PRESENTED BY

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

We made it back from sunny Florida just in time for some real fall weather. It was a great trip celebrating my in-laws and spending plenty of time with family. I hope you’re enjoying this newsletter as much as I enjoy putting it together each week — and if you’re new here, welcome aboard.

In todays issue:

• 🏃 IMT Des Moines Marathon Returns

• 🎂 The Beacon’s Cake Gala

• ☕️ Dutch Bros eyes DSM

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

🏃 Marathon Day in DSM

The IMT Des Moines Marathon is back this Sunday, continuing a tradition that’s brought runners and spectators together since 2002. With a full marathon, half marathon, relay, 5K, and kids run, it’s one of Iowa’s premier races — known for its fast, scenic course and community spirit.

Thousands will take to the streets to celebrate health, wellness, and giving back, with proceeds supporting Children’s Cancer Connection. Whether you’re running, cheering, or just passing through downtown — it’s a great day to be part of something that shows what makes Des Moines move.

PRESENTED BY: Kitchen Refresh by KnoPros

Kitchen Refresh by KnoPros offers a swift and cost-effective kitchen transformation without the hassle of demolition. Serving the Des Moines area, they specialize in updating existing cabinets, achieving a fresh look in just 3 to 5 days. Their process is designed to be less intrusive and more affordable than traditional remodels, making it an attractive option for homeowners seeking a kitchen update.

Visit Kitchenrefreshiowa.com today!

THE 515 REPORT 📱📰 

🏫 DMPS Forms Oversight Committee

Des Moines Public Schools has formed a new Reimagining Education Bond Oversight Committee to provide accountability for its proposed $265 million bond. The seven-member group will monitor spending and progress on school projects. The move aims to boost transparency and rebuild trust ahead of November’s vote.

Story →

🏙️ Operation Downtown Wants Your Input

Operation Downtown works year-round to keep Des Moines clean, safe, and welcoming — and now they want your feedback. Take their short community survey to share your thoughts on how downtown can keep improving. Bonus: you’ll be entered to win a Visa gift card for participating.

Take the Survey →

☕️ Dutch Bros Eyes Des Moines?

Big news for coffee lovers — Dutch Bros has filed paperwork to open its first Iowa location right here in Des Moines. Known for its upbeat “broistas” and cult following, the Oregon-based chain is targeting the former Fazoli’s on SE 14th. Stay tuned — this one’s brewing.

Story → 

HEART OF DSM ❤️ 

💜 The Beacon

Every $26 offers one woman a full day to breathe, to heal, and to begin again.

That’s the mission behind The Beacon, a Des Moines nonprofit creating a safe, supportive environment for women in crisis. Through housing, recovery, and long-term stability programs, The Beacon helps women rebuild their lives — and the results speak volumes. 85% of Beacon graduates avoid relapse or incarceration, and every graduate leaves with health insurance, stable income, and a safe place to call home.

You can be part of their story in three ways:

🎂 Attend the Cake Gala – Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 at Prairie Meadows. A night of celebration, connection, and community. Get tickets →

💜 Join the 26 for Her campaign – Just $26 a month provides a woman with housing, safety, and a chance to start fresh. Sponsor a day →

🎁 Donate anytime Make a Gift →

Together, we can help more women in Des Moines take that first deep breath toward a new beginning.

WEEKEND PLANS 🚨🏁

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

🎃 Night Eyes (more)
📆 Thursday–Sunday | ⏰ Times vary
📍Blank Park Zoo
Visit the zoo after hours for a merry-not-scary Halloween tradition! Enjoy glowing light displays, trick-or-treating, and plenty of family fun.

😂 Eddie Griffin (more)
📆 Friday | ⏰ 7:30 PM
📍Hoyt Sherman Place
Comedy legend Eddie Griffin brings his sharp wit and wild storytelling to the Hoyt Sherman stage for one night only.

🎡 Wheel of Fortune Live (more)
📆 Friday | ⏰ 7:30 PM
📍Vibrant Music Hall
America’s Game® hits DSM! Spin, solve, and maybe even win up to $10,000 in this live interactive show.

🐾 Glow in the Dark Foam Party (more)
📆 Friday | ⏰ 6–9 PM
📍Paws & Pints
Light up the night with glowing foam, DJ beats, and drink specials — a Halloween party for people and pups!

🥙 Taste of Norway (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 9 AM–3 PM
📍Valley High School
Celebrate Scandinavian culture with traditional baked goods, lefse demos, handmade crafts, and a cozy café serving breakfast and lunch. Pro tip: get there early — the sweets go fast!

🪴 Spooky Terrarium Workshop (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 10 AM
📍Ted Lare Garden Center
Build your own mini haunted garden! Create a spooky-cute terrarium with plants, moss, and Halloween trinkets.

🎃 Bondu Spooktacular (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 2–4 PM
📍Bondurant City Park
Bondurant’s annual Halloween bash is back with inflatables, games, trunk-or-treating, and a movie at The Depot after dark.

🌾 Fall on the Farm (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 10 AM–4 PM
📍McBee & Company Homestead
A full day of fall fun — shop local vendors, enjoy food trucks, live music, and meet the sweetest Highland calves around.

🍻 Confluence 13th Anniversary Party (more)
📆 Sunday | ⏰ 11 AM–9 PM
📍Confluence Brewing Company
Cheers to 13 years of great beer! Celebrate with live music all day and five special anniversary releases.

📚 Fall Boozy Book Fest (more)
📆 Sunday | ⏰ 11 AM–4 PM
📍Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers
Grab a drink and browse books — this Dogtown crawl features local authors, vendors, and prizes for completed passports.

🧺 Highland Happening Vintage Market (more)
📆 Sunday | ⏰ 10 AM–5 PM
📍Divine Times Vintage
Celebrate three years of Divine Times with outdoor and indoor vintage vendors, food trucks, and all-day neighborhood fun.

🪩 Vintage at Val Air (more)
📆 Sunday | ⏰ 12–6 PM
📍Val Air Ballroom
A massive vintage market with 60+ vendors, local artists, vinyl pop-ups, DJs, and drinks — all at the historic Val Air.

WEATHER 🌞🌡️

Thursday

High 82 🌡️ Low 62 | 🌤️ | 💧 21%
Weather Beacon: 🔴 Warmer weather ahead

Friday

High 78 🌡️ Low 56 | ☁️ | 💧 24%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Saturday

High 71 🌡️ Low 45 | 🌦️ | 💧 36%
Weather Beacon: ⚪️ Colder weather in sight

Sunday

High 61 🌡️ Low 43 | ☀️ | 💧 4%
Weather Beacon: ⚪️ Colder weather in sight

THE SETLIST 🎶🎤

Thursday

Jessie & The Medicine Men | 6 | Poncho’s Friendly Confines
Jonas Magram | 6 | Confluence Brewing
In This Moment | 6:30 | Vibrant Music Hall
Acid Mothers Temple | 7 | xBk Live
Jack Curtis & Co | 7 | Noce
Bradford Johnson | 7 | HiFi Brew Lounge
Jordan Beem | 8 | Bevy’s Tavern
Scott Eggleston | 8 | Greenwood Lounge

Friday

Silversonic | 5 | DSM Biergarten
Bob Pace & The Dangerous Band | 5 | Greenwood Lounge
Chris Evers | 5 | Caffrey’s Irish Pub
Jasper Tide | 6 | Lefty’s
Brother Trucker | 6 | Captain Roy’s
Josh Sinclair | 6 | Iowa Distilling Co
Mancat Three | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Jaden Decker | 6:45 | Talk Shop Lounge
Saxsquatch | 7 | Wooly’s
Leslie Vincent | 7 | Noce
Corey Jamison | 7 | 36th Street Tavern
Drew Peer | 7 | Ducktail Lounge
John Krantz Trio | 7 | The Cave
JB Williams | 7 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
The Schmids | 7 | Firetrucker Brewing
The Spooklights | 8 | xBk Live
DiZclaimer | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
David Watson | 8 | Cabaret Sports Lounge
Grind | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Lola Blue | 8 | Prairie Meadowns
David Simmons Band | 8 | Brick & Ivy Tavern
Midnight Radio | 8:30 | Doc’s Lounge
Greg Gets Greyer | 9 | Lefty’s
High Bidders | 9 | Greenwood Lounge

Saturday

Joshua Sinclair | 4 | Revelton Distilling
Jenny Kohls Band | 5 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Brick’n Bob | 5 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Ducharme-Jones Band | 6 | Captain Roy’s
Madison County Line | 6 | Big Rack Brew Haus
Dirty Blonde | 6:30 | Lefty’s
Willie Mac & The Lost Cousins | 7 | Covered Bridges Winery
Rural Route | 7 | Reclaimed Rails Brewing
Adam Kulmatycki Duo | 7 | Shirley’s Bar & Grill
DSM Symphony | 7:30 | Civic Center
Girl Named Tom | 7:30 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Social Cinema & Sego | 8 | xBk Live
Adam Whitehead | 8 | Prairie Meadows
Cover That | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
After Shock | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Casey Peasley | 8 | Lakeside Casino
Mary Runyon Band | 8:30 | Mickey’s Irish Pub
Toast3r | 8:30 | Doc’s Lounge
Gasolina Reggaeton Party | 9 | Vibrant Music Hall

Sunday

The Soul Searchers | 1 | DSM Biergarten
Jake Schrodt | 2 | Winterset Cidery
DSM Symphony | 2:30 | Civic Center
Stringfield Band | 3 | Wilson’s Orchard & Farm
Chad Stutzman | 4 | Talk Shop Lounge
Betsy Hickok Ron Roberts Duo | 5 | Louie’s Wine Dive
Sons of the East | 7 | Wooly’s
DOOM GONG | 7 | xBk Live

SPORTS 🏈🏅

Football 🏈

• Drake 🐶 VS Davidson | Record: 3-2 (2-0)
  📆 10/18 | 🕛️ 12

• UNI 🐆 VS S. Dakota | Record: 2-4 (0-2)
  📆 10/18 | 🕛️ 1

• Iowa 🦅 VS Penn St | Record: 4-2 (2-1)
  📆 10/18 | 🕛️ 6

• Iowa State 🌪️ Idle | Record: 5-2 (2-2)

Hockey 🏒 

Bucs
3-2-0-2 | 2nd place | Western Conference

• @ Fargo Force
  📆 10/17 | 🕛️ 7:05

• @ Fargo Force
  📆 10/18 | 🕛️ 6:05

• @ Sioux Falls Stampede
  📆 10/19 | 🕛️ 4:05

Iowa Wild
0-2-0-0 | 7th place | Central Division

• @ Charlotte Checkers
  📆 10/17 | 🕛️ 6

• @ Charlotte Checkers
  📆 10/18 | 🕛️ 5

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].