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Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn.

The holidays are behind us, routines are back, and January is settling in.

Quick note before we dive in. In last week’s poll, a big majority of you said the events section is your favorite part of the newsletter. Can’t say I’m surprised. A lot of you also chimed in with comments about other sections you enjoy too, even if they didn’t top the list. Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

One more thing. The Iowa State Fair announced its opening and closing night grandstand acts this week. It might be January, but summer planning has officially started.

In todays issue:

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

The Des Moines Register put together a solid rundown of major developments to watch as Des Moines heads into 2026. A few themes stand out: more housing coming online downtown, long-planned riverfront and Market District projects moving closer to reality, airport expansion plans, and continued efforts to make streets more walkable and people-friendly.

We pulled a few highlights here, but it’s worth checking out the full list if you want a broader view of where the city is headed.

The Grubb YMCA will close later this winter as plans move forward for a new community center focused on youth programs, wellness, and neighborhood services. While the building itself is going away, the goal is to expand what the site can offer the surrounding community long-term.

It’s a reminder that some of the biggest changes around the city are happening quietly, with an eye on what comes next.

Business Record →

Top Maid is Des Moines’ trusted name in premium home cleaning. Locally owned and operated, they deliver high-quality, reliable service tailored to the needs of busy households. Whether it’s weekly upkeep or a deep refresh, Top Maid helps you come home to clean — without lifting a finger.

Visit mytopmaid.com to learn more.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has launched a winter hunger campaign in Des Moines, focused on providing food, clothing, and support services during the coldest months of the year. As winter stretches household budgets, the effort is aimed at meeting immediate needs while helping families stay on stable footing.

👉 Story

The Hinterland Music Festival quietly released its Campfire Stage lineup, adding another reason people are already circling dates for later this summer. It’s a smaller piece of the festival, but one fans tend to love.

Want a Featured Event with a poster,
reach out and say hi.

🎵 $1 Progressive Record Sale (more)
📆 Friday–Sunday | ⏰ Fri 4–8pm, Sat 11–5pm, Sun 11–5pm
📍 Former Vinyl Cup location, 2815 Beaver Ave
Dig through 10,000+ records with prices dropping the more you buy. New stock added daily. Cash only.

🖼️ Iowa Artists 2026: Henry Payer Opening Celebration (more)
📆 Friday | ⏰ 5–7pm
📍 Des Moines Art Center
Kick off the newest Iowa Artists exhibition with an opening reception, remarks from leadership, and complimentary bites.

🎨 Pottery & Tarot Night (more)
📆 Friday | ⏰ 6–9pm
📍 Five Monkeys Inc
A creative night out featuring pottery making and tarot readings. Includes a reading and project credit. BYOB friendly.

🍸 Mixology Night: Mystery at the Museum (more)
📆 Friday | ⏰ 6–9pm
📍 Science Center of Iowa
A 21+ interactive mystery experience after hours with cocktails, puzzles, and a museum-wide whodunit.

🏈 Heroics Official Launch Party (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 11am–11pm
📍 Heroics Sports Lounge
A full-day celebration at Iowa’s first bar dedicated to women’s sports, featuring drink specials, giveaways, and good vibes.

🛍️ Indoor Garage Sale & Vendor Expo (more)
📆 Saturday–Sunday | ⏰ Sat 9–5pm, Sun 9–5pm
📍 Big Mammaz Indoor Flea Market
An indoor take on a classic garage sale with vendors, collectibles, and plenty of browsing without the cold.

🛍️ End of Season Sale at Painted Tree (more)
📆 Saturday–Sunday | ⏰ Sat 10am–8pm, Sun 11am–8pm
📍 Painted Tree Boutiques
Up to 60% off décor, gifts, and fashion as shop owners clear out seasonal inventory and make room for new arrivals.

📚 New Year, New Books! Book & Record Sale (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 1–7pm
📍 Uptown Garage Brewing Company
A cozy pop-up sale from Zellaphant Books featuring books, records, and reading accessories.

🐶 CIKC AKC Dog Shows (more)
📆 Saturday–Sunday | ⏰ 8am–6pm
📍 Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds
Watch hundreds of dogs compete across breeds in a free, family-friendly indoor event.

🐠 Des Moines Fish Swap (more)
📆 Sunday | ⏰ 11am
📍 Iowa State Fair Elwell Family Food Center
A popular meetup for aquarium hobbyists to buy, sell, and swap fish and supplies. Early entry available, general admission is free.

🦊 Red Riding Hood
📆 Jan 9-25
📍 Des Moines Playhouse
A family-friendly stage adaptation of the classic fairy tale, brought to life with humor, music, and playful twists.

👑 Six
📆 Jan 13-18
📍 Des Moines Civic Center
The hit Broadway musical reimagines the six wives of Henty VIII.

Thursday

High 36 🌡 Low 31 | 🌤️ | ❄ 1%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Friday

High 34 🌡 Low 9 | 🌥 | ❄ 24%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Saturday

High 12 🌡 Low 4 | ☁ | ❄ 1%
Weather Beacon: ⚪ Colder weather in sight

Sunday

High 31 🌡 Low 5 | 🌥 | ❄ 15%
Weather Beacon: 🔴 Warmer weather ahead

Thursday

Brian Allen | 5 | Country Club Lodge - Adel
David Watson | 6 | Confluence Brewing
Jesse & The Medicine Men | 6 | Poncho’s
Scott Eggleston | 8 | Greenwood Lounge
Jordan Beem | 9 | Shotgun Betty’s

Friday

Drew Fry | 6 | Shotgun Betty’s
Dan Trilk | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Plastic Apartment | 6 | Iowa Distilling Co
Luke Farland | 6 | Firetrucker Brewing
Joshua Sinclair | 6 | Uptown Garage Brewing
The Dusty Rose Band | 6:30 | Pal Joey’s
The Max Wellman Big Band | 7 | Noce
The Soul Searchers | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Corbett Reeves | 7 | Reclaimed Rails
David Watson | 7 | Pally’s
JB Williams | 7 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
Tim & Jana West | 7 | The Ducktail Lounge
The Memphis Flash | 7:30 | The Ingersoll
Mr. Rood and The Attitude | 8 | xBk Live
Sister Sara | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Jordan Beem | 8 | Cabaret Ankeny
Hold On | 8 | Prairie Meadows
Suede | 8 | Doc’s Lounge
Brody Hedrick & Cooper Terrill | 8 | Brick & Ivy
Toast3r | 8:30 | Back Roads Lounge
Matt Terronez Band | 9 | Greenwood Lounge

Saturday

ChewBOCKA Fest | 12 | Confluence Brewing
The Memphis Flash | 2 | The Ingersoll
Jesse & The Medicine Men | 4 | Revelton Distilling
Bob Pace | 6 | The Hills Bar & Grill
Tom Pevear | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Aviana Gedler | 7 | Noce
Triple Elvis & more | 7 | Locals Bar & Stage
Jones & Owens Trio | 7 | Shirley’s Bar & Grill
Leo Days | 7 | Prairie Meadows
Neva Alden | 7 | 36th St Tavern
Floyd: Pink Floyd Tribute | 8 | Wooly’s
Heath Alan | 8 | Greenwood Lounge
Jordan Beem | 8 | Flat Tire Lounge
Monkeyfour | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Animato Bandd | 8 | Down Under
Black Diamond Loons | 8:30 | Mickey’s Waukee
Suede | 9 | Hawk Heaven Tavern

Sunday

Matt Terronez Band | 1&3 | Botanical Gardens
Jake Schrodt | 2 | Covered Bridges Winery
Velvet Trio | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Sean Michael Sullivan | 5 | Exile Brewing
Carson Parker-Mathuin Smith Duo | 5 | Louie’s Wine Dive
Stardusters | 5 | Lake Robbins Ballroom
Andy Juhl and the Bluestem Players | 6 | xBk Live

College Basketball 🏀

College basketball season is in full swing. March Madness will be here before we know it. Here’s a quick snapshot on each local program along with their next game.

Men

Women

Hockey 🏒

Bucs
10-16-3-4 | 6th place | Western Conference

Iowa Wild
10-22-3-1 | 7th place | Central Division

G League 🏀

Iowa Wolves
6-4 | 4th place | Western Conference

Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.

I would love your feedback! Reply here or email me anytime!

Want to sponsor a future edition of The Dawn? Let’s chat! [email protected].