Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn. How’s everyone liking this fair weather?! Setting Records!

In todays issue:

• 🎭Willis Broadway Series

• Metro Parks News 🏞️ 

• 📽️ From the State Fair to Netflix 🐄 

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

WILLIS BROADWAY SERIES 🎭🎦

The Willis Broadway Series, presented by Des Moines Performing Arts, kicks off next week. The series brings a selection of top Broadway shows to the city each season. This series showcases a variety of performances, ranging from classic musicals to contemporary hits. Past seasons have included beloved shows such as "Hamilton," "The Lion King," and "Wicked," among others. The series aims to provide audiences with the opportunity to experience high-quality theater productions locally, contributing to the cultural enrichment of the Des Moines community.

One of the highlights of the upcoming season is Moulin Rouge! The Musical. This Tony Award-winning show, which kicks off the season next Tuesday, is an extravagant and visually stunning production that brings the iconic Parisian nightclub to life on stage. It features a vibrant mix of music, dance, and romance, set to a soundtrack that blends classic and contemporary pop hits. Moulin Rouge! The Musical celebrates truth, beauty, freedom, and love, offering audiences an unforgettable theatrical experience.

The remainder of this season features shows such as “Back to the Future,” “Shucked,” “Life of Pi,” along with many more.

Purchase tickets here.

THE ROUNDUP 🧵📱

Birdland Park Renovation 🏊️ 

Birdland Park in Des Moines has received over $5 million in federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program. This grant will support the first phase of a significant renovation project aimed at revitalizing the 55-acre park. Planned improvements include new playgrounds, a skate park, open-air shelters, and enhanced restroom facilities, all designed to make the park more accessible and enjoyable for the community. Local leaders, including Mayor Connie Boesen, view this project as a transformative investment in the city's park system, promoting outdoor recreation and community engagement.

The project is part of a broader vision for Birdland Park, which has long been an important recreational space in Des Moines. The funding is expected to catalyze further developments, including additional phases that will expand amenities and improve connectivity within the park. This grant is seen as a critical step in making Birdland Park a more vibrant and welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.

New Trail Art around Metro 🚶 🌲 

The Des Moines Trail Art Corridor contest winners have been announced. This initiative, part of the Des Moines Public Art Foundation, selected artists to create new installations along the city's trails. The chosen artworks aim to enhance the trail experience by integrating art into outdoor spaces, making them more engaging and visually appealing. The selected pieces will be installed along popular trails, adding cultural value to the city's public spaces.

For more details, you can view the full article here.

High Trestle Trail Experience Park 🚵 

Ankeny plans to add a glow-in-the-dark trail to the new High Trestle Trail Park, making it a unique attraction in the area. The trail will feature photoluminescent material embedded in the pavement, which absorbs sunlight during the day and emits a soft glow at night, enhancing visibility and safety. The park will also include amenities like a playground, shelter, and restrooms. This project aims to boost tourism and provide a distinct recreational experience for residents and visitors.

The project was approved last week and is expected to be finished by 2028.

Blue Ribbon Baking Championship 🍰 

Eileen Gannon has won over 600 blue ribbons at the Iowa State Fair, including best overall cake 11 times. Now she can be found on Netflix. Blue Ribbon Baking Championship came out last week and is offering $100,000 for the winner. All 8 episodes are out now. Go cheer her on!!

@DSMATDAWN 📷

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Coming Soon | DSM at Dawn Referral Program

Start thinking of people who would love The Dawn. Keep an eye out next week for the new referral program. THERE WILL BE PRIZES! 🏆️ 

WHAT TO DO 🚨🏁

Party in the Park 

Come down to Walker-Johnston Park in Urbandale this Friday from 5-9 for this all ages event. There will be a beer garden, food trucks, bounce houses, laser tag, and live music from the Burnin’ Sensations.

Frozen Jr

The Penguin Project is a national non-profit organization creating opportunities for young artists with special needs. This weekend, the Des Moines Playhouse will host them for a rendition of Frozen. Get tickets here.

Black Cat Ice Cream Cat Meet and Greet

Cats 🤝 Ice Cream. Stop by local favorite, Black Cat Ice Cream, this Saturday from 4-6 to meet some adorable cats and enjoy some of the cities best ice cream.

Movies in the Park

This recurring event put on by Des Moines Parks and Rec makes its way to Brian Melton Field this Friday to show Trolls Band Together. 🧌 The presentation starts at 6:30. It is free to attend and blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks are encouraged.

RipRoar Youth Triathlon

The RipRoar Youth Triathlon Series comes to Johnston this Saturday. Taking place at Terra Park, kids from 6-15 will compete in three different age groups. The event is free for 1st time participants or costs $50-55 depending on age. Every participant will receive a medal, with the top 5 boys and girls from each age group highlighted at the awards ceremony following the event.

Iowa State Fair

The Iowa State Fair officially kicked off this morning, following the Iowa State Fair Parade last night. Tickets cost $16 for adults and $10 for kids over 5, and are discounted after 5PM on weekdays.

WEATHER   🌞 🌡️

Weather Beacon: 🔴 Warmer weather is ahead.

Thursday

High 84 | Low 67 | Partly Cloudy ⛅️ 

Friday

High 84 | Low 63 | Mostly Sunny 🌤️ 

Saturday

High 83 | Low 64 | Sunny ☀️

Sunday

High 85 | Low 63 | Partly Cloudy ☀️ 

MUSIC SCENE 🎶🎤

Thursday

03 Greedo | 7:30 | Wooly’s

‘68 | 8 | xBk Live

Friday

The Linda Lindas | 7 | Wooly’s

Napoleon & The Dirty Lowdown | 7 | Noce

Goodbye June | 8 | xBk Live

Saturday

Black Dirt Ramblers | 6 | Captain Roy’s

Ice Nine Kills | 6:15 | Vibrant Music Hall

Fresh Fighters | 7 | Wooly’s

Me Like Bees | 8 | xBk Live

The BASSberry Jam | 8 | Lefty’s Live Music

Monday

Five Finger Death Punch | 6:30PM | Wells Fargo Arena

State Fair

Check out all Grandstand Entertainment as well as all the free shows.

SPORTS 🏈🏅

Iowa Cubs ⚾️ 

Your Iowa Cubs are home all weekend at Principal Park, squaring off against the Columbus Clippers. Game times for the weekend:

Thursday (Double Header) | 4:38 PM | 🟦 Throwback Thursdays

Friday | 7:08 PM | 🎆 Friday Night Fireworks

Saturday (Double Header) | 4:38 PM | ⚾️ Pre-game Catch on the Field

Sunday | 1:08 PM | 🏃 Kids Run the Bases 👿 COPA Demonios Day

THANK YOU! 🙌 

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