PRESENTED BY
Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn.
The Drake Relays got going with the road races last weekend but things really kick off today. If you’re new to the area or just haven’t made it down to Drake for this event before, do yourself a favor and check it out.
If you’re not familiar, the Drake Relays are one of the premier track and field events in the country, and it happens right here in our back yard. This year marks the 116th running. You’ll be able to find me at Peggy’s. 🍺
Quick Hits
Weekend Forecast: Drake Relays = Rain. I kid. Overall, looking like an enjoyable Relays weekend.
State Fair: Alabama is headed back to Des Moines as the final Grandstand act of 2026.
Sports: WDM will host the 2027 USA Curling National Championships, bringing a multi-day national event to the area.
Relays: A rescue bulldog named Flora took home “Most Beautiful Bulldog” at the Drake Relays.
In todays issue:
🍽 Dinner Club update
🏦 A new use for old City Hall
🍕 Local restaurant openings
And we’re off.
— Nick Rivas
DSM at Dawn Dinner Clubs
Dinner Club #3 is next week.
The DSM at Dawn Dinner Club brings together small groups of readers for dinner around Des Moines. We match the group, pick the restaurant, and handle the details.
A few spots left. Once it’s full, we’ll close it.
📍 Various Des Moines Restaurants
🗓️ Wednesday, Apr 29 at 6:30 PM
🎟 Book your seat
Can’t make this one? Join the list for future dinners.
Nick
THE 515 REPORT 📰
City Hall gets new life
The city is leasing out space inside the old City Hall building for events, with plans to bring in performances from the Des Moines Metro Opera and other groups. It’s a move to activate a largely vacant downtown building while testing longer-term uses for the space.
Axios →
WDM eyes redevelopment changes
West Des Moines officials are considering updates to zoning rules that would make it easier to redevelop aging commercial areas. The changes are aimed at giving developers more flexibility on things like building use and layout, which could help revitalize underused retail corridors.
Roundabouts planned for 31st Street
Des Moines is planning to add roundabouts along 31st Street at Woodland and Cottage Grove as part of its Vision Zero initiative to reduce serious crashes. The changes are designed to slow traffic and improve safety at key intersections, with construction expected to roll out in phases.
KCCI →
PRESENTED BY: Dapper DJs
Looking to make your next event unforgettable? 🎶 Dapper DJs, led by Riley Schneekloth (a.k.a. DJ Riled Up), brings nearly a decade of experience and a reputation for creating memorable celebrations across Central Iowa.
Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering, or a milestone celebration, Dapper DJs deliver more than music—they set the vibe and keep the party going all night long. From dazzling lighting effects to seamless transitions, they ensure every detail is covered so you can relax and enjoy the moment.
📆 Book Dapper DJs today and turn your event into a memory that lasts a lifetime!
🗣 Exclusive Offer for DSM at Dawn Readers! 🎉
Mention DSM at Dawn when booking with Dapper DJs to enjoy a 5% discount on their services.
Community Notes ❤
Restaurant updates in DSM
The Breakfast Club is continuing its Midwest expansion, adding a new location in Waukee while also moving it’s East Village location around the corner for some more room. At the same time, Orlondo’s is reopening in Grimes, bringing back a longtime local pizza spot after closing down it’s south side restaurant in 2019.
EveryStep expands newborn care
EveryStep received a grant to expand its newborn hearing care coordination services, helping families connect with follow-up care after initial screenings. The program focuses on early intervention, making sure hearing issues are identified and addressed as soon as possible.
👉 More
Casey’s funds local schools
Casey’s is awarding $1.3 million in grants to schools across its footprint, supporting projects like playground upgrades, classroom resources, and student programs. The funding is part of the company’s ongoing effort to invest in the communities it serves.
👉 Details
Coolest thing in Iowa?
The top 16 finalists have been announced for the annual “Coolest Thing Made in Iowa” competition, highlighting products ranging from advanced manufacturing to consumer goods. Public voting will determine which Iowa-made product takes the top spot.
WEEKEND PLANS 🚨🏁
Want a Featured Event with a poster,
reach out and say hi.
Thursday
Pollination Celebration (Runs Thu–Sun) — Walk the orchard during peak bloom with fresh pies and cider donuts available. Iowa Orchard. [details]
Uncorked — Wine samples, animal encounters, and a relaxed evening exploring the zoo after hours. Blank Park Zoo. [details]
Spring Sip & Shop — Browse 20+ vendors with drinks, food, and a laid-back shopping atmosphere. Luana Savings Bank Community Room. [details]
Pride Storytellers: Black & Proud — An evening of personal storytelling centered on identity, resilience, and lived experience. Temple Theater. [details]
Friday
Junk Jubilee (Runs Fri–Sat) — A large vintage and handmade market with curated vendors from across the Midwest. Iowa State Fairgrounds 4H Building. [details]
Simple Treasures Pop-Up Sale (Runs Fri–Sun) — A neighborhood thrift-style pop-up with refreshed inventory priced to move. Sherman Hill. [details]
Car & Bike Night — Casual night of cars, bikes, live music, and food with an open, family-friendly vibe. Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery. [details]
Saturday
Cars and Coffee — Kick off the season with a morning meetup of local cars, coffee, and conversation. Merle Hay Mall. [details]
Fiberfest — A niche market and showcase featuring weaving, spinning, demos, and fiber arts vendors. Franklin Event Center. [details]
The Market on Hubbell — Shop 30+ local vendors offering vintage goods, clothing, home items, and food. The Market on Hubbell. [details]
Ratt’s Punk Rock Flea Market (Runs Sat–Sun) — A high-energy indoor market with vintage gear, records, and local makers. Merle Hay Mall. [details]
Central Library Train Show (Runs Sat–Sun) — Model train displays and exhibits set up throughout the downtown library. Des Moines Public Library. [details]
Bloom Gathering — A guided morning of floral arranging, cacao, and watercolor painting in a relaxed setting. AllLove Wellness. [details]
Spring Pack Walk — A structured group walk focused on calm, controlled dog handling and community connection. Raccoon River Park. [details]
Sip, Snap & Shop — Boutique shopping with drinks, giveaways, and optional professional photo sessions. Styled by JJ Boutique. [details]
Spring Windsor Heights Earth Day Event — Community recycling event with electronics drop-off and sustainability focus. Windsor Heights Community Center. [details]
Sunday
Charters on Vine Spring Wine Trolley Tour — A guided trolley tour stopping at multiple wineries for tastings throughout the day. Whiskey River Ankeny. [details]
First Annual Plant Swap and Sale — Bring plants or cuttings to trade, shop, and connect with local plant lovers. Main Street Moments. [details]
NOW SHOWING 🎭
💃 Crazy For You
📆 April 17-May 3
📍 The Playhouse
A classic Gershwin musical comedy about love, ambition, and saving a small-town theater with big show-stopping numbers.
🔍 Clue
📆 Apr 24-May 3
📍 Stoner Theater
A fast-paced whodunit comedy based on the classic film, packed with twists, chaos, and big laughs.
👩🎤 The Music of Dreamgirls
📆 Apr 24-25
📍 The Ingersoll
A live Dreamgirls revue with powerhouse vocals, choreography, and all the classic hits.
LAUGHS 🤣
🎤 Marlon Wayans
📆 Friday-Saturday
📍 Funny Bone
High-energy stand-up mixing sharp crowd work with stories on family, culture, and everyday life.
🎤 Nate Bargatze
📆 Friday
📍 Casey’s Center
Deadpan storytelling and relatable humor from one of the biggest names in stand-up right now.
Support DSM at Dawn
This newsletter exists because of this community.
DSM at Dawn is free and always will be. If you find it helpful, fun, or worth sharing, you can chip in to help keep it running and growing.
Everything goes back into making this better for Des Moines,
Grateful you’re here.
— Nick
THE SETLIST 🎶🎤
Thursday
Barefoot Becky | 1 | Lake Robbins Ballroom
Mike Aceto | 6 | Confluence Brewing
Quartet 515 | 6 | The Cave
Jesse & The Medicine Men | 6 | Poncho’s
Andrew Hoyt | 7 | Noce
ResurrectioN MarY | 7 | Locals Bar & Stage
Maxwell Schaeffer | 7 | Board & Batten
Mike Conrad | 7 | Turner Jazz Center
Tech N9ne | 8 | Horizon Events Center
Haunted Like Human | 8 | xBk Annex
MFKS | 8 | Confidence Speakeasy
Scott Eggleston | 8 | Greenwood Lounge
Micah Wagner & Ted Stockton | 9 | Shotgun Betty’s
Friday
David Watson | 5 | Caffrey’s
Ben Puttman | 6 | Shotgun Betty’s
Like Fox | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Taylor King | 6 | Iowa Distilling
WitchZ | 7 | Wooly’s
The Gabriel Espinosa Band | 7 | Noce
Duke Tumatoe | 7 | Temple Theater
Matt Woods | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Robbie Michael | 7 | Pally’s
Velvet Trio | 7 | Pal Joey’s
Kevin Lindgren | 7 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
Alien Parasite & more | 7 | Locals Bar & Stage
Lauren Vilmain | 7 | The Cave
The Rock Orchestra | 8 | Civic Center
The Pork Tornadoes | 8 | Val Air Ballroom
Kevin Burt | 8 | Brick & Ivy Rooftop
Mike Walsh Band | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Black Diamond Loons | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
BRNT | 8 | Doc’s Lounge
Brian Congdon | 8 | Striking Sparrow Lounge
Casey Peasley | 8 | Joe’s Pub
Final Mix | 8 | Prairie Meadows
The Other Brothers | 9 | Greenwood Lounge
SP3 | 9 | Yacht Club
Saturday
Stringfield | 11 | Exile Brewing
The Trickle Tree Hippies | 4 | 1833 Saloon
Gina Gedler | 4 | Revelton Distilling
Joshua Sinclair | 6:30 | Brightside Aleworks
Velvet Trio | 6:30 | Covered Bridges Winery
Dethklok & Amon Amarth | 7 | Vibrant Music Hall
America | 7 | Civic Center
The Lubben Brothers | 7 | Temple Theater
The Grand Marquis | 7 | Noce
The Jeff Banks Band | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Look At Me | 7 | Locals Bar & Stage
Jones & Owens Trio | 7 | Shirley’s
Jon Wayne and The Pain | 8 | xBk Live
The Matt Terronez Band | 8 | Greenwood Lounge
Dick Danger Band | 8 | Prairie Meadows
Mary Runyan Band | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Hardway | 8 | Down Under
Monkey4 | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Midnight Radio | 8:30 | Mickey’s Waukee
Drive Thirty5 | 9 | Hawk Heaven Tavern
Sunday
Zane Gedler Trio | 2 | The Highland Underground
Dave Zollo & The Body Electric | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Taylor King | 2 | Winterset Cidery
Choro Moingona | 3 | The Cave
Tony McGhee & Friends | 4 | Greenwood Lounge
Tanner Taylor-Steve Charlson Duo | 5 | Louie’s Wine Dive
Paul Little | 5 | Exile Brewing
Al Welsh | 5 | Lake Robbins Ballroom
Avatar | 7 | Val Air Ballroom
Bruce Katz Band | 7 | xBk Live
DSM SPORTS
If you’re looking for a game to catch this weekend:
⚾ Cubs
All weekend vs Louisville
🏈 Barnstormers
Saturday vs Fishers Freight
Love your weekends, hate the chores? You use DSM at Dawn to plan your weekend — don’t spend it scrubbing floors.
Click the link below to get access to the offer.
THANK YOU! 🙌
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].
