PRESENTED BY
Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn.
I am back from Texas and joined fellow readers at Tonic for drinks following Dinner Club last night.
My family and I spent the week at Canyon Lake and it did not disappoint.
Quick Hits
Weekend Forecast: A little bit of a mixed bag. But no snow in sight…
State Fair: The “It’s Iconic Tour” featuring TLC and Salt-N-Pepa is coming to the Grandstand in 2026.
Sports: Sweet 16 for the Hawks and Clones + I-Cubs opening weekend at Principal Park.
Proposed: WDM looking to create 26.2 mile loop connecting trails and parks.
In today’s issue:
🏗 Big development moves forward
🍺 A national #1 lands in Des Moines
🎟 More events coming to Iowa State
And we’re off.
— Nick Rivas
THE 515 REPORT 📰
Hubbell’s Woodmont Development
A major new development is coming to Des Moines, with plans for 500 starter homes to be built on 150 acres of farmland near Altoona. The Woodmont development is one of the largest housing projects in Des Moines in the last decade and will take 10 to 15 years to complete.
KCCI 8 →
Lua named #1 brewpub in USA
Des Moines keeps stacking wins on the national stage. Lua Brewing earned the top spot in a USA Today ranking, adding another highlight to the city’s food and drink scene that continues to punch above its weight.
WHO 13 →
Market District project receives state support
The long-discussed Market District development picked up a major boost this week with new state funding of $9.5M. The investment is expected to help move the project forward and continue building momentum just east of downtown.
ISU partners with Oak View Group to expand events
Iowa State is bringing in a major player in the live events space to help book and grow programming on campus. The move could mean more concerts, shows, and large-scale events in Ames going forward.
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Community Notes ❤
Neighborhood Finance Corp expands programs
A local mortgage and home repair lending nonprofit is expanding its programs to help more homeowners invest in repairs and upgrades. The goal is simple: keep neighborhoods strong by making it easier for residents to maintain and improve their homes.
👉 More
Custom shoes help grant wishes
A creative project is turning something simple into something meaningful. Shoes designed by young cancer patients are being sold to help fund wishes, combining art, storytelling, and support for families going through difficult moments.
👉 Details
WEEKEND PLANS 🚨🏁
Want a Featured Event with a poster,
reach out and say hi.
Thursday
HUGE Kid’s Resale Event - Spring/Summer JBF Sale (Runs Thu-Sat) — Thousands of discounted kids items, gear, and clothing all in one place. Iowa State Fairgrounds. [details]
Spring Into Style: Sip & Shop Ladies Night Out — Drinks, treats, and a first look at fresh spring arrivals. Tulip Bloom Boutique. [details]
Painters for Pets 2026 — Local art, live auctions, and a great cause supporting pets in need. Jasper Winery. [details]
Men’s College Basketball Watch Party (Runs Thu-Fri) — Big games on a 23-foot screen with food, drinks, and free admission. Val Air Ballroom. [details]
Friday
Mug or Vase Pottery Class — Create your own piece with guidance, drinks, and a relaxed studio vibe. Artfull. [details]
Trivia Night — Five rounds of trivia plus a bonus round and cash prizes. Blank Park Zoo. [details]
Mixology Night: Planetary Prom — A cosmic-themed 21+ night with cocktails, music, and interactive exhibits. Science Center of Iowa. [details]
New City Poets Open Mic Night — A night of poetry, music, and creative expression in an intimate setting. xBk Annex. [details]
Ritual Rave: A Somatic Silent Disco — A guided movement and music experience focused on release and connection. Inner Space Des Moines. [details]
Capital City Card Con Spring Show (Runs Fri–Sun) — Hundreds of tables filled with cards, memorabilia, and collectibles. Iowa Events Center. [details]
Saturday
Des Moines Comic & Toy Show (Runs Sat–Sun) — Vendors, collectibles, comics, and pop culture finds across the mall. Merle Hay Mall. [details]
BAM Des Moines 2nd Anniversary Celebration — Storewide deals, giveaways, and treats for a full day celebration. Bricks & Minifigs Des Moines West. [details]
Lucky Pup Carnival — A playful, carnival-style experience where dogs can earn prizes through fun challenges. Hiking Dog Co. [details]
Pottery & Tarot — Create pottery while enjoying tarot readings in a relaxed, BYOB setting. Five Monkeys Inc. [details]
Sunday
March DSM Music Collectors’ Show — Crates of vinyl, CDs, and music collectibles from local and regional sellers. Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center. [details]
Painting + Psychic Medium — A creative painting session paired with live intuitive readings. Painting with a Twist. [details]
Ramen Club Pop-Up — A one-night, six-course ramen experience packed with bold flavors. Big Grove Brewery. [details]
NOW SHOWING 🎭
☕ Church Basement Ladies
📆 Mar 26-Apr 12
📍 The Ingersoll
A lighthearted musical comedy full of Midwest charm, humor, and heartfelt moments.
🔫 The Gun Show
📆 Mar 26-28
📍 Des Moines Playhouse
A bold, personal one-woman play exploring America’s complex relationship with guns.
🦁 The Wizard of Oz in Concert
📆 Mar 28
📍 Civic Center
The classic film brought to life with a live symphony soundtrack.
LAUGHS 🤣
🎤 Josh Blue
📆 Thursday-Saturday
📍 Funny Bone
Hilarious, self-deprecating stand-up from the Last Comic Standing winner known for his quick wit.
🎤 Whitney Cummings: Big Baby Tour
📆 Saturday
📍 Hoyt Sherman Place
Sharp, unfiltered stand-up from one of comedy’s most recognizable voices.
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
Ally Crummy | 6 | Confluence Brewing
Jesse & The Medicine Men | 6 | Poncho’s
Antsy McClain | 7 | xBk Live
The Blake Shaw Big(ish) Band | 7 | Noce
Jordan Beem | 7 | Shirley’s
Robert Deitch | 7 | Board & Batten
MFKS | 8 | Confidence Speakeasy
Scott Eggleston | 8 | The Greenwood Lounge
Johnny Novacaine | 9 | Yacht Club
Sierra Griggs | 9 | Shotgun Betty’s
Friday
Canaan James | 5 | Bevy’s Tavern
On The Rocks | 6 | Shotgun Betty’s
Sara Routh | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Corbett Reeves | 6 | Iowa Distilling Co
San Holo | 7 | Wooly’s
Stephane Wrembel | 7 | Noce
David Zollo | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Kenni Falls | 7 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
Brad & The Big Wave | 7 | Locals Bar & Stage
Fred Gaddy Group | 7 | The Cave
Unplugged | 7 | HiFi Brew Lounge
The Wild Mustard Band | 7 | Lank Robbins Ballroom
Matthew Garcia | 7 | Reclaimed Rails Brewing
Brian Herrin | 7 | The Ducktail Lounge
Jake Owen | 7:30 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Scott Davis & John Mattingly | 7:30 | New Northwestern
The Ripoffs | 7:30 | Pal Joey’s
David Watson Acoustic | 7:30 | Talk Shop Lounge
Bad Friends | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Sons of Gladys Kravitz | 8 | Doc’s Lounge
Adam Whitehead | 8 | Prairie Meadows
Suede | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Barry Rutter | 8 | Cabaret Ankeny
Dustin Farrow & The Relics | 9 | The Greenwood Lounge
Saturday
Luke Fox | 4 | Revelton Distilling
Brian Herrin | 5:30 | Winestyles
Unmasking The Singer | 6 | Val Air Ballroom
Dick Danger Band | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Attacked by Badgers & more | 6:30 | Locals
Looking for Luke | 6:30 | Covered Bridges Winery
Matt Woods Band | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Exit 113 | 7 | Lake Robbins Ballroom
BS & The Liars | 7 | Doc’s Lounge
Tim & Jana West | 7 | Shirley’s
Tannahill Weavers | 7:30 | Franklin Events Center
Rock a La Carte | 8 | Wooly’s
Coyote Island | 8 | xBk Live
Dan Padley | 8 | xBk Annex
BitterSweet | 8 | Down Under
Robbie Michael | 8 | Cabaret Ankeny
Richie Lee & The Fabulous 50’s | 8 | Prairie Meadows
Encore Legends | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Psycho-X | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Ducharme-Jones Band | 8:30 | The Greenwood Lounge
Midnight Radio | 8:30 | Mickey’s Waukee
Scott Kirkhart | 9 | Hawk Heaven Tavern
Sunday
Hot off the Grill | 1 & 3 | Botanical Garden
Trio Trio | 2 | Highland Underground
Dogtown Rhythm Band | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Aaron Simmons | 2 | Covered Bridges Winery
Choro Moingona | 3 | The Cave
Tanner Taylor Organ Trio | 5 | Louie’s Wine Dive
Sentimental Swing | 5 | Lake Robbins Ballroom
Davyn x Jack the Underdog | 7 | xBk Live
DSM SPORTS
If you’re looking for a game to catch this weekend:
🏒 Wild
Sunday vs Rockford Icehogs
🏀 Wolves
Thu/Sat vs Oklahoma City Blue
⚾ Cubs
All weekend vs Columbus
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].
