Iowa Crafts: 43 is open to all residents of Iowa above high school age. Entries include: clay, fiber, metal/wood, jewelry, and other craft media. All works are to be original, entirely by the entering artist, and completed since September 2015. Exhibit will be on display until January 3, 2017. Exhibit open during normal museum hours. https://macniderart.org/

So Much Holiday Music and Fun

December 14-January 3, 2017

Exhibit: Iowa Crafts: 43 - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum (Kinney-Lindstrom Gallery), 303 2^nd St. SE (641-421-3666). The purpose of Iowa Crafts: 43 is to provide the public with further enriching arts experiences and to promote interest in and recognition of the accomplishments of Iowa artists. The competition for Iowa Crafts: 43 is open to all residents of Iowa above high school age. Entries include: clay, fiber, metal/wood, jewelry, and other craft media. All works are to be original, entirely by the entering artist, and completed since September 2015. Exhibit will be on display until January 3, 2017. Exhibit open during normal museum hours.  https://macniderart.org/

December 15, 2017

Winter North Iowa Farmers Market -  Located at Willowbrook Mall, 1631 4^th St SW from 10am -2pm.  Enjoy the good old home grown fruits and vegetables and homemade baked goods. www.northiowafarmersmarket.com

December 15, 2017

Live Music: Matt Woods- Mason City Brewing, 28 E State Street (641-423-1080).  Live music by Matt Woods - No cover charge; music starts at 6pm. https://www.facebook.com/masoncitybrewing/

December 15, 2017 – February 10, 2018

Exhibit: Susanne Crane: Selected Works - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum (Center Space Gallery), 303 2^nd St. SE (641-421-3666). This exhibition features the paintings of Albert Lea, MN artist Susanne Crane.  The artworks highlight the natural landscape and, perhaps, give the viewer a glimpse into the symbolic world. Open during all normal operation hours of the Museum. Exhibit will be on display until February 10, 2018. https://macniderart.org/

December 15-December 30, 2017

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas - The Music Man Square, 308 S. Pennsylvania Ave. (641.424.2852). A beautiful holiday display featuring music by composer and Mason City native Meredith Willson, including his holiday classic "It's Beginning to look A LOT like Christmas".  Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 1pm-5pm. Closed Monday & Holidays. Admission: $10 adults, $5 students. Children 6 & under free.  http://www.themusicmansquare.org/

December 15-17, 2017

Mite Jamboree – North Iowa Events Center Ice Arena, 3700 4^th SW (641-423-3811). Mason City Youth Hockey. www.masoncityhockey.com

December 16, 2017

Art on the Move (ages 7+) - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2^nd St. SE (641-421-3666). Make a move using different techniques and materials to create unique art and fun experiments! Fee: $22.00, members $20.00. Event time: 9:30am-11:30am. http://macniderart.org

December 16, 2017

FREE Pictures with Santa - Willlowbrook Mall, 1631 4^th St SW.  11am-1pm bring your camera and get a FREE photo with Santa!

December 16, 2017

Roller Skating - Roller City, 600 2^nd NW (641-423-2000). Morning Skate: 10am-12pm - A slower pace geared towards younger families, $10 per family. Afternoon Skate: 1pm-4pm - The most popular session for parties and larger groups, $6 per skater. Night Skate: 7pm-10pm - Most popular skating session with Jackpot Dice Game and much more, $8 per skater. www.myrollercity.com

December 16, 2017

Ugly Sweater Party -  Surf District Rock n' Roll Grill, 619 Buddy Holly Place, Clear Lake, IA (641-357-1222). Get your ugliest Christmas Sweaters out for the biggest Christmas part of the season, DJ to the max will be our host for the evening. Ugly sweater Contest for most creative/ugliest sweater, and sexiest sweater of the night. Drink specials all night long! Event time: 10pm-12am. http://www.surfdistrictgrill.com/

December 16, 2017

Breakfast with Santa – Mason City Country Club, 3331 19^th St. SW (641-424-3014). Join us for Breakfast with Santa from 9am-11am. The cost is $10 per adult/$7 per child (6-10 years old), and 5 and under are free. This event will include kid’s activities, letters to Santa, and is open to the public. Call 641-424-3014 or email jbitker@masnocitycountryclub.com to make your reservations.

December 16, 2017

Christmas Crafts – Lime Creek Nature Center, 3501 Lime Creek Rd. (641-423-5309). Join us for our Christmas program! This program begins at 10:00am, but feel free to come and go as you please. There is no cost to attend but registration is required – call 641-423-5309 to register. Event time: 10:00am-11:00am. http://www.co.cerro-gordo.ia.us/

December 16, 2017

Live Music: Morgan Kahler - Fat Hill Brewing, 17 N. Federal Ave (641-423-0737). Join Fat Hill Brewing for a cozy country afternoon. A seasoned vocalist and guitarist, Morgan has been performing for many years, sometimes opening for big acts like the Vic Ferrari Band. Morgan cites her musical influences as favorite's country oldies, new country hits, and even some rock and roll. Expect to hear tunes from some of her favorites like Johnny Cash Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, and Journey during her show. No admission fee; Fat Hill Brewing is a 21+ venue.  Event time: 2pm to 5pm. http://www.fathillbrewing.com/

December 16, 2017

Spud-tacular – Clear Lake VFW, 219 Main Street (641-357-8050). Baked potato bar with all your toppings, live music by Island Fever and silent auction starting at 10am. Free will donation.

December 16, 2017

What is This Light? – Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 North Adams Avenue. Music of the Christmas season by Ola Gjeilo, Matthew Culloton, Paul Mealor, Philip Stopford, John Rutter, Rene Clasusen and Eric Barnum. Starts at 7:00pm. Tickets: Adults $10 advanced; $12 at the door/Students $5 advanced; $6 at the door. Tickets are available by calling The Electricians at 641-423-1867, be picked up at Soyphisticated Candles or online at: www.unavocis.org

December 17, 2017

Santa Sunday at Music Man Square - The Music Man Square, 308 S. Pennsylvania Ave. (641.424.2852). Join us each Sunday in December to take a picture with Santa. Adults $10, Students 18 and younger $5, age 6 and under free; Holiday Family Pass $20 (pass is good any Sunday in November 18-December 30) http://www.themusicmansquare.org/ 

December 17, 2017

Lunch with Santa – Mason City Recreation Activity Room, 326 4^th St. NE (641-421-3673). Join Santa and his elves at 11:30am for a very special lunch! Lunch will be served by Santa’s helpers with a holiday craft to follow. Fee $12 per child (children must be accompanied by an adult). http://www.masoncity.net/pview.aspx?id=18101&catid=0