PRESENTED BY

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

To all my fellow parents out there — I hope the kids are staying healthy. We’ve had the flu bug hit our household, so I know how tough this stretch can be. Stay the course… winter break is almost here.

In todays issue:

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

Central Iowa will host the Iowa Air Show: Fields of Thunder on May 8–9, 2027, with the legendary U.S. Navy Blue Angels as the headline demonstration team — marking the return of a major air show to the area for the first time since 1991. The event is slated for the Iowa National Guard base near Des Moines International Airport and is expected to draw aviation fans from across the country. Organizers also plan family-friendly activities, aircraft displays, and opportunities to engage with military personnel. Tickets and full event details will be released as planning continues in 2026.

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The Science Center of Iowa has introduced Small Discoveries, a new hands-on space designed specifically for younger kids. The area focuses on open-ended play, exploration, and early science learning — giving families with little ones a dedicated spot to slow down, explore, and learn together.

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Top Maid is Des Moines’ trusted name in premium home cleaning. Locally owned and operated, they deliver high-quality, reliable service tailored to the needs of busy households. Whether it’s weekly upkeep or a deep refresh, Top Maid helps you come home to clean — without lifting a finger.

Visit mytopmaid.com to learn more.

Either/Or is more than just a place to grab a meal — it’s a true neighborhood spot designed for gathering, celebrating, and slowing down together.

Located along Grand Avenue, Either/Or blends contemporary American dining with a cozy, lived-in feel. The menu is built around quality and creativity, featuring Iowa Certified Angus Beef burgers, hand-trimmed steaks, inventive comfort food, and plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options — all made with local ingredients in mind.

One of Either/Or’s under-the-radar highlights is its private event space, which hosts everything from family celebrations and holiday parties to corporate lunches and rehearsal dinners. The space includes a private bar and customizable menus, making it easy to tailor events big or small.

This time of year, Either/Or fully leans into the season with its festive Tinsel menu, holiday décor, and family-friendly experiences — including Santa visits, kid-focused activities, and special events throughout December.

Whether you’re planning a gathering or just looking for a comfortable place to meet friends during a busy month, Either/Or is worth keeping on your radar.

Learn more or plan a visit:
🌐 Website →
📸 Instagram →
👍 Facebook →

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

🎅 Visit with the Grinch (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
📍 North Ankeny Hy-Vee
Meet the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who, snap a photo, and soak up some Whoville-level holiday cheer with the whole family.

🧑‍🚒 Clive Firefighters’ Santa Parade (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ Morning–Midday (varies by route)
📍 City of Clive
Santa rolls through town escorted by the Clive Fire Department — check the route map and wave as he passes by.

🛍️ Brightside Holiday Market (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 11:00 AM
📍 Brightside Aleworks
Last-minute gift shopping with local vendors, Grinch photo ops, and plenty of festive extras from Brightside.

🎄 Candy Cane Course 5K / 10K (more)
📆 Sunday | ⏰ 9:00 AM
📍 Big Creek State Park
A Christmas-themed run with swag, medals, treats at the finish line, and fun options for kids and families.

🌲 Winter Solstice Mindfulness Walk (more)
📆 Sunday | ⏰ 1:00 PM
📍 Walnut Woods State Park
A calm, guided pack walk focused on reflection, nature, and welcoming the return of the light — dogs welcome.

📖 Story Time at Roy’s (more)
📆 Sunday | ⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 Captain Roy’s
Pajamas encouraged for this cozy afternoon of holiday stories, cocoa, and relaxed family fun.

🛼 Grinch on the Loose Skate (more)
📆 Sunday | ⏰ 3:00–4:00 PM
📍 Skateland Des Moines
Skate alongside the Grinch during this mischievous, laugh-filled hour on the rink.

🍺 12 Bars of Christmas Bar Crawl (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 4:00 PM
📍 Multiple locations
Festive drinks, decked-out bars, and full holiday chaos — rally the crew and make spirits bright.

🍪 Christmas After Dark Cookie Decorating (more)
📆 Saturday | ⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM
📍 ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery
Adults-only cookie decorating with cocktails, sprinkles, and plenty of holiday vibes.

👽 Ancient Aliens LIVE (more)
📆 Sunday | ⏰ 7:30 PM
📍 Hoyt Sherman Place
A live, mind-bending night exploring extraterrestrial theories with fan-favorite experts from the show.

❄️ Disney’s Frozen
📆 Dec 5-27
📍 Des Moines Playhouse
A perfect holiday-season show for families, kicking off this weekend.

🎩 A Christmas Carol
📆 Dec 5-21
📍 Stoner Theater
A classic holiday production with the full Dickens spirit.

🎄 The Naughty List: A Musical Comedy Revue
📆 Dec 18-21
📍 Temple Theater
A fast, funny, adults-only holiday revue packed with sharp humor, bold songs, and a not-so-traditional take on the season.

💚 How The Grinch Stole Christmas
📆 Dec 16-21
📍 Des Moines Civic Center
The beloved Dr. Seuss story brought to life on stage — bright, fun, and full of holiday energy

Thursday

High 44 🌡 Low 12 | 🌤️ | ❄ 24%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Friday

High 30 🌡 Low 28 | 🌤️ | ❄ 1%
Weather Beacon: ⚪ Colder weather in sight

Saturday

High 41 🌡 Low 18 | 🌤️ | ❄ 3%
Weather Beacon: 🔴 Warmer weather ahead

Sunday

High 37 🌡 Low 32 | 🌤️ | ❄ 7%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Thursday

Longbottom Leaf & Dead Cats | 6 | Lefty’s
Chris English | 6 | Confluence Brewing
Jesse & The Medicine Men | 6 | Poncho’s
Creole Christmas | 7 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Matt Wilson | 7 | Noce
Pons | 7 | xBk Annex
Scott Eggleston | 8 | Greenwood Lounge
Jordan Beem | 8 | Doc’s Lounge
Luke Thomas | 8 | Shotgun Betty’s
Johnny Novacaine | 9 | Yacht Club

Friday

Kevin Gordon | 6 | Lefty’s
Kelsie James | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Lauren Igou | 6 | Firetrucker Brewing
Joshua Sinclair | 6 | Iowa Distilling Co
Carson Parker | 7 & 9 | Noce
The Soul Searchers | 7 | Captain Roy’s
5 Below | 7 | Reclaimed Rails
Luke Fox | 7 | 36th St Tavern
The Schoon Brothers | 7 | Sister’s Place
Jake & TK | 7 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
Johnny Laws & Vince Cline | 7 | Ducktail Lounge
Jordan Beem | 7 | Shotgun Betty’s
Velvet Trio | 7 | Pal Joey’s
The Get Down | 8 | Doc’s Lounge
NOLA Jazz Duo | 8 | The New Northwestern
The Sheet | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Kick | 8 | Prairie Meadows
Randy Burk | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Beast | 9 | Greenwood Lounge

Saturday

Dukes of Haggard | 4 | Revelton Distilling
Punk Rock Saves Christmas | 5 | Lefty’s
Ducharme-James Band | 5 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Funhouse Band | 6 | Doc’s Lounge
Euforquestra | 7 | Wooly’s
Nate Sparks Big Band | 7 & 9 | Noce
A Nella Thomas Christmas | 7 | xBk Live
Velvet Trio | 7 | Shirley’s Bar & Grill
Joshua Sinclair | 7 | West Hill Brewing
Royce Johns Duo | 7 | Uptown Garage Brewing
Tonic Sol-Fa | 7:30 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Jake Stringer | 7:30 | Talk Shop Lounge
Joseph Donnelly Band | 8 | Prairie Meadows
Toast3r | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Heath Alan | 8 | Greenwood Lounge
Hannah Marks Group | 8 | The Cave
Redemption | 8:30 | Mickey’s Irish Pub
Goodbye to Lefty’s | 9 | Lefty’s
Not Quite Brothers | 9 | Val Air Ballroom
Cody Hicks | 9 | Hawk Heaven Tavern

Sunday

A Charlie Brown Christmas | 3 & 7 | xBk Live
A Merry Metal Christmas | 5 | Lefty’s
Aviana Gedler-Carson Parker Duo | 5 | Louie’s Wine Dive
Al Welsh | 5 | Lake Robbins Ballroom

Football 🏈

The Hawks are the last team standing.

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

Women

Hockey 🏒

Bucs
9-11-2-4 | 6th place | Western Conference

Iowa Wild
7-19-0-1 | 7th place | Central Division

G League 🏀

Iowa Wolves
8-6 | 4th place | Central Division

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].