A flood watch that covered much of central Iowa through the weekend has been lifted as river levels near Des Moines recede. Local hardware stores reported a scramble for sandbags and pumps earlier in the week as residents braced for higher water.

Resources: National Weather Service — Des Moines

The Des Moines City Council voted on changes to the FY2028 budget that include more than $11.5 million in cuts, touching police, fire, libraries, and parks and recreation. Officials say the cuts still won't fully close an estimated $17 million gap over the next two fiscal years, largely tied to a state-imposed cap on revenue growth.

Resources: Iowa Public Radio — Des Moines budget cuts

Lou Ferrigno, best known for playing The Incredible Hulk, is set to appear at GalaxyCon Des Moines. The pop-culture convention typically draws cosplayers, comic fans, and families looking for a weekend of nerdy fun downtown.

Resources: GalaxyCon — Lou Ferrigno

The 34th Army Band performed a special concert celebrating America's 250th anniversary at the historic Hoyt Sherman Place, drawing a strong community turnout for an evening of patriotic music.

Resources: Hoyt Sherman Place — America 250 Celebration

Persistent rain forced organizers to cancel the Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals this year, disappointing racing fans who make the trip to Knoxville Raceway annually. All tickets and camping are being refunded to Knoxville Raceway accounts, with the option to request a refund instead.

Resources: Knoxville Raceway event update

A major country artist has been confirmed for a 2027 performance at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames — marking the artist's first time performing at the venue. Details on tickets and dates are expected in the coming months.

Resources: Jack Trice Stadium — 2027 Concert Details

💙 Bottom line: It's a week of drying out, budgeting, and celebrating — Des Moines keeps finding ways to balance the practical with the fun.

Budgets are tight this month — between the City's own budget cuts and everyday inflation, we figured it was a good week to remind you: Des Moines is packed with things to do that cost exactly $0. From wandering the Pappajohn Sculpture Park to catching free live music downtown, hitting the trails along the Des Moines River, or spending an afternoon at the Botanical Garden's free admission days, there's a full weekend's worth of fun here without touching your wallet.

We rounded up the best of it — parks, public art, free museum days, library programs, and more — in one guide.

👉 Read the full guide: Free Things to Do in Des Moines

✏️ Start with the hardest subject first — tackle the toughest homework while focus is freshest, right after a snack break.

⏰ Use a visible timer — 25 minutes of focused work, then a 5-minute stretch, keeps momentum without burnout.

🗂️ One folder per subject — cuts down on the "I can't find my worksheet" scramble before the bus arrives.

🌙 Pack the backpack the night before — mornings go smoother, and nothing gets forgotten in the fall rush.

🎧 Quiet space, no phone nearby — even 20 distraction-free minutes beats an hour of start-and-stop studying.

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.

📍 Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA
📅 Friday–Sunday, this weekend · Hours vary by day
💵 Tickets from $30/day, weekend passes available

This is the convention Des Moines comic and pop-culture fans wait all year for, and this year's lineup — headlined by Lou Ferrigno — makes it worth clearing your Saturday. Expect a packed show floor of artists, cosplayers, and collectibles, plus panels running most of the day. Go early if you want photo ops with featured guests, since lines build fast after noon. Kids in costume usually get in free or discounted, so check the site before you buy. Parking downtown fills up quick on convention weekends — DART or rideshare is your friend here.

📍 Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA
📅 Ongoing through October · Evening showtimes, typically 7:00 PM
💵 Tickets vary by show, $15–$45

After last week's standing-room 34th Army Band tribute, Hoyt Sherman's fall lineup is shaping up to be one of the strongest in years. The historic venue's acoustics alone are worth the visit, and the fall calendar leans into everything from community band nights to touring acts. Arrive 30 minutes early — the lobby and mezzanine are worth a wander before the show.

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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