Chicken chain expansion, crop milestones, farmers market, free yoga, patriotic pup meet up, concerts & movies in the park, and more. 
Happy Fourth of July, 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:
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Workforce housing 🏘️
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Cannabis survey 🌿
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Zaxbys opening 🍗
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Major housing push: Last month, developers filed applications for $197 million in workforce housing tax credits to create or rehab 668 units across 11 projects, including a 209-apartment conversion of the downtown Financial Center — read the full story.
Zaxbys targets Des Moines expansion: A Georgia-based chicken tender chain is scouting the metro for franchise partners and planning eight to 10 new restaurants — read more.
Middle-American cannabis: A survey found that 16.2% of Des Moines adults used cannabis last month and continue to work, own homes, and vote regularly even though recreational sales remain illegal — read more.
Compare rates for free: The average driver pays $175 a month on car insurance, but most of us are paying way too much. If it’s been a while since you shopped around, you’re likely part of that “most of us” — this comparison tool can save you hundreds.
Highlights this week
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Corn and soybeans are ahead of schedule
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Study investigates farm-related health risks
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BMX weekend features the triple-point Gold Cup
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Summer concert series features Joe Demerath Live
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Join a Sunday disco fundraising party for CAAP
🫶 We got your back
Twist and shout: Knead an excuse to carb-load? At Hessen Haus, every pretzel is hand-rolled into a symphony of salty satisfaction. Whether you’re into classic sea-salt twists, cheese-stuffed bombs, or the seasonal cinnamon-sugar spin-offs, they’ve got the doughy goodness to keep your taste buds dancing.
Frankly fantastical franks: When you need a quick bite that packs a punch, Des Moines Dog House is the reigning champ of mustard, relish, and risk-it-all topping combos. Think loaded chili-cheese dogs with a dash of sriracha and pickled jalapeños—because sometimes comfort food needs a kick.
Game-day glory days: When you need that signed rookie card or MVP autograph to complete your shrine, look no further than Hi-5 Trading Cards. From graded gems to limited-edition collectibles, they’ve got the goods that make your living room feel like championship central—no referees required (just maybe a foam finger).
Energy efficiency on a budget: New windows and doors may not seem glamorous, but they can deliver real savings — windows can reduce utility bills by 7-15% and doors by up to 35%. To sweeten the savings, Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 off per door right now.
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📆 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
🎸 Rock-It In The Park @ Union Park | Friday (7/4) at 12 pm – This all-ages bash brings food, games, kids’ fun, and live music together for one laid-back Independence Day celebration. Come for the community vibes, stay for the outdoor movie and all-day summer energy.
🎬 Movies in the Park: “Uncharted” @ Captain Roy’s | Friday (7/4) at 4 pm – Cap off your Fourth with a riverside flick and fireworks! Grab a lawn chair, order a drink, and catch Tom Holland treasure-hunting in Uncharted as dusk settles over the park. Free admission, family-friendly, and full of summer magic.
🚴 2025 Gold Cup and Iowa BMX State Qualifiers Weekend @ 80/35 BMX | Friday (7/4) at 5 pm – BMXers, this one’s your moment. Kick off the three-day race weekend with Friday’s ride, then get serious with double and triple point qualifiers on Saturday and Sunday. More info dropping soon—just be ready to shred.
This weekend
🥕 Downtown Farmers’ Market @ Historic Court District | Saturday (7/5) at 7 am – Bright and early, Court Avenue transforms into a community hub brimming with local produce, artisanal cheeses, fresh-baked goodies, and seasonal blooms. Best part? It’s free to wander, chat with the farmers, and snack your way through the market. Grab your tote and get first dibs on the best of Iowa’s bounty.
☀️ Solar Party @ Science Center of Iowa | Saturday (7/5) at 9 am – Rise and shine for a front-row seat to our nearest star. The Science Center’s Solar Party (no tickets required) coincides with the downtown farmers market, so you can snag fresh produce and eclipse-viewing tips all in one stop. Perfect for curious minds and coffee lovers alike—just don’t stare at the sun without the right gear.
🏁 Summertime Nationals at Goodguys Heartland Nationals @ Iowa State Fairgrounds | Saturday (7/5) at 2 pm – Start your engines for rookie, junior, inline, and V8 classes duking it out in this spectator-friendly showdown. With vintage machines roaring and polished chrome gleaming, it’s the perfect afternoon pit stop for car fans of all stripes.
🎵 Live At The Annex: Bradford Johnson @ xBk Annex | Saturday (7/5) at 7 pm – Catch Des Moines’ own Bradford Johnson leading his high-octane retro rock outfit, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, through an electrifying set of originals and obscure b-sides. Free admission, first-come seating—so arrive early, grab a spot, and prepare for a genre-bending ride.
🎪 The Groove: A Variety Show @ xBk Live | Saturday (7/5) at 8 pm – Dive into a night where no two acts look alike … or make much sense. From soul-stirring vocals to improv that toes the line of chaos, The Groove serves up a wild buffet of talent at xBk Live. Think Vegas flair meets Des Moines oddball charm. Grab your friends, loosen that tie (or ditch it entirely), and prepare for an evening that’s anything but boring.
🧘Free Yoga on the Patio@ Big Grove Brewery (Des Moines Taproom) | Sunday (7/6) at 10 am – Ease into your Sunday with a free, restorative yoga class led by Elaine and Darcy on the sunny patio. All ages and skill levels welcome—just bring your mat, flow at your own pace, and stay after class for lunch and a cold brew.
🎭 Showtune Sundays with the DMGMC @ The Blazing Saddle | Sunday (7/6) at 2 pm – Belt out your favorite Broadway hits and sip unlimited draft beer (for just $15!) at this monthly sing-along. Hosted by the DMGMC, proceeds support their mission of singing music that matters. Grab your fellow showtune junkies and get ready to steal the spotlight.
🐶 Patriotic Pups Meetup @ Paws and Pints | Sunday (7/6) at 4 pm – Rally your canine crew in red, white, and blue for a fun Fourth‐weekend meetup at Paws & Pints. All patriotic pups score a free day pass starting at 4 pm—just bring your government ID and proof of vaccinations.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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7/4 The Lowdown Drifters @ xBk Live – 8 pm
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7/5 Blacktop @ Iowa State Fairground – 1:30 pm
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7/5 Joe Demerath @ Tipsy Crow Tavern – 2 pm
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7/5 Red Dirt Renegade @ Captain Roy’s – 7 pm
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7/5 Bradford Johnson @ xBk Annex – 7 pm
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7/6 Liv McNair @ Paws & Pints – 1 pm
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7/6 Lauren Vilmain and more @ Louie’s Wine Dive – 5 pm
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7/6 82Major @ xBk Live – 7 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.
Jason Stuyvesant (RE/MAX Concepts) – 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | Built in 1918 | 2556 sqft
Classic brick charm meets modern swagger on Polk Boulevard, where original woodwork and a showpiece fireplace set the tone in the decorative dining room. The kitchen’s got a center island big enough for a dance-off, high-end appliances for your inner chef, and a laundry-equipped half bath that says, “Yes, you can multitask.”
Upstairs, a master suite with a closet that could swallow a small car, three more bedrooms, and a sun-drenched solarium await. The basement’s got a wet bar, a workout room, and is ready for its own bathroom if you’re feeling handy.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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