8 must-attend weekend events
City Sounds Season Opener
Saturday: City Sounds opens its public pianos for the season with five mini concerts in one evening. Andy Fleming and Matt Jesson of Brother Trucker perform from 5-5:30 p.m. at E. Fifth Street and Grand Avenue, Janey Hooper at The Hub Spot from 5:30-6 p.m., Anna Gebhardt of Annalibera at the Wellmark YMCA from 6-6:30 p.m., Tanner Taylor at the Central Library from 6:30-7 p.m. and Jordan Mayland of about a dozen bands from 7-7:30 p.m. at Ted's Coney Island on Ingersoll Ave. Free. Go to facebook.com/dsmpianos.
Iowa Blues Challenge Finals
Saturday: Six bands will compete in the Iowa Blues Challenge finals starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Des Moines Marriott, 700 Locust St. Eastside Brothers, Dan Peart, Tina & Brandon, Mother Ship Blues Band, Wooden Nickel Lottery and Zach Harris Band will compete for cash, prizes and entry into the 2016 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. $10. Go to cibs.org.
Chris Carmack
Saturday: "Nashville" star Chris Carmack performs his country music at 8 p.m. at the Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines. Carmack recently released his first country EP, "Pieces of You," and has plenty of songs from "Nashville" to perform. $25. Go to valairballroom.com.
Dog Jog & Fido Fest
Saturday: The Animal Rescue League holds Dog Jog & Fido Fest, a 5K fun run and dog walk, from 3-6 p.m. at The Copper Cup, 207 Fourth St. You and your dog can participate in the run (or just you), then there's a street party following the race. $40. Go to arl-iowa.org/dogjog
Pedal for Pints
Saturday: Surly Brewing Company presents the first annual Pedal For Pints Bike Tour starting at el Bait Shop, 200 S.W. Second St. There are 30 and 50 mile routes around Des Moines' bike trails, leading back to el Bait Shop where beer will flow freely. The rides start between 7 a.m.-9 a.m. $40-$45. Go to surlybrewing.com.
NASCAR XFINITY Series
Saturday-Sunday: The Iowa Speedway, 333 Rusty Wallace Drive, Newton, starts racing season with the NASCAR XFINITY Series starting at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Country singer John Michael Montgomery performs a free concert following Saturday's races (race tickets required for admission). $30-$85. Go to iowaspeedway.com.
Market Day
Saturday: Market Day kicks off its 2015 season with more than 50 vendors from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Gramercy Tap, 400 Walnut St. There will be handmade goods, art, vintage goods and more for sale. Free. Go to marketdayiowa.com.
Spring Art Market
Sunday: Valley Junction puts on its Spring Art Market from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Fifth Street in Valley Junction, West Des Moines. There's a juried art show featuring paintings, sculptures, photography and more, live music, food vendors and more. Free. Go to valleyjunction.com.