PRESENTED BY
Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn.
Hope everyone’s been able to sneak out and enjoy some of the spring weather this week.
It’s not this weekend but Earth Day is next week. There are a couple events below and some additional can be found here.
This weekend is shaping up to be a good one. A little bit of everything going on across the city. Also, Dinner Club is back!
Quick Hits
Weekend Forecast: Cooling down over the weekend but rain not looking as prominent.
Vote: Iowa’s Best Breaded Tenderloin contest nominations are open.
Happening: Like Trivia? Want to win money? Sign up for Trivia League. Registration closes today.
Rescheduled: July 7 is the new date for the Journey concert at Casey’s Center.
Opening: Wayback Burgers opened it’s first Iowa restaurant in Waukee last Friday.
In todays issue:
🍽 Dinner Club is back
🐮 State Fair update
🚲 New bike racks coming to DSM
And we’re off.
— Nick Rivas
DSM at Dawn Dinner Clubs
We’re running it back. Dinner Club #3 is here.
The DSM at Dawn Dinner Club brings together small groups of readers for dinner around Des Moines. We match the group, pick the restaurant, and handle the details.
How it works
Take a short personality quiz
Get matched with five other guests
We choose the restaurant and handle logistics
You just show up
📍 Various Des Moines Restaurants
🗓️ Wednesday, Apr 29 at 6:30 PM
🎟 Book your seat
Can’t make this one? Join the list to hear about future dinners.
Here’s to breaking bread and building something real,
Nick
THE 515 REPORT 📰
Bridge Funding Approved
Iowa is set to receive $64 million in federal funding to replace and repair aging bridges across the state. The goal is to improve safety and keep smaller, rural connections from falling further behind.
WHO 13 →
Minden Rebuild Continues
In Minden, rebuilding continues after last year’s tornado, with major progress now focused on replacing damaged water and sewer systems. It’s a long process, but this phase is a big step toward getting the town fully back on its feet.
KCCI 8 →
State Fair Plans America250
The Iowa State Fair is already looking ahead to 2026 with new America250 exhibits planned, highlighting the country’s 250th anniversary. Expect a mix of history, Iowa ties, and new displays throughout the fairgrounds.
WHO 13 →
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 ❤
Bike Racks Coming to Parks
A new donation is funding the installation of 140 bike racks across Des Moines parks, making it easier to bike in and around some of the city’s busiest green spaces.
👉 More
Museum Gets Marketing Boost
Des Moines Children’s Museum is getting a boost from Lessing-Flynn, which is donating branding and marketing services to help the organization grow and reach more families.
👉 Info
Oakridge Fundraiser Returns
The Oakridge neighborhood is bringing back its annual “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” fundraiser, supporting local programs and services while giving the community a chance to gather and give back.
👉 Details
WEEKEND PLANS 🚨🏁
Want a Featured Event with a poster,
reach out and say hi.
Thursday
Spring Fling Open House (Runs Thu–Sat) — Fresh spring arrivals, treats, and in-store deals all weekend long. The Funky Zebras Boutique. [details]
Spring Pop-Up Sale (Runs Thu–Sat) — Huge multi-day sale supporting Dress for Success with thousands of curated finds. Valley West Mall. [details]
Fun With Flowers — Hands-on workshop to create your own fresh floral arrangement to take home. Barista’s Bouquet. [details]
2026 Poetry Palooza (Runs Thu–Sat) — Free poetry festival featuring renowned writers and community performances. Grand View University Viking Theatre. [details]
90’s Hits Music Bingo — A high-energy throwback bingo night featuring all your favorite 90s hits. Smash Park Des Moines. [details]
Friday
Saturday
Marv’s Music’s Final Record Store Day! — Early morning vinyl drop with exclusive releases at a local favorite. Marv’s Record Shop. [details]
Record Store Day at Zzz Records — All-day celebration with limited vinyl releases, giveaways, and in-store specials. Zzz Records. [details]
Earth Day Celebration — Free family-friendly event with activities, crafts, and community partners. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. [details]
Spring Nature Store Barn Sale — Pop-up barn sale featuring nature-themed goods supporting Neal Smith Refuge. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Barn. [details]
18th Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival — All-you-can-eat bacon, drinks, and live entertainment at this fan-favorite fest. High Life Lounge. [details]
Beginner Stained Glass Class — Create your own stained glass piece in this guided, hands-on workshop. ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery. [details]
Puppies on the Patio! — Meet adoptable dogs and enjoy a laid-back afternoon on the patio. Fenders Brewing. [details]
The Fashion Show — An evening showcase featuring local fashion and live runway presentations. Stephens Auditorium. [details]
Sunday
NOW SHOWING 🎭
🐢 Doodle Pop
📆 Apr 18
📍 Temple Theater
A playful, family-friendly show blending live music, animation, and storytelling as two characters journey through an imaginative world.
💃 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.
🚂 Runaway Twain
📆 April 19
📍 The Playhouse
A local improv group delivers a fast-paced, anything-can-happen comedy show with rotating guests and long-form sets.
LAUGHS 🤣
🎤 Tom Arnold
📆 Thursday
📍 Funny Bone
The longtime comedian and actor brings a high-energy set packed with wild stories and decades of material.
🎤 Chad Daniels
📆 Friday-Saturday
📍 Funny Bone
One of the most-streamed comics in the country delivers a brutally honest, dry humor drawn from real life.
🎤 Fortune Feimster
📆 Sunday
📍 Hoyt Sherman Place
The nationally touring comedian brings her sharp, laid-back style and storytelling to the stage for one night.
Support DSM at Dawn
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
THE SETLIST 🎶🎤
Thursday
Jonas Magram | 6 | Confluence Brewing
Jesse & The Medicine Men | 6 | Poncho’s
Shayfer James | 7 | xBk Live
Acoustic Medicine | 7 | xBk Annex
Randy Burk | 7 | Board & Batten
Nate Smith | 7:30 | Vibrant Music Hall
The Classic Stones Live | 7:30 | The Ingersoll
The Soul Searchers | 8 | Greenwood Lounge
MFKS | 8 | Confidence Speakeasy
Claudia Coltrain | 9 | Shotgun Betty’s
Friday
The Ripoffs | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Joshua Sinclair | 6 | Iowa Distilling Co
Atreyu | 7 | Wooly’s
The Max Wellman Big Band | 7 | Noce
Casey Joe & The Foxes | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Riley Jane | 7 | xBk Annex
Joint Pain | 7 | Locals Bar & Stage
Danny Grause | 7 | Reclaimed Rails Brewing
Jake Schrodt | 7 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
Brian Herrin | 7 | Ducktail Lounge
Austin Brown Trio | 7 | The Cave
Niko Moon | 7:30 | Vibrant Music Hall
The Music of Dreamgirls | 7:30 | The Ingersoll
Fred Hersch Trio | 7:30 | Sheslow Auditorium
EDM Rave | 8 | xBk Live
Dirty Champagne | 8 | Doc’s Lounge
Robby Michael | 8 | Brick & Ivy Rooftop
The Detour Band | 8 | Prairie Meadows
Jordan Beem | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Heavy Holly | 9 | Greenwood Lounge
Dustin Farrow & The Relics | 9 | Yacht Club
Saturday
Jake Schrodt | 4 | Revelton Distilling
Beggars’ Bargain | 5 | Plain Talk Books & Coffee
Royce Johns Duo | 5 | Winterset Cidery
Bob Dorr & The Blue Two | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Madison County Line | 6 | The Drift
The Max Wellman Big Band | 7 | Noce
Brother Trucker | 7 | Captain Roy’s
ERF Festival | 7 | Locals Bar & Stage
Yubu Band | 7 | Shirley’s
Jaden Decker | 7 | Talk Shop Lounge
The Music of Dreamgirls | 7:30 | The Ingersoll
Des Moines Symphony | 7:30 | Civic Center
Alex Schroeder | 7:30 | The Cork
Good To Be King | 8 | Wooly’s
Entre Luche & Coldsaint | 8 | xBk Live
Heath Alan | 8 | Greenwood Lounge
JKB | 8 | Lakeside Casino
Jesse & The Medicine Men | 8 | Prairie Meadows
The Sheet | 8 | Cabaret Ankeny
A Wolf Among Us | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
The Sons & Sara | 8 | Down Under
Sean Gabrielson | 8 | The Regal Beagle
Midnight Radio | 8:30 | Back Roads Lounge
Night Like This | 8:30 | Mickey’s Waukee
Sunday
Joe Kiplinger & Nick Borror | 2 | The Highland Underground
Malcolm Wells & The Two Timers | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Moors & McCumber | 2 | Covered Bridges Winery
Des Moines Symphony | 2:30 | Civic Center
Matt Terronez Trio | 5 | Louie’s Wine Dive
Joel Baker | 5 | Exile Brewing
Bob Fields & Swingtime | 5 | Lake Robbins Ballroom
Reverend Raven & The Chainsmokin’ Altar Boys | 6 | xBk Live
DSM SPORTS
If you’re looking for a game to catch this weekend:
🏒 Iowa Wild
Fri/Sat vs Manitoba Moose
Fan Appreciation Weekend
Love your weekends, hate the chores? You use DSM at Dawn to plan your weekend — don’t spend it scrubbing floors.
Click the link below to get access to the offer.
THANK YOU! 🙌
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].
