PRESENTED BY

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

A few odds and ends this morning.

The poll results are in, and the people have spoken! DSM at Dawn will be hosting an in-person event at a local brewery or brewpub. 🍻 Stay tuned for details, and if you have a favorite spot in mind, let me know—I’d love to hear your suggestions!

A huge shoutout to Mia, Pat, and Jennifer for spreading the word about DSM at Dawn! Your support keeps this community growing, and while I might not know your exact birthday, consider this your official celebration—you deserve it! 🎉 Thanks for being a part of this journey!

In todays issue:

• 🔎 Iowa History Month: Hidden Gems & Local Legends

• 🍺 Steer N’ Stein’s Replacement: What’s Next for the Fair?

• ⚽ Des Moines Soccer Stadium: New Funding, What’s Left?

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

March is Iowa History Month! 🏛️

While Iowa may be known for its rolling fields and legendary state fair, its history runs much deeper. March is Iowa History Month, a time to reflect on the people, places, and moments that shaped the state we call home. From pioneering leaders to small-town stories that left a big impact, Iowa’s past is full of lessons, inspiration, and a few surprises.

Throughout March, I’ll be sharing historical tidbits about Iowa—so stay tuned! You never know what fascinating piece of history might pop up. In the meantime, check out the State Historical Museum of Iowa or your local library for exhibits and events celebrating our state’s past.

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 📱📰 

🎡 Iowa State Fair Updates

🎶 Hank Williams Jr. is coming back to The Grandstand in 2025! He joins Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, and Def Leppard on the growing list of performers set to rock the fair. More announcements to come!

🍔 A New Era for the Steer N’ Stein Spot! Earlier this winter, we learned that Steer N’ Stein would not be returning to the fair. Now, we know its replacement: Blue Ribbon Bar and Eatery. I can’t wait to see what they bring to one of the fair’s most iconic spaces!

👉️ SHOWS
👉️ STEER N’ STEIN

🏀 Caitlin Clark & Hy-Vee Team Up to Fight Childhood Hunger

Hy-Vee and the Caitlin Clark Foundation are teaming up to fight childhood hunger, with Hy-Vee pledging up to $1 million to support meal programs for kids in need. As part of the effort, customers can donate at Hy-Vee stores or online starting March 1. Caitlin Clark, a longtime advocate for youth initiatives, emphasized the importance of ensuring no child goes hungry, and this partnership aims to make a lasting impact on families across the region.

👉️ FULL ANNOUNCEMENT

⚽️ Des Moines Pro Soccer News

The planned Des Moines Pro Soccer Stadium has received an additional $5 million from the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Destination Iowa grant program, bringing its total grant funding to $28 million. However, the project still needs to secure more funding before construction can begin. The $75 million stadium, which will be located in the Gray’s Station neighborhood, is expected to be a major tourism and economic boost for the city, serving as home to a new USL Championship team. Developers continue to seek additional public and private investments to close the funding gap.

👉️ FULL STORY

HEART OF DSM ❤️ 

Supporting Women & Families: House of Mercy

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the impact of women past and present. While we often celebrate trailblazers in history, it’s just as important to recognize the women in our community working to rebuild their lives and create a better future for themselves and their families.

One local organization doing just that is House of Mercy. As one of Iowa’s largest providers of substance use treatment and mental health services, House of Mercy helps women overcome addiction, heal from trauma, and regain stability—all while keeping families together. Their unique approach allows mothers to receive treatment while staying with their children, breaking cycles of hardship and providing hope for the next generation.

Founded in 1988, House of Mercy has impacted thousands of lives through residential and outpatient treatment, therapy, parenting support, and transitional housing services. Their compassionate, long-term care ensures that women aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving.

If you’d like to support House of Mercy or learn more about their work, visit houseofmercy.org.

WEEKEND PLANS 🚨🏁

🛍️ Warehouse Sale
Stock up on gear and score great deals at Bike World's warehouse sale.
📍 Bike World
📆 All Weekend | 🕛 10 AM - 6 PM
➡️ Event Info

🛍️ Shop For a Cause
Shop local while supporting a great cause—portions of sales benefit a local nonprofit.
📍 The Funky Zebras Boutique
📆 Fri-Sat | 🕛 10 AM - 5 PM
➡️ Event Info

🎨 Painted Tree Grand Opening
A brand-new shopping experience featuring local boutiques, artists, and makers under one roof!
📍 Painted Tree Boutiques
📆 Saturday| 🕛 10 AM - 8 PM
➡️ Shop

☕ Cocoa with a Cop
Meet local officers, enjoy hot cocoa, and connect with the community.
📍 SEP Middle School
📆 Saturday | 🕛 12 PM - 3 PM
➡️ Event Info

🏛️ Iowa History Month Kick-Off
Celebrate Iowa History Month with exhibits, guest speakers, and hands-on activities.
📍 State Historical Society
📆 Saturday | 🕛 10:30 AM - 3 PM
➡️ Full Schedule

🎉 4th Annual Bingo Bash
A fun-filled bingo event with prizes, raffles, and community fun.
📍 Elwell Family Food Center
📆 Saturday | 🕛 9 AM
➡️ Event Info

🦎 Iowa Reptile Show
Get up close with fascinating reptiles—great for kids and reptile lovers!
📍 Hilton Garden Inn WDM
📆 Sunday | 🕛 10 AM
➡️ Tickets

🛼 Bluey Skate
Join Bluey and friends for a fun-filled skate session perfect for the whole family.
📍 Skateland
📆 Sunday | 🕛 12:30 PM
➡️ Tickets

🛍️ The Big Vintage Market
Find unique vintage treasures while enjoying great food and drinks at Big Grove Brewery.
📍 Big Grove Brewery
📆 Sunday | 🕛 1 PM - 5 PM
➡️ Event Info

WEATHER 🌞🌡️

Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Thursday

High 54 🌡️ Low 36 | ☀️ | 💧 6%

Friday

High 63 🌡️ Low 26 | 🌤️ | 💧 1%

Saturday

High 40 🌡️ Low 21 | 🌥️ | 💧 1%

Sunday

High 48 🌡️ Low 34 | 🌤️ | 💧 2%

MUSIC SCENE 🎶🎤

Thursday

Vincent Neil Emerson | 7 | Wooly’s
Tanner Taylor & Co | 7 | Noce
Casey Joe Collins | 7 | HiFi Brew Lounge
HR of Bad Brains | 7:30 | Lefty’s Live Music
Scott Eggleston | 8 | Greenwood Lounge

Friday

Audiowaves w/ Stone Age Queens | 5 | Lefty’s Live Music
Tony McGhee Project | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Neva Alden | 6 | Iowa Distilling Co
Velvet Trio | 7 | Pal Joey’s
The DM Project | 7 | Ducktail Lounge
Nick Hermann | 7 | Firetrucker Brewery
Joshua Sinclair | 7 | Reclaimed Rails Brewing
Houndmouth | 7:30 | Val Air Ballroom
Taylor Fest | 8 | Wooly’s
Decoy Trio w/ Jordan Beem & loveyoubye | 8 | xBk Live
Shock Collar | 8 | Doc’s Lounge
Cover That | 8 | Kenny’s Garage

Saturday

Bruce Harris | 4 | Revelton Distilling
Scott Davis | 5 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Kinda Petty | 6 | Doc’s Lounge
Brian Congdon | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Gavin Adcock | 7:30 | Val Air Ballroom
Vincent Lima w/ Keenan O’Meara | 7:30 | xBk Live
David Watson | 7:30 | The Cork
Jenny Kohls Band | 8 | Greenwood Lounge
Decoy Trio | 8:30 | Mickey’s Irish Pub Waukee

Sunday

Drama Kings | 1 & 3 | Botanical Garden
Aaron Earl Short | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Tall Tall Trees w/ Alleygrass | 7 | xBk Live
Durango Fest | 9 | Val Air Ballroom

SPORTS 🏀 🏒 

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.

Men

• Drake 🐶 VS Missouri St | Record: 26-3 (16-3)
  📆 3/2 | 🕛️ 2

• Iowa 🦅 @ NW | Record: 15-13 (6-11)
  📆 2/28 | 🕛️ 8

• #9 ISU 🌪️ VS Ariz | Record: 21-7 (11-6)
  📆 3/1 | 🕛️ 8

• UNI 🐆 @ Bradley | Record: 20-10 (14-5)
  📆 3/2 | 🕛️ 1

Women

• Drake 🐶 VS Ind St | Record: 18-9 (12-4)
  📆 2/27 | 🕛️ 6

• Iowa 🦅 VS Wis | Record: 19-9 (9-8)
  📆 3/2 | 🕛️ 3

• ISU 🌪️ VS Kan St | Record: 20-10 (11-6)
  📆 3/2 | 🕛️ 3

• UNI 🐆 VS Evansville | Record: 14-13 (9-7)
  📆 2/27 | 🕛️ 6

Hockey 🏒 

Bucs | 18-27-3-0 (7th place - Western Conference)

• VS Sioux Falls Stampede
  📆 2/28 | 🕛️ 7

• VS Tri-City Storm
  📆 3/1 | 🕛️ 6

• VS Tri-City Storm
  📆 3/2 | 🕛️ 5

Iowa Wild | 18-30-3-1 (6th place - Central Division)

• @ Milwaukee Admirals
  📆 2/28 | 🕛️ 7

• @ Grand Rapids Griffins
  📆 3/1 | 🕛️ 6

G League 🏀 

Iowa Wolves | 4-19 (15th place - Western Conference)

• VS Osceola Magic
  🐺 Timberwolves Day
  📆 2/28 | 🕛️ 6:30

• @ Salt Lake City Stars
  📆 3/3 | 🕛️ 11:30

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].