🍽️ A Free Dinner Is Waiting for You!

We're giving away a $25 gift card to any local Des Moines restaurant of YOUR choice. Not a chain. The spot you've been meaning to try. Your neighborhood favorite. The place that makes this city taste like home.

Here's the thing — there are still bonus steps on the giveaway page that multiply your entries and most people haven't completed them all. If you entered already, go back and check. If you haven't entered yet, right now is the perfect time.

And if you know someone who deserves a free dinner — send this to them. Every share earns you more entries.
👉 desmoinesdigest.com/giveaway
Winner announced end of April. Good luck! 🎉

🏅 1. Drake Relays Family Night — Friday, April 24 5:00–7:30 p.m. | Drake Stadium, 2719 Forest Ave Face painting, balloon art, a photobooth, inflatables, a chance to meet 2026 Winter Olympian Zach Stoppelmoor from 6:00–7:00 p.m., and fireworks at the end of the evening.This is a Friday night that'll stick with your kids.

🎶 2. America — "Happy Trails" Tour at Des Moines Civic Center Saturday, April 25 | Des Moines Civic Center The legendary folk-rock band America — known for "A Horse With No Name," "Ventura Highway," and decades of unforgettable harmonies — brings their Happy Trails 2026 tour to Des Moines this Saturday. A great night out for parents who want to actually enjoy themselves.

🌿 3. Earth Week Hike at Fort Des Moines Park Saturday, April 25 | Fort Des Moines Park Celebrate Earth Week by joining a Polk County naturalist for a leisurely hike around Fort Des Moines Park — a free, family-friendly way to get outside, appreciate the season, and maybe pick up a little trash along the way. Polk County Iowa No registration required. Just show up and walk.

Dinner. No phones. One question. That's all it takes.

School is almost over. Are your child’s grades where they need to be?
Camp Homework offers affordable K–12 tutoring with real human tutors — not AI — starting at just $150/month.— camphomework.com

The 116th Drake Relays — America's Athletic Classic — runs through Saturday, April 25, with roughly 175 events featuring athletes from middle school, high school, college, and professional levels. Drake Tonight's action starts at Drake Stadium and the atmosphere inside that building on a Thursday night during the Relays is something every Des Moines resident should experience at least once.

The elite road mile featured some of the world's top milers this week with the USATF 1 Mile Road Championships serving as the sole selection event for Team USA's trip to the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark in September — meaning the top two men's and women's finishers earn automatic Team USA berths. Drake University Athletics That kind of global stakes, right here on our downtown streets.

Friday night brings Family Night presented by Chase from 5:00–7:30 p.m. on the north concourse inside Drake Stadium, featuring face painting, balloon art, a photobooth, inflatables, and a fireworks show at the end of the evening.

Saturday is the grand finale — the biggest day of track and field in Iowa, every single year. Tickets available at drakerelays.org.

📅 Tonight, April 23 | Drake Stadium — Competition begins at 5 p.m. 📅 Family Night: Friday, April 24 | 5:00–7:30 p.m. | Drake Stadium 📅 Championship Saturday: April 25

🎭 Junk Jubilee — April 24
Vintage lovers’ paradise with unique finds, antiques, and creative shopping vibes.

🎭 Cinderella — April 24
A classic fairytale brought to life on stage with music, costumes, and family-friendly magic.

🎭 Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour — April 24
A night of clean, relatable comedy from one of the biggest stand-up acts right now.

🎭 Folk Art Fair — April 25
Celebrate creativity with handmade art, crafts, and local artisan showcases.

🎭 2026 Folklore Festival — April 25
A vibrant cultural festival featuring traditional music, dance, and heritage experiences.

🎭 America: The Happy Trails Tour — April 25
Live classic rock performance with timeless hits and nostalgic energy.

🎭 Marlon Wayans Comedy Show — April 25
High-energy stand-up packed with bold humor and big laughs.

🎭 Earth Day Celebration — April 25
Community-focused event with activities celebrating nature, sustainability, and the outdoors.

🎭 Avatar with Fleshgod Apocalypse & Frozen Soul — April 26
An intense live metal concert experience for fans of heavy music.

🎭 Mid-Century Spring Fling — April 24
A stylish social event celebrating retro vibes, design, and community fun.

🎭 Shrimp Boil on the Terrace — April 24
Relaxed outdoor dining with great food and a social atmosphere.

🎭 Des Moines Symphony — April 24
An elegant evening of live orchestral music.

🎭 Mindful Wellness Walk — April 25
A peaceful group walk focused on relaxation, mindfulness, and connection.

🎭 Model Train Display with DesMoiNTrak — April 25
Detailed miniature train setups that kids and hobby lovers will enjoy.

🎭 Social Saturdays — April 25
Creative, hands-on art experiences perfect for a relaxed weekend outing.

🎭 Harvest Gathering — April 25 @Earlham
A community-style food and social event celebrating seasonal flavors.

🎭 Breakfast at Tiffany’s — April 26
A themed brunch experience with a fun, stylish twist.
Support the Youth & Early Childhood Programs at Oakridge Neighborhood.

🎭 Eat | Drink | Architecture — April 26
Explore the city through food, design, and unique spaces.

🎭 Pop-Up Brunch La Michoacana + Piel Canela — April 26
A flavorful brunch collaboration featuring unique local eats.

🎭 Wildflower Hike — April 26
A scenic nature walk surrounded by spring blooms and fresh air.

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
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