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:

• Watering ban 🚱
• Bike for animals 🚲️ 
• Cocktails & crafts 🍸️ 
• Things to do 📆

Let’s get to it.

📰 In the news

Prairie Meadows comedy series: Des Moines Performing Arts is rolling out its 2025–26 Temple Comedy Series with Disenchanted, the holiday return of Triple Espresso, Twilight Zone UnScripted and an add-on engagement with The Naked Magicians — check out the full lineup.

Watering ban stays in place: The Central Iowa lawn watering ban, first issued June 12th amid soaring nitrate levels in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, continues as officials monitor water safety — read more.

Halberstadt’s moves to Jordan Creek: Halberstadt’s Men’s Clothiers closed its Valley West Mall store on June 16th and opened at Jordan Creek Town Center the weekend of June 14th — read the full story.

The most underrated investment: While markets seesaws with the headlines, gold and silver are quietly holding value behind the scenes. Curious how it works? Snag this free investor kit to learn more.

Highlights this week

• Summer meal programs expand across IA
• State confirms there’s a measles outbreak
• This bike ride & brewery visit benefits rescue pets
• Activists discuss change through crafting together
• Skate South is half price on Wednesdays
• Get 1/2 off your first TruGreen lawn treatment

🫶 We got your back

Scoops of sunshine: Kava DSM is your passport to gelato heaven, where every scoop tastes like a vacation in a cup—from tangy lemon to white chocolate raspberry. It’s hands-down the sweetest way to beat the heat this weekend.

Pocket-sized perfection: If you’re craving dumplings that dance between delicate pleats and bold fillings, look no further than Dumpling House—they steam, they sear, they even deep-fry, but no matter the shape, each bite packs a flavor punch you won’t see coming.

See clearly, look cheeky: Ready to upgrade your eye game? Russ’ Uptown Optical isn’t your grandma’s eyewear counter (unless grandma’s a style icon). From retro cat-eyes to modern minimalist frames that whisper “I’ve got this,” they’ll have you seeing—and being seen—in a whole new light.

Kickflip ready: Drop in for decks, wheels, and gear that won’t bail on you—Subsect Skateshop keeps everything locked in so you can focus on landing that trick instead of worrying about snapped axles.

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

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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

🏡 Custom Adventure Yard Sign Workshop @ The Glitter Factory DSM | Tuesday (7/1) at 5:30 pm – Gather your snacks and sips, then craft the perfect custom yard sign in a relaxed, BYO-everything session at Glitter Factory. Ages 12+ (or younger with a grown-up), free off-street parking, and all the chill vibes you need—just reserve your spot and let’s get crafty.

🕺 90’s Name That Tune Trivia @ The Station on Ingersoll | Tuesday (7/1) at 6 pm – Oh, my God, Becky! It’s time to channel your inner ‘90s DJ: guess song titles and artists from classic clips, rack up points, and win house cash. Free to play, teams up to eight, all ages welcome—just get there early to snag a table and flex your pop-culture knowledge.

🍸 Cocktails and Crafts with Craft Daze! @ Goodson’s Food & Spirits | Tuesday (7/1) at 7:30 pm – Mix, mingle, and mosaic your way to a mini resin picture frame (no grout!), plus have your photo printed on-site and posed against a cute backdrop. All materials included, buy 4 tickets, get 1 free, and stick around for full menu service until 9 pm and drinks until 2 am.

🎨 Class: Acrylic Art Adventure @ Hoyt Sherman Place | Wednesday (7/2) at 5:30 pm – Kids aged 7–14 dive into color mixing, layering, and brushwork as they paint fish-inspired masterpieces in this fun acrylic class. All supplies provided—just bring imagination and get ready to make a splash with your own work of art.

🎆 2025 Viewing Party for Yankee Doodle Pops @ State Historical Building Grand Terrace | Thursday (7/3) at 6:30 pm – Join us on the Grand Terrace for a pre-concert cocktail reception, gourmet picnic dinner, cash bar, and premium reserved parking. Once the Des Moines Symphony takes the stage, you’ll enjoy an HD live stream of the concert and a spectacular fireworks display over the skyline. Every ticket supports the Des Moines Symphony & Academy’s concerts and education programs, so sip and savor in style for a cause.

🔥 34th Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals @ Iowa State Fairgrounds | Friday (7/4) at 8 am – Buckle up for a red, white, and roaring good time as 5,500+ hot rods, muscle cars, and customs take over the fairgrounds. From tire-smoking burnouts to twilight cruising and fireworks, this is a gearhead’s Fourth of July dream. Don’t miss the AutoCross shootout, Nitro Thunderfest, swap meet, live music, and some good old-fashioned pie and watermelon contests.

💋 Miss GoodGals Pinup Event 2025 @ Iowa State Fairgrounds Anne & Bill Riley Stage | Friday (7/4) at 2 pm – Victory rolls, vintage heels, and a whole lot of charm take the stage in this crowd-favorite pinup contest. Watch contestants channel their inner retro icons in classic 30s–50s attire as they compete for the coveted Miss GoodGals title. It’s all about style, attitude, and good vibes—no pasties, just personality.

This weekend

🥏 FDGC Flex @ Grandview Park | Saturday (7/5) at 8 am – Tee off early with a laid-back C-Tier flex round featuring long pads and casual competition—just get three to start a card, max five per card. Pros chase cash payouts via PayPal while AMs play for funny-money vouchers, and everyone signs a waiver (COVID-aware folks, don’t forget to preregister!).

🤠 Red Dirt Renegade Live @ Captain Roy’s | Saturday (7/5) at 7 pm – Kick off your weekend with a boot-stomping country party at Captain Roy’s. The Renegades deliver raw energy, killer riffs, and enough two-stepping tunes to keep you dancing all night. Pair it with cold brews and hearty laughs—this is the honky-tonk hang you’ve been craving.

🚗 Goodguys Car Show @ Iowa State Fairgrounds | Saturday (7/5) at 8 pm – Ready to rev your summer? Cruise through rows of gleaming classics, muscle cars, and hot rods at this ultimate enthusiast meetup. Whether you’re here for the chrome, the horsepower, or just the vibes, there’s something for every gearhead under the Midwestern sky.

🏐 Iowa Open BRQ @ Sands Volleyball Club | Sunday (7/6) at 8 am – Sand, sun, and spike-happy showdowns are on deck at the Sands Volleyball Club. Competitive beach volleyball action is coming soon—keep your sunscreen handy and your game face locked. Registration details dropping ASAP, so start recruiting your doubles partner now.

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 7/2 The Lamplighters @ Either/Or – 6 pm
• 7/2 Brother Trucker @ Maggie’s Rumble Room – 7 pm
• 7/2 Open Stage @ The Garden – 9 pm
• 7/2 Veteran’s Showcase @ Lefty’s Live Music – 9 pm
• 7/3 Hello Fellow Humans and more @ Lefty’s Live Music – 5 pm
• 7/3 MITG: Weary Ramblers @ Koehn Garden – 6 pm
• 7/3 Yankee Doodle Pops @ Iowa State Capitol – 8:30 pm
• 7/4 Gimikk and more @ Riverview Park – 6 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

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

Diana Duron and Junior Ibarra (Keller Williams Realty GDM) – 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | Built in 2025 | 2011 sqft

Porch swing dreams meet modern swagger in this two-story stunner just a hop from downtown Des Moines. The covered front porch is perfect for people-watching (or pretending you’re in a small-town sitcom), while the back porch begs for late-night plotting. Out back, the detached two-stall garage keeps your rides happy and your clutter out of sight.

Inside, the main floor master suite is basically a spa with a bed—dual sinks, walk-in closet, and a bathroom so private it might have its own secrets. The open living area flexes a snazzy electric fireplace, and the mudroom’s built-in shelves are ready for every muddy boot and rogue backpack. Upstairs, three more bedrooms await—perfect for guests, hobbies, or hiding from chores.

Window shopping is free — take a peek inside →