🌱 Des Moines Digest
Issue #32 | Monday, July 20, 2026
Everything You Need for a Great Des Moines Week!
HAPPY MONDAY, DES MOINES!
Hope you're staying cool because Monday is bringing dangerous heat, with a high of 98°F and heat index values well over 100°. If you're heading outside, don't forget the sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and try to save outdoor activities for the early morning or evening. The good news? A cold front arrives tonight, bringing a much more comfortable stretch of weather with highs in the low 80s for the rest of the week and only a slight chance of a passing shower later in the week.
This week, we're taking a closer look at the old Gas Lamp building downtown and the exciting new chapter it's beginning. It's one of those places many of us have driven past for years, and now it's getting a well-deserved second life.
The local music scene is also packed this week. xBk Live has back-to-back nights of live performances, and Houndmouth takes the stage at Val Air Ballroom on Friday, making for a great week to catch a show.
Stay cool today, then get ready to enjoy some of the best weather we've had in weeks.
Here's your week.
No judgment here. But we all have a type. Which one are you? 👇
How are you surviving Monday's 99° heat?
THIS WEEK'S WEATHER ☀️
Day | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High | 98°F | 87°F | 81°F | 80°F | 82°F |
Conditions | ☀️ Mostly sunny, dangerously hot | 🌤️ Sunny after early clouds | ☀️ Mostly sunny | ⛅ Partly sunny, slight chance of a shower | 🌤️ Partly sunny, isolated shower possible |
Summary: Monday is the clear outlier, with a 98°F heat spike and dangerous afternoon temperatures. If you have outdoor plans, aim for the early morning or after 7:00 PM, and remember to stay hydrated while checking on older adults, neighbors, and pets during the hottest part of the day. The rest of the week brings a refreshing break, with low 80s, lower humidity, and a mix of sunshine and a few passing clouds. Tuesday through Friday will be the best days for patios, parks, outdoor events, and evening walks.
NEWS DIGEST 📰
🏗️ The Gas Lamp Is Getting a Second Act Two long-vacant buildings in downtown Des Moines are being demolished to make way for parking tied to a new development, while the historic Gas Lamp venue is being renovated into a restaurant and office space.
Why it matters: It's another encouraging sign that long-quiet parts of downtown are coming back to life with new businesses and more visitors.
🌡️ One Hot Day, Then a Beautiful Week Monday will bring a brief heat spike near 99°F, but cooler temperatures in the mid-80s and mostly dry weather return for the rest of the week.
Why it matters: After Monday, it's shaping up to be a great stretch for parks, patios, evening walks, and outdoor events.
⚾ Iowa Cubs Hit the Road The Iowa Cubs are away this week, traveling to face the Gwinnett Stripers from July 21–26 before returning to Principal Park on July 28.
Why it matters: While the home stadium takes a short break, fans can look forward to baseball returning to downtown next week.
🎶 Live Music Returns to the Riverfront The Simon Estes Amphitheater is once again hosting free concerts and community events, bringing live entertainment back to one of Des Moines' signature outdoor venues.
Why it matters: More free concerts mean more opportunities for families and friends to enjoy summer evenings along the river.
🚲 Des Moines' Trail Network Keeps Growing Trail connections and park improvements continue across the metro, making it easier than ever to bike, walk, and explore Central Iowa's parks and neighborhoods.
Why it matters: Better trails help residents stay active while connecting more communities to the region's outdoor spaces.
🍅 Farmers Market Season Is Going Strong Farmers markets across the Des Moines metro continue offering fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and locally made products throughout the week.
Why it matters: It's one of the best ways to support local farmers and small businesses while enjoying the best flavors of the season.
📚 WEEKLY STUDY TIPS
Brought to you by Camp Homework
Fresh strategies for parents and students — new tips every issue!
🌳 Take Learning Outside: A change of scenery can improve focus and memory. Try reading on the porch, practicing math with sidewalk chalk, or identifying plants and insects during a walk. Nature makes learning feel less like work.
🍳 Build Life Skills Through Cooking: Measuring ingredients, following directions, estimating time, and adjusting recipes all strengthen math, reading, and problem-solving skills—plus kids gain confidence by creating something useful.
🧩 Ask "How Did You Figure That Out?" Instead of asking only for the answer, encourage your child to explain their thinking. Talking through their process strengthens understanding and reveals misconceptions before they become habits.
⏱️ Use the 20-Minute Focus Rule: Big tasks feel overwhelming. Set a timer for just 20 minutes of focused work, then take a short break. Starting is often the hardest part, and short bursts build momentum.
💬 End the Day with One Learning Win: At dinner or bedtime, ask, "What's one new thing you learned today?" It could be a fact, a skill, or a life lesson. Reflecting on learning helps strengthen long-term memory and builds curiosity.
Need more than homework help? Camp Homework is here to support confidence, focus, and stronger learning habits every step of the way.
🎟️ EVENT SHOWCASE
This Week's Must-See
Shakey Graves & Dope Lemon w/ Texino — Val Air Ballroom 📍 Val Air Ballroom, West Des Moines 🗓️ Monday, July 20, doors 6 p.m. / show 7 p.m. The one big counter-programming move for a 99° Monday — start the week inside with AC and a great double bill instead of fighting the heat.
Jazz in July: WDM Valley Jazz Combo + Carson Parker Quartet — Hoyt Sherman Place 📍 Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines (outdoor lawn) 🗓️ Tuesday, July 21, 5:30–8:15 p.m. Free and outdoors — bring a blanket. Opens with a WDM Valley High School combo, then the Carson Parker Quartet featuring Avi Gedler headlines.
Music in the Garden: The Feel Right — Botanical Garden 📍 Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Koehn Garden 🗓️ Thursday, July 23, doors 6 p.m. / music 6:30–8:30 p.m. A regular Thursday-night tradition — lawn chairs, Flora Café food and drinks, and live music in one of the prettiest outdoor settings in the city.
Jasper Winery Summer Concert Series: Rhino — Jasper Winery 📍 Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines 🗓️ Thursday, July 23, 6–9 p.m. Free, all-ages, and on the lawn — bring a blanket. Rhino plays high-energy alt/classic rock with a little country mixed in.
🗓️ BIG EVENTS
Event | Date | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Mon, July 20, 7 p.m. | Val Air Ballroom, West Des Moines | ||
Tue, July 21, 7 p.m. | xBk Live, Des Moines | $18.69–$50 | |
Tue, July 21, 5:30–8:15 p.m. | Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines | Free | |
Wed, July 22 | xBk Annex, Des Moines | ||
Thu, July 23, 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden | $14 adult / $11 child / $13 senior | |
Thu, July 23, 6–9 p.m. | Jasper Winery, Des Moines | Free | |
Fri, July 24, 7:30 p.m. | Val Air Ballroom, West Des Moines | ||
Fri, July 24, 7:30 p.m. | Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines | ||
Sat, July 25, 7:30 p.m. | Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines | ||
Sun, July 26, 8 p.m. | Wooly's, Des Moines | ||
Fri, July 31, 5–9 p.m. | East Village, Des Moines | $25 advance / $35 door | |
Fri, July 31, 8 p.m. | Val Air Ballroom, West Des Moines |
12. SMALL & LOCAL FAVORITES
Event | Date | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Wed–Sat 7:30 p.m., Sat/Sun 2 p.m., through July 26 | Des Moines Playhouse | From $25 | |
Thursdays, June 4–Aug 20, 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden | $14 adult / $11 child | |
Thursdays, May 7–Aug 6, 6–9 p.m. | Jasper Winery, Des Moines | Free | |
Tuesdays through July 28, 5:30 p.m. | Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines | Free | |
Thursdays, May 7–Sept 24, 6–8:30 p.m. | Confluence Brewing Company | Free | |
Fridays, May 1–Sept 25, 6–9 p.m. | Confluence Brewing Company | Free | |
Fridays, May 1–Aug 28, 5–8 p.m. | Truman's KC Pizza Tavern | Free | |
Fridays, 10:30–11 a.m. | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden | Included with admission |
FARMERS' MARKETS AROUND THE METRO
Market | Day / Time | Season | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Saturdays, 7 a.m.–noon | May 6–Oct 28 | Historic Court District, Des Moines | |
Thursdays, 4–8 p.m. | May 7–Sept 24 | 100–300 blocks of 5th St, West Des Moines | |
Saturdays, 8 a.m.–noon (closed July 11 for Summerfest) | May 23–Sept 26 | 715 W 1st St, Ankeny | |
Wednesdays, 4–7 p.m. | June 3–Sept 30 | Triangle Park, 6th & Ashworth, Waukee | |
Tuesdays, 5–8 p.m. | June–Sept | Johnston Town Center | |
Wednesdays, 6–8 p.m. | May 3–Oct 25 | Main St SE, Bondurant | |
Fridays, 4–7 p.m. | May 5–Oct 13 | 705 Main Street, Norwalk | |
Mondays, 4–7 p.m. | June–Aug | Berean Church parking lot, Pleasant Hill | |
Thursdays, 4–7 p.m. | May 18–Sept 28 | Town Square, Polk City | |
Saturdays, 7–11 a.m. | June–July | Heritage Park, Grimes | |
Saturdays, 8 a.m.–noon | June 3–Oct 28 | Warren County Fairgrounds, Indianola | |
Tuesdays, 4–7 p.m. | June 3–Sept 9 | Franklin Junior High parking lot, Des Moines |
We want to hear from you! Des Moines Digest exists to help locals find the best things to do, see, and explore across the metro — but we can only make it better with your input. Tell us what sections you love, what you skip, and what you wish we covered more. Whether it's a hidden gem, an event type, or just a quick "keep doing this" — we're all ears. Your feedback shapes every issue, so hit reply or click below and let us know. This digest is for you, Des Moines! 💬
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Thanks for starting the week with us, Des Moines. See you Thursday! 🌱
— Alex | Des Moines Digest 📘
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