🎨 Des Moines Arts Festival Returns to Western Gateway Park The marquee summer cultural event is back this Friday through Sunday, June 26–28, featuring 175+ juried artists from across the country, live music on multiple stages, and food vendors that go well beyond funnel cakes. It's free to attend and consistently one of the best weekends of the year downtown. Why it matters: The Arts Festival puts Des Moines on the national cultural map and brings tens of thousands of visitors — and dollars — into the heart of the city.

🏢 East Village Continues Its Momentum With New Office Proposal Following last week's news about Heart of America Group's potential headquarters, city planners confirmed that two additional mixed-use proposals for the East Village corridor are now in early review. The district is quietly becoming one of the most active development zones in the Midwest. Why it matters: A thriving East Village means more dining, more jobs, and more reasons for people to choose downtown Des Moines.

🌳 Birdland Park Redevelopment Hits a Major Construction Milestone The $54 million Birdland Park transformation hit a significant phase this past week as underground infrastructure work was completed ahead of schedule. The all-season skate ribbon and new recreational facilities are now on track for a late 2027 opening. Why it matters: On-schedule public projects are worth celebrating — and this one will be a genuine destination for families across the metro.

☕ Grounded Filipino Coffee Shop Sets Official Opening Date The seven-sibling family behind Grounded has confirmed their East Village coffee shop will open its doors in mid-July. They've shared a first look at the menu, which includes ube lattes, pandan cold brew, and traditional Filipino pastries alongside espresso classics. Why it matters: Every time a family-owned, culturally distinct business opens in Des Moines, the city gets a little more interesting for everyone.

🏠 Community Land Trust Homes Generate Strong Buyer Interest The first wave of affordable homeownership units through the new community land trust initiative has already attracted more than 80 applicants for the initial listings. Officials say a second batch of homes will be listed by August. Why it matters: Demand this strong proves that affordable ownership programs work — and that Des Moines families are ready and waiting for them.

🌱 Iowa Agrihood Project Breaks Ground This Week The innovative "agrihood" community development near the metro officially broke ground on Monday, with developers confirming the first phase will include 40 homes, two working garden plots, a farm-to-table café, and a half-mile walking loop. Why it matters: This is the kind of forward-thinking development that makes younger families choose to stay in Iowa rather than leave for other cities.

🏛️ Columbus Park Historic Buildings Receive Preservation Grant The two historic commercial buildings near Columbus Park that were flagged for potential restoration last week have now received a $200,000 state preservation grant, significantly increasing the odds they'll be saved and converted rather than demolished. Why it matters: Historic preservation and new housing don't have to be at odds — this project is showing how to do both.

💙 Bottom line: From arts and culture to development and housing, Des Moines keeps stacking wins. The city heading into summer 2026 feels like one that knows exactly where it's going.

📖 Make Reading Social This Summer: Instead of solo reading time, try a family book club — even just one chapter per night. Kids who discuss what they read retain up to 40% more than those who read alone. Pick something everyone can enjoy, and let your child lead the conversation.

🧮 Kitchen Math is Real Math: Cooking and baking are secretly full of fractions, measurement, ratios, and estimation. Invite your child into the kitchen this week and let them do the measuring. They'll practice without realizing it.

🎯 Set a Summer Learning Goal Together: Sit down with your child and pick one skill they want to master before school starts — cursive writing, long division, a second language, touch typing. Having a concrete goal makes the work feel purposeful instead of arbitrary.

📵 The Two-Screen Rule: If your child uses a device for learning, make it a different device than the one they use for entertainment. The context switch helps the brain treat it as a different activity.

🌟 Celebrate the Small Wins: A kid who reads for 15 minutes without being asked deserves real acknowledgment. Positive reinforcement in the first weeks of summer sets the tone for the whole break.

Need more than homework help? Camp Homework is here to support confidence, focus, and stronger learning habits every step of the way.

Des Moines Arts Festival
📍 Western Gateway Park, 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines
🗓️ Fri, June 26 (11 AM–10 PM) · Sat,
June 27 (11 AM–10 PM) · Sun,
June 28 (11 AM–5 PM)

This is the one. 175+ juried artists. Multiple live music stages running all three days. Food and drink vendors spread across the park. Completely free to attend. The Arts Festival is the kind of event that makes you proud to live in a city that pulls this off every summer. Go Friday evening for the best combination of energy and manageable crowds. Go Sunday morning if you want the most relaxed browsing experience. Either way, go.

Gutenberg! The Musical — About Time Theatre Co.
📍 Des Moines Playhouse, 831 42nd Street
🗓️ Opens Fri, June 19
Runs through Sun, June 28

If you missed Noises Off last week (or you just want more laughs), Gutenberg! The Musical is your next move. Two aspiring playwrights perform all the roles in their own musical about the inventor of the printing press — and it goes exactly as chaotically well as that sounds. About Time Theatre Co. has built a strong reputation for sharp, funny productions. This one is getting great early buzz.

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

— Alex | Des Moines Digest 📘
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