It doesn’t get more Iowan than a local rock band. So see The Punching Pandas perform live at the Celebrate Iowa Gala. Photo: The Punching Pandas
The annual Celebrate Iowa Gala returns Dec. 8 to the State Historical Building of Iowa for the first time since 2018, now that crews have completed a five-year renovation project that included a new roof, window walls and other improvements to protect and preserve the state’s historical collections. Now in its 12th year, the gala showcases art, history, food and entertainment from across the state.
This year’s party in Des Moines includes music from Stutterin’ Jimmy and the Goosebumps, The Punching Pandas and Emma Butterworth; an art installation by Cynthia O’Hern; live drawings by the Portrait Studio; and a smorgasbord from Iowa’s finest farms, dairies, restaurants, breweries and distilleries.
Tickets are $125-$250, with discounted $100 for young professionals, and proceeds support the historical society’s work to preserve artifacts, create exhibits and develop educational programs across the state.
