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

Happy Easter weekend. There’s a lot going on this weekend so check out the Weekend Plans below. In the meantime, Catch Des Moines has your full Easter primer here. Egg hunts, brunch, and more.

Quick Hits

In today’s issue:

Let’s get into it.

— Nick Rivas

The city is planning improvements to the Fleur Drive bridge near Gray’s Lake, aiming to make it safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists. The redesign would better connect key areas and improve how people move through one of the city’s busiest corridors.

KCCI →

Lola’s Fine Foods continues to grow, expanding beyond its well-known hot sauces into salad dressings, seasonings, and a new milder product line under “Winthrop Farms.” Despite national distribution, the company is still showing up at the Downtown and Winter Farmers’ Markets each year.

DM Register →

Confluence Brewing is partnering with Jefferson County Ciderworks to expand distribution, helping bring more locally made beverages to new markets. It’s another step forward for one of Des Moines’ most recognizable craft brands.

Business Record →

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 to events across Central Iowa. They focus on keeping things simple: good music, smooth flow, and a packed dance floor.

Weddings, corporate events, or anything in between — they know how to read a room and keep it moving.

📆 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 2026 Drake Relays are set for late April, bringing one of Des Moines’ biggest annual events back to the city. In addition to the traditional track events at Drake Stadium, this year will again feature a high-profile pole vault competition at Jordan Creek Town Center, giving fans another way to experience the Relays outside the stadium.

👉 Story

The Des Moines Arts Festival is now accepting applications for its nonprofit community outreach program, which gives local organizations a chance to be part of one of the city’s largest summer events. Selected groups can share their mission and connect with thousands of attendees throughout the weekend.

👉 Details

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

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

☕ Church Basement Ladies
📆 Mar 26-Apr 12
📍 The Ingersoll
A lighthearted musical comedy full of Midwest charm, humor, and heartfelt moments.

🔫 White Rabbit Red Rabbit
📆 Apr 1-4
📍 xBk Live
A no-rehearsal play where a new actor performs each night, creating a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.

⚓ Peter Pan
📆 Apr 4
📍 Stephens Auditorium
A family-friendly ballet bringing the classic Neverland story to life with adventure, fantasy, and stunning choreography.

🎤 Greg Morton
📆 Friday-Saturday
📍 Funny Bone
A high-energy stand-up known for impressions, voices, and animated comedy that keeps crowds engaged start to finish

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

Thursday

Matt Woods | 6 | Confluence Brewing
Jesse & The Medicine Men | 6 | Poncho’s
Andrew Walesch & Max Wellman | 7 | Noce
Bob Pace | 7 | Board & Batten
Zane Gedler | 7 | Court Avenue Brewing
Carly Pearce | 7:30 | Hoyt Sherman Place
The Soul Searchers | 8 | The Greenwood Lounge
MFKS | 8 | Confidence Speakeasy
Jesse Bauman | 9 | Shotgun Betty’s

Friday

Joshua Sinclair | 5 | Bevy’s Tavern
Casey Peasley | 6 | Captain Roy’s
Johnny Laws, Vince Cline, & Tim Cooper | 6 | Front Row
Damon Dotson | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Sean Michael Sullivan | 6 | Iowa Distilling
Andrew Walesch | 7 | Noce
Astro Brat & more | 7 | Locals Bar & Stage
Jake Kloefkorn | 7 | Shotgun Betty’s
Drew Peer | 7 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
The Sheet | 7 | Reclaimed Rails
Broadway Sing-Along | 7:30 | Temple for Performing Arts
Tri-County Pony Express | 7:30 | Lake Robbins Ballroom
North of Grand & Brother Trucker | 8 | xBk Live
Grind | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Aiden Flathers | 8 | Brick & Ivy Rooftop
Beggars’ Bargain | 8 | Prairie Meadows
Whiskey Bizkit | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Final Mix | 8 | Doc’s Lounge
Heath Alan | 8:30 | The Greenwood Lounge
Leradee & The Positives | 9 | Yacht Club
Mike McAbee | 9 | 1833 Saloon

Saturday

Joshua Sinclair | 4 | Revelton Distilling
Malcolm Wells & The Two Timers | 6 | Captain Roy’s
The Soul Searchers | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Susan Werner | 7 | Temple Theater
Minor Cuts | 7 | Locals Bar & Stage
The Hors D’oeuvres | 7 | Shirley’s
IV Play | 7 | Talk Shop Lounge
Heads in Motion | 8 | xBk Live
The Remedy | 8 | Walker’s Place
MK2 | 8 | Down Under
Pony Express Victory Dance | 8 | Lake Robbins Ballroom
The Sheet | 8 | Prairie Meadows
Dick Danger Band | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Blanket Fort | 8:30 | Mickey’s Waukee
JKB Duo | 9 | Hawk Heaven Tavern
Jenny Kohls Band | 9 | The Greenwood Lounge

Sunday

Haywire 617 | 4 | Wooly’s
Scott Davis - John Mattingly Duo | 5 | Louie’s Wine Dive
Subhumans | 7 | xBk Live
Veronica Swift | 7 | Noce

If you’re looking for a game to catch this weekend:

Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.

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