Get Ready to Rock

Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅

August 01, 2024

Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 Kickstart your day with a burst of positivity and the best our community has to offer. 🌻

In todays issue of The Dawn:

  • 🎸Hinterland returns

  • Iowa State Fair 🤝 Farmers Market

  • 🏪 Casey’s expansion

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

HINTERLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL 🎸 

Set against the scenic backdrop of St. Charles, Iowa, the Hinterland Music Festival is a must-attend event for music lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Starting this Friday, this three-day festival seamlessly blends an eclectic lineup of musical acts with the natural beauty of the Iowa countryside.

Hinterland features a diverse range of artists, spanning genres from indie and folk to rock and country. Past headliners have included names like Willie Nelson, Kacey Musgraves, and Tyler Childers, ensuring an unforgettable musical experience for attendees. The festival's carefully curated lineup offers something for everyone, with both well-known performers and emerging talents taking the stage.

What's New for 2024: This year's Hinterland Music Festival promises to be the most exciting yet, with several new additions and enhancements:

  • Headliners: This year's headliners include Hozier, Vampire Weekend, and Noah Kahan. These acts are sure to deliver memorable performances that will resonate with fans long after the festival ends.

  • Expanded Camping Options: Due to popular demand, Hinterland has expanded its camping options, offering more space for festival-goers to set up their tents and RVs. New amenities include additional shower facilities and a designated quiet camping area for those seeking a more relaxed experience.

  • Local Flavor: The food and beverage offerings have been expanded to feature even more local vendors, providing a true taste of Iowa. From farm-fresh produce to craft beers and artisanal snacks, there's something to satisfy every palate.

  • Art and Activities: The festival will showcase new art installations and interactive activities, including workshops on sustainability and wellness, making it a holistic experience for attendees. Kids will enjoy the expanded family zone with activities tailored just for them.

  • Green Initiatives: Hinterland continues to prioritize sustainability with increased recycling stations, a no-plastic policy for vendors, and initiatives encouraging carpooling and the use of public transportation.

In addition to the stellar music, Hinterland is known for its relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. The festival grounds offer plenty of space for camping, allowing festival-goers to immerse themselves fully in the experience. Food trucks and local vendors provide a variety of culinary delights, from classic festival fare to gourmet treats, ensuring that no one goes hungry.

Art installations and activities for all ages enhance the festival experience, creating a vibrant and engaging environment. The combination of great music, good food, and a welcoming community spirit makes Hinterland a standout event in the Midwest's festival scene.

Whether you're there for the music, the camaraderie, or the stunning natural setting, Hinterland Music Festival 2024 promises a weekend of unforgettable moments and magical performances.

THE ROUNDUP 🧵📱

Casey’s Expanding South 🏪 

Casey's General Store has announced a major expansion by acquiring approximately 200 CEFCO convenience stores across Texas, Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. This strategic purchase, which comes in at $1.145 billion, significantly extends Casey’s presence beyond its traditional Midwest base, marking its first substantial move into these Southern markets.

The acquisition is part of Casey’s broader growth strategy and includes both convenience stores and gas stations. The company plans to integrate these new locations into its existing network, enhancing its reach and convenience for customers. This expansion reflects Casey’s commitment to broadening its footprint and offering its popular products and services to a wider audience.

Farmers Market at the State Fair? 🥕 

We Iowans love the Iowa State Fair. We also love our Farmer’s Markets. What if they were combined?! 🤯 

A small group of local vendors will set up outside of Grandfather’s Barn. You may recognize the barn as it hosts “The Wine Experience”, an exhibit that focuses on Iowa’s growing wine industry.

The market will provide an opportunity for local small businesses to get involved in the fair and promote their brands.

@DSMATDAWN 📷

Iowa State Capitol

Photo Cred: @el_riv23 

Tag @dsmatdawn to get your photos published! (Please send pics so I don’t have to keep using my own 😁 )

WHAT TO DO 🚨🏁

National Balloon Classic 🎈 

We had a big write up in last weeks edition, but the Classic continues through Aug 3rd in Indianola. The National Balloon Classic has been captivating its audience since 1989, and it attracts balloonists and spectators from all over the country.

Watch Competition flights start each morning at 6 with evening flights launching at 6:30PM. Find musical acts below in the MUSIC SCENE section.

Summer Sip N’ Thrift

Located at Captain Roy’s, Summer Sip N’ Thrift takes place Aug 4th from 10AM-4PM. Come out and enjoy music, thrifting, cold drinks, and great food.

Pre-fair Frenzy

Celebrate the beginning of the nation’s best fair at Sleepy Hollow. You’ll enjoy mouth-watering food, cold beverages and incredible tunes. Relax in the beautiful park while you chat with friends - old and new. The event takes place at Sleepy Hollow on Friday Aug, 2 from 5-10PM.

Kong Day 🐶 

Join our friends at Paws and Pints for a fun filled day featuring a photo booth, drink features, raffles & giveaways, and adoptable dogs from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. A portion of proceeds will benefit the ARL. Aug 3rd at 2PM.

School of Rock 🎭

Head on over to The Playhouse to catch this play about a wannabe rock star who becomes a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Based on the film with Jack Black. Aug 2nd and 3rd at 7:30PM.

WEATHER 🌞 🌡️ 

Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen (But maybe also keep your eye out for some crazy storms, because Iowa 😉 )

Thursday

High 86 | Low 69 | Partly Cloudy 🌤️

Friday

High 89 | Low 67 | Sunny ☀️

Saturday

High 91 | Low 69 | Sunny ☀️

Sunday

High 90 | Low 70 | Partly Cloudy 🌤️

MUSIC SCENE🎶🎤

Thursday

Not Quite Brothers | 6PM | Jasper Winery

Standing Hampton | 5PM | Music in the Junction

Damon Dotson Band | TruBank Stage at National Balloon Classic

Friday

Mike Moody and the Outlaws | 6PM | Captain Roy’s

Thrash of the Titans | 7PM | Wooly’s

Amber Duimstra | 7PM | Noce

Counting Crows | 7:30PM | Vibrant Music Hall

Sam Barber | 10:30PM | Val Air

Schmidt Brothers | TruBank Stage at National Balloon Classic

Saturday

Tina Haase Findlay | 7PM | Noce

Emo Night - Melissa Marie | 9PM | Wooly’s

Max Wellman | 9:30PM | Noce

The Red Clay Strays | 10:30PM | Val Air

Decoy | TruBank Stage at National Balloon Classic

SPORTS 🏈🏅

Iowa Cubs ⚾️ 

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

Thursday | 6:38 PM 🎂 Cubbie’s Birthday Party

Friday | 7:08 PM | 🎆 Friday Night Fireworks

Saturday | 6:08 PM | ⚾️ Pre-game Catch on the Field 🍹Margaritaville Night

Sunday | 1:08 PM | 🏃 Kids Run the Bases

Knoxville 360 Nationals 🏎️ 

Aug 1-3 | Knoxville Raceway

The Knoxville 360 Nationals is a thrilling annual event that showcases the best of sprint car racing, drawing fans and competitors from all over the country to Knoxville Raceway. This high-octane, three-day spectacle is a celebration of speed, skill, and community spirit, making it a must-see for racing enthusiasts.

THANK YOU!

Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.

I would love your feedback! You can respond directly to this email with any comments, recommendations, or ideas.

P.S. If you, or anyone you know, would like to sponsor a future edition of The Dawn, please contact me at [email protected] or respond directly to this email.