PRESENTED BY

Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn. Polk County Paula didn’t see her shadow, so I’m breaking out the shorts all weekend.

Make sure to cast your vote in our Super Bowl poll over in the sports section!

In todays issue:

• 🐖 Iowa Ag Expo

• 🚧 Gray’s Landing Progress

• 🆕 New in Town

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

Iowa Ag Expo

A Massive Showcase of Ag Innovation

If you’ve ever wanted a front-row seat to the future of farming, this is it.

The Iowa Ag Expo is back this week at the Iowa Events Center, bringing together over 700 exhibitors and 25,000+ attendees to showcase the latest in agricultural technology and equipment. As the 3rd largest indoor ag expo in the U.S., it's a must-attend event for farmers, ag professionals, and anyone interested in the industry that keeps Iowa running.

Expect cutting-edge machinery, live demos, and industry networking, all focused on the future of farming. Whether you're deep in the ag world or just curious, it’s an impressive display of the technology that powers Iowa.

📍 Iowa Events Center | Feb. 4-6
➡️ More info

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 ROUNDUP 🧵📱

Gray’s Station Construction Plans

Hubbell Realty Co. has announced it is set to break ground on Telus condominiums at Gray’s Station, a 75-acre community that began development in 2019, this summer. Telus will feature condos ranging from 760-1,450 square feet with 8 different floor plans.

👉️ Check out the story here and renderings here.

Fong’s Relocations

Fong’s Pizza is on the move! The beloved downtown staple is relocating to the East Village, taking over the old Peace Tree building. This move isn’t just about a new location—it’s also bringing an expanded menu, giving fans even more to love.

➡️ Full Story

Now Open in DSM 

 📧 Know of a new business opening? Let me know!

• Cooper’s Central Table | Norwalk

• Istanbul Grill Cafe & Bakery | Urbandale

• The Midwest Sip | Food Truck

• Painted Tree Boutiques | Clive

• Mins Studios Kpop & Gifts | WDM

Around Town 🏙️📈

Nonprofit Spotlight: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa

What It Is

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa (BBBSIA) is a nonprofit organization that creates and supports one-on-one mentoring relationships to help local youth reach their full potential. With over 50 years of service in Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties, BBBSIA has positively impacted more than 20,000 young lives through mentorship. Their programs help children develop confidence, build strong relationships, and improve academic and career prospects.

How to Get Involved

• Become a Big – Volunteer as a mentor ("Big") and get matched with a "Little", spending time together in the community.

• Donate – Financial contributions help support the mentoring programs, training, and outreach efforts.

• Attend Events – BBBSIA hosts fundraisers and community events throughout the year to support mentoring relationships.

• Workplace Mentoring – Businesses can partner with BBBSIA to provide career exploration opportunities for middle school students.

To learn more or sign up to volunteer, visit www.bbbsia.org.

Why it Matters to DSM

BBBSIA plays a critical role in Des Moines by supporting local youth and families. In November 2024, they opened a new 10,500-square-foot mentoring center at 2130 Grand Avenue, featuring spaces for mentoring activities, games, and group programs. However, the demand is growing—over 200 kids are currently waiting for a mentor. With that in mind, there’s never been a better time to get involved.

WEEKEND PLANS 🚨🏁

Cupcake & Wine Pairing
Enjoy a curated tasting of delicious cupcakes paired with Jasper Winery’s best wines. Stop by anytime during the day!
📍 Jasper Winery | Map
📆 Friday | 🕛 10 AM - 6 PM
➡️ More Info

Folsom Prison Experience
Step inside the world of Johnny Cash’s legendary 1968 concert at Folsom Prison. This immersive tribute show is part concert, part theater, and all energy.
📍 Hoyt Sherman Place | Map
📆 Friday | 🕛 7:30 PM
➡️ Tickets

Galentine’s Party at Rollins Mansion
Celebrate friendship in style with themed cocktails, treats, and an elegant evening at the historic Rollins Mansion.
📍 Rollins Mansion | Map
📆 Friday | 🕛 6 PM
➡️ More Info

Cupid’s Chase 5K
Run (or walk) for a great cause at this national 5K supporting people with disabilities. Register solo or with friends—red shirts mean "taken," white means "single!"
📍 Principal Park | Map
📆 Saturday | 🕛 9 AM
➡️ Register Here

Galentine’s Day at Chocolate Storybook
A sweet celebration for best friends! Stop by for chocolate tastings, specials, and gifts to treat yourself (or your BFF).
📍 Chocolate Storybook | Map
📆 Saturday | 🕛 10 AM - 5 PM
➡️ More Info

Valentine’s Boutique Bar
Shop from a curated selection of local boutiques while sipping botanical-inspired drinks at the beautiful Des Moines Botanical Garden.
📍 Des Moines Botanical Garden | Map
📆 Saturday | 🕛 11 AM - 3 PM
➡️ More Info

The Fur Ride
A bar crawl on bikes with a fun, furry theme! Dress warm, ride through downtown DSM, and enjoy stops at local bars and Ricochet.
📍 Ricochet | Map
📆 Saturday | 🕛 11 AM - 4 PM
➡️ More Info

Sneaker Ball 2025
A formal event with a twist—dress to impress but wear your favorite sneakers! Live music, dancing, and community celebration.
📍 DMI Dance Force | Map
📆 Saturday | 🕛 6 PM
➡️ Tickets

Chinese New Year Celebration
Ring in the Year of the Dragon with cultural performances, crafts, and traditional celebrations at this family-friendly event.
📍 Jester Park Nature Center | Map
📆 Sunday | 🕛 11 AM - 3 PM
➡️ More Info

Puppy Bowl Party at Paws & Pints
Watch the real MVPs (Most Valuable Pups) battle it out in the Puppy Bowl! Enjoy food, drinks, and a great atmosphere with fellow dog lovers.
📍 Paws & Pints | Map
📆 Sunday | 🕛 12 PM - 4 PM
➡️ More Info

WEATHER 🌞🌡️

Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen.

Thursday

High 38 🌡️ Low 18 | 🌤️ | 💧 5%

Friday

High 35 🌡️ Low 25 | 🌥️ | 💧 0%

Saturday

High 33 🌡️ Low 13 | ☁️ | 💧 15%

Sunday

High 30 🌡️ Low 13 | ☁️ | 💧 2%

MUSIC SCENE 🎶🎤

Thursday

VCTMS x 156/Silence | 6 | Lefty’s Live Music
Kolby Cooper | 7 | Wooly’s
Sam Pattison | 7 | HiFi Brew Lounge
Zach Top | 8 | Val Air Ballroom

Friday

James Biehn Southbound Acoustic Trio | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
The Soul Searchers | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Jake Schrodt | 7 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
Josh Sinclair | 7 | Firetrucker Brewery
Wallows | 7:30 | Vibrant Music Hall
Stark Raving Madge | 8 | Wooly’s
Damon Dotson | 8:30 | Doc’s Lounge
Recoil | 9 | Back Roads Lounge

Saturday

Patresa Hartman & Steph Graham | 5 | Middlebrook Mercantile
The Matt Woods Band | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Chen Conducts Rachmaninoff | 7:30 | Civic Center
Switchback | 7:30 | Franklin Jr High Event Center
Chris Ranallo | 8 | The Regal Beagle
Orphan Annie & The Hot Mess | 8:30 | Back Roads Lounge
She’s Crafty | 9 | Wooly’s
Jordan Messerole | 9 | Jack’s Place

Sunday

Jodi Bodley & Dewey Cantrell | 1 & 3 | Botanical Garden
Chen Conducts Rachmaninoff | 2:30 | Civic Center
Los Inquietos Del Norte | 9 | Val Air Ballroom

SPORTS 🏀🏒🏅

Super Bowl Poll 🏈 

College Basketball 🏀 

College basketball season is in full swing. March Madness will be here before we know it. Here’s a quick snapshot on each local program along with their next game.

• Drake Men 🐶 VS Indiana State | 📆 2/8 | 🕛️ 5 | Record: 21-2 (11-2)

• Drake Women 🐶 VS Illinois State | 📆 2/7 | 🕛️ 6 | Record: 13-8 (7-3)

• Iowa Men 🦅 VS Wisconsin | 📆 2/8 | 🕛️ 12 | Record: 13-9 (4-7)

• Iowa Women 🦅 @ Minnesota | 📆 2/6 | 🕛️ 7 | Record: 15-7 (5-6)

• #8 Iowa State Men 🌪️ VS TCU | 📆 2/8 | 🕛️ 11AM | Record: 17-5 (7-4)

• Iowa State Women 🌪️ VS Colorado | 📆 2/8 | 🕛️ 4 | Record: 16-9 (7-5)

• UNI Men 🐆 VS Illinois State | 📆 2/8 | 🕛️ 5 | Record: 15-9 (9-4)

• UNI Women 🐆 VS Bradley | 📆 2/7 | 🕛️ 6 | Record: 10-11 (5-5)

Hockey 🏒 

Bucs | 17-21-2 (7th place - Western Conference)

• VS Youngstown Phantoms | 📆 2/7 | 🕛️ 7

• VS Sioux City Musketeers | 📆 2/8 | 🕛️ 6

Iowa Wild | 14-26-2-1 (6th place - Central Division)

• @ Manitoba Moose | 📆 2/8 | 🕛️ 2

• @ Manitoba Moose | 📆 2/9 | 🕛️ 1

G League 🏀 

Iowa Wolves | 2-14 (15th place - Western Conference)

• VS Stockton Kings | 📆 2/7 | 🕛️ 6:30 ♿️ Disability Empowerment Night

• VS Stockton Kings | 📆 2/8 | 🕛️ 6:30 🍗 State Fair Day

• VS Greensboro Swarm | 📆 2/11 | 🕛️ 10:30AM 📖 Education Day

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].