📰 In the news

Prohibition-inspired restaurant coming soon: The Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel is unveiling Revelry Room Bar + Kitchen on May 30th, a new downtown spot blending 1920s speakeasy vibes with modern flair — here’s what to expect.

Hip-hop hits Iowa’s backroads: Rural Iowa’s Middle of Nowhere Art & Music Festival returns July 12 to The Cellar Winery in Madrid, blending hip-hop, graffiti, and Chicano art — full details here.

Adventureland kicks off summer: It reopens this Saturday with classic rides, new BBQ eats from Iowa Smokehouse, and the debut of Hyperlight — a reimagined waterslide with lights and sound — see what’s new.

Other highlights this week:

• Compete in a citywide FundRacer
• Score deals at Lawn and Garden Days
• Network over drinks at this grand opening
• Lace up for the Run at Riverview
• Ride to raise awareness for men’s health
• Gov. Reynolds appoints new director

🫶 We got your back

Shake it off: Today’s World Cocktail Day, and The Winchester is the place to raise a glass. Whether you’re a classic martini type, a fan of a good old fashioned, or after something that doesn’t taste like it’s 80 proof, their cozy atmosphere and generous pours never disappoint.

Say yes to the best: There are mozzarella sticks… and then there are Maggie’s Rumble Room’s mozzarella sticks. They crunch on the outside (hello, hand breaded), pack allll the flavor on the inside, and are served just hot enough to remind you why patience is a virtue.

Level up your wardrobe: Closet feeling a little “eh”? Rumor’s Vintage is your upgrade button. Whether you’re hunting down graphic tees, vintage gems, unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else, or a jacket that magically makes you look cooler, they’ve got the goods.

Stare at some trees: Overwhelmed? Burnt out? Tired of sitting in front of a screen? Gray’s Lake Park is the go-to spot for powering down, quieting your mind, and appreciating how the sun shines through the trees. Best part? It costs nothing (except time and fuel to get there).

👀 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. Find out how it works →

🔔Coming soon

CelebrAsian | May 23rd–24th

For two days, Western Gateway Park transforms into a full-on passport to Asia—no boarding pass required. CelebrAsian is back with its 50th anniversary bash, and it’s bursting with authentic eats, cultural showcases, and live performances from across the continent.

Whether you’re chasing kimchi, lion dances, or a family-friendly day out, this is your chance to dive into Iowa’s largest Asian American celebration. Get the full details here.

Iowa Craft Brew Festival | June 7th

Your summer sipping schedule just got an upgrade. The Iowa Craft Brew Festival is bringing together the state’s finest breweries, cideries, and meaderies for a day of bottomless tastings and top-tier vibes in Des Moines.

That’s right—unlimited samples of local brews, all in one place. Grab your tasting glass, rally your hop-loving crew, and get ready to toast to Iowa’s best. Get the full pour on the festival 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

🎬 AMADEUS with Des Moines Symphony @ The Varsity Cinema – Des Moines | Tuesday (5/13) at 7 pm – This isn’t your average movie night. Watch Amadeus with a live intro from the Des Moines Symphony’s concertmaster and real-time performances on a violin crafted in Mozart’s day. Part concert, part history lesson, all very extra.

🚘 Summer Nights @ Karl Kustoms | Wednesday (5/14) at 5 pm – Fire up the engines and roll into this community car meet where chrome shines, the ice cream truck churns, and country radio royalty makes an appearance. Show up late (not early), snag a spot, and see what the Karl Kustoms crew has been working on all winter.

🧚 Fairy Gardens @ Greater Des Moines Botanical Center | Thursday (5/15) at 5:30 pm – Get your tiny trowels ready for an evening of whimsy and wonder. This hands-on workshop has everything you need to build a magical miniature world—plants, pebbles, twig furniture, and of course, fairies. Ages 12 and up, but inner children are definitely welcome.

📚 AViD Presents: Abby Jimenez @ Franklin Jr High Event Center | Thursday (5/15) at 7 pm – Romance readers, this one’s for you. Abby Jimenez—NYT bestseller and expert in fictional swooning—is bringing her latest book and witty charm to Des Moines. No ticket needed, just get there early and prepare to fall in love… with her storytelling, obviously.

This weekend

🍷 Iowa Wine Trail Weekends @ Various Wineries Across Iowa | Friday–Sunday (5/16–5/18) at 10 am – Sip, swirl, and road trip your way through 23 Iowa wineries all weekend long. Your $40 ticket gets you a free tasting at each spot, plus exclusive discounts and specials — because wine not? Grab your friends, map your route, and toast to the perfect weekend getaway.

🐾 The 2025 Buzz Run + Stylin Paws Downtown Dog Walk @ Fleet Feet Des Moines | Saturday (5/17) at 7:30 am – Leash up your pup and lace up your sneakers for this feel-good morning fun run! Expect pizza on the course, a cold plunge at the finish, and post-run brews that give back to Animal Lifeline. Bonus: sign up by April 13 to snag a medal and the comfiest event tee you’ll ever own.

🛠️ Build-A-Pond Workshop @ Just Add Water | Saturday (5/17) at 9:00 am – Ready to make a splash in your own backyard? Join this hands-on pond-building class and leave with the know-how to create your own mini oasis. Just be warned—koi fish not included.

🪴 Plant Sale @ Global Greens Farmers’ Market | Saturday (5/17) at 9:30 am – Fill your garden with locally grown blooms and greens, courtesy of refugee farmers building roots in the community. From tomatoes to lavender, it’s a verdant paradise—and every purchase helps empower.

🍻 Beer Mile DSM @ SingleSpeed Brewing Co. | Saturday (5/17) at 4 pm – Four laps. Four beers. One epic way to welcome summer. Whether you’re sprinting solo or forming a relay crew, just remember the golden rule: don’t spill and don’t spew.

🕴️ 2025 Gentleman’s Ride @ Des Moines IA | Sunday (5/18) at 9 am – Saddle up in style for a global ride that’s equal parts cause and class. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride rolls through Des Moines with hundreds of vintage-loving riders dressed to the nines — all raising funds for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research. 

🎨 Sunflower Watercolor @ Hoyt Sherman Place | Sunday (5/18) at 1 pm – Spend your Sunday painting something sunny in Betty Walker’s sunflower watercolor class. It’s a chill two-hour session of sketching and painting, with all supplies provided and creative vibes guaranteed. Ages 14+ welcome.

🐾 Pug Meetup @ Paws and Pints | Sunday (5/18) at 4 pm – Pugs, mixes, and all smushy faces unite! Your pup gets a free pass, and you get to hang with the cutest snorters in town. New to Paws & Pints? Just prep your doggo’s profile and flash those vaccine receipts — easy peasy.

🎶 Live music & comedy

• 5/13 Jack Van Cleaf @ xBk – 7 pm
• 5/14 NOLA Jazz Duo @ Louie’s Wine Dive – 6 pm
• 5/14 The Funeral Portrait and more @ Wooly’s – 7 pm
• 5/15 Jazz on the House @ Noce – 7 pm
• 5/15 Jay Webb @ xBk – 7 pm
• 5/16 Sundogs at Midnight @ Lefty’s – 5 pm
• 5/16 Joe Demerath @ Captain Roy’s – 6 pm
• 5/16 Follies: A Night of Broadway @ Noce – 7 pm
• 5/16 Lacuna Coil @ Wooly’s – 8 pm
• 5/16 Deb Talan @ xBk – 8 pm
• 5/17 monkeyfour @ Des Moines Biergarten – 4 pm
• 5/17 Display Case and more @ Lefty’s – 4 pm
• 5/18 Hat Trick @ County Line Tap – 3 pm
• 5/18 Cowpunk @ 1833 Stage – 3 pm
• 5/18 Guardin @ Wooly’s – 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: Renee Dunkel (Century 21 Signature)

This 4-bed, 3-bath charmer clocks in at 2,108 square feet and sits pretty on a 0.35-acre lot at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Built in 1969 but fully updated, it flaunts gleaming hardwoods, a professionally designed kitchen, and a spa-like primary suite with a soaking tub, double vanity, and oversized shower.

There’s a drop zone, renovated baths, multi-level deck, and a fenced backyard ready for your summer soirées. Bonus: newer HVAC, radon system, and all appliances included. No HOA means fewer rules, more freedom. It’s classic, cozy, and completely move-in ready.

Window shopping is free — take a peek inside →