PRESENTED BY

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

The first week after Daylight Saving Time ends always hits different. It feels like we just live in the dark now. Hopefully nobody’s kids took it too hard and everyone has adapted.

In todays issue:

• 🏢 Downtown’s historic courthouse has a new plan

• 💵 Central Iowa voters approve bond projects

• 🥫 Big Grove launches food drive

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

📆 Mark Your Calendar

Des Moines is already starting to shine, with holiday lights and events popping up all across the metro. Before your calendar fills up, here are a few to keep on your radar for the season:

• Dome for the Holidays – Warm up inside the Botanical Garden dome and catch the early holiday glow from Nov. 15 through Jan. 4.

• Jolly Holiday Lights – The longtime favorite at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, open nightly Nov. 21 through Jan. 4.

• Holiday Promenade – Downtown Des Moines’ signature Friday-night series returns Nov. 21 with shopping, music, and lights.

• Home for the Holidays Lighted Parade | Nov. 22 | Indianola’s annual light-filled parade that brings out the whole town.

• Winterset Festival of Lights | Nov. 28 | A small-town classic with a glowing parade, carriage rides, and downtown charm.

• Jasper County Courthouse Lighting | Nov. 28 | A cozy community festival that kicks off the season in Newton.

Need some help decorating your home for the holidays?! — the Front Porch Collective can make your dreams reality.

And if you’re looking for something classic, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” hits the stage at the Des Moines Playhouse this month — a perfect way to kick off the holiday spirit.

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.

THE 515 REPORT 📱📰 

🏢 Old Federal Courthouse Redevelopment

The buyer of the former U.S. Courthouse downtown has shared plans to breathe new life into the long-vacant building. A group led by Last Best Partners purchased the property for roughly $2.6 million and plans a historic rehabilitation that would bring new tenants, activity, and energy to East Walnut Street.

Story →

🏫 Central Iowa Bond Referendums

Voters across the metro approved a wave of major school and community investments on Nov. 4, signaling strong local support for growth and modernization.

• Des Moines Public Schools: $265 million for building upgrades, preschool expansion, and new specialized programs.

• West Des Moines Schools: $135 million to modernize facilities and enhance arts and activity spaces.

• Ankeny Schools: $130 million for expanded academic, arts, and athletic infrastructure.

• Dallas Center–Grimes: $88 million to meet continued enrollment growth and update classrooms.

• Southeast Polk: Approved funding to support facility expansion and student-experience improvements across the district.

HEART OF DSM ❤️ 

Big Grove x Food Bank of Iowa: Feed Our City This November

Big Grove Brewery is teaming up with the Food Bank of Iowa to collect non-perishable food donations through Nov. 26. Drop items at the brewery or donate online to help stock shelves before Thanksgiving.

It’s an easy way to make a big difference — and exactly the kind of thing that makes this city special. 🍻

👉 Learn more or donate here

WEEKEND PLANS 🚨🏁

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

🎉 Discover Ankeny (more)
📆 Thursday | ⏰ 4 – 7 PM
📍 FFA Enrichment Center
🍿 A free, open-to-the-public event spotlighting local Ankeny Chamber members with tastings, giveaways, and family-friendly fun. Think State Fair vibes, but make it local.

🎨 Gather the Girls (more)
📆 Thursday | ⏰ 5 – 8 PM
📍 Meghan Blum Interiors
🥂 A cozy night of shopping, sipping, and holiday cheer. Pop in to browse local makers, décor, and treats — bring your friends and make a night of it!

📚 YWRC Book Sale (more)
📆 Thursday – Sunday
📍 Elwell Family Food Center
📖 150,000+ books across every genre! The Young Women’s Resource Center hosts this massive sale — free admission Fri–Sun, with early access Thursday.

🛍️ Des Moines Holiday Boutique (more)
📆 Friday – Sunday
📍 Iowa Events Center
🎄 A festive marketplace full of local artisans, holiday décor inspiration, and unique gifts. Grab a peppermint mocha and get that shopping list started.

🧤 Junk Jubilee Jingles (more)
📆 Friday – Sunday
📍 Iowa State Fairgrounds – 4-H Building
🎁 Vintage, repurposed, farmhouse, and retro finds — the perfect mix of “one-of-a-kind” holiday shopping. Support small businesses and snag something special.

🖋️ American Adrenaline Tattoo Expo (more)
📆 Friday – Sunday
📍 Horizon Events Center
💀 Artists, ink, and adrenaline. Adrenaline Studios brings together tattoo pros from all over for a weekend of live art and creative energy.

👑 Princesses at Hy-Vee (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 10 AM – 1 PM
📍 Urbandale Hy-Vee
✨ Meet two of your favorite storybook princesses and snap some magical photos while you shop. Perfect for the little ones!

👑 Meet Cinderalla (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 10 AM – 1 PM
📍 Altoona Hy-Vee
✨ Meet your favorite storybook princess and snap some magical photos while you shop. Perfect for the little ones!

🍷 Wine & Crime LIVE (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 8 PM
📍 Chandelier (Highland Park)
🕵️‍♀️ True-crime meets comedy as the podcast hosts take the stage for an evening of cocktails, laughs, and light snacks — VIP perks available!

🚲 Des Moines Tweed Ride (more)
📆 Sunday | ⏰ 1 PM
📍 Starts at The Royal Mile
🧥 The most dapper ride of the year! Don your tweed, hop on a bike, and join this vintage-style cruise through downtown, supporting the Puppy Jake Foundation.

WEATHER 🌞🌡️

Thursday

High 61 🌡️ Low 45 | 🌥️ | 💧 3%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Friday

High 64 🌡️ Low 36 | 🌥️ | 💧 3%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Saturday

High 41 🌡️ Low 23 | 🌧️ | 💧❄️ 88%
Weather Beacon: ⚪️ Colder weather in sight
Weather Beacon: 🚨🗼🚨 Precipitation is on its way

Sunday

High 33 🌡️ Low 19 | 🌥️ | 💧❄️ 2%
Weather Beacon: ⚪️ Colder weather in sight

THE SETLIST 🎶🎤

Thursday

Jared Nels | 6 | Confluence Brewing
Jessie & The Medicine Men | 6 | Poncho’s Friendly Confines
Porch Light | 7 | xBk Live
Kyle Bachara & Co | 7 | Noce
Hippie Sabotage | 8 | Val Air Ballroom
Jeni Grouws | 8 | xBk Annex
MFKS | 8 | In Confidence Speakeasy
Jake Schrodt | 9 | Shotgun Betty’s

Friday

Vulge | 5 | Lefty’s
Joshua Sinclair | 5 | Bevy’s Tavern
Luke Farland | 5 | Caffrey’s Irish Pub
Peyton Burns | 6 | Iowa Distilling Co
Kim and the Dusty Rose Band | 6:30 | Pal Joey’s
Randall King | 7 | Wooly’s
Mike Conrad | 7 | Noce
Malcolm Wells & The Two Timers | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Robbie Michael | 7 | 36th St Tavern
Neil Anderson | 7 | Firetrucker Brewing
Taylor King | 7 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
Alex Schroeder | 7 | Ducktail Lounge
Astro Brat | 7:45 | xBk Live
American Rebel Tour | 8 | Prairie Meadows
Casey Peasley | 8 | Cabaret
Decoy Trio | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Drive Thirty5 | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Sons of Gladys Kravitz | 8 | Doc’s Lounge
Heath Alan | 8:30 | Greenwood Lounge
Jordan Beem | 9 | Good Times
Clint Park | 10 | Talk Shop Lounge

Saturday

The Fall Brawl | 4 | Lefty’s
Jake Schrodt | 4 | Revelton Distilling
RJ Guitarras | 5 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Aviana Gedler | 7 | Noce
Jana West & RetroSpect | 7 | Shirley’s Bar & Grill
Taylor King | 7 | Brightside Aleworks
B.WELL | 8 | Wooly’s
Anthony Gomes | 8 | xBk Live
Modeling & more | 8 | Locals Bar & Stage
Shock Collar | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
The Savage Freds | 8 | Prairie Meadows
Final Mix | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
10 Fold Return | 8:30 | Mickey’s Irish Pub
Splashy G | 9 | Lefty’s
Midnight Radio | 9 | Hawk Heaven Tavern
Jeff Banks Band | 9 | Greenwood Lounge

Sunday

The Crowfoot Rakes | 2 | Captain Roy’s
Iowa Military Veterans Band | 2 | Civic Center
Burnin’ Sensations | 2 | Cellar Winery
Matt Woods Band | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
xSeraphx & more | 5:30 | Lefty’s
Josh Ritter and The Royal City Band | 7:30 | Hoyt Sherman Place

SPORTS 🏈🏅

Football 🏈

All four local teams are in action this week.

• Drake 🐶 vs St Thomas | Record: 6-2 (5-0)
  📆 11/8 | 🕛️ 12

• UNI 🐆 vs Murray St | Record: 2-7 (0-5)
  📆 11/8 | 🕛️ 1

• Iowa 🦅 vs Oregon | Record: 6-2 (4-1)
  📆 11/8 | 🕛️ 2:30

• ISU 🌪️ @ TCU | Record: 5-4 (2-4)
  📆 11/8 | 🕛️ 2:30

College Basketball 🏀 

College basketball is back!

Men

• Drake 🐶 vs Robert Morris | Record: 1-0
  📆 11/6 | 🕛️ 6:30

• Iowa 🦅 vs W Illinois | Record: 1-0
  📆 11/7 | 🕛️ 6

• #16 ISU 🌪️ vs Grambling St | Record: 1-0
  📆 11/6 | 🕛️ 7

• UNI 🐆 vs CSUN | Record: 0-0
  📆 11/6 | 🕛️ 7

Women

• Drake 🐶 vs Creighton | Record: 1-0
  📆 11/9 | 🕛️ 4

• #21 Iowa 🦅 vs Evansville | Record: 1-0
  📆 11/9 | 🕛️ 2

• #14 ISU 🌪️ vs Sacred Heart | Record: 2-0
  📆 11/9 | 🕛️ 1

• UNI 🐆 @ St Louis | Record: 0-1
  📆 11/9 | 🕛️ 4

Hockey 🏒 

Bucs
6-3-2-3 | 3rd place | Western Conference

• @ Muskegon Lumberjacks
  📆 11/7 | 🕛️ 6

• @ Muskegon Lumberjacks
  📆 11/8 | 🕛️ 5

Iowa Wild
3-5-0-1 | 6th place | Central Division

• vs Chicago Wolves
  📆 11/6 | 🕛️ 10:30 AM
  ✏️ School Day Game

• @ Chicago Wolves
  📆 11/8 | 🕛️ 7

• vs Rockford Icehogs
  📆 11/9 | 🕛️ 6
  ♥️ Hockey Fights Cancer Night

G League 🏀 

Iowa Wolves
0-0 (1st place - Western Conference)

• vs Cleveland Charge
  📆 11/7 | 🕛️ 6:30

• vs Cleveland Charge
  📆 11/8 | 🕛️ 6:30

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].