Things to do this week in Dallas County include Voas Owl Prowl, New Year's Eve parties

Voas Owl Prowl

1-3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27 at Voas Nature Area, 19286 Lexington Road, Minburn.

The common owls of Iowa can be located at night by mimicking their calls. The uncommon owls are found during the day roosting in cedar trees. We will be venturing off-trail looking for pellets, whitewash, and feathers. The hope is that we will be able to experience our own “Eye to Eye Epiphany.” Registration is required for this free program through DCCB's Eventbrite page.

A Night at Forest Park Museum

6-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30 at Forest Park Museum, 14581 K Ave., Perry.

Forest Park Museum will be open for a cold winter evening! Enjoy the many exhibits telling Dallas County’s history and explore the activities available along the way. This will be a self-guided experience. Families encouraged! Register through DCCB's Eventbrite page.

End of the Year Hike

9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 at Voas Nature Area, 19286 Lexington Road, Minburn.

Stretch your legs on the last morning hike of the year. Breathe in the winter prairie, look for animal signs, and enjoy whatever nature decides to do that day. A relaxing hike to end the year.

Noon Year's Eve Party

11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 at Roy R. Estle Memorial Library, Dallas Center.

Celebrate the incoming New Year with Roy R. Estle Memorial Library on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Families and kids of all ages are invited for games, food, and fun ending with a countdown and balloon drop at noon!

A Very English New Year

5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 at Board & Batten, Dallas Center.

Join Board & Batten in welcoming in 2025 with an early UK New Year's celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 31. The New Year will be welcomed in with a countdown at 6 p.m., which is midnight, UK time. The Grain Powered Duo, featuring Pat and Kirstin Rouse, will perform rock tunes from the Beetles, Pink Floyd, Queen, The Kinks, The Cure, The Smiths, and other great UK rock bands and performers. The bar will have all of your favorite beverages available along with a special mix of UK and Irish brews and wines, Naan flatbreads and charcuterie boards.

Pattee Cafe Celebrates New Year's Eve

5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 at Hotel Pattee, Perry.

Kick off your New Year's celebration with dinner at the Hotel Pattee! Call (515)465-3511 to make your reservations.

New Year’s Eve Party at Perry Elks Lodge

8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 at Perry Elks Lodge, 2823 Willis Ave., Perry.

Perry Elks Lodge No. 407 will be celebrating the New Year with the ever popular band Rukkus and special guest Feedback. Tickets are currently available at the lodge for $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Tickets may also be purchased at Perry Fareway, from Karen at 515-720-5254 or through Venmo @perryelks. Tickets include both bands, appetizers, drink specials, champagne toast and more. For more information, visit the Perry, Iowa Elks #407 Facebook page.

Hope and Healing Service

1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4 at 1221 Second St. (former Ben Franklin Building), Perry.

The Perry Ministerial Association will provide a community service of Hope and Healing on Saturday, Jan. 4. A time for fellowship will follow the service.

Festival of Trees

Through Jan. 4 at Carnegie Library Museum, Perry.

This holiday season, the Carnegie Library Museum will host the 10th Annual Festival of Trees. This Perry tradition began in 2014 with just 12 trees and a team of enthusiastic volunteers. Since then, participation has grown to include not only a Carnegie Library filled with beautiful trees and creative displays, but also community activities, such as coloring for kids, scavenger hunts, and a handmade quilt raffle. The public is invited to enjoy this free festival during open Carnegie Library hours, excluding holiday hours, from Nov. 23 to Jan. 4. For questions, contact the Carnegie at 515-465-7713.

To submit events to be included in the Around the County round-up, email [email protected] or [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Things to do near me include Voas Owl Prowl, New Year's Eve parties