🌱 Des Moines Digest
Issue #58 |Monday, OCTOBER 5, 2026
Everything You Need for a Great Des Moines Week!
Good Morning, Des Moines!
After a very wet September, we're starting the week with a clear, crisp Monday — a good day for a coffee on a patio or a walk around the East Village.
This week we've got a river update at the top of the news. There's also a Monday-night concert with a legendary piano man, a Steve Martin and Martin Short night at the Civic Center on Sunday, and a Saturday farmers market that's in full cider-and-apples mode.
Have a great week, friends.
No judgment here. But we all have a type. Which one are you? 👇
HOW ARE YOU SPENDING YOUR WEEK?
🌤️ This Week’s Weather
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High | 71°F | 76°F | 74°F | 72°F | 71°F |
Conditions | ☀️ Sunny | ☀️ Sunny | ☀️ Sunny | ☀️ Mostly Sunny | ☀️ Mostly Sunny |
Monday looks sunny and pleasant, with clear skies setting the tone for the week. Tuesday warms up, with sunny skies and breezy conditions. Wednesday stays sunny and mild, while Thursday brings a slight chance of a shower or thunderstorm depending on the forecast update. By Friday, expect mostly sunny skies and comfortable fall weather.
📰 News Digest
📰 What's Happening in Des Moines Metro
🌊 Raccoon River flooding is easing, but not over
Forecasters lowered the river's expected crest, and Des Moines Water Works closed the flood gates at its Fleur Drive facility as a precaution. Fleur Drive is expected to stay open to traffic, and Polk County emergency management said the flood risk stayed on the Raccoon's main stem rather than on smaller creeks.
Source: KCCI via World Today News
🏛️ City Council meets today
The Des Moines City Council's next regular meeting is October 5, and regular meetings start at 5 p.m. The council meets at the City Administration Building, 1200 Locust St. Agendas are posted on the city's site if you want to skim before you go.
Source: City of Des Moines dsmdsm
🏟️ Who will run the Iowa Events Center?
Polk County put the Events Center management contract up for bid for the first time since the complex opened more than 20 years ago. The winner will shape the concerts, conventions, and sporting events that come through downtown, so this one is worth watching if you love a show night.
Source: Axios Des Moines Axios
🥕 Farmers' Market October hours
The market runs Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon in October, and fall vendors are stocked with sweet potatoes, squash, apples, cider, pumpkins and mums. Go early for the best caramel apples.
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership marketspreaddsmpartnership
📅 Heads-up, parents: no school Oct. 12 in West Des Moines
West Des Moines schools are closed October 12 for PK-12 students because of junior high conferences. Lock in your childcare plans now.
Source: West Des Moines Community Schools
🍹 The Ultimate Guide to Des Moines Happy Hours
Need a good excuse to get out this week? Des Moines has plenty of spots where you can grab a drink, a bite, and a little after-work downtime without spending a fortune. From downtown favorites to neighborhood spots, happy hour is one of the easiest ways to enjoy more of the city for less.
We rounded up the best of it — happy hour specials, local bars and restaurants, drink deals, food specials, and more — in one guide.
📚 WEEKLY STUDY TIPS
Brought to you by Camp Homework
📚 Fresh Strategies for Parents and Students — New Tips Every Issue!
🔦 Test your sump pump. Pour a bucket of water into the pit. If it doesn't kick on, call someone before the next storm.
🍂 Clear gutters and downspouts. Make sure water exits at least six feet from your foundation.
📸 Photograph your valuables. A quick phone video of each room makes any future claim much easier.
📦 Elevate basement storage. Plastic bins on shelves beat cardboard on the floor.
📞 Save your emergency numbers. Keep your utility company, insurance agent, and Polk County emergency management in one phone note.
Learning doesn't stop when school is out. Camp Homework helps students build confidence, strengthen skills, and stay ready for the school year ahead. Learn more at camphomework.com.
🎟️ EVENT SHOWCASE
😂 The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short
📍 Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St.
🗓️ Sunday, October 11, 7 p.m., with special guests Jeff Babko and The Steep Canyon Rangers desmoinesperformingarts
Two comedy legends, plus Martin's banjo and bluegrass friends. It's a rare chance to see this duo in Des Moines, so book a dinner nearby and make an evening of it.
BIG EVENTS
Event | Date | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Mon 10/5 | Hoyt Sherman Place Theater | Ticketed | |
Oct 2–11 | Stoner Theater | Ticketed | |
Oct 6–11 | Temple Theater, Civic Center | Ticketed | |
Sat 10/10, 8 a.m. | Principal Park | Free to join (fundraising encouraged) | |
Sun 10/11, 7 p.m. | Des Moines Civic Center | Ticketed | |
Iowa Home Expo (coming up) | Fri 10/16, from noon | Iowa State Fairgrounds | Free |
Spamalot (coming up) | Oct 20–25 | Des Moines Civic Center | Ticketed |
SMALL & LOCAL FAVORITES
Event | Date | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Saturdays, 8 a.m.–noon | Historic Court District | Free to attend | |
October 6 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | East Side Library | Free | |
October 6 @ 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm | Hoyt Sherman Place | $60 | |
October 6 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Temple Theater | $39 – $52 | |
October 7 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | North Side Library | Free | |
October 7 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm | Stoner Theater | $50 | |
October 7 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm | Hoyt Sherman Place | $35, $39.50, $45, $59.50 |
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! 💬
DesMoinesDigest.com/feedback
Thanks for starting the week with us, Des Moines. See you Thursday! 🌱
— Alex | Des Moines Digest 📘
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