🌱 Des Moines Digest
Issue #49 |Monday, August 31, 2026
Everything You Need for a Great Des Moines Week!
Quick heads up before we dive in: it’s going to be a hot one this week, with temperatures pushing into the 90s. If you’re looking for a good day to get outside, Tuesday looks like one of the better bets — check the weather section below for the full forecast.
There’s a lot happening around Des Moines right now. A familiar Iowa whiskey brand is moving into a beloved former restaurant space in the Western Gateway, a historic downtown office tower is getting a new life as a boutique hotel, and city leaders are weighing some big decisions about tax breaks that could influence what gets built downtown next.
Plus, there’s a new mural, a new ice cream shop, and the Renaissance Faire is just around the corner — so there’s plenty to explore as we head into September.
And a quick shoutout to Camp Homework, sponsoring this issue’s tips section. If you’ve got kids getting ready for the school year, you’ll want to take a look — these are simple, practical back-to-school habits that can make the transition a whole lot smoother.
Grab your coffee, and let’s get into it.
No judgment here. But we all have a type. Which one are you? 👇
This week's poll: Where are you spending your one guaranteed-nice day (Tuesday)?
☀️ This Week’s Weather
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High | 95°F | 96°F | 96°F | 93°F | 92°F |
Conditions | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | ☀️ Mostly Sunny | ☀️ Sunny | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | ☀️ Mostly Sunny |
Monday starts the week hot, with a slight chance of afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Tuesday and Wednesday will be the hottest days, reaching around 96°F. Thursday brings a small chance of morning storms before turning mostly sunny, while Friday stays hot and mostly sunny.
📰 News Digest
🍷 Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery is moving into the old Americana space The Council also approved a $160,000 forgivable loan to help Cedar Ridge build out a restaurant, tasting room, cocktail lounge, and event space at 1312 Locust St. The company plans roughly $1.3 million in improvements. Why it matters: A well-known Iowa brand is putting real money into activating a prominent, empty storefront right next to Western Gateway Park. Source: Business Record
🏨 A historic Wells Fargo tower is becoming a boutique hotel The Council approved preliminary terms for DMCRE2 LLC to convert the former Wells Fargo campus building at 206 Eighth St. — known as The Tower Building — into a 157-room Marriott Le Meridien hotel. The $48 million project is expected to wrap in early 2028. Why it matters: Another downtown landmark that's sat underused is getting new life instead of staying vacant. Source: Business Record
🏘️ Affordable rowhomes headed to Hickman Road The city is weighing a rezoning and a $6.2 million Urban Renewal Development Agreement for Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity to build about 22 rowhome units at 6100 Hickman Road, aimed at households earning 30–80% of area median income. Why it matters: Central Iowa is short an estimated 57,000 workforce housing units — this is a direct dent in that number. Source: Business Record
🏫 Free meals for every DMPS student this year Des Moines Public Schools announced it will offer free meals to all students for the 2026–27 school year. Why it matters: One less line item for families to budget around as the school year ramps up. Source: CITYVIEW
🍦 Home Sweet Cone is scooping up a third metro location The homemade ice cream shop, already in Waukee and West Des Moines, is opening its third spot at 2701 Ingersoll Ave. this September. Why it matters: Ingersoll keeps adding independent food and drink spots even as the corridor reshapes itself. Source: Axios Des Moines
🎨 Cheatom Park is getting two new basketball court murals The city is offering up to a $9,500 commission for local artists to design murals for the basketball and futsal courts at Cheatom Park, funded by Bravo Greater Des Moines, Friends of Des Moines Parks, and Musco Lighting. Why it matters: Public art investment on the north side, not just downtown — following a similar project at Evelyn K. Davis Park. Source: Des Moines Register via AOL
🏛️ City sets a September date to debate ending tax breaks The Council scheduled a Sept. 14 hearing on suspending Des Moines' property tax abatement program effective Dec. 31 — part of the city's response to a new state law capping property tax revenue growth at 2%. Why it matters: The outcome could reshape the math for developers building housing and commercial projects downtown. Source: Business Record
🎨 DES MOINES ARTS, MUSEUMS & CULTURE SPECIAL SECTION
Des Moines has much more than festivals and food — the city is packed with museums, galleries, historic landmarks, performing arts and cultural experiences. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best places to explore.
🏛️ Museums & History
Iowa State Historical Museum — Explore Iowa’s history through exhibits, artifacts and stories.
Des Moines Art Center — A must-visit for modern and contemporary art, with rotating exhibitions and a sculpture park.
State Historical Building — Dive deeper into Iowa’s past through exhibits and special programs.
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates — A stunning downtown landmark celebrating global efforts to end hunger.
🎨 Art & Creative Spaces
East Village — Browse independent galleries, creative businesses and public art while exploring one of Des Moines’ most walkable neighborhoods.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park — See one of the city’s most recognizable collections of large-scale outdoor sculptures.
Mainframe Studios — A creative hub where visitors can discover local artists, exhibitions and events.
🎭 Performing Arts & Culture
Des Moines Performing Arts — Catch Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances and other major productions.
Des Moines Metro Opera — Experience professional opera performances and special productions.
Hoyt Sherman Place — Historic venue hosting concerts, comedy, theater and community events.
👨👩👧👦 Great for Families
Science Center of Iowa — Hands-on science exhibits, demonstrations and planetarium experiences make learning feel like play.
Blank Park Zoo — A family-friendly way to explore wildlife and conservation.
Iowa State Capitol — Take a tour and see one of Iowa’s most impressive historic buildings.
📅 If you're planning your week: Museum day = Des Moines Art Center · Outdoor art = Pappajohn Sculpture Park · Family learning = Science Center of Iowa · Live entertainment = Des Moines Performing Arts or Hoyt Sherman Place
💡 Local tip: Check individual websites before heading out — exhibit schedules, tours, admission policies and performance times can change.
👉 Read the full guide: desmoinesdigest.com/guide/des-moines-arts-museums-culture-guide/
📚 WEEKLY STUDY TIPS
Brought to you by Camp Homework
📚 Fresh Strategies for Parents and Students — New Tips Every Issue!
🧠 Start With a Quick Recall: Before looking at notes, ask your child to write down everything they remember about a topic. This strengthens memory better than simply rereading.
⏱️ Try the 25-Minute Focus Block: Set a timer for 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break. Short, distraction-free sessions can make homework feel more manageable.
✏️ Turn Mistakes Into Lessons: Instead of immediately giving the correct answer, ask, “Where do you think things went off track?” Reviewing mistakes helps students understand the process.
📖 Mix Up the Practice: Rather than doing 20 problems of the same type, mix different question types together. It encourages students to figure out which strategy to use.
🗣️ Ask “How Do You Know?”: When your child gives an answer, occasionally ask them to explain their reasoning. This builds deeper understanding instead of memorization.
🌙 Protect the Wind-Down Hour: A calmer final hour before bed can make it easier for students to transition from homework and screens to sleep.
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.
🎟️ EVENT SHOWCASE
This Week's Must-See
🗡️ The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow — Viking Invasion Weekend
📍 Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, Des Moines
🗓️ Saturday–Sunday, Sept. 5–6
Iowa's only permanent Renaissance Faire site kicks off its fall run with "Viking Invasion" — jousting, birds of prey, live music, and nine stages of performers. Kids 12 and under get in free, and buying a single-day ticket gets you access to the whole weekend. 🔗 sleepyhollowrenfaire.com/fall-faire
🦁 Roar & Explore — Last Days to Catch the Lion Trail
📍 Locations across Des Moines (see map on site)
🗓️ On display through Labor Day weekend (Sept. 5–7)
Blank Park Zoo's 60th-anniversary art trail features large-scale African lion sculptures painted by more than 20 Iowa artists, scattered around the city. This is genuinely one of the more creative public art projects the zoo has done, and it comes down after Labor Day — so this is your last real week to go find them all.
🔗 blankparkzoo.com/sculpture
BIG EVENTS
Event | Date | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Through Sept. 7 | Locations citywide | Free | |
Sept. 5–6 | Sleepy Hollow Sports Park | Paid (tickets) | |
Downtown Farmers' Market | Sept. 5, 7 a.m.–noon | Court Avenue District | Free |
💛 SMALL & LOCAL FAVORITES
Event | Date | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Valley Junction Farmers Market | Thursdays, 4–7 p.m. | Historic Valley Junction, WDM | Free |
Southside Sunday Market | Sundays | 1111 E Army Post Rd | Free |
Zoo Brew (21+) | Select summer Wednesdays | Blank Park Zoo | Paid |
Creative Aging: Gallery Series (Ages 55+) | September 1 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm | Des Moines Art Center | Free |
September 1 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | East Side Library | Free | |
September 1 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden | $25.50 – $30 | |
September 2 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | East Side Library | Free | |
September 2 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm | Des Moines Civic Center | Buy Ticket | |
September 3 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Des Moines Civic Center | Buy Ticket | |
September 3 @ @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm | Des Moines Civic Center | Buy Ticket | |
September 3 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | South Side Library | Free | |
September 3 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden | Free | |
September 3 @ 6:00 pm - September 5 @ 10:00 pm | Val Air Ballroom | Free | |
September 4 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Living History Farms | Free – $20 |
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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