🌱 Des Moines Digest
Issue #42 |Monday, August 10, 2026
Everything You Need for a Great Des Moines Week!
👋 Hey, Des Moines. ☀️
Hope your weekend treated you well! We've got a big one ahead — the Iowa State Fair swings its gates open Thursday, there's a free movie night waiting for you downtown, and farmers markets are popping up in three different suburbs this week. Grab your coffee and let's plan the week.
No judgment here. But we all have a type. Which one are you? 👇
What's your must-do the moment you walk through the Iowa State Fair gates?
🌤️ This Week's Weather
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High | 91°F | 88°F | 87°F | 88°F | 84°F |
Conditions | ☀️ Hot & Mostly Sunny, 10% rain | ⛅ Partly Cloudy, 20% rain | 🌦️ Mostly Cloudy, 30% rain | 🌤️ Partly Sunny, 20% rain | ⛅ Mostly Cloudy, 20% rain |
Weather note: A hot start to the week gives way to slightly cooler temperatures by Friday, with a few chances for showers or thunderstorms along the way. The Iowa State Fair opens Thursday, so keep an eye on the forecast if you're heading out.
🎡 Don't Head to the Iowa State Fair Without This
Thousands of people will visit the Iowa State Fair this week—but the families who have the best day usually have a plan before they arrive.
Our Ultimate Iowa State Fair Guide has everything you need in one place:
🎟️ Ticket discounts and the best ways to save
🎤 Grandstand and free entertainment schedules
🍔 Must-try foods and what's new this year
🎢 Ride passes and wristband tips
👨👩👧 Family-friendly itineraries
🚗 Parking, weather, and Fair-day essentials
🚶 The best days to avoid the biggest crowds (hint: Tuesday and Wednesday are usually much easier than the weekend)
⏰ Insider tips on when to arrive, where to park, what to bring, and how to avoid spending half your day waiting in line.
Skip the last-minute searching—and spend more time enjoying everything the Fair has to offer.
👉 Read the complete guide:
desmoinesdigest.com/guide/iowa-state-fair/
📚 WEEKLY STUDY TIPS
Brought to you by Camp Homework
📚 Fresh Strategies for Parents and Students — New Tips Every Issue!
🧠 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.
🎟️ EVENT SHOWCASE
This Week's Must-See
🎡 Iowa State Fair Opens
📅 Aug. 13–23
📍 Iowa State Fairgrounds
💵 Admission Required
The Iowa State Fair is back! Opening day features the Butter Cow, Giant Slide, baby animals, live entertainment, incredible fair food, and everything that makes Iowa's biggest event unforgettable.
🎤 Hardy with McCoy Moore
📅 Thu., Aug. 13 • 8:00 PM
📍 Iowa State Fair Grandstand
🎟️ Ticket Required
Country star Hardy opens the Fair's Grandstand concert series with special guest McCoy Moore.
🎬 Free Movie Night
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
📅 Thu., Aug. 13 • 7:30 PM
📍 Cowles Commons
💵 FREE
Bring a blanket and enjoy a classic movie under the stars with Kona Ice and Zimm's Kettle Corn.
🎯 Big Events
Event | Date | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Tue, Aug 11 | xBk Live, Des Moines | $18.69–$50 | |
Wed, Aug 12, 6:15 p.m. | Downtown Des Moines | Free | |
Wed, Aug 12, 6–10 p.m. | Blank Park Zoo | $25 adults / $15 members | |
Thu, Aug 13 (runs through Aug 23) | Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines | Admission varies | |
Thu, Aug 13, 8 p.m. | Iowa State Fair Grandstand | Tickets required | |
The Crane Wives – ACT III | Thu, Aug 13, 7 p.m. | Wooly's, Des Moines | Tickets required |
Thu, Aug 13, 7 p.m. | Des Moines Community Playhouse | Tickets required | |
Fri, Aug 14, 8 p.m. | Iowa State Fair Grandstand | Tickets required |
❤️ Small & Local Favorites
Event | Date | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Tue, Aug 11, 6:30 p.m. | Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park, Urbandale | Free | |
Thu, Aug 13, 7:30 p.m. | Cowles Commons, Des Moines | Free | |
Thu, Aug 13, 6:30–9 p.m. | The Yard, Johnston | Free | |
Thu, Aug 13, evening | The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny | Free | |
Fri, Aug 14, 4 p.m.+ | West Des Moines City Hall | Free | |
Thu, Aug 19, 10:30 a.m. | Cowles Commons, Des Moines | Free |
🌽 Farmers Markets
Event | Date | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Mon, Aug 10, 4–7 p.m. | Berean Church lot, Pleasant Hill | Free | |
Tue, Aug 11, 4–7 p.m. | Johnston Town Center | Free | |
Thu, Aug 13, 4–8 p.m. | Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines | Free |
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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