PRESENTED BY

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

Lots to unpack today. Lets jump right in!

In todays issue:

• 🎃 DSM’s newest fall startup

• 🥃 Whiskey Fest returns with 150+ pours

• 🏢 Big Update on Valley West Mall

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

Feature: Front Porch Collective

Pumpkin Concierge Launches in DSM
Fall is here, and what better way to celebrate than by transforming your front steps into a seasonal showpiece? Meet Front Porch Collective, a new local business bringing “pumpkin-concierge” service to the Des Moines area. Their team sources premium pumpkins from Iowa farms, delivers them, arranges them artistically on your porch, and handles pick-up when the season’s over.

For the busy homeowner who wants an Instagram-ready look without the hassle, this is fall décor done right. Serving Urbandale, Clive, Waukee and the metro, Front Porch Collective is in its first year — so booking early is a smart move. Whether it’s pumpkins now … and potentially holiday décor next … you’ll be ahead of the curve.

Want your porch to turn heads? Reach out and reserve your spot while they’re still accepting clients this season.

💻️ Visit their Website | 📸 Follow on Instagram

PRESENTED BY: Top Maid

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 515 REPORT 📱📰 

2nd Ave Revamp

A $2.75 million project is officially moving forward to reconstruct 2nd Avenue from Court Avenue to I-35. The plan reduces lanes, adds on-street parking, and creates a loading zone for Casey’s Center — all part of a broader effort to make the stretch safer and more pedestrian-friendly.

Story →

Valley West Mall Update

West Des Moines City Council has approved an Urban Renewal Plan for Valley West Mall. The move clears the way for future redevelopment of the long-troubled property, which was foreclosed on in 2022 and has since seen major decline.

Story →

Polk County Steps Up

Polk County has pledged $200,000 to keep Iowa’s network of more than 60 water-quality monitors running — preventing them from shutting down and helping protect safe drinking water across Central Iowa.

Story → 

WEEKEND PLANS 🚨🏁

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

🥃 Featured Event
Des Moines Whiskey Fest

📆 Saturday | ⏰ VIP 11 AM · GA Noon · Ends 5 PM
📍 Horizon Events Center, Clive

Whiskey lovers, this one’s for you. Des Moines Whiskey Fest returns this weekend, bringing more than 150 pours, food, live music, and one seriously good time. Whether you’re new to the world of whiskey or a seasoned sipper chasing the next rare release, this festival has a pour with your name on it.

Presented with support from Templeton Distillery (VIP Sponsor), Cedar Ridge Distillery (Speakeasy Sponsor), and Liquor Lovers + Lonely Oak Distillery (Barrel Sponsors), this year’s event transforms Horizon Events Center into a whiskey lover’s playground — complete with live bands, distiller panels, food demos, patio games, and even a hidden speakeasy pouring exclusive cocktails.

🎟️ Quick Ticket Guide

• Designated Driver – $34.45
  Entry, live music, food trucks, and games — no tastings.

• General Admission – $96.82
  150+ whiskey tastings, commemorative glass, music, masterclasses, and full festival access.

• VIP – $176.22
  Early entry (11 AM), private VIP lounge and bar (Templeton Distillery), exclusive tastings, and after-party at Hotel Renovo. Speakeasy access included!

• Enhanced Experience Add-On – $37.85
  Rare pours, specialty swag, and behind-the-scenes distiller sessions (add to GA or VIP).

🎶 Festival Highlights

• Masterclasses with Iowa’s top distillers, including Templeton, Cedar Ridge, and Lonely Oak.

• Live music from Jaik Willis, Lauren Vilmain, Jordan Beem, and Raine Stern.

• A food demo by Chef Jazz, featuring Bourbon Brisket Bruschetta (sponsored by Fareway Meat Market).

• Patio games, axe throwing, cigar lounge, and more — all part of the experience.

Grab your tickets, check the full festival map below, and plan your pour route.
🍂 Use promo code DSM@DAWN25 on Eventbrite for a special discount!

🎫 Tickets

🍎 Apple Days (more)
📆 Thursday–Saturday | ⏰ During store hours
📍Chocolate Storybook, West Des Moines
Celebrate fall with free samples, exclusive deals, and 25 delicious varieties of Chocolate Storybook’s famous caramel apples — plus $1 off classics like Traditional, Toffee, and Pecan. 🍏🍫

👻 Boos & Brews (more)
📆 Friday | ⏰ 7 PM
📍Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
A 21+ Halloween bash inside the “BOOtanical” Garden — complete with a live DJ, strolling magic, brewery samples, and spooky vibes under the dome.

🦇 Brews & Boos (more)
📆 Friday & Saturday | ⏰ 5–11 PM
📍Blue Ribbon Bar + Eatery, Iowa State Fairgrounds
Family fun from 5–7 with candy, costumes, and games, then the 21+ party kicks in with DJ Nick Nystrom, costume contests, spooky cocktails, and food specials.

🎨 Grimes Annual Holiday Craft Sale (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 9 AM–2 PM
📍Prairie Creek Church
Kick off your holiday shopping early with handmade gifts, baked goods, and festive food. Breakfast and lunch available — come hungry!

🧙 Eerie Evenings (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 6–8:30 PM
📍Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Roam the dome after dark for this new illuminated experience featuring “spectral plants,” music, and refreshments from Flora’s cash bar.

🎃 Goldie’s Halloween Bash (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 3–5 PM
📍State Historical Museum of Iowa
Free, family-friendly Halloween fun — crafts, storytime, a scavenger hunt, and Goldie herself in costume. Costumes encouraged and treats provided by Baratta’s!

🦸 Des Moines Comic & Toy Show (more)
📆 Saturday–Sunday
📍Merle Hay Mall
Over 100 vendors and artists fill the mall with comics, collectibles, Funkos, posters, and more geeky goodness — all for free.

🎃 Pumpkin Walk (more)
📆 Sunday | ⏰ 2 PM
📍Historic Valley Junction
A fall favorite returns with trick-or-treating, hay rides, magic shows, kids’ activities, and free pumpkins (while supplies last).

WEATHER 🌞🌡️

Thursday

High 60 🌡️ Low 35 | ☀️ | 💧 6%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Friday

High 63 🌡️ Low 46 | 🌤️ | 💧 6%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Saturday

High 59 🌡️ Low 47 | ☁️ | 💧 6%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Sunday

High 62 🌡️ Low 46 | 🌥️ | 💧 5%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

THE SETLIST 🎶🎤

Thursday

Matt Hannah | 6 | Confluence Brewing
Joshua Sinclair | 6 | Pelican Post Bar & Grille
Jessie & Teh Medicine Men | 6 | Poncho’s Friendly Confines
Petey USA | 7 | Wooly’s
Covenhoven | 7 | xBk Annex
Animato Bandd | 7 | HiFI Brew Lounge
Wane Page & Co | 7 | Noce
Joe Nichols | 7:30 | Val Air Ballroom
Dee Dee Bridgewater | 7:30 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Elements of Healing Tour | 9:30| Lefty’s

Friday

Safe Space EP Release Show | 5 | Lefty’s
Brian Congdon | 5 | Caffrey’s Irish Pub
Justin Goodchild | 6 | Firetrucker Brewing
Dustin Baird | 6 | Iowa Distilling Co
Matt Biegger | 6 | Captain Roy’s
The Chuggaluggers | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Tyler Rich | 7 | Wooly’s
The NOLA Jazz Band | 7 | Noce
Jake & TK | 7 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
Tank Anthony | 7 | 36th St. Tavern
Robert Espe Group | 7 | The Cave
Delta Bees & more | 7 | Locals Bar & Stage
That 1 Guy | 8 | xBk LIve
Casey Joe Collins | 8 | xBk Annex
Mary Runyan Band | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Suede | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Shock Collar | 9 | Doc’s Lounge
Allen Hurt and The Music Showmen | 9 | Prairie Meadows
Space to Play | 9:30 | Lefty’s

Saturday

Jessie & The Medicine Men | 4 | Revelton Distilling
Severio Mancieri | 5 | Middlebrook Mercantile
A Night of Frightful Cover | 5:30 | Lefty’s
Dave Zollo | 6 | Captain Roy’s
Jake Schrodt | 6 | Big Rack Brew Haus
Joshua Sinclair | 6:30 | Brightside Aleworks
Damon Dotson | 7 | Doc’s Lounge
The Hors D’oeuvres | 7 | Shirley’s Bar & Grill
Will Barnett | 7 | Reclaimed Rails Brewing
Brian Baker | 7 | xBk Annex
Slaughter House 6 & more | 7:30 | Locals Bar & Stage
Russell Dickerson | 8 | Vibrant Music Hall
Randy Burk & The Prisoners | 8 | Greenwood Lounge
Suede | 8 | Down Under
Gimikk | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Hold On | 8 | Prairie Meadows
Jordan Beem | 8 | Cabaret
Bob Pace & The Power | 8:30 | Mickey’s Irish Pub

Sunday

Matt Woods | 2 | DM Central Public Library
David Watson | 2 | Winterset Cidery
Meadowbrook Circle | 2 | The Cellar Winery
Silversonic | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Dan & Quinn Trilk | 3 | Wilson’s Orchard & Farm
Lauren Vilmain-Nick Ruckert Duo | 5 | Louie’s Wine Dive
That Thing That Sound | 5 | xBk Annex
The Takeoff Tour | 5:30 | Lefty’s
John Nemeth & the Blue Dreamers | 6 | xBk Live
Sunday Before Samhain | 9 | Lefty’s

SPORTS 🏈🏅

Football 🏈

All four local teams are in action this week.

• Drake 🐶 @ Marist | Record: 4-2 (3-0)
  📆 10/25 | 🕛️ 11

• UNI 🐆 @ S. Illinois | Record: 2-5 (0-3)
  📆 10/25 | 🕛️ 2

• Iowa 🦅 @ Minnesota | Record: 5-2 (3-1)
  📆 10/25 | 🕛️ 2:30

• ISU 🌪️ VS BYU | Record: 5-2 (2-2)
  📆 10/25 | 🕛️ 2:30

Hockey 🏒 

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

• VS USA NTDP
  📆 10/24 | 🕛️ 7:05

• VS USA NDTP
  📆 10/25 | 🕛️ 7:05

Iowa Wild
0-4-0-0 | 7th place | Central Division

• @ Texas Stars
  📆 10/24 | 🕛️ 7

• @ Texas Stars
  📆 10/25 | 🕛️ 7

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].