📰 In the news

Bestselling author draws record crowd: More than 2,000 book lovers gathered at the Franklin Event Center to hear from New York Times bestselling author Abby Jimenez during her recent visit to Des Moines. See the highlights and photos from the memorable event here.

Grassroots cycling movement takes off: Concerned by rising pedestrian deaths, former zoning commissioner Carol Maher has launched Ride On Des Moines, a self-funded advocacy group pushing for safer bike infrastructure and better enforcement of bike lane protections — here’s how they plan to make an impact.

Spotlight on Iowa’s Natural Treasures: Locals recently learned how the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation helps protect the state’s land, water, and wildlife through partnerships with landowners and public agencies. From saving grasslands to stopping policy rollbacks, the nonprofit’s work benefits both nature and local economies — learn more about their mission and recent projects.

Other highlights this week:

• Connect with job seekers at this career fair
• Celebrate diversity in your community 
• Donate lifesaving blood with Air Med
• Buy rare blooms at this plant sale
• University of Iowa launches digital accessibility initiative

✨ We got your back

Hole lotta love: When your carb cravings hit a 10, 5 Boroughs Bagels comes through with the kind of chewy, golden perfection that demands a schmear (or six). Sweet, savory, stacked sky-high—we don’t judge. We just hope you get there before the everything bagels are gone.

Sip happens: Craving something cold, chewy, and dangerously addictive? The drinks at 8 Degrees Cafe & Boba are equal parts caffeine, fruit, and snack—all in one cup. Customize your order like a boba sommelier or stick with the house fave, but fair warning: that first slurp might become a full-blown personality trait.

Plot twist! You walked in just to browse… and somehow left Reading in Public Bookstore + Café with a towering TBR pile, a tote bag, and deep emotional attachment to a story you haven’t even read yet. Cozy, chaotic, or cat-adjacent—whatever your genre, the shelves here never disappoint.

Green thumbs up: Whether you’re a seasoned plant whisperer or the kind of person who needs a succulent with a survival guide, Art Terrarium has what you need to make your home 47% leafier. Warning: side effects may include impulse-buying a fiddle-leaf fig and naming it.

👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?

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🔔Coming soon

7th Annual US Veterans Car & Truck Show | May 31st

It’s chrome, horsepower, and hometown pride at the 7th Annual US Veterans Car & Truck Show. Expect a parade of polished classics, food stands slinging crowd-pleasers, live tunes, prizes, and a silent auction—because who doesn’t love a little friendly bidding war?

Bonus: Spectator entry is free, and every dollar raised supports local veterans. So show up, show some love, and feast your eyes on some serious auto eye candy. Get the details here.

The Garden Party | June 8th

Saddle up your best springtime hat—be it fedora, fascinator, or floppy friend—for an afternoon of garden glam at Salisbury House. The Garden Party is serving up alfresco brunch bites, bubbly at the mimosa bar, classic yard games, and smooth live tunes, all set against the estate’s historic backdrop.

Fancy a stroll? Self-guided tours are included, along with cocktails, mocktails, and interactive surprises. It’s spring fundraising done right—and the perfect excuse to over-accessorize. Check out the full party details here.

📆 Around town

All events are subject to change without notice. Please check event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Know of an event we should include? Submit it here for free.

This week

🧠 SHSI Trivia Night on the Terrace @ State Historical Museum of Iowa | Tuesday (5/20) at 6 pm – Flex those brain muscles while soaking up Capitol views at the State Historical Building’s rooftop trivia night. With slices from Baratta’s, a cash bar, and Iowa-centric questions hosted by Anthony Taylor, this is your chance to school the competition on all things Hawkeye State.

🚴 RIDE OF SILENCE – Des Moines @ State Historical Museum of Iowa | Wednesday (5/21) at 6:30 pm – This isn’t your average group ride. Join the nationwide Ride of Silence for a slow, somber roll through Des Moines in honor of cyclists lost or injured on Iowa’s roads. Expect heartfelt stories, a 12 mph pace, and a moment of powerful community solidarity.

🌸 Sip & Stroll @ Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden | Thursday (5/22) at 5:30 pm – Wine in one hand, garden guide in the other — it’s the Des Moines Botanical Garden’s ultimate spring unwind. Stroll the blooming paths with insider tips from the Director of Horticulture and sip your way through a seasonal escape. Just don’t forget: this stroll is strictly 21+.

🧵 Unhinged Beaded Embroidery Quote Workshop @ The Glitter Factory DSM | Thursday (5/22) at 5:30 pm – Crafting meets chaos at this quirky beaded embroidery workshop. Think snarky quotes, glittery stitches, and chill vibes only. BYO snacks, drinks, and sass — no experience necessary, just a sense of humor and a creative itch to scratch.

🌸 CelebrAsian In Full Bloom @ Western Gateway Park | Friday (5/23) at 11 am – CelebrAsian is throwing a full-blown bash for its 22nd year, bringing together 15 vibrant Asian villages, live performances, a sizzling market bazaar, and more dumplings than you can handle. Expect lion dances, martial arts showdowns, and enough cultural flavor to fill your weekend plate. Bring your stretchy pants.

🎖️ Military Night @ Wells Fargo Arena | Friday (5/23) at 7 pm – Salute the Iowa Barnstormers as they honor veterans and active military members with special jerseys and camo footballs. It’s gridiron meets gratitude as they take on the Tulsa Oilers. Military families, keep an eye out for those extra ticket deals dropping soon.

This weekend

🐾 Doggy S’Paw Day @ Hiking Dog Co. | Saturday (5/24) at 12 PM – Your pup deserves some pampering, too. Roll into this paw-some spa day for fur-friendly product samples, grooming tips, and plenty of tail-wagging treats. No appointment needed, but don’t forget the leash (and maybe some extra belly rubs).

🍄 Des Moines Mushroom Festival @ Captain Roy’s | Saturday (5/24) at 2 PM – Get ready to get weird with some fungi at the first-ever DSM Mushroom Festival. Expect mushroom talks, guided foraging walks, tunes, and even a costume contest (yes, mushroom hats are encouraged). Whether you’re a spore geek or just fungi-curious, this is your chance to swap stories, snacks, and probably a few puns.

💆 Spa n’ B with Eden @ Surety Hotel | Saturday (5/24) at 6 PM – It’s R&B meets TLC at this self-care soirée hosted by Eden Spa. Sip on craft mocktails, nosh on a bougie cheese board, and score mini spa treatments while smooth jams set the mood. Basically, it’s glow-up time with a side of charcuterie.

🐾 Memorial Day Foam Paw-ty @ Paws and Pints | Sunday (5/25) at 11 am – Kick off summer with your pup at this foam-filled, dog-friendly bash. From brunch bites to bubble-filled beats with live music by Jake McVey, it’s a pawsitively splashy Memorial Day party. Bonus: mini golf and pop-up games for your competitive side — no leash required.

👑 The Garden Legacy Pageant: Bridgerton Renaissance Ball @ The Garden | Sunday (5/25) at 9 pm – Dear gentle reader, your royal presence is requested at The Garden’s opulent Bridgerton Ball. Witness the fierce glamour of the Garden Legacy Pageant, complete with talent, evening wear, and one jaw-dropping cash prize. Snag a table for your duchess squad and toast the night with a free bottle of bubbly.

🎶 Live music & comedy

• 5/20 Drug Church @ Wooly’s – 7:30 pm
• 5/21 Friko @ xBk – 7 pm
• 5/22 Jazz on the House w/ Sean Kiefer & Co. @ Noce – 7 pm
• 5/22 Shannon Curtis @ xBk – 7 pm
• 5/23 The Pork Tornadoes and more @ Principal Park – 7 pm
• 5/23 Napalm Death and more @ Wooly’s – 7 pm
• 5/23 Napoleon and more @ Noce – 7 pm
• 5/23 Panic at the Burlesque Show Vol. 4.5 @ xBk – 8 pm
• 5/24 Oceano and more @ Wooly’s – 6 pm
• 5/24 Craig Campbell @ Principal Park – 7 pm
• 5/24 The Nate Sparks Big Band @ Noce – 7 pm
• 5/24 KRACKLIN @ Smoking GOAT Pub – 8 pm
• 5/24 Bad Decisions @ Down Under Bar – 8 pm
• 5/24 DAVVN and more @ xBk – 8 pm
• 5/25 Reload and more @ Wicked Rabbit – 2 pm
• 5/25 Jake McVey @ Paws and Pints – 12 pm
• 5/25 The Unlikely Candidates and more @ xBk – 7 pm

🏠 This house is wild

*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.

Listed by: Heather Knittel (RE/MAX REAL ESTATE CENTER)

This 1929 brick charmer is no ordinary home—it’s a 1,743-square-foot masterpiece with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and original woodwork that tells its own story. You’ll swoon over the glowing hardwood floors, vintage glass doorknobs, and a custom front door that sets the tone for the entire place.

The kitchen? Marble counters, naturally. Outside, your private acre blooms with lilacs, peonies, and lush green grass. No HOA, just timeless craftsmanship, garden-party potential, and a whole lot of heart. Come for the history, stay for the sanctuary.

Window shopping is free — take a peek inside →