Endangered landmarks, special census, rainbow murals, vegan seafood popup, Corgi Chase, 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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Special census 📊
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Rainbow murals 🌈
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Corgi Chase 🐶
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Seven sites in danger: The Des Moines Heritage Trust named seven metro buildings—like the 1885-built Grant School and the now-closed Hull Avenue Tavern—to its 2025 list of endangered historic places. See what made the list — read the full story.
Population count underway: West Des Moines is kicking off a partial special census this summer to document growth and secure more state funding — see what to expect and how to participate.
Colorful love and murals: Cat Rocketship and Dani Awesome channel their decade-long bond and recovery into vibrant rainbow murals across Des Moines — read their story.
College funding: With fall semester approaching, it’s a good time to explore student loan options. Co-signed loans often come with better rates and higher approval odds, and many lenders provide pathways to release co-signers after establishing good payment records — CollegeAve makes the entire process a breeze.
Highlights this week
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Hot dog spot heritage persists
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Food assistance program falling short
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Crunch’s founder day sale is on Thursday
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Enjoy food and prep kits at Community Dinner
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Support queer ventures during Pitch with Pride
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Got debt? National can help you cut ties
🫶 We got your back
Farm-to-fork thrills ahead: Craving bold, beef-free flavors? Look no further than New World Kitchen for humble veggies turned rock stars. Expect inventive plant-based dishes, dairy-free twists, and desserts that’ll make you rethink vegan eats.
Shuck it to me: Nothing says coastal charm like briny, ocean-fresh oysters piled high—and Splash Seafood isn’t shy about bringing the tide straight to your table.
Two-wheel TLC: Whether you’re dodging potholes or conquering gravel trails, Ichi Bike keeps your ride rolling smoother than your favorite playlist.
Tinker, create, repeat: From melted-magic 3D printers to shop-class-envious power tools, Area515 Des Moines Maker Space is the DIY dream factory ready to bring your wildest inventions to life (googly-eyes optional).
One enthusiastic zoomie sesh could cost you $6,000+. Between the emergency visit, X-rays, surgery, pain meds, and months of physical therapy, it adds up quicker than Spot chasing a tennis ball. The good news? This pet insurance plan offers up to 90% cash back on the bill.
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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
🎭 AACTFest 2025 – National Theatre Festival @ Hoyt Sherman Place Theater | Wednesday (6/25) at 11 am – Theater lovers, this is your Super Bowl. AACTFest brings 12 standout productions, juicy workshops, design showcases, and a swirl of social events to Des Moines. Snag a Show Pass for a sampling, or go all-in with VIP perks that’ll have you mingling like a Broadway insider.
🍤 Vegan Seafood Popup @ Cinnaholic | Wednesday (6/25) from 4 pm – No fish were harmed in the making of this feast. Dive into lobster mac, buffalo “shrymp,” crabby cakes, and coconut goodness—all 100% plant-based. It’s one night only, so get your sea legs ready and line up early.
🌈 Pitch with Pride @ SingleSpeed Brewing | Thursday (6/26) from 5 pm – Sip, support, and celebrate local LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs as they pitch for real cash prizes. There’s a live ensemble, food, drinks, raffles, and a crowd-powered winner. If you love startups and social change, this one’s got your name on it.
🔮 Pottery & Tarot @ Five Monkeys Inc. | Thursday (6/26) at 6 pm – Make a masterpiece and peek into your future. You’ll get a personal tarot reading plus a $20 pottery credit to bring your creative vision to life. Pro tip: get there early to stroll the Valley Junction Farmer’s Market and snag a bite before class starts.
🧟 Mausoleum – Presented with The Fright Zone Podcast @ Varsity Cinema | Thursday (6/26) at 10 pm – Cult horror and cold beer? Say less. Catch this ‘80s possession flick with the crew from The Fright Zone Podcast. The first 50 brave souls score a spooky koozie for their trouble.
💃 Taylor Swift Skate@ Skateland | Friday (6/27) at 5 pm – It’s a Swiftie dream on wheels! Skate to Taylor’s biggest hits, snap pics with Skater Swift, and trade friendship bracelets under the disco lights. Costumes encouraged, sing-alongs guaranteed.
🐶 ARL Yappy Hour @ Truman’s KC Pizza Tavern | Friday (6/27) at 5:30 pm – Dogs, drinks, and good deeds—what more do you need? Bring your pup (or just your pawsitive vibes) for patio hangs, live music, and Pink Poodle cocktails that help animals in need. RSVP by June 26 and snag a free Tito’s bandana.
This weekend
🔥 June Community Drum and Fire Dancing Circle @ Brian Melton Park | Saturday (6/28) at 6:30 pm – Learn fire safety, stay for the flow arts. This mesmerizing, music-fueled gathering is part workshop, part performance, and entirely entrancing under the night sky.
🏈 Corgi Chase Night @ Wells Fargo Arena | Saturday (6/28) at 7:05 pm – Football and corgis? Yes please. The Barnstormers face off with the Sharks, but the real action happens at halftime with the annual Corgi Chase! Want to watch the stubby-legged chaos or enter your own pooch? Proceeds support ARL — it’s a win-win.
🎸 Tonic | Des Moines Arts Festival @ Western Gateway Park | Saturday (6/28) at 8:30 pm – Rock out to Tonic under the summer sky! Relive the late-’90s glory days with hits like “If You Could Only See” and “You Wanted More.” It’s the perfect way to wrap up a jam-packed Saturday — and yep, it’s totally free.
🌿 Edible and Medicinal Plant Identification Walk @ Waterworks Park | Sunday (6/29) at 4 pm – Discover what’s edible (and medicinal!) right under your nose on this wild walk with local forager Lindsey Coyne. Bring your curiosity, your hiking shoes, and maybe a few mushroom questions.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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6/24 Fanfest: Purple Rain @ Flix Brewhouse – 6:45 pm
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6/25 Avey Grouws Band @ Gray’s Station Paseo – 6 pm
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6/25 Girls Night Out Music Bingo @ Wellman’s Pub – 7 pm
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6/25 Open Stage @ The Garden – 9 pm
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6/26 Damon Dotson @ Jasper Winery – 6 pm
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6/26 MITG: June Bugs @ Koehn Garden – 6:30 pm
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6/26 Jazz on the House with Scott Davis @ Noce – 7 pm
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6/26 Ritmo Thursdays @ Ta’Chido – 8 pm
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6/26 Johnny Novacaine @ Yacht Club – 9 pm
🏠️ This house is wild
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Colin Panzi and Abby Conley (LPT Realty, LLC) – 3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | Built in 2024 | 1683 sqft
Chicago swagger lands in Des Moines, and it’s not shy about it. Waterbury Commons struts a sophisticated vibe with waterfall-edge quartz, custom tile showers, and GE Profile everything—because why settle for basic? The heated garage keeps toes toasty, while the composite deck is just begging for a sunset toast (or three).
Tree-lined streets, a nine-year tax abatement, and zero yard work—yes, really—mean more time for strolls to the Art Center or spontaneous Gray’s Lake adventures. Three beds, three baths, and a custom closet ready for your most questionable shoe collection. Waterbury charm, Platinum polish, and no snow shovels in sight.
Window shopping is free — take a peek inside →
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