PRESENTED BY

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

If you're out at the Principal Charity Classic Pro-Am today, come say hi! 👋 I’ll be the one repping the DSM at Dawn polo.

In todays issue:

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

It’s that time of year again—when some of the best golfers in the world converge on Des Moines. From Ernie Els to Fred Couples to Miguel Ángel Jiménez, the Principal Charity Classic brings top-tier talent to the city. The three-day tournament takes place at the historic Wakonda Club on the south side of Des Moines, offering a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the spring weather and watch world-class golf.

While the sport takes center stage, the event also boasts significant economic and philanthropic impacts. The tournament generates an estimated $26 million in annual economic impact for the Des Moines area, boosting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops . Since Principal Financial Group became the title sponsor in 2007, the event has raised over $62 million for Iowa children’s charities.

Find everything for a fun time on the course here.

One of Des Moines’ favorite traditions is back for its 46th year this Saturday! The EMC Dam to DSM kicks off at Saylorville Dam and winds its way to a downtown finish, with fans lining the streets to cheer on thousands of runners. Whether you're racing, supporting friends and family, or just soaking in the energy of the city, it’s always a special day.

Fun fact: I ran the race back in 2013. We don’t need to talk about my time—let’s just say I peaked that day and may still be recovering.

➡️ All Race Day Info

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! 🎉
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After a nationwide search, Trina Flack has been named the next President & CEO of Catch Des Moines, effective August 1. Flack, the current Vice President of Sales, has been with the organization for 17 years and will succeed Greg Edwards, who is stepping down after 25 years at the helm. Catch Des Moines, the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau, plays a major role in promoting the metro as a destination for visitors, events, and conventions—and Flack’s promotion signals a smooth transition and continued momentum.

➡️ Read the full release

Des Moines made a splash at the World Beer Cup—specifically in the Munich-Style Dunkel category. Exile Brewing’s G.G. took home the gold, with Flix Brewhouse’s Horn of Hammerhand snagging silver. Apparently, when it comes to rich, malty German lagers, Des Moines is the place to be.

➡️ Full list of winners

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

🎉 Corgi Cup
It’s a pup-filled party at Smash Park! Come cheer on the short-legged speedsters in this fun, tail-wagging race.
📍 Smash Park (Map)
📆 Thursday | 🕕 6 PM
➡️ Details

🔥 Border Wars Demolition Derby
Three days of metal-crunching action at the Dallas County Fairgrounds. Expect thrills, spills, and plenty of horsepower.
📍 Dallas County Fair (Map)
📆 Thursday–Saturday
➡️ Details

⚾ Outdoors Day with the Iowa Cubs
Celebrate the great outdoors at the ballpark. Enjoy special activities before the first pitch.
📍 Principal Park (Map)
📆 Friday | 🕖 7 PM
➡️ Tickets

🛻 Touch a Truck
Kids can explore fire trucks, dump trucks, and more at this hands-on event perfect for little ones with big imaginations.
📍 Colby Park (Map)
📆 Friday | 🕔 5 PM
➡️ Museum Info

🎤 David Spade Live
The comedy icon brings his signature wit to Des Moines for one night only.
📍 Hoyt Sherman Place (Map)
📆 Friday | 🕗 8 PM
➡️ Tickets

🕺 District After Dark: Silent Disco
Grab some headphones and dance under the stars in Prairie Trail. A unique nightlife experience with multiple DJs.
📍 The District at Prairie Trail (Map)
📆 Friday | 🕙 10 PM–Midnight
➡️ Learn More

🃏 Empire Cards Grand Opening
Celebrate the newest addition to the local collectible scene with giveaways, deals, and more.
📍 Empire Cards Beaverdale (Map)
📆 Friday | 🕗 11 AM–7 PM

🎮 Des Moines Con
A weekend celebration of all things pop culture—cosplay, celebrities, comics, and more.
📍 Iowa Events Center (Map)
📆 Friday–Sunday
➡️ Tickets

🐟 CarpFest
Join the annual fishing derby at Gray’s Lake. Fun for all ages—just bring your rod and some patience.
📍 Gray’s Lake (Map)
📆 Saturday | 🕗 8 AM–12 PM
➡️ Izaak Walton League

🚗 Red Bull Soapbox Derby
Wild rides and wacky designs take over the Capitol for a race you won’t forget.
📍 State Capitol Grounds (Map)
📆 Saturday | 🕛 12 PM
➡️ Details

📚 Grown-Up Book Fair
Relive your scholastic dreams—without the homework. Browse books, enjoy snacks, and feel the nostalgia.
📍 Central Library (Map)
📆 Saturday | 🕛 12–4 PM
➡️ Info

🎤 Shane Gillis Live
The rising star of stand-up comedy hits the big stage for one night at Wells Fargo Arena.
📍 Wells Fargo Arena (Map)
📆 Saturday | 🕗 8 PM
➡️ Tickets

🖼 15th Annual Garden Art Show
Stroll the garden and shop art from local makers in this backyard-style show.
📍 4320 Franklin Ave (Map)
📆 Sunday | 🕛 12–5 PM
➡️ Info

Thursday

High 71 🌡 Low 53 | 🌤️ | 💧 15%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Friday

High 82 🌡 Low 58 | 🌤️ | 💧 4%
Weather Beacon: 🔴 Warmer weather ahead

Saturday

High 87 🌡 Low 60 | ☀ | 💧 3%
Weather Beacon: 🔴 Warmer weather ahead

Sunday

High 89 🌡 Low 64 | 🌤️ | 💧 5%
Weather Beacon: 🔴 Warmer weather ahead

Thursday

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels | 6 | Summer Concert Series - Jasper Winery
Alborn & Left on Red | 6 | Lefty’s Live Music
Jazz on the House | 7 | Noce
Ryan Doughty | 8 | HiFi Brew Lounge
phoneboy | 8 | xBk Live

Friday

Luke Fox | 4:30 | Middlebrook Agrihood
Taylor King | 5 | Iowa Distilling Co
Pork Tornadoes | 6 | The District - Prairie Trail
Britches & Hose | 6 | Firetrucker Brewery
Dick Danger | 7 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Chip Albright | 7 | xBk Annex
Lady Revel | 8 | xBk Live
MORE Group Therapy Tour! | 7 | Lefty’s Live Music
Nap Sings Nat | 7 | Noce
Not Quite Brothers | 8 | Wooly’s
The Unfortunate Sons | 8:30 | Back Roads Lounge
Bob Pace & The Power Debut | 9 | Doc’s Lounge

Saturday

Funky Memphis | 1 | Uptown Ankeny - Firetrucker Brewery
Dukes of Haggard | 4 | Revelton Distillery
Crisis Child & more | 4 | Lefty’s Live Music
Bad Friends | 6 | Captain Roy’s
The Fab 4 | 7 | Noce
One Night in Memphis | 7:30 | Val Air Ballroom
Georgette Jones | 8 | Hoyt Sherman Place
BYOBrass | 8 | xBk Live
Ramona and the Sometimes | 8:30 | HiFi Brew Lounge
Chris Falcon | 9:30 | xBk Annex
Emo Nite | 9:45 | Wooly’s

Sunday

Weary Ramblers | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile

Baseball ⚾

Iowa Cubs
27-23 | 5th Place | IL West Division

Soccer ⚽

Des Moines Menace
2-1 | 6 PTS | 3rd place | Great Plains Division

Football 🏈

Iowa Barnstormers
1-7 | 7th place | Eastern Division

Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.

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Want to sponsor a future edition of The Dawn? Let’s chat! [email protected].