PRESENTED BY
Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn.
Hope everyone had a great long weekend and had the chance to pause and remember the soldiers who made it possible. I also hope you’re enjoying the short work week. 😃
Now let’s get into it.
Quick Hits
Weekend Forecast: Warm and sunny. That sums it up.
Sports: Cy-Hawk football game set for 6:30 on NBC.
Sports: Iowa women’s basketball announces home and home series with UCONN.
Coming to town: The World Pork Expo will take over the State Fairgrounds and the metro next week.
In today’s issue:
🍽 Dinner Club
🏨 Valley West Update
🍺 Big News for Big Grove
And we’re off.
— Nick Rivas
DSM at Dawn Dinner Clubs
Dinner Club is coming to the suburbs.
Another DSM at Dawn Dinner Club is on the calendar for two weeks from now. Good food, good conversation, and a chance to connect with people from all over the metro.
If you need a refresher on how this all works, check it out here.
Details:
📍 West Des Moines
🗓️ Wednesday, June 10 at 6:30 PM
🎟 Book your seat
Can’t make this one? Join the list to hear about future dinners.
Hope to see you there.
Nick
THE 515 REPORT 📰
Valley West Heads Back to Market
Valley West Mall is back on the market after a proposed redevelopment deal fell through earlier this year. City leaders said interest in the property still exists, but the failed agreement means the longtime mall site remains in limbo while discussions continue around its future. West Des Moines officials continue to view the area as a major long-term redevelopment opportunity.
Big Grove Becomes Iowa’s Largest Craft Brewer
Big Grove Brewery is now Iowa’s largest craft brewer by production volume, according to newly released industry data. The company has continued expanding operations following the opening of its Liberty Plant production facility while growing distribution across the Midwest. Big Grove now operates multiple locations across Iowa, including its Des Moines taproom in Sherman Hill.
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!
Community Notes ❤
New Additions Open at Gray’s Lake
Des Moines officially celebrated the opening of a new playground and splash pad at Gray’s Lake Park this week. The upgrades were funded through private donations and grants and are part of continued improvements around one of the metro’s busiest outdoor destinations. City leaders said the additions are designed to create more family-friendly spaces throughout the park.
👉 Info
Student Theater Takes the Spotlight
The Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards return to the Des Moines Civic Center this week, recognizing standout student performers and productions from across the state. The annual event is organized by Des Moines Performing Arts and helps showcase Iowa’s growing high school theater programs. Select students will also earn the opportunity to advance to the national Jimmy Awards competition in New York City.
👉 More
WEEKEND PLANS 🚨🏁
Want a Featured Event with a poster,
reach out and say hi.
Thursday
History Happy Hour — Local history, drinks, and conversation centered around Beaverdale’s old Fire Station No. 17. Beaver Tap. [details]
Honey Tasting — Sample unique local honeys while learning about flavor profiles and botanical sources. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. [details]
Meet Horror Author Christopher Micklos — Horror fans can meet the author behind the new creature-feature inspired thriller TICK TOWN. Beaverdale Books. [details]
Friday
Pop-Up Sale: 50% Off Day — One-day sale featuring major discounts on clothing and accessories before Dress for Success relocates. Valley West Mall. [details]
Venardos Circus (Runs Fri–June 7) — A Broadway-style traveling circus with acrobatics, comedy, juggling, and live entertainment. Outlets of Des Moines. [details]
Confluence Cup 2026 (Runs Fri–Sun) — Three days of high-speed bike racing, block parties, and Iowa State Championship criterium action. Ingersoll Avenue. [details]
Saturday
The 4th Annual Look Local First Classic — Community golf tournament supporting local businesses and small business programming across Des Moines. A.H. Blank Golf Course. [details]
Touch A Truck — Kids can climb through emergency and construction vehicles during this hands-on family event. Nebraska Furniture Mart. [details]
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Central — Grab themed treats, drinks, and exclusive Hello Kitty merchandise while supplies last. Jordan Creek Town Center. [details]
Pop-Up with Crust & Crumb Bakery — Fresh baked goods and pastries available until sold out during this East Village pop-up. AllSpice Culinarium. [details]
Bingo Loco — A high-energy bingo party mixing music, dancing, giveaways, and crowd games for adults 21+. Horizon Events Center. [details]
Reggie’s Peach Fest — Dog-friendly patio party featuring vendors, beer releases, rescue groups, and pup-focused activities. Confluence Brewing Company. [details]
Sunday
Historic Valley Junction Walking Tour — Guided stroll through the architecture and history of West Des Moines’ historic district. Historic City Hall. [details]
Spring Mayhem Market Day — Buy, sell, and trade comics, collectibles, games, and pop culture finds with local vendors. Mayhem Comics and Games. [details]
Des Moines Roller Derby vs. Old Capitol City Roller Derby — Fast-paced roller derby action as Des Moines takes on Iowa City. MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex. [details]
Crafternoon — Create and customize your own painted welcome mat during this guided craft workshop. Fenders Brewing. [details]
Hobby Haven Dirt Oval Racing — RC racers compete in dirt oval heats and mains at Thorson Memorial Raceway. Hobby Haven. [details]
Des Moines Mushroom Festival 2026 — Mushroom lovers gather for vendors, workshops, foraging talks, live music, and food. Captain Roy’s. [details]
Exile Book Fair — Browse books, puzzles, and summer reads during this brewery book fair collaboration. Exile Brewing Co. [details]
NOW SHOWING 🎭
📦 The Roommate
📆 May 14-31
📍 The Ingersoll
A dark comedy about two unlikely roommates whose lives spiral in unexpected directions.
🎤 Lucy Darling: You’re Welcome
📆 May 31
📍 Hoyt Sherman Place
A vintage-inspired variety show blending comedy, music, magic, and playful stage banter.
LAUGHS 🤣
🎤 Josh Wolf
📆 Friday-Saturday
📍 Funny Bone
The longtime comedian and TV personality brings stand-up stories, quick crowd work, and plenty of laughs to the stage.
Support DSM at Dawn
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DSM at Dawn is free and always will be. If you find it helpful, fun, or worth sharing, you can chip in to help keep it running and growing.
Everything goes back into making this better for Des Moines,
Grateful you’re here.
— Nick
THE SETLIST 🎶🎤
Thursday
Blake Jack & Jordan Beem | 6 | Jasper Winery
The Drama Kings | 6 | Water Works Park
Dakota | 6 | Destination Grille
Jesse & The Medicine Men | 6 | Poncho’s
Surf Zombies | 6 | Valley Junction
Dan Trilk | 6 | Confluence Brewing
Joshua Sinclair | 6 | Trailside Tap
Thelma & the Sleaze | 7 | xBk Live
Marcus Lewis | 7 | Noce
Harrison Ingham | 7 | Court Avenue Brewing
BreAnne Stone | 7 | Board & Batten
Scott Eggleston | 8 | Greenwood Lounge
MFKS | 8 | Confidence Speakeasy
The Sheet | 8:30 | Bix & Co
Anthony Koester | 9 | Shotgun Betty’s
Friday
Joshua Sinclair | 4:30 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Joe Demerath | 5 | Truman’s Pizza
Alex Schroeder | 5 | Bevy’s Tavern
Chris Evers | 5 | Caffrey’s
Recoil | 5:30 | Campbell Park
Sips & Songs | 6 | The District - Prairie Trail
Psycho X | 6 | Confluence Brewing
Johnny Laws & Vince Kline | 6 | Iowa Distilling
Final Mix | 6 | Soggy Frog
Brittany Sword | 6 | Paws & Pints
Jeremy Alvarez & James Biehn | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Standing Hampton | 6 | Copper Creek Lake Park
The Juan & Only | 6 | El Toreado
Robbie Michael | 6 | Shotgun Betty’s
Justin Goodchild | 6 | Zeke’s Rooftop
Touch of Grey | 6:30 | B&B Theaters
Alpha Wolf | 7 | Wooly’s
Unplugged Show | 7 | HiFi Brew Lounge
The Ripoffs | 7 | Captain Roy’s
The Drama Kings | 7 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
Nick Leo | 7 | The Cave
Amelia Day | 8 | xBk Live
The Sons and Sara | 8 | Down Under
FunHouse | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
The Remedy | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Matt Terronez Band | 9 | Greenwood Lounge
Anthony Koester Band | 10 | Prairie Meadows
Saturday
The Chuggaluggers | 4 | 1833 Saloon
Mugshot | 4 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
Saints & Sinners | 4 | Revelton Distilling
Jake Schrodt | 5 | 1908 Draught House Norwalk
Brittany Sword Duo | 5 | Soggy Bottom
Heath Alan | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Vida Sisters | 6 | El Toreado
Jesse & The Medicine Men | 6:30 | Covered Bridges Winery
Meet Me @ The Altar | 7 | Wooly’s
The Guilty Pleasures | 7 | xBk Live
Joe & Jobim w/ Avianna Gedler | 7 | Noce
Unforgiven | 7 | Lake Robbins Ballroom
Dogtown Rhythm Band | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Erik Wright | 7 | 36th St Tavern
Luke Fox | 7 | Mullets Ankeny
SP3 Dup | 7 | Pal Joey’s
Star Funeral | 7 | Locals Bar & Stage
Tim & Jana West | 7 | Shirley’s Bar & Grill
Derek Jones & the 50 South | 7 | Talk Shop Lounge
Robbie Micheal | 7 | Hawk Heaven Tavern
Joe Demerath | 7 | The Other Place
Jason Ringenberg | 8 | xBk Annex
James Biehn Band | 8 | Greenwood Lounge
Kenni Falls | 8 | Walker’s Place
BitterSweet | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Chris Falcon | 8:30 | Mickey’s Waukee
The Savage Freds | 9 | Good Times
Zachary Freedom Band | 10 | Prairie Meadows
Sunday
Trio Aceto | 1 | Water Works Park
Chris Powell | 1 | Soggy Bottom
Opus Taylor | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Decoy | 2 | Truman’s Pizza
Rural Route | 2 | Covered Bridges Winery
Jake Schrodt | 2 | Winterset Cidery
Mountain Alice | 3 | Wilson’s Orchard
Mirah | 4 | Locals Bar & Stage
The Sinclairs | 4 | Wellman’s Pub & Rooftop
Tom Pevear | 5 | Exile Brewing
Sentimental Swing | 5 | Lake Robbins Ballroom
Spineshank | 6:30 | Wooly’s
Tonk! | 7 | xBk Live
DSM SPORTS
A slow sports weekend in the metro. Check out Bound for a high school game or event near you.
Love your weekends, hate the chores? You use DSM at Dawn to plan your weekend — don’t spend it scrubbing floors.
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THANK YOU! 🙌
Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.
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