MUSCATINE, Iowa–Before the last few warm days of October give way to the chilliness of November, the Muscatine Art Center will host several outdoor events. The performances and contests will appeal to both the young and young at heart.

Oct. 22 at 12:30 p.m., Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre from West Liberty will enchant audience members with their performance of the “Bremen Town Musicians,” an adaptation of a classic Grimm’s fairytale. Featuring puppetry by Monica Leo and Stephanie Vallez and music by Laura Kittrell, the audience will delight in this musical show featuring charming animals. “We always like to bring this group to Muscatine because they’re fun and fun for families” enthused Katy Loos, Muscatine Art Center Program Coordinator.

The musical fun will continue Oct. 28 at 4:30 p.m. when Jazzy Ash will make her Art Center debut. A nationally acclaimed singer brought to the Art Center as part of the Quad Cities’ Arts Visiting Artists series, Jazzy Ash will perform traditional African American music geared towards children. Inspired by her mother from New Orleans and her father from Trinidad, Jazzy Ash’s music has a pleasing fusion of sounds children will love. “She blends both whimsically in a way kids and everyone will enjoy,” emphasized Loos. “She was one of our first choices, so we’re very excited to have her.”

In case of inclement weather, both “Bremen Town Musicians” and Jazzy Ash will move indoors into the Musser Mansion’s music room.

To close out the month’s festivities, the Art Center will host their second annual scarecrow and Jack-o-Lantern contest. Art Center staff will display entries around the grounds Oct. 28-31. Community members can vote in person by placing stickers next to their favorites or by visiting the Art Center’s website. The Art Center thanks Taylor’s Market and Mark Latta for donating the pumpkins and scarecrow stands needed to make these contests possible.