PRESENTED BY

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

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and made it home safe. We didn’t make it to December without snow this year. I don’t mind it while it’s falling - it’s the slush afterward that gets me. Nothing worse than walking around in that stuff for a few days.

The events section below is really leaning into the Christmas season, so I hope you’re feeling the holiday spirit.

In todays issue:

• 🛍️ VJ Small Business Saturday

• 🚌 DART approves a new bus system

• 🎨 A fresh art show takes over the Renaissance

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

THE 515 REPORT 📱📰 

Valley Junction Reschedules Small Business Saturday

Last weekend’s snowstorm forced Historic Valley Junction to push its Small Business Saturday celebration to a new date this week. Shops will still offer specials and extended hours — just without the blizzard.

Story →

DART Approves New Bus System

DART is officially moving forward with a redesigned network that cuts the number of routes but increases frequency on core lines. The goal is faster, more reliable service across the metro starting next year.

Story →

Merle Hay Mall Redevelopment Targets 2027

Developers say the long-awaited Merle Hay Mall overhaul is aiming for a 2027 completion. Plans call for new retail, housing, and entertainment spaces to breathe new life into the property.

Story → 

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. With sharp style and a focus on top-notch entertainment, they bring energy and expertise to every event.

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 Spotlight ❤️ 

Salvation Army Expands Holiday Support

The Salvation Army is rolling out new ways to help families this season, including expanded food distribution, mobile services, and updated tools to reach more people facing hardship.

👉 More

Griff II Set to Retire from Drake

Drake University’s beloved live mascot, Griff II, is officially retiring after years of photo ops, campus strolls, and bringing joy to the Bulldog community. Drake plans to announce next steps soon.

👉 More

WEEKEND PLANS 🚨🏁

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

🎨 Gingerbread Jamboree (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 9–12
📍 Grimes Public Library
A cozy morning of gingerbread building, hot drinks, crafts, and holiday fun for the whole family.

🍪 Barksdale’s Cookie Dough Pop-Up (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 9–2
📍 Barksdale’s Cookie Building
Grab ready-to-bake State Fair cookie dough just in time for the holidays. Stock up and keep that Fair magic alive all winter.

🎁 Clive’s Annual Holiday Extravaganza (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 9–4
📍 Horizon Events Center
A massive holiday market with 160 vendors, prizes, food, music, and tons of unique gift finds.

🛍️ Val Air Holiday Fair (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 11–6
📍 Val Air Ballroom
Not your typical craft fair—70+ vendors, vintage finds, stained glass, fiber art, and a 9-foot Disco Santa. Free entry and great vibes.

📚 Grown-Up Book Fair — Holiday Edition (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 12–4
📍 Central Library
Shop books, gifts, stickers, and treats from local bookstores. A portion of every purchase supports the library.

🎄 Dazzling in The District (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 2–6:30
📍 The District at Prairie Trail
Holiday activities, games, prizes, Santa visits, a tree lighting, and fireworks to wrap up the night.

🔔 Jingle Bell Stroll (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 2–4
📍 Gray’s Lake Park
A festive stroll with games, crafts, Santa photos, hot chocolate, and holiday music for kids 12 and under.

🎬 Windsor Wonderland / Movie in the Park (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 3 PM
📍 Colby Park
Carriage rides, crafts, reindeer, Santa photos, treats, and a showing of The Muppet Christmas Carol.

🦌 Santa and His Reindeer Night (more)
📆 Friday | ⏰ 4:30–6:30
📍 Miracle on 86th Street
Meet Santa and his reindeer, snap photos, and enjoy the lights in Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park. Free for all ages.

🚲 Beaverdale Bicycles Holiday Lights Ride (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 5:30
📍 Beaverdale Bicycles
Decorate your bike, light it up, and ride through Beaverdale’s holiday displays. Roll out at 5:45.

🎄 Christmas at the Barn (more)
📆 Friday–Saturday | ⏰ Times vary
📍 Daydream Abode
A magical holiday barn experience filled with seasonal décor, florals, cozy apparel, antiques, and local gifts.

🎅 Christkindlmarket Des Moines (more)
📆 Today–Dec 14 | ⏰ Times vary
📍 Principal Park
A German-inspired Christmas market with handmade goods, Glühwein, polka music, kids activities, and holiday performances in Yuletide Hall.

NOW SHOWING  🎭

🎟️ The Notebook
📆 Through Sunday
📍 Des Moines Civic Center
A heartfelt stage adaptation of the bestselling romance, running all week downtown.

❄️ Disney’s Frozen
📆 Opens Friday – Runs through Dec 27
📍 Des Moines Playhouse
A perfect holiday-season show for families, kicking off this weekend.

🎩 A Christmas Carol
📆 Select dates through December
📍 Stoner Theater
A classic holiday production with the full Dickens spirit.

WEATHER 🌞🌡️

Thursday

High 19 🌡️ Low 15 | ☀️ | ❄️ 8%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Friday

High 36 🌡️ Low 26 | 🌥️ | ❄️ 15%
Weather Beacon: 🔴 Warmer weather ahead

Saturday

High 36 🌡️ Low 17 | 🌨️ | ❄️ 54%
Weather Beacon: 🔴 Warmer weather ahead
Weather Beacon: 🚨🗼🚨 Precipitation is on its way

Sunday

High 25 🌡️ Low 12 | 🌥️ | ❄️ 18%
Weather Beacon: ⚪️ Colder weather in sight

THE SETLIST 🎶🎤

Thursday

Kenni Falls | 6 | Confluence Brewing
Jesse & The Medicine Men | 6 | Poncho’s
Lorie Line | 7 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Josh Meloy | 7 | Wooly’s
Backhand Blue | 7 | xBk Live
Max Wellman | 7 | Noce
Silversonic | 7 | HiFi Brew Lounge
Rural Route | 9 | Shotgun Betty’s

Friday

Another Enemy w/ Source of Fire | 5 | Lefty’s
Heath Alan | 5 Mainframe Studios
Jesse & The Medicine Men | 6 | Iowa Distilling
Andrew Hoyt | 6 | Firetrucker Brewing
Gina Gedler | 7 & 9 | Noce
Luke Fox | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Joshua Sinclair | 7 | Shotgun Betty’s
Drew Fry | 7 | 36th St Tavern
The Sheet | 7 | Reclaimed Rails
Casey Peasley | 7 | Pally’s
Kevin Lingren | 7 | Kelly’s Litlle Nipper
Advanced Base | 7:30 | Locals Bar & Stage
Scott Davis Duo | 7:30 | The New Northwestern
The Nadas | 8 | Wooly’s
Brian Herrin | 8 | The Proletariat
Anthony Koester Band | 8 | Prairie Meadows
Dirty Champagne | 8 | Doc’s Lounge
Grind | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Heath Alan | 8 | Greenwood Lounge
Midnight Radio | 8:30 | Back Roads Lounge
This is for Lefty’s | 9 | Lefty’s

Saturday

Chuggaluggers | 3 | 1833 Saloon
Jesse & The Medicine Men | 4 | Revelton Distilling
Steve Grismore Trio | 5 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Wrestling with Wolves & more | 5 | Lefty’s
Dickie | 7 | xBk Live
Matt Woods Band | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Taylor King | 7 | Brightside Aleworks
Yubu Band | 7 | Shirley’s
Display Case w/ More Cheese & Pull String | 7:30 | Local’s Bar & Stage
The Detour Band | 8 | Prairie Meadows
Southbound | 8 | Greenwood Lounge
Dick Danger Band | 8 | Down Under
Orphan Annie | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Gimikk | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
BitterSweet Nation | 8:30 | Mickey’s Irish Pub
Casey Joe & The Ghosts | 9 | Lefty’s
Max Wellman | 9 | Noce
Jordan Beem | 9 | Hawk Heaven Tavern

Sunday

Malcolm Wells and The Two Timers | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Gina Gedler | 3 & 5 | Noce
Apathy Syndrome & more | 5 | Lefty’s
Wayne Page w/ Mark Lawson and Steve Charlson | 5 | Louie’s Wine Dive
Patricia Holly | 7 | xBk Live
Chiodos | 7 | Val Air Ballroom
Tina Haase Findlay & The Thankful Band | 7 | Salisbury House

SPORTS 🏈🏅

Football 🏈

All regular season action has ended for our local teams. Iowa and Iowa State are waiting on bowl matchups.

• Drake 🐶 @ Presbyterian | Record: 8-4 (7-1)

• UNI 🐆 @ North Dakota | Record: 3-9 (1-7)

• Iowa 🦅 @ Michigan State | Record: 8-4 (6-3)

• ISU 🌪️ vs Arizona | Record: 8-4 (5-4)

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

• Drake 🐶 vs UAB | Record: 6-3
  📆 12/5 | 🕛️ 6:30

• Iowa 🦅 vs Maryland | Record: 7-1 (0-1)
  📆 12/6 | 🕛️ 3

• #10 ISU 🌪️ @ Purdue | Record: 8-0
  📆 12/6 | 🕛️ 11

• UNI 🐆 vs Wichita State | Record: 7-1
  📆 12/6 | 🕛️ 7

Women

• Drake 🐶 vs Western Illinois | Record: 1-6
  📆 12/7 | 🕛️ 2

• #12 Iowa 🦅 @ Rutgers | Record: 8-0
  📆 12/6 | 🕛️ 5

• #10 ISU 🌪️ vs NIU | Record: 9-0
  📆 12/7 | 🕛️ 1

• UNI 🐆 @ Toledo | Record: 2-5
  📆 12/6 | 🕛️ 1

Hockey 🏒 

Bucs
8-8-2-3 | 4th place | Western Conference

• vs Sioux City Musketeers
  📆 12/5 | 🕛️ 7:05

• @ Omaha Lancers
  📆 12/6 | 🕛️ 6:05

• vs Waterloo Black Hawks
  📆 12/9 | 🕛️ 6:35

Iowa Wild
5-14-0-1 | 7th place | Central Division

• vs Manitoba Moose
  📆 12/6 | 🕛️ 6
  🐻 Teddy Bear Toss

• vs Manitoba Moose
  📆 12/7 | 🕛️ 3
  👕 Kids Takeover Day

• vs Rockford Icehogs
  📆 12/10 | 🕛️ 7

G League 🏀 

Iowa Wolves
6-2 | 1st place | Central Division

• @ Grand Rapids Gold
  📆 12/4 | 🕛️ 7

• @ Sioux Falls Skyforce
  📆 12/6 | 🕛️ 3

• @ Sioux Falls Skyforce
  📆 12/7 | 🕛️ 6:30

THANK YOU! 🙌 

Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.

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

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