PRESENTED BY

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

In todays issue:

• 🎗️ A summer soirée with purpose

• ✊🏿 Juneteenth events across the metro

• 📱 Restaurant moves + new food hall plans

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

✊🏿 Honoring Juneteenth in Iowa

Juneteenth marks the moment — June 19, 1865 — when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed the last enslaved Black Americans of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a celebration of liberation, reflection, and resilience.

Iowa has recognized Juneteenth since 2002 — well before it became a federal holiday in 2021. The state’s long-standing observance includes education, community connection, and celebration, and this week, events across the metro invite everyone to join in.

• Neighbors Day Celebration
  

• Embrace the Race 5K
  

• Poetry Slam & Open Mic Night
  

• Juneteenth Jubilee

PRESENTED BY: Dapper DJs

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Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering, or a milestone celebration, Dapper DJs deliver more than music—they set the vibe and keep the party going all night long. From dazzling lighting effects to seamless transitions, they ensure every detail is covered so you can relax and enjoy the moment.

📆 Book Dapper DJs today and turn your event into a memory that lasts a lifetime!
🗣️ Exclusive Offer for DSM at Dawn Readers! 🎉
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THE 515 REPORT 📱📰 

🍔 Restaurant Shuffles

Valley West Mall continues to lose tenants, with Chipotle set to relocate to a new spot just down University Avenue — a move that mirrors Jimmy John’s recent departure. Over at Jordan Creek Mall, Zombie Burger will officially close its location after 10 years. The original East Village spot remains open and operating.

On a more optimistic note, Zaxby’s is eyeing the Des Moines metro for future expansion. The chicken-focused chain is considering opening as many as 8 to 10 locations in the area.

🎨 Neighborhood Event Series

Last week’s North of Grand Art Stroll kicked off the Neighborhood Event Series — a summer lineup of arts and culture events hosted in nine DSM neighborhoods. Backed by Invest DSM, the series celebrates local creatives and community vibes.
📍This Saturday, Woodland Heights hosts the Inger-Solstice Block Party at the Woodland Realm.
➡️ Full Event List

🥡 Kettlestone Social in the Works

We’ve covered the rise of Kettlestone Central in Waukee before, and now it’s expanding again. Plans are in motion for Kettlestone Social — a 16,500 sq ft food hall featuring six diverse food vendors, plus indoor/outdoor gaming, lounge areas, and 12,500 sq ft of outdoor space. The target opening? Fall 2026.
➡️ Details

HEART OF DSM ❤️ 

🎗️ Grace for Addictions | Summer Soirée

Grace for Addictions offers more than support — they offer transformation. With Christ at the center, their faith-based recovery program helps individuals break free from addiction through accountability, mentorship, and a commitment to lasting change. By surrounding each person with truth, structure, and spiritual guidance, Grace helps rebuild lives from the inside out.

This Friday, they’re inviting the community to be part of that mission at their Summer Soirée — an evening of impact held at the beautiful Chandelier venue in Des Moines. Guests will enjoy dinner, drinks, live music, a silent auction, and firsthand stories of transformation from those who’ve benefited from Grace’s programs.

📍 Chandelier, 413 Euclid Ave
📆 Friday | 🕕 6–10 PM
➡️ Tickets + Info

Proceeds go directly toward helping men and women find freedom from addiction and restore what was lost. It’s a powerful cause — and a night you won’t forget.

WEEKEND PLANS 🚨🏁

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

🎶 Bevington Bluegrass Festival (more)
📅 Friday–Saturday
📍 Briar Patch Amphitheater, 2103 Warren Ave
A weekend of bluegrass music, camping, and small-town charm under the stars.

🚲 Ride in the Park (more)
📅 Saturday | 🕓 10 AM
📍 Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy
Join Above + Beyond Cancer for a fun, flexible looped bike ride with live music, food trucks, and family activities. Proceeds support cancer survivors and caregivers.

🍖 BBQ and Brew (more)
📅 Saturday | 🕓 12 PM
📍 Principal Park, 1 Line Dr
Sample Iowa pork and craft beer while enjoying live music at the ballpark. Proceeds support food banks across the state.

🎸 Bondurant Battle of the Bands (more)
📅 Saturday | 🕓 4 PM
📍 BrickHouse Fitness, 86 Paine St SE
Local bands take the stage to raise money for several nonprofits supporting children and families — including Mary Bump Memorial Foundation and Gigi’s Playhouse.

🎤 U-Fest (more)
📅 Saturday | 🕓 5 PM
📍 Walker Johnston Park, 9000 Douglas Ave
Live music by Faculty Lounge, food, drinks, and family fun. Proceeds benefit scholarships and classroom grants for Urbandale students.

🍹 Tequila in the Gardens (more)
📅 Saturday | 🕓 6 PM
📍 Rollins Mansion, 2801 Fleur Dr
A five-course al fresco dining experience with globally inspired dishes and tequila pairings in the lush gardens of one of Des Moines’ most iconic estates.

🚴 High Trestle Fest (more)
📅 Saturday | 🕓 8 AM
📍 Slater, Madrid & Woodward, along the High Trestle Trail
Celebrate the trail and the small towns that make it special with live music, local business specials, and community activities spanning all three trail towns.

🎡 Johnston Green Days (more)
📅 All Weekend
📍 Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Pkwy
A weekend of small-town fun with a parade, crawfish boil, eating contests, music, food, and more. Free to the community!

🛍️ Vintage in the Valley (more)
📅 Sunday | 🕓 10 AM
📍 Lauridsen Amphitheater, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy
A vintage market of curated finds and handmade goods in a beautiful new location. Great for collectors, decorators, and treasure hunters alike.

🚗 Breakfast & Cars (more)
📅 Sunday | 🕓 8 AM
📍 Triple B, 8600 Thomas Ave
Brunch, custom cars, and community vibes. Proceeds benefit Best Buddies, with prizes for best paint, best of show, and more.

WEATHER 🌞🌡️

Thursday

High 87 🌡️ Low 68 | ☀️ | 💧 8%
Weather Beacon: 🔴 Warmer weather ahead

Friday

High 93 🌡️ Low 78 | ⛅️ | 💧 24%
Weather Beacon: 🔴 Warmer weather ahead

Saturday

High 95 🌡️ Low 77 | ⛅️ | 💧 3%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Sunday

High 94 🌡️ Low 75 | ⛅️ | 💧 3%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

THE SETLIST 🎶🎤

Thursday

Jordan Messerole | 5:30 | The District
Rhino | 6 | Jasper Winery
The Bond | 6 | Valley Junction Farmers Market
Allie Crummy | 6 | Confluence Brewing
The Drama Kings | 6 | DSM BierGarten
Son Peruchos | 6:30 | Botanical Garden
The Other Brothers | 8 | HiFi Brew Lounge

Friday

Nathan Thiessen & more | 4 | Plain Talk Books & Coffee
Robert Deitch | 4:30 | Middlebrook Agrihood
Chris Evers | 5 | Caffrey’s Irish Pub
Missouri Mule | 6 | DSM BierGarten
Neil Anders Band | 6 | Confluence Brewing
Brittany Sword | 6 | Paws & Pints
Mancat | 6 | Captain Roy’s
Emma Pines | 6 | Iowa Distilling Co
Grunge Unplugged | 6 | Firetrucker Brewing
Fat Andy’s 20th Anniversary | 7 | Lefty’s
Pullin’ Strings | 7 | xBk Annex
The Soul Rebels | 7 | xBk Live
Willie Shay | 7 | Simon’s
Velvet Trio | 7 | Pal Joey’s
Boney James | 7:30 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Vivace | 8 | Down Under
Blanket Fort | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
The Other Brothers | 9 | Back Roads Lounge

Saturday

Fast Henry Duo | 12 | Annie’s Irish Pub
Hot Off the Grill | 5 | Middlebrook Mercantile
The Sons of Gladys Kravitz | 5 | Winterset Cidery
Cold Filtered | 6 | Captain Roy’s
Grunge Unplugged | 7 | Brightside Aleworks
David Watson | 7 | Mickey’s Irish Pub Waukee
Soulcage | 7:30 | xBk Live
Project TDS | 8 | Down Under Bar & Grill
Mary Runyan Band | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Heavy Holly | 8 | Greenwood Lounge

Sunday

Velvet Trio | 1 | DSM BierGarten
The Crowfoot Rakes | 2 | Captain Roy’s
Bonne Finken | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Devon Miller | 2 | Covered Bridges Winery
Zachary Freedom | 2 | Winterset Cidery
Fathom & more | 5 | Lefty’s
Jonas Magram | 5 | Exile Brewing
Wayne Baker Brooks | 6 | xBk Live
Andy Classen and Tina Haase-Findlay | 7 | Hoyt Sherman Place
The Macabre Motel | 9 | Lefty’s

SPORTS 🏈🏅

Baseball ⚾️ 

Iowa Cubs
37-32 | 4th Place | IL West Division

• @ Nashville Sounds
  📆 6/19 | 🕛️ 6:35
  📆 6/20 | 🕛️ 6:35
  📆 6/21 | 🕛️ 6:35
  📆 6/22 | 🕛️ 2:05

• Next Week | VS Columbus Clippers

Soccer ⚽️ 

Des Moines Menace
6-1 | 18 PTS | 1st Place | Great Plains Division

• @ Santafe Wanderers
  📆 6/21 | 🕛️ 7

Football 🏈

Iowa Barnstormers
1-9 | 7th Place | Eastern Division

• @ Vegas Knight Hawks
  📆 6/21 | 🕛️ 8:05

THANK YOU! 🙌 

Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.

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Want to sponsor a future edition of The Dawn? Let’s chat! [email protected].