Four-story garage, eight miles of new trails, bike night, movies in the park, and more. 
Happy Friday, 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 weekend ahead:
-
Bike night 🚲️
-
Movie in the park 🎥
-
Vintage in the valley 🧺
-
Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Four-story garage approved: The City Council has signed off on a $36.3 million redevelopment that includes a 335-space, four-story parking garage east of the Polk County Court Annex, with construction set to kick off in the coming weeks — get the details.
BODYTRAFFIC takes center stage: BODYTRAFFIC is coming to Des Moines Civic Center in November 2025, featuring standout works like A Million Voices, Mayday, and Snap. Don’t miss out — check out the details.
DMPS Signature Schools plan: After 14,000 community survey responses, Des Moines Public Schools has fleshed out its “Signature Schools” vision—repurposing existing buildings and creating new spaces for STEM, arts, Montessori and more — read the full story
Highlights this week
-
Iowa State is searching for its next president
-
Great Lakes connection trail gains eight miles
-
Grace For Addictions hosts Summer Soirée fundraiser
-
Join the Beaverdale & Beyond Poker Ride
-
Ride for a reason at this charity bike event
-
Compare auto insurance rates for free
🫶 We got your back
Fresh fields, fresher flavors: Get ready to dig in—HoQ Restaurant is where your fork meets the farm. From sun-kissed heirloom tomatoes to pasture-raised delights, every plate tells a story of nearby soil, sustainable practice, and that sweet “I-can’t-believe-this-is-good-for-you” sensation.
Steep your senses: When you need a timeout from the daily grind, Gong Fu Tea brews up serenity one leaf at a time. Whether you’re chasing floral oolongs or smoky pu’ers, they’ve got the perfect pour-over to turn any afternoon into a moment worth savoring.
Desk not required: Tired of your same old home-office setup? Gravitate Coworking hands you the Wi-Fi, the office plant (sort of), and that soft‐serve of creative energy you’ve been craving. Plug in, brainstorm, and bond over communal snacks—without the awkward water-cooler small talk.
Strike the right chord: Ready to riff? Uptempo Music is your one-stop shop for everything from ukuleles that whisper to drum kits that roar. Whether you’re a fret-shy beginner or a pedal-tapping pro, they’ll have you making music—and maybe memories—before you can say “encore.”
Degrees without the squeeze: Want to help your kiddo or grandchild through college? Co-signing their student loan helps them unlock lower rates and increases their chances of getting approved. Some lenders release co-signers after enough on-time payments, so it doesn’t have to be forever. Avoid last-minute headaches by acting now!
👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?
Own or manage a local business? Thousands of your future fans read our emails — advertising your products, services, listings, and events with us is easy.
You can advertise with us or submit an event for free.
📆 Des Moines happenings
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
🐱 Bike Night @ VFW Beaverdale | Friday (6/20) at 5 pm – Rev your engines and roll on over to the Beaverdale VFW for a night of bikes, brews, and beats. With live music, tasty food, and beer specials flowing all night, it’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend!
🎨 Gallery Talk: Light Within Ourselves: Haitian Art in Iowa @ Des Moines Art Center | Friday (6/20) at 5:30 pm – Celebrate World Refugee Day with a fascinating gallery talk on Haitian art in Iowa. Explore beautiful pieces and learn about the powerful stories behind them.
🎬 Movies in the Park: Madagascar @ Nahas Aquatic Center | Friday (6/20) at 6:30 pm – Grab a blanket and come watch “Madagascar” under the stars! The zoo crew is ready to entertain you with laughs, wild adventures, and feel-good tunes. Plus, it’s totally free!
This weekend
🚴♂️ 2025 Beaverdale & Beyond Poker Ride @ Beaverdale Tap | Saturday (6/21) at 9:30 am – Hop on your bike and ride for a great cause at the Beaverdale Poker Ride! Enjoy a scenic route, draw poker cards at each stop, and win awesome prizes while supporting local businesses and the Beaverdale Fall Festival.
🐉 Des Moines Poké Fest @ Embassy Suites | Saturday (6/21) at 10 am – Get ready for a weekend filled with all things Pokémon! Whether you’re a fan of Funko pops, comics, or sports cards, this free event has something for everyone. Meet your favorite characters, grab some swag, and enjoy giveaways every hour.
🎤 Iowa Juneteenth Observance Neighbor’s Day Celebration @ Western Gateway Park | Saturday (6/21) at 12 pm – Join the party for Iowa’s 35th Anniversary Neighbor’s Day Celebration! With live music, bouncy houses, food, shopping, and more, this free event is perfect for all ages. Don’t miss out on the fun and community spirit.
🎸 Soulcage – Album Release w/ Parabola and January @ xBk Live | Saturday (6/21) at 7:30 pm – Don’t miss Soulcage’s highly anticipated album release show! With Parabola and January opening, this live performance promises a night of epic tunes. Grab your tickets early for the best deal and a free CD of the new album.
🧘 Free Yoga on the Patio @ Big Grove Brewery | Sunday (6/22) at 10 am – Start your Sunday with a dose of relaxation and a little yoga on the patio. Whether you’re a yoga newbie or a seasoned pro, this class is for all levels. Stick around for lunch and a cold drink after class.
🐶 Vintage in the Valley @ Water Works Park Amphitheater | Sunday (6/22) at 10 am – Get ready for a treasure hunt like no other at this year’s Vintage in the Valley! With a brand new location at Water Works Park, you can shop for vintage finds, handmade goods, and unique treasures in a stunning outdoor setting. Bring your friends and get ready to dig for gems.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
-
6/20 ROR with Bad Friends @ Riverview Park – 5:30 pm
-
6/20 Fat Andy 20th Anniversary Reunion Show @ Lefty’s Live Music – 6:30 pm
-
6/20 The Soul Rebels @ xBk Live – 7 pm
-
6/20 Origami Angel and more @ Wooly’s – 7 pm
-
6/20 Velvet Trio @ Pal Joey’s – 7 pm
-
6/21 Cold Filtered @ Captain Roy’s – 6 pm
-
6/21 The Bond @ The Fraternal Order of Eagles – 7 pm
-
6/21 Soulcage Album Release @ xBk Live – 7:30 pm
🏠️ Price Is Right – Des Moines edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Penny Harrison (RE/MAX Concepts) – 4 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | Built in 1998 | 2245 sqft
Perched on a cul de sac where the only traffic jam involves squirrels, this two-story dazzler serves up tray ceilings, a white stone fireplace, and a kitchen so shiny you’ll need sunglasses—quartz counters, pretty white cupboards, and a pantry with a secret laundry hookup (for the indecisive). The first-floor master suite boasts a walk-in closet big enough for questionable fashion choices and a shower that could double as a car wash.
Upstairs, a barn door guards the loft, while vaulted ceilings and walk-in closets keep things dramatic. The basement brings the party with a bar and a “non-conforming” room currently flexing as a gym. The garage is heated and sports epoxy floors, because even your car deserves luxury.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
We may receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter. Content marked with an * is paid advertising. These companies may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter. You received this email because you signed up for our list.
Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here
© 2025 BaseLocal
220 W. Congress Street
Detroit, MI 48226, United States of America
