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Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn. It’s a classic Iowa week, folks—warm enough to leave the coat unzipped, then cold enough to question why we left the house. Let’s make the most of these ups and downs with some fun events around town!

In todays issue:

• 🌎 MLK Day

• 🍷 Wine & Dine Week

• 🎭 BroadwayWorld Awards

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

MLK Day: More Than a Day Off 🤝

Let’s be honest—many of us see Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a welcome chance to sleep in or tackle that ever-growing to-do list. After all, who doesn’t appreciate an extra day away from the office in the middle of January? But as tempting as it is to treat this Monday like just another day off, it’s also an opportunity to pause and reflect on why the holiday exists in the first place.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to fighting for equality, justice, and the dream of a better tomorrow for all. His vision of a world where people are judged by the content of their character continues to inspire and challenge us today. Here in Des Moines, there are plenty of ways to honor his legacy beyond just taking the day off. From community service events like the Meals from the Heartland packaging drive to reflective celebrations such as the Hope + Elim Church MLK event, our city offers meaningful opportunities to embrace the spirit of Dr. King’s work.

So sure, enjoy the extra cup of coffee or time with family this Monday—but also consider taking a moment to give back or learn something new about the man whose dream shaped the course of history.

THE ROUNDUP 🧵📱

Wine & Dine Week 🍷

Winter Wine & Dine Week invites you to indulge in the best of Des Moines’ culinary and wine scene from through the end of the weekend. Hosted by Winefest Des Moines, this event features curated menus at participating restaurants, each paired with expertly selected wines to elevate your dining experience. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore local flavors and enjoy a cozy night out this winter.

👉️ Check out participating restaurants here

BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards 🎭

BroadwayWorld Des Moines is your go-to source for all things theater in the local area, celebrating the vibrant performing arts scene in central Iowa. Each year, they honor outstanding talent through the BroadwayWorld Regional Awards, recognizing the best in local productions, performers, and creative teams as voted on by theater enthusiasts. These awards shine a spotlight on the incredible work of community theaters, schools, and professional companies, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts.

👉️ Click here for all 2024 winners

Invest DSM Adds 3 Neighborhoods for Grants 🏠️ 

Invest DSM, a nonprofit focused on revitalizing Des Moines neighborhoods, has expanded its grant eligibility to include three additional areas in 2025: River Bend, Lower Beaver, and Beaverdale. These neighborhoods join existing ones in benefiting from programs that provide financial assistance for home and property improvements, aiming to enhance the quality of life and provide housing for the city’s workforce. With this expansion, Invest DSM continues its mission to support sustainable growth and vibrant neighborhoods across the city.

👉️ Full story here

Around Town 🏙️📈

Spotlight on Urban Dreams: Honoring MLK Day Through Service
In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to equality and community, this week we’re highlighting Urban Dreams, a Des Moines nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved populations. Through programs focused on workforce development, food assistance, reentry services, and more, Urban Dreams works tirelessly to break down barriers and create opportunities for all.

This MLK Day, Urban Dreams is hosting a Day of Service at their headquarters, located at 1615 2nd Avenue in Des Moines. Volunteers are invited to participate in a variety of community improvement projects, from cleaning and organizing to assisting with program support. With shifts available throughout the day, this is a great opportunity to roll up your sleeves and honor Dr. King’s legacy through meaningful action.

Join the effort to create a stronger, more equitable community. To learn more about Urban Dreams and how you can support their mission, visit Urban Dreams' website or stop by their MLK Day of Service this Monday, January 20.

WHAT TO DO 🚨🏁

Glow in the Park Foam Party
DJ Brad will be spinning the tunes for this Foam-tastic party. Grab your glow-in-the-dark party favors and hang out with other dog lovers.
📍Paws and Pints | Map 
📆 Saturday | 🕛️ 6

Nick Swardson: Toilet Head
Join Nick Swardson, Americas (self-proclaimed) Sweetheart, as he tackles the hard issues of diarrhea, edibles and Norm MacDonald.
📍Vibrant Music Hall | Map 
📆 Sunday | 🕛️ 7:30
➡️ Tickets

Mimosa Movies: Mamma Mia!
Your ticket to the screening gets you a complimentary mimosa. What else could you ask for?
📍 Flix Brewhouse | Map
📆 Sunday | 🕛️ 11AM
➡️ Tickets

Waukee FamilyFest
Waukee Parks and Rec is hosting its annual family-friendly event. This gathering promises fun for all ages, offering a chance to get out, connect with neighbors, and enjoy some wholesome entertainment.
📍Lutheran Church of Hope-Waukee | Map 
📆 Saturday | 🕛️ 9AM

Mixology Night: Mystery Night at the Museum
Unleash your inner detective at this unique event! Enjoy cocktails, solve puzzles, and crack the case in this thrilling, adults-only live-action mystery experience.
📍Science Center of Iowa | Map 
📆 Friday | 🕛️ 6
➡️ Tickets

Chow’s Winter Classic
Experience the excitement of Chow's Winter Classic, where over 1100 talented gymnasts from across the region compete in an inspiring showcase of skill and dedication.
📍EMC Expo Center | Map 
📆 Thu-Sun
➡️ Tickets

WEATHER 🌞🌡️

Weather Beacon: 🔴 Warmer weather ahead (Just don’t look past Friday)
Lets go make the most of the fleeting warmth before winter reminds us who’s boss!

Thursday

High 39 🌡️ Low 30 | 🌥️ | 💧 8%

Friday

High 45 🌡️ Low 14 | 🌤️ | 💧 8%

Saturday

High 20 🌡️ Low 2 | 🌥️ | ❄️ 0%

Sunday

High 8 🌡️ Low -3 | ☀️ | ❄️ 0%

MUSIC SCENE 🎶🎤

Thursday

Dig Deep | 6:30 | Lefty’s Live Music
Jordan Messerole | 7 | HiFi Brew Lounge

Friday

Damon Dotson | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Vampires Everywhere + Priest | 6 | Lefty’s Live Music
Tyler Richton & The High Bank Boys | 7 | Wooly’s
Brian Congdon | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Velvet Trio | 7 | Pal Joey’s
Radkey | 8 | xBk Live
Dick Danger Band | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Monkey4 | 8 | Doc’s Lounge

Saturday

Emmett Sheehan | 5 | Middlebrook Mercantile
The BASSberry Jam | 8 | Lefty’s Live Music
Mike Aceto | 8 | The Regal Beagle
BS & The Liars | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
The Prince Experience | 8:30 | Wooly’s

Sunday

Weary Ramblers | 1 & 3 | Botanical Garden
John Resch - Doggin Out | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Juice Falls - Look @ Me - The Freeman Band | 6 | Lefty’s Live Music

SPORTS 🏈🏅

College Basketball 🏀 

College basketball season is underway. We’ll have more as our local teams get into conference play closer to the new year, but here’s a quick update on each program.

• Drake Men 🐶 @ Indiana State | 📆 1/18 | 🕛️ 5 | Record: 15-2 (5-2)

• Drake Women 🐶 VS Belmont | 📆 1/16 | 🕛️ 6 | Record: 11-5 (5-0)

• Iowa Men 🦅 @ UCLA | 📆 1/17 | 🕛️ 8 | Record: 12-5 (3-3)

• Iowa Women 🦅 VS Nebraska | 📆 1/16 | 🕛️ 8 | Record: 12-5 (2-4)

• #2 Iowa State Men 🌪️ @ West Virginia | 📆 1/18 | 🕛️ 4 | Record: 15-1 (5-0)

• Iowa State Women 🌪️ @ West Virginia | 📆 1/19 | 🕛️ 12 | Record: 13-6 (4-2)

• UNI Men 🐆 @ Southern Illinois | 📆 1/18 | 🕛️ 6 | Record: 11-7 (5-2)

• UNI Women 🐆 VS Murray State | 📆 1/16 | 🕛️ 6 | Record: 9-7 (4-1)

Hockey 🏒 

Bucs | 15-15 (7th place - Western Conference)

• @ Tri-City Storm | 📆 1/17 | 🕛️ 7:05

• @ Tri-City Storm | 📆 1/18 | 🕛️ 6:05

• VS Omaha Lancers | 📆 1/20 | 🕛️ 3

Iowa Wild | 12-20 (6th place - Central Division)

• VS Rockford Icehogs | 📆 1/17 | 🕛️ 7 | 🌈 Pride Night

• VS Rockford Icehogs | 📆 1/18 | 🕛️ 7 | 🧢 Local Heroes Night

G League 🏀 

Iowa Wolves | 1-7 (15th place - Western Conference)

Wolves are off this week.

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THANK YOU! 🙌 

Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.

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P.S. If you, or anyone you know, would like to sponsor a future edition of The Dawn, please contact me at [email protected] or respond directly to this email.