Farewell to KDPS radio, new Prairie Meadows concerts, Adventure Pass, Smokey D’s BBQ, Juneteenth, and more. 
Happy Tuesday, Des Moines. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Des Moines Brief serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead:
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KDPS sign-off 📻
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Temple concerts 🎶
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Juneteenth jubilee 🎉
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Farewell to Edge 88.1: After seven decades on the air, Des Moines’ student-run KDPS signed off for good on June 5 as the school district shifts focus to podcasting and streaming — read why the signal went silent.
Folk and jazz at the Temple: Des Moines Performing Arts just unveiled its 2025-26 Prairie Meadows Live at the Temple Concert Series, featuring five genre-spanning acts like Susan Werner and Delbert Anderson, plus an optional Joni Mitchell–Leonard Cohen tribute — see the full lineup and ticket info.
Free family fun is back: Norwalk Public Library cardholders can now reserve Adventure Passes to top spots like the Blank Park Zoo and Science Center of Iowa — see how to grab yours.
Highlights this week
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County plans major rec & wildlife upgrades
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Smokey D’s BBQ named one of the best
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Join the Above + Beyond Cancer Cycling Club
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Ride from SingleSpeed Brewing with Pint Night
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Celebrate Juneteenth at the Iowa Jubilee
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Lawn looking rough? TruGreen’s 50% off
🫶 We got your back
Sweet tooth salvation: Need a chocolate fix? Chocolaterie Stam is your one-stop shop for bonkers bonbons, decadent drinking chocolate, and so many ganache-filled delights that your dentist will both weep and cheer.
Coastal crunch cravings: When fish, chips, and that unmistakable seaside breeze call your name, Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery delivers golden-battered perfection with malt vinegar flair, plus the kind of fluffy chips you’ll dream about ’til your next order.
Wardrobe whisperers: From breezy linen dresses to power-shoulder blazers (and all the accessories that make them pop), Preservation is where your closet goes to get its personality back—one perfectly curated piece at a time.
Market magic: Why shop anywhere else when Gateway Market has weekly farm-fresh produce, small-batch pantry staples, and enough grab-and-go gourmet options to turn your dinner routine into something extraordinary?
Get your piece of the pie: While the market swings on trade wars and escalating conflicts overseas, gold and silver are steadily holding (under the radar). Check out this free guide for new investors and see how easy it is to tap into one of the most underrated money moves right now.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
This week
🐒 Zoo Brew with The Cardinal Sound @ Blank Park Zoo | Wednesday (6/18) at 6 pm – Get ready to mix a little wild with your wine! The UnSons are back at the zoo for a brew-tastic evening. Come for the tunes, stay for the laughs, and enjoy a drink among the animals.
🎤 Live at the Annex @ xBk Annex | Wednesday (6/18) at 7 pm – Catch Lily DeTaeye live in Des Moines for a night of alt-rock and folk vibes. With her soulful voice and harmonica skills, Lily will take you on a musical journey you won’t forget. Don’t miss the chance to see this rising star!
🚴♀️ Pint Night Ride @ SingleSpeed Brewing Co. | Thursday (6/19) at 6 pm – Hop on your bike and pedal over to SingleSpeed for a leisurely ride and some live tunes. Raise funds for charity while enjoying a refreshing pint at the end of your ride. Every week has a new route, and all levels are welcome.
📚 Juneteenth Poetry Jam + Open Mic @ xBk Live | Thursday (6/19) at 7 pm – Prepare for a night of powerful poetry and spoken word at the Juneteenth Poetry Jam. Whether you want to take the stage or just vibe with the crowd, this open mic is all about art, culture, and community.
💃 Ritmo Thursdays at Ta’Chido @ Ta’Chido After Dark | Thursday (6/19) at 8 pm – Spice up your Thursday nights with free Salsa and Bachata lessons, followed by a Latin dance social. No cover, no partner needed—just bring your best dance moves and have a blast with fellow dancers.
🎶 ROR with Bad Friends @ Riverview | Friday (6/20) at 5:30 pm – Head over to the island for a night of live music and family-friendly fun. Join ROR and Bad Friends for an unforgettable evening!
🎷 Boney James: Slow Burn Tour @ Hoyt Sherman Place | Friday (6/20) at 7:30 pm – Smooth jazz at its finest! Let Boney James set the mood with his Slow Burn Tour. Grab your tickets for an evening of soulful melodies.
This weekend
🌞 Ingersolstice Block Party @ Woodland Realm | Saturday (6/21) at 1 pm – Celebrate the summer solstice at the first-ever Ingersolstice Block Party! With splash zones for the kids, live music, local art, and tasty treats from Veggie Thumper & Pints by Beth, it’s an afternoon you won’t want to miss.
🍸 Tequila in the Gardens @ Rollins Mansion Gardens | Saturday (6/21) at 6:30 pm – Indulge in a chef-curated, five-course dinner paired with handcrafted tequila cocktails in the beautiful Rollins Mansion gardens. With a limited number of seats, make sure to reserve your spot for a flavorful, unforgettable evening.
🍖 BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark @ Principal Park | Saturday (6/21) at 12 pm – It’s BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark time! Enjoy delicious Iowa pork, craft brews, and live entertainment at Principal Park, all while supporting food banks across the state. Grab your tickets now for an afternoon of good food and great vibes.
🐶 Pups with Pride @ Paws and Pints | Sunday (6/22) at 2 pm – This Pride Month, leash up your fur-iend and head to Des Moines’ paw-some playground for a doggone good time! Rock your pup in rainbow gear for a free day pass, snatch a Pride-inspired grooming discount, and flex those fetching costumes in our pet contest. Sip on colorful drink features at Your Best Friend’s Bar, snap celeb-worthy shots at our photo booth, and snag fabulous giveaways courtesy of Capital City Pride.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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6/17 Merkules @ Wooly’s – 7 pm
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6/18 Scott Davis/John Mattingly Duo @ Louie’s Wine Dive – 6 pm
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6/18 Zoo Brew with The UnSons @ Blank Park Zoo – 6 pm
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6/18 Live at the Annex: Lily DeTaeye @ xBk – 7 pm
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6/19 Summer Concert Series @ Confluence Brewing Co. – 6 pm
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6/19 Summer Concert Series: Rhino @ Jasper Winery – 6 pm
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6/19 Son Peruchos @ Koehn Garden – 6:30 pm
🏠️ This house is wild
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