A new nursing program in Des Moines is aiming to keep more nurses in the field. A newly launched local initiative is working to better prepare nursing students for the realities of the job and cut down on the turnover that's been hitting hospitals hard in recent years — good news for anyone who's ever sat in an ER waiting room and wondered if there were enough hands on deck. (Source: WeAreIowa)

Urbandale Community Theatre is turning 30 — and throwing a party for it. The beloved local troupe is celebrating three decades on stage with a cabaret called "The Melodies That Made Us," pulling together fan-favorite songs from throughout its history. It's a nice reminder of how much homegrown talent this metro has quietly built over the years. (Source: CITYVIEW) More details on this one down in Now Showing, since it kicks off Friday!

Flix Brewhouse Des Moines just became Iowa's most awarded brewery. The local brewery-and-movie-theater hybrid took home the most honors of any Iowa brewery at the 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship, putting Des Moines on the map for craft beer lovers well beyond state lines. (Source: CITYVIEW)

A local leader just made history. Tara K. Connolly has been named the first woman president of the Iowa College Foundation in its 74-year history — a milestone for an organization that's helped generations of Iowa students afford college. (Source: CITYVIEW)

🎡 IOWA STATE FAIR — WEEK AHEAD (Mon 8/17–Fri 8/21) 📍 3000 E. Grand Ave | Fair runs through Aug 23

🎟️ Tickets: Gate only now — $16 adults / $10 kids (5 & under free). Mon–Thu, 5–10pm: $12/$8.

🐐 Also this week: Dairy Cow Yoga (Tue 8am) • Goat Yoga (Wed 7:30pm) — $25 each • Wed is Older Iowans' Day w/ Sensory-Friendly Morning

🍪 Don't skip: Barksdale's Cookies, food on a stick, the Butter Cow (free, Ag Building)

👉 Full guide: desmoinesdigest.com/guide/iowa-state-fair/

⚠️ Grandstand tickets now unlock only 3 days before showtime — no need to panic

🧠 Use the "Teach It Back" Method: After learning something new, have your child explain it in their own words. Teaching someone else is one of the best ways to strengthen understanding.

🎒 Pack Backpacks the Night Before: A 5-minute evening routine reduces morning stress and helps kids start the day feeling organized.

💧 Keep a Water Bottle Nearby: Even mild dehydration can affect focus and energy. Encourage regular water breaks throughout the day.

🎯 Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results: Praise persistence, problem-solving, and improvement. It helps build resilience and a growth mindset.

📅 Create a Family Calendar: Keep school events, practices, and appointments in one shared place so everyone knows what's coming.

Learning doesn't stop when school is out. Camp Homework helps students build confidence, strengthen skills, and stay ready for the school year ahead. Check it out at camphomework.com.

Now through Saturday, Aug. 22 | Iowa State Fairgrounds | Admission required Still cranking through its final stretch, the fair remains the biggest thing happening in the metro this week — livestock barns, big-name grandstand acts, and enough fried food to require its own support group. Details & tickets

Tuesday, Aug. 18 | Iowa State Fair Grandstand | Ticketed A '90s R&B and hip-hop lineup rolls through the Grandstand this week — a great excuse for a girls' night or a nostalgia trip with your own parents. Tickets & info

Opens Friday, Aug. 21 (runs through Aug. 23) | Urbandale High School Performing Arts Center | Ticketed Urbandale Community Theatre's 30th anniversary cabaret, featuring highlights pulled from three decades of local productions. A sweet one for longtime supporters of community theater. Show info

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Thanks for starting the week with us, Des Moines. See you Thursday! 🌱

— Alex | Des Moines Digest 📘
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