🌱 Des Moines Digest
Issue #4 | THURSDAY, April 16, 2026
Everything You Need for a Great Des Moines Weekend!
Good morning, neighbors!
Happy Thursday, Des Moines — and what a week it has been. Monday was gorgeous. Tuesday and Wednesday brought the rain back like Iowa spring always does. But today? We are stepping into a beautiful stretch just in time for one of Des Moines' most beloved traditions — the 116th Drake Relays officially begin this weekend. We Are Iowa Get excited. This city is about to come alive.
The Drake Road Races kick things off Saturday morning, April 18, with the half marathon and 10K starting at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K at 7:45 a.m. We Are Iowa And the best part? Spectators can watch for free all along the route. Whether you're running, cheering from the sidewalk, or just soaking in that electric energy that fills Des Moines every spring when the Relays come to town — this weekend belongs to this city.
Inside today’s edition, we’ve got plenty to dive into — family-friendly ideas to make the most of the weekend, a lineup of local events worth getting out for, conversation starters to bring some fun back to the dinner table, and a giveaway that might just land you a free dinner at your favorite local spot.
Grab your coffee — let’s get into it ☕👇
🌤️ THIS WEEK'S WEATHER
Thu Apr 16 | Fri Apr 17 | Sat Apr 18 | Sun Apr 19 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
High | ~78°F | ~80°F | ~51°F | ~61°F |
Conditions | ☀️ Sunny & warm | 🌤️ Mostly sunny (45% rain p.m.) | 🧥 Cool & breezy | ⛅ Partly cloudy |
Your week in one line: Enjoy the warm Thursday and Friday before a sharp cool-down hits for Drake Road Race Saturday — layer up, runners! ☀️🧥
🍽️ Enter Our Giveaway!
🍽️ A Free Dinner Is Waiting for You!
Let's be honest — there is no better way to end a big Drake Relays weekend than a great meal at a local restaurant you love. And we want to help make that happen.
We're giving away a $25 gift card to any local Des Moines restaurant of YOUR choice. Not a chain. Not a drive-through. A real local gem — the kind that makes this city what it is.
Entering takes less than 60 seconds. Head to the link, complete the bonus steps on the giveaway page to multiply your entries, and share it with someone who deserves a great dinner too.
Winner drawn at end of the month. Don't sleep on it.
👉 desmoinesdigest.com/giveaway
Good luck out there! 🎉 — we can't wait to pick a winner!
🎈Family Fun Ideas for this weekend
🌳1. Gray’s Lake Park — Walk, Bike & Picnic Day
Open daily | Free admission
If the weather cooperates, this is one of the best family-friendly outdoor spots in the city. The paved trail around the lake is perfect for biking, scootering, or a relaxed stroll with kids. Pack a picnic, let the little ones run around, and soak in those spring views. Bonus: sunset here is chef’s kiss 🌅
🦁 2. Blank Park Zoo — Animal Adventure Day
Open weekends | Family tickets available
A classic that never gets old. From lions and giraffes to interactive areas for kids, the zoo is always a hit. Spring is a great time to visit when animals are more active and the crowds are manageable. Easy win for a fun + educational day.
🎳 3. Spare Time Entertainment — Indoor Fun Escape
Bowling • Arcade • Laser Tag
Got unpredictable weather? This spot has everything—bowling lanes, arcade games, and laser tag to keep kids (and parents) entertained for hours. Great backup plan if it rains 🌧️
🚒 4. Des Moines Firefighters Museum — Little Heroes Day
Free admission (donations welcome)
A hidden gem! Kids can learn about fire safety, explore real equipment, and see what it’s like to be a firefighter. It’s small but surprisingly engaging—especially for younger kids who love trucks 🚒
Family Connection Corner | Sponsored by Camp Homework
Put the phones down, grab your food, and let’s make the dinner table the most fun part of the day 🍽️✨
Try one of these tonight — you might be surprised what you learn 👀
🔥 Thursday:
What’s one moment today you wish you could replay again?
😂 Friday:
What’s the funniest thing you saw or heard this week?
🎯 Saturday:
If our family had a reality TV show, what would it be called?
🦸 Sunday:
You get a superpower for 24 hours — what are you choosing (and what’s the first thing you’re doing)?
🍕 Monday:
If you were in charge of dinner, what’s on the menu?
🤯 Tuesday:
What’s something you learned recently that blew your mind?
🌍 Wednesday:
If we could go anywhere this weekend — no limits — where are we going?
Struggling with more than study tips can solve?
Camp Homework offers affordable K–12 tutoring with real human tutors — not AI — starting at just $150/month. — camphomework.com
🎟️ EVENT SHOWCASE
🏅 THE 116th DRAKE RELAYS — DES MOINES, THIS IS YOUR WEEKEND
If you've lived in Des Moines long enough, you know what Drake Relays week feels like. There's something in the air. The campus buzzes. The streets fill. And for a few days every April, this city reminds itself just how special it is.
This year's festivities kick off Saturday, April 18 with the Drake Road Races at 7:30 a.m. — open to runners and walkers of all levels, all finishing on the legendary Blue Oval inside Drake Stadium.It is one of the great finish-line experiences in all of Iowa, and it costs nothing to watch.
Sunday brings the 47th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest at The Knapp Center at 2 p.m., where 24 hopeful English bulldogs compete for the title of Drake Relays mascot — doors open at 1 p.m. and include a full Rescue Dog Festival and Kids Zone. Drake Bring the family. It is exactly as wonderful as it sounds.
Then Tuesday, April 21 brings the Grand Blue Mile at Western Gateway Park at 6 p.m. — the Midwest's premier community street run, which has welcomed more than 50,000 participants from 47 states and four continents since 2010. Drake Kids can participate in Spike's Sprint starting at 5:45 p.m. The whole thing is free to watch and there's a family fun zone on site.
And for something truly unexpected — Wednesday, April 22 brings the World Shot Put Series back to Drake Fieldhouse at 5 p.m., featuring current American record-holders and Olympic medalists in a dramatic head-to-head elimination format. No ticket required.
This is the Relays. This is Des Moines. Don't miss it.
📅 Drake Road Races: Saturday, April 18 | 7:30 a.m. |
Drake Stadium 📅 Beautiful Bulldog Contest: Sunday, April 19 | 2 p.m. |
The Knapp Center 📅 Grand Blue Mile: Tuesday, April 21 | 6 p.m. |
Western Gateway Park 📅 World Shot Put Series: Wednesday, April 22 | 5 p.m. | Drake Fieldhouse 🎟️ Full schedule and tickets at drakerelays.org
🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS
📅 Friday, April 17 | 🕒 7:30 p.m. | 📍 Sheslow Auditorium
A world-class jazz evening featuring one of the most celebrated pianists in modern music. Expect an intimate, high-skill performance that brings a rare level of artistry right into Des Moines for the night.
📅 Friday, April 17 | 🕒 Evening | 📍 Valley Junction
A relaxed, walkable night of local art, boutique shopping, and community energy. Valley Junction turns into a creative corridor where galleries, shops, and streets come alive after sunset.
📅 Friday, April 17 | 🕒 10:00 p.m. | 📍 Des Moines
A late-night pop-up built around music, dancing, and pure weekend energy. Think vibrant beats, casual vibes, and a crowd that’s clearly not ready for the night to end.
🥓 Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival
📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 🕒 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. | 📍 200 SW 2nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 | 🎟️ Ticketed event
One of Des Moines’ most talked-about food festivals returns with unlimited bacon samples, seven creative bacon-inspired dishes, live music, and the crowd-favorite bacon-eating contest. It’s high-energy, high-attendance, and strictly limited capacity — so plan ahead if this is on your must-do list.
📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 🕒 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. | 📍 Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309 | 🎟️ Ticketed event
A fun, family-friendly performance perfect for younger kids and parents looking for a relaxed downtown outing. With two showtimes, it’s one of the easiest events to plug into your Saturday schedule without stress.
📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 🕒 6:00 p.m. | 📍 Casey’s Center, 233 Center Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 | 🎟️ Tickets on sale
Saturday night hockey turns festive with Fan Appreciation Night — including giveaways, drink specials, and a lively downtown crowd. A great pick if you’re looking for an energetic evening with a local sports vibe.
📅 Saturday, April 18 (7:30 p.m.) & Sunday, April 19 (2:30 p.m.) | 📍 Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309 | 🎟️ $22–$89.60 (students half price)
A beautifully curated weekend program offering both evening and matinee options. From Copland’s sweeping American soundscapes to Gershwin’s timeless energy, this is a refined downtown arts experience with flexible timing for weekend planners.
📅 Saturday, April 18 | 🕒 10:00–11:00 a.m. | 📍 Des Moines Public Library Central Library
A free, drop-in family program designed for young kids. Toys, games, and simple crafts make this an easy win for parents looking for a low-stress morning activity.
📅 Saturday, April 18 & Sunday, April 19 | 🕒 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | 📍 Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
One of the weekend’s most unique picks — a quiet, fascinating showcase of bonsai artistry. Wander through intricate miniature trees, learn from growers, and explore a surprisingly calming spring experience.
📅 Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 🕒 3:00 p.m. | 📍 Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309 | 🎟️ Ticketed event
A relaxed Sunday afternoon tribute to Billy Joel, perfect for music fans who want a feel-good live show without a late-night commitment. Easygoing, nostalgic, and a strong close to the weekend.
📅 Sunday, April 19 | 🕒 5:00 p.m. | 📍 Hoyt Sherman Place
A feel-good Sunday comedy night with one of the most popular stand-up voices today. Known for her Netflix specials and easy, high-energy storytelling, Fortune Feimster brings a big, joyful laugh to close out the weekend on a perfect note.
Thank you so much for reading — we hope you found something fun, helpful, and inspiring in today's edition! If you enjoyed this newsletter, please share it with your friends and family so they can be part of the fun too. The more the merrier! We'll see you back here on Monday for our next edition. Have a wonderful weekend, Des Moines! 🎉
— Alex | Des Moines Digest 📘 facebook.com/desmoinesdigest | 📸 instagram.com/desmoinesdigest