PRESENTED BY

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

Cy-Hawk week is here, and this city splits right down the middle. For those in a divided house — Godspeed. With kickoff set for Saturday and an ideal fall day on tap, it’s looking like the perfect setup for one of Iowa’s best traditions.

In todays issue:

• 🏆 Cy-Hawk Showdown

• 🚌 DART proposes cutting routes

• 🥂 Americana wraps up 14 years downtown

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

🏆️ Cy-Hawk Showdown

It’s the game that splits households and fills living rooms across Iowa — the annual Cy-Hawk matchup. On Saturday at 11 a.m., the Hawkeyes and Cyclones clash at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, with FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff crew broadcasting live on site.

This rivalry is about more than football. It’s a week of smack talk at the office, tailgates that rival holidays, and families quietly (or not so quietly) picking sides. The home team hasn’t won since 2018 and both teams are looking to set the tone for the rest of the season.

Oddsmakers have Iowa State as a slight favorite — but if history has taught us anything, none of that matters. Whether you’re in Ames, at a watch party in Des Moines, or cheering from your couch, this game is about pride, bragging rights, and celebrating the biggest day on Iowa’s sports calendar.

Stop by Cowles Commons for the 2025 Touchdown Tailgate. The party starts at 9.

🗳️ Poll Time

PRESENTED BY: Springer Brothers Real Estate Team

Looking to make a move? The Springer Brothers Real Estate Team is comprised of third generation real estate professionals, born and raised right here in Central Iowa. We’re deeply rooted in this community. When it comes to finding that place to grow your roots here, the Springer Brothers are experienced at guiding you home.

If you’re in the market to buy, the Springer Brothers work hard to find that house that just feels like home. Whether it’s the first home we see or the 30^th , we encourage our homebuyers to always trust their gut. There’s no greater feeling in what we do than that feeling of finding “the one”.

If you’re the market to sell, our team will work with you to put together a plan that maximizes your homes value. We tailor every situation, using our suite of services, so that homeowners can feel confident when they list their home that they’ll get maximum exposure for their greatest, most-tangible asset.

No matter your situation, we’re ready to get to work FOR YOU so that you can achieve your real estate goals.

Call us at (515) 371-9396, email us at [email protected], or visit our website to learn more about us.

THE 515 REPORT 📱📰 

🥂 Americana Bids Farewell

After 14 years, Americana on Locust Street will serve its final brunch this Sunday before closing for good. Owner Scott Carlson cited rising costs, shifting downtown work patterns, and an expiring lease as factors in the decision.

The 6,300-square-foot space, once a Chrysler dealership, will be converted into office space by developer Richard Hurd, with potential tenants eyed for early 2026. Carlson says he’s focused on helping his 30 employees land on their feet, even giving out bonuses to ease the transition.

Americana opened in 2011 as one of the first new businesses in the Western Gateway, becoming a go-to spot for brunch and celebrations near the Sculpture Park.

Read More →

🎤 Nate Bargatze Coming Back to Des Moines

One of the world’s most popular comedians is headed to DSM. Nate Bargatze will bring his Big Dumb Eyes world tour to the Casey’s Center on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Bargatze, known for his Netflix specials and a pair of Saturday Night Live hosting gigs, continues to sell out arenas nationwide. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m.

Tickets →

🚌 DART Reimagines Its Network

DART wants to cut its 27 fixed bus routes down to 10 in the system’s first major overhaul in a decade. The redesign would shift service to eight core routes running every 30 minutes and two hourly routes, connecting downtown with hubs like Merle Hay Mall, Ankeny, Altoona, West Des Moines, Urbandale, and Clive.

The plan also adds “microtransit zones” in Ankeny, Altoona, Clive, and Urbandale for on-demand rides, while trimming service hours to reduce costs. Supporters say the change will make buses faster, more reliable, and get people to 20% more jobs within 45 minutes.

Public input is open through September, with a rollout eyed for summer 2026.

Full Story →

📵 School Cell Phone Ban Off to a Positive Start

Iowa’s new law banning cell phones during class is already showing results in West Des Moines. The district rolled out the policy last week, with students putting devices in caddies during instructional time.

Administrators say teachers, students, and parents have largely responded well, with fewer disruptions and stronger focus. The law applies statewide, with each district shaping its own rules for when devices can be used outside of class.

More Here →

WEEKEND PLANS 🚨🏁

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

🍂 Fall Kickoff (more)
📆 Friday | ⏰ 10am–6pm
📍Canoyer Garden Center
Celebrate the season change with fall plants, décor, workshops, and refreshments at Canoyer’s annual autumn open house.

🍏 Caramel Apple Tasting (more)
📆 Friday | ⏰ 4–8pm
📍Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Sample fun caramel apple flavors for just $8 — and the cost goes toward your apple purchase that evening.

🌪️ Reed Timmer (more)
📆 Friday | ⏰ 6:30pm
📍Val Air Ballroom
Join storm chaser and meteorologist Dr. Reed Timmer for wild stories, science, and the legendary Dominator vehicles.

🎬 Movie in the Park: Wicked (more)
📆 Friday | ⏰ 7:15pm
📍Colby Park
Catch Wicked under the stars — the story of Elphaba and Glinda before Oz turned upside down.

🍖 Everybody’s Favorite BBQ & Hot Sauce Festival (more)
📆 Friday–Sunday
📍Riverview Park
Three days of BBQ, hot sauce, and music — from disco and EDM to rock and country.

🦋 Monarch Day (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 10am–2pm
📍Blank Park Zoo
Celebrate the monarch migration with pollinator activities, storytime, and a pollinator dance party. Costumes encouraged!

🛍️ Boss Babe Pop Up (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 11am–4:30pm
📍Jasper Winery
Shop local vendors, enjoy yoga and live music, and don’t miss the dog costume contest — all to support Oh My Dog Rescue.

🚒 Touch-a-Truck (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 2–4pm
📍Central Library
Kids can climb on fire trucks, garbage trucks, and more while learning fire safety and playing games.

🎶 Friends of SW 9th Festival (more)
📆 Sunday | ⏰ 12–4pm
📍SW 9th Street (Watrous–Park)
Free, family fun with live music, magic, games, bounce houses, and plenty of food vendors.

🛍️ Valley Junction Vintage, Thrifted, & Handmade Fair (more)
📆 Sunday | ⏰ 10am–5pm
📍Historic Valley Junction
Browse 50+ vendors with vintage finds, handmade goods, and food trucks in the heart of Valley Junction.

WEATHER 🌞🌡️

Thursday

High 74 🌡️ Low 52 | 🌤️ | 💧 8%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Friday

High 69 🌡️ Low 44 | 🌤️ | 💧 3%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Saturday

High 73 🌡️ Low 43 | 🌤️ | 💧 6%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Sunday

High 73 🌡️ Low 48 | ☀️ | 💧 7%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

THE SETLIST 🎶🎤

Thursday

Juan & Only | 6 | DSM Biergarten
Joshua Sinclair | 6 | Trailside Tap
Chase Rice | 7:30 | Val Air Ballroom
The Soul Searchers | 8 | Greenwood Lounge
Andrew Ryan | 8 | HiFi Brew Lounge

Friday

Gurnfest 9 | 4 | Lefty’s Live Music
The Matt Terronez Band | 4:30 | Middlebrook Agrihood
Mike Tiedeman | 5 | Caffrey’s
Johnny Laws & Vince Cline | 5 | G Mig’s
Rural Route | 6 | DSM Biergarten
Dan Trilk | 6 | Iowa Distilling Co
The Drama Kings | 6 | Confluence Brewing
Malcolm Wells & The Two Timers | 6 | Captain Roy’s
Gimikk | 6:30 | Smash Park
The Power of Love | 7 | Temple Theater
TFBUNDY & More | 7 | Locals Bar & Stage
Zachary Freedom | 7 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Jake & TK | 7 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
Bonne Finken | 8 | xBk Live
DiZclaimer | 8 | Doc’s Lounge
Shock Collar | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Project TDS | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Blues Bureau | 9 | Greenwood Lounge

Saturday

The Backstage Boogie Band | 2 | Confluence Brewing
Gurnfest 9 | 4 | Lefty’s Live Music
Rob Lumbard | 4 | Firetrucker Brewing
Fred Kelly | 5 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Derrick Davis | 6 | Fenders Brewing
Kinda Petty Band | 6 | Captain Roy’s
Liv McNair | 7 | Brightside Aleworks
Dustin Farrow | 7 | Mickey’s Waukee
Rick Burke | 7 | Greenwood Lounge
Mr. Softheart | 8 | xBk Live
Sundogs at Midnight & More | 8 | Locals Bar & Stage
Sons of Gladys Kravitz | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Dick Danger Band | 8 | Good Times
Man’s Best Party | 9 | Wooly’s

Sunday

Porchfest DSM | 11:30 | Union Park Area Porches
The High Bidders | 12 | DSM Biergarten
Decoy Trio | 2 | Truman’s Pizza
Weary Ramblers | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Joshua Sinclair | 2 | Winterset Cidery
Matt Woods Band | 2 | Covered Bridges Winery
Stringfield | Wilson’s Orchard & Farm
Joe Demerath | 5 | Exile Brewins
The Get Down | 6 | Jamie Hurd Amphitheater
The Messthetics | 7 | xBk Live
Ani DeFranco | 7:30 | Val Air Ballroom

SPORTS 🏈🏅

Football 🏈

Drake takes the week off while all eyes are on Ames, IA.

• Iowa 🦅 @ 16 Iowa State 🌪️
  📆 9/6 | 🕛️ 11

• UNI 🐆 @ Wyoming
  📆 9/6 | 🕛️ 3

• Drake 🐶 Idle

Baseball ⚾️ 

Iowa Cubs
67-66 | 5th Place | IL West Division

• VS Omaha Storm Chasers
  📆 9/4 | 🕛️ 12:08 🍺 Mug Club
  📆 9/5 | 🕛️ 7:08 🏒 Hockey Night
  📆 9/6 | 🕛️ 6:08 🥛 Malmo Oat Milkers
  📆 9/7 | 🕛️ 1:08 ⚡️ Harry Potter Day

• Next Week | @ Indianapolis Indians

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].