PRESENTED BY

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

Happy April, friends! 

Last week, we shared some great local spots to help you get your home ready for the warmer months. Quick clarification: Goode Greenhouses is not located in Urbandale as previously mentioned—it's actually in the northeast part of Des Moines.

This week, we're looking ahead to spring cleanup and yard waste collection across the metro. Here are some key dates to keep in mind:

🧹 Spring Cleanup Dates

• Altoona: April 14-17

• Ankeny: May 17 & 18

• Clive: May 3 & May 10

• Johnston: April 7 & April 9

• Pleasant Hill: April 26

• Urbandale: Week of April 14

• Waukee: Week of April 29

• West Des Moines: Week of June 2

Full List Here

🍃 Yard Waste Collection

Yard waste collection has officially started this week for:

• Ankeny

• Clive

• Pleasant Hill

• Urbandale

• Waukee

• West Des Moines

In todays issue:

• 🌷 Spring Cleanup Dates

• 📈 Ankeny’s Big Population Jump

• 🍦 Black Cat Ice Cream’s New Spot

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

🎶 In The News 📰 

It’s a good week for music fans — a few big names just announced Des Moines stops, and ticket sales are heating up.

Wiz Khalifa is headed our way on May 22, and tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 AM.

Beck will team up with the Des Moines Symphony for a special Field Daze Music Series performance on July 24 — also on sale tomorrow.

And rounding things out: Rascal Flatts has been announced as the final Grandstand act for the 2025 Iowa State Fair. They'll take the stage on August 12, and tickets are already on sale.

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 📱📰 

📈 Ankeny’s Growth Confirmed by Special Census

A newly completed special census shows that Ankeny has grown by more than 11,000 people since 2020, bringing its population to 80,854. That’s a nearly 16% increase in just four years, making it now Iowa’s fifth-largest city, behind Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. City leaders say the new count will bring in an estimated $1.4 million more each year in state funding, reflecting the rapid pace of development and demand in the area.

👉️ More

🚀 Now Open in DSM

Black Cat Ice Cream has officially expanded, opening a second location in Valley Junction on April 1. You’ll find them at 134 Fifth St. in West Des Moines, serving up their signature small-batch, scratch-made ice cream in a cozy new storefront. The new shop joins their original location near Drake University. With creative rotating flavors like blueberry pancake and cream cheese lemon cake, it's the perfect excuse to treat yourself this spring—no matter which side of town you're on.

👉️ Check it out

🏗️ Coming Soon to the Metro

A historic building in Waukee’s Triangle district—once home to the Pin Oak—is being transformed into a new restaurant, with plans to open by summer. The project is led by Patrick Elbert, co-owner of Husk Homes, who’s renovating the space to create a casual, luncheonette-style spot featuring both indoor and patio seating. While the name and concept haven’t been officially announced, it’s another exciting addition to Waukee’s growing food scene.

👉️ Business Record

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

HEART OF DSM ❤️ 

❤️ Nonprofit Spotlight: Ronald McDonald House Central Iowa
When a child is hospitalized, the last thing a family should worry about is where they’ll sleep or how they’ll afford a warm meal. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa provides a “home away from home” for families with children receiving medical care—offering comfort, meals, and support just steps away from their child’s hospital room.

With locations near Blank Children’s Hospital and MercyOne, this organization is a lifeline for countless Central Iowa families facing some of their toughest days.

How to Help:
You can support RMHC by volunteering, donating wish list items (like snacks or household supplies), or making a one-time or recurring gift.

🎟️ Upcoming Event: Pearls & Pours
📍 Curate Event Space (Google Maps)
📆 Thursday, April 10 | 🕕 6–9 PM
An evening of elegance and impact, this event raises critical funds to keep families close when it matters most.
➡️ Learn More & Get Tickets

WEEKEND PLANS 🚨🏁

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

🛍️ StateMint Pop-Up Consignment Sale
Shop high-quality, gently used clothing at great prices.
📍 Horizon Events Center (Google Maps)
📆 Thursday–Sunday
➡️ Details

🛠️ Spring Tool Sale
Big savings on tools, just in time for spring projects.
📍 Acme Tools (Google Maps)
📆 Friday–Saturday
➡️ Details

🧼 Blossoms & Bubbly
Enjoy drinks while shopping from floral- and spring-inspired vendors!
📍 Uptown Ankeny (Google Maps)
📆 Friday | 🕔 5–8 PM
➡️ Discover

🧷 Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention
Tattoo artists from across the Midwest gather for a weekend of ink and inspiration.
📍 EMC Expo Center (Google Maps)
📆 Friday–Sunday
➡️ Tickets

🌷 Spring at the Barn
Shop unique spring decor, gifts, and handmade goods!
📍 Daydream Abode (Google Maps)
📆 Saturday | 🕘 9 AM–3 PM
➡️ Discover

🐰 Hop & Shop
Enjoy a family-friendly shopping event with treats and fun surprises.
📍 Vibrant Coffeehouse & Kitchen (Google Maps)
📆 Saturday | 🕙 10 AM
➡️ More Info

🎨 A Moment of Magic
A whimsical morning with princesses, crafts, and kindness.
📍 GiGi’s Playhouse (Google Maps)
📆 Saturday | 🕙 10 AM
➡️ Learn More

🥚 Annual Eggstravaganza
A full day of Easter egg hunts, local vendors, and fun!
📍 Five Monkeys (Google Maps)
📆 Saturday | 🕙 10 AM–5 PM
➡️ Details

🔌 Electronics Recycling Day
Dispose of old electronics safely and sustainably.
📍 Johnston City Hall (Google Maps)
📆 Saturday | 🕙 10 AM–2 PM
➡️ Info

💎 Blooms & Baubles
Sip, shop, and celebrate spring with florals and jewelry.
📍 AC Hotel (Google Maps)
📆 Saturday | 🕕 6–9 PM
➡️ Tickets

WEATHER 🌞🌡️

Thursday

High 56 🌡️ Low 36 | 🌥️ | 💧 5%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Friday

High 54 🌡️ Low 40 | ☁️ | 💧 19%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Saturday

High 50 🌡️ Low 31 | ☁️ | 💧 12%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Sunday

High 59 🌡️ Low 30 | ⛅️ | 💧 9%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

THE SETLIST 🎶🎤

Thursday

Mabe Fratti w/ Sing Leaf | 7 | xBk Live
Velvet Trio | 7 | HiFi Brew Lounge
The Soul Searchers | 8 | Greenwood Lounge

Friday

Taylor King | 5 | Bevy’s Tavern
Kara Christensen | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Robert Deitch | 6 | Iowa Distilling Co
The Unfortunate Sons | 7 | Captain Roy’s
JB Williams | 7 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
Jake McVey | 7 | Firetrucker Brewery
Warren Zeiders | 8 | Vibrant Music Hall
Tank and the Bangas | 8 | Wooly’s
Cory Waller & The Wicked Things | 8 | xBk Live
Recoil | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Fast Dolly | 8 | Doc’s Lounge
Final Mix | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Heath Alan | 8:30 | Greenwood Lounge

Saturday

Mike Aceto | 4 | Revelton Distilling
Matt Terronez Band | 5 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Feedback w/ Rukkus | 6 | Reclaimed Rails
Matt Woods Band | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Joshua Sinclair | 7 | Uptown Garage Brewing
Ben Puttmann | 7 | Brightside Aleworks
Damon Dotson Due | 7 | The Front Row
The Faint | 8 | Wooly’s
Barry Rutter | 8 | Doug’s Pub & Grub
Round A Bout | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
The Remedy | 8:30 | Mickey’s Irish Pub Waukee
David Zollo & Brian Cooper | 9 | Greenwood Lounge

Sunday

Matt Woods Band | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Ducharme-Jones Band | 5 | HiFi Brew Lounge
Grieves w/ Curci and Nobi & Khingz | 7 | xBk Live

SPORTS 🏈🏅

Baseball ⚾️ 

Iowa Cubs

• @ Indianapolis Indians
  📆 4/3 | 🕛️ 5:35
  📆 4/4 | 🕛️ 5:35
  📆 4/5 | 🕛️ 5:35
  📆 4/6 | 🕛️ 12:35

• Next week | @ Toledo Mudhens

Football 🏈 

Iowa Barnstormers

• VS Quad City Steamwheelers
  📆 4/5 | 🕛️ 7:05

Soccer ⚽️ 

Des Moines Menace

The Menace fell to Union Omaha 2-1 last night in the US Open Cup.

Hockey 🏒 

Bucs | 22-32-5-0 (7th place - Western Conference)

• VS Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
  📆 4/4 | 🕛️ 7

Iowa Wild | 24-35-5-1 (6th place - Central Division)

• VS San Diego Gulls
  🔫 Star Wars Night
  📆 4/4 | 🕛️ 7

• VS San Diego Gulls
  🦇 Batman Night
  📆 4/6 | 🕛️ 3

G League 🏀 

Iowa Wolves | 7-27 (15th place - Western Conference)

The Wolves season has ended. They did not make the playoffs.

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].