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

Happy Thursday. The weekend is right around the corner, and Farmers Market season is officially back. The Downtown Farmers’ Market returns this Saturday, continuing a tradition that’s been connecting local farmer, producers, and small businesses with the community for over 50 years.

That said, it’s not the only game in town.

Check out this quick roundup of metro Farmers Markets happening across the metro.

And one more thing. Tomorrow is May Day. Not saying you need to drop off a basket at someone’s door, but maybe you should. 😄

Quick Hits

In todays issue:

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

Casey’s is now accepting applications for its 2026 Innovation Summit, where selected brands can pitch directly to the company’s merchandising team. It’s a real pathway for smaller or emerging products to land on shelves across a major Midwest retailer.

Sign Up →

The top eight finalists have been named in the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa competition, showcasing standout products from across the state’s manufacturing sector. Public voting will ultimately decide the winner, giving local companies both exposure and bragging rights.

Business Record →

The future of Valley West Mall hit a potential roadblock after a development agreement may have fallen through. West Des Moines officials say they’re still optimistic, but next steps remain unclear as the project continues to take shape.

New renderings offer a look at what a redeveloped site could become, with plans centered around a mixed-use district.

KCCI 8 →
WHO 13 →

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!

Safe Center DSM + Teal Tie Gala

A local nonprofit doing important work is hosting an event worth knowing about.

The Safe Center in West Des Moines supports survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking — offering crisis intervention, advocacy, and ongoing support. It’s one of those organizations quietly doing life-changing work behind the scenes in our community.

They’re hosting their 2nd Annual Teal Tie Gala, an evening focused on awareness, support, and fundraising to continue that mission. Expect a more formal night with dinner, speakers, and a chance to directly support the services they provide across Central Iowa.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to get involved, this is a strong one to consider. I know its short notice on the Gala but there is also an auction if you can’t attend.

Gala Auction and Ticket Info

Des Moines University’s annual giving day raised more than $222,000 in support of scholarships, student programs, and campus initiatives. The funds will go directly toward expanding access and resources for future healthcare professionals.

👉 More

An Iowa Senate bill expanding charter school funding has moved forward, continuing a broader push to reshape how public education is funded in the state. Supporters see it as increasing options for families, while critics have raised concerns about long-term impacts on public school systems.

👉 Story

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

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

💃 Crazy For You
📆 April 17-May 3
📍 The Playhouse
A classic Gershwin musical comedy about love, ambition, and saving a small-town theater with big show-stopping numbers.

🔍 Clue
📆 Apr 24-May 3
📍 Stoner Theater
A fast-paced whodunit comedy based on the classic film, packed with twists, chaos, and big laughs.

👩‍🎤 For Peter Pan on her 70th Birthday
📆 Apr 24-May 10
📍 Tallgrass Theatre Company
A reflective, family-centered story exploring memory, loss, and the pull of growing up.

🎤 Drew Lynch
📆 Thursday-Saturday
📍 Funny Bone
A fast-rising comedian delivers sharp, self-aware stand-up shaped by his unique perspective.

🎤 Jimmy Failla
📆 Saturday
📍 Hoyt Sherman Place
High-energy stand-up mixing current events, cultural commentary, and quick-hit humor.

🎤 Garrison Keillor
📆 Saturday
📍 The Ingersoll
An evening of storytelling, humor, and music from the longtime Prairie Home Companion host.

This newsletter exists because of this community.

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

Thursday

The DM Project | 6 | Confluence Brewing
Jesse & The Medicine Men | 6 | Poncho’s
Joyce Manor | 7 | Wooly’s
Jacob Lampman’s Ego Death | 7 | xBk Live
Jason Danielson | 7 | Noce
Stephen Simmons | 7 | Board & Batten
MFKS | 8 | Confidence Speakeasy
Scott Eggleston | 8 | Greenwood Lounge
Johnny Novacaine | 9 | Yacht Club
Luke Thomas | 9 | Shotgun Betty’s

Friday

Meadowbrook Circle | 5 | Confluence Brewing
Sierra Griggs | 5 | Caffrey’s
David Watson | 6 | Iowa Distilling Co
Malcolm Wells & The Two Timers | 6 | Captain Roy’s
Brad Seidenfeld | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Lorna Shore | 7 | Vibrant Music Hall
Kevin Gordon Trio | 7 | Maggie’s Rumble Room
Corbett Reeves | 7 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
Casey Joe Collins | 7 | Pally’s
Other Brothers | 7 | Talk Shop Lounge
The Ripoffs | 7 | Cumming Tap
Bryan Andrews | 8 | xBk Live
Whiskey Bizkit | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Recoil | 8 | Doc’s Lounge
After Shock | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Like Fox | 8 | Brick & Ivy Rooftop
Heath Alan | 8 | Greenwood Lounge

Saturday

The Hors D’oeuvres | 12 | Annie’s Irish Pub
Jesse & The Medicine Men | 4 | Revelton Distilling
Erek Wright | 5 | 1908 Draught House Norwalk
Tony Bohnenkamp | 5 | Winterset Cidery
Ducharme-Jones Band | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Napoleon Douglas | 7 | Noce
Loose Gravel | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Not Petty | 7 | Brightside Aleworks
Izzy Starchild | 7 | Locals Bar & Stage
Rick Burke | 7 | Greenwood Lounge
Joe Demerath | 7 | The Other Place
Adam Kulmatycki | 7 | Shirley’s
Rivieras | 7 | Lake Robbins Ballroom
Zachary Freedom | 7 | 36th St Tavern
Nate Carter | 7:30 | The Cork
Not Quite Brothers | 8 | Wooly’s
FLAKE | 8 | xBk Live
The Sons and Sara | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Round A Bout | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Rattlebox | 8 | Down Under
Six Pack Jack | 8 | Walker’s Place
Jimmy & The Weasels | 8:30 | Mickey’s Waukee
Keith Wells & The Honky Stompers | 9 | Prairie Meadows
Count It Off | 9 | Hawk Heaven Tavern

Sunday

Bluegrass Jam | 2 | Captain Roy’s
The Soul Searchers | 2 | The Highland Underground
Silversonic | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Banjo Kat | 3 | Wilson’s Orchard
Brittany Sword Duo | 4 | Wellman’s Pub & Rooftop
Tony McGhee & Friends | 4 | Greenwood Lounge
Tyler Utter-Michael Giggen Duo | 5 | Louie’s Wine Dive
Al Godfredsen | 5 | Lake Robbins Ballroom
Kenny Wayne Shepard | 8 | Hoyt Sherman Place

If you’re looking for a game to catch this weekend:

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].