🌱 Des Moines Digest
Issue #9 | THURSDAY, April 30, 2026
Everything You Need for a Great Des Moines Weekend!
Good morning, neighbors!
It’s shaping up to be a great weekend to get out and enjoy the city 🌿 Whether you’re planning a simple family outing, exploring something new, or just soaking up the spring energy, there are plenty of easy ways to make it memorable.
With Mother’s Day coming up, it’s a great time to start planning something thoughtful—and don’t forget, our giveaway is in its final days!
Looking for something unique to do this Sunday? Stop by the Urbandale Public Library Repair Café. Have an item at home in need of repair? Bring 1–2 items and get help from skilled volunteers who can guide you through fixing them (or offer referrals if needed). It’s first come, first served, so come early!
We’ve also included a few quick ideas to spark better conversations at the dinner table and help you stay connected as the school year winds down.
Let’s get into it.
THIS WEEK'S WEATHER 🌤️
Thu Apr 30 | Fri May 1 | Sat May 2 | Sun May 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
High | 55°F | 55°F | 61°F | 72°F |
Conditions | 🌧️ Light rain, cloudy | ⛅ Partly cloudy | ☀️ Sunny | 🌤️ Partly sunny, warming |
Your week in one line: A cool, rainy start transitions into a mild and sunny weekend with a nice warm-up. ☀️
🌸 Something Special for Mother's Day!
Mother's Day is right around the corner, and we want to celebrate in a fun way — by featuring YOUR mom's favorite recipes!
Head over to our Facebook page and find the Mother's Day Recipe Thread. Share her recipe in the comments along with a photo of the amazing mom who made it!
Next week we'll feature 3 to 5 recipes — along with pictures of the moms behind them — right here in the newsletter.
👉 Submit your recipe on our Facebook page today!
🍽️ LAST CHANCE: April Giveaway!
🍽️ Your Free Dinner Is Waiting…
We’re giving away a $25 gift card to ANY local Des Moines restaurant of your choice. No chains — just the spot you’ve been craving, your go-to favorite, or somewhere new you’ve been meaning to try.
⏳ This is your final chance to enter before April ends!
There are still bonus steps on the giveaway page that can multiply your entries — and most people miss them. If you’ve already entered, go back and boost your chances. If not, now’s the moment.
Know someone who deserves a free night out? Send this their way — every share gets you more entries.
👉 desmoinesdigest.com/giveaway
Winner announced at the end of April. Don’t miss out! 🎉
🎈Family Fun Ideas for this weekend
The "Opening Day" Picnic
The Downtown Farmers' Market opens this weekend — perfect excuse for a family outing. Give each kid $3–5 to pick something, then find a nearby patch of grass and eat together.
Why it works: Kids feel ownership, so they’re more engaged (and adventurous).
Pro tip: Go early (around 8 a.m.) for fewer crowds and better picks.
The "Skyline Sunset + Scoops" Night
Head to Lauridsen Skatepark to run around and watch the sunset, then grab ice cream at Black Cat Ice Cream.
Why it works: Open play + a treat = easy win outing.
Pro tip: Arrive ~45 minutes before sunset for playtime first.
The "Library Treasure Hunt" Afternoon
Visit the Des Moines Public Library Central Library and give each kid a mini “mission” (find a comic, animal book, etc.). Then explore Pappajohn Sculpture Park and make up stories about the art.
Why it works: Combines quiet discovery with creative play.
Pro tip: Check the library events calendar for bonus activities.
🌟Family Connection Corner | Sponsored by Camp Homework
🍽️ Dinner time. Phones away. One simple question. Real connection.
🟡 Thursday
💭 What’s something you saw, heard, or learned this week that stuck with you?
🔵 Friday
🏅 If you could compete in any Olympic sport, what would you choose—and why?
🟢 Saturday
🏡 What’s one change that could make our neighborhood an even better place to live?
🟣 Sunday
👏 Who’s someone at school you think deserves more recognition? What do they do that stands out?
🔴 Monday
🎉 What are you most excited about before this school year wraps up?
🟠 Tuesday
💡 If you could turn something you love into a business, what would you create or sell?
🟤 Wednesday
✨ What’s one positive surprise you experienced this week?
Want more tips to help your kids succeed in school? Subscribe to our newsletter and stay ahead with proven strategies, ideas, and support.
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
🎟️ EVENT SHOWCASE
SUFFS — The Tony Award®Winning Broadway Musical Friday May 1 – Sunday, May 3 | Des Moines Civic Center
One of Broadway's most celebrated recent musicals lands RIGHT HERE in Des Moines this weekend, and you won't want to miss it. Suffs, created by Shaina Taub (the first woman to independently win Tony Awards for both Best Book and Best Score in the same season), tells the story of the brilliant, passionate women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote. Critics have called it "thrilling, inspiring and dazzlingly entertaining" — and it plays multiple times this weekend: Friday night at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. A perfect pick for date night, a girls' trip, or teens who love theater.
Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market — Opening Day 2026 Saturday, May 2 | Downtown Des Moines
After a long winter, one of the most beloved Saturday traditions in Des Moines is back. The Downtown Farmers' Market kicks off its 2026 season this Saturday with hundreds of vendors, fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, and that irreplaceable buzz of community that makes opening day feel like a true celebration. Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to run into half your neighborhood.
🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS
🌟 BIG EVENTS OF THE WEEKEND
Friday, May 1
🎭 SUFFS (Broadway) — 7:30 p.m.
📍 Des Moines Civic Center🎵 Panchiko (Live Show)
📍 Wooly's🏃♀️ Race Event
2026 Des Moines Women’s Half Marathon • 10K • 5K • Team Relay
Kites on the Green
📍 Johnston (Des Moines metro)Social Saturdays (Art Center)
📍 Des Moines Art Center
Saturday, May 2
🛒 Downtown Farmers' Market — Opening Day 2026
📍 Downtown Farmers' Market🎭 SUFFS (Broadway) — 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
📍 Des Moines Civic Center
Sunday, May 3
🎭 SUFFS (Broadway) — 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
📍 Des Moines Civic Center🎨 Food + Creative Event
🎸 Live Music
Kenny Wayne Shepherd — Live
📍 Hoyt Sherman Place
🌿 SMALL & LOCAL FAVORITES
Friday, May 1
🎵 Live Music — Bryan Andrews
📍 xBk Live
Saturday, May 2
🌿 Spring Blooms Visit
📍 Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Sunday, May 3
🌿 Riverwalk Stroll (Free Activity)
📍 Principal RiverwalkBring any replacement parts if needed.
Goal: reduce waste & build repair skills.
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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