Saturday, March 21st, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ At Baratta's Italian Restaurant on the south side, 40-year-old Ashley Kuonen with Down syndrome has found her dream job where she learns to make cannoli and builds lasting bonds—an uplifting example of workplace inclusion ahead of World Down Syndrome Day tomorrow. KCCI
- ➤ Today the Iowa State Fair will add a parking entrance at East University Ave and East 38th Street to ease congestion. A free shuttle from South Ridge Mall will replace the park and ride while the fair works with the city on a traffic study for University and Dean Avenues. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Hope Ministries is offering free Easter meals with ham dinner options for Des Moines residents. Reserve by calling 515-265-4277 or signing up online before 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 27 & deliveries and a free Hope Cafe meal from noon to 1 p.m. will be served on Saturday, April 4. KCCI
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Iowa farmers are facing rising stress as fertilizer prices soared from $795 to $950 a ton early in March due to global shipping issues, and local leaders from Slater and Waverly urge policy changes to help farmers improve their long-term well-being (including enhanced trade deals and an updated Farm Bill). KCCI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents are urged to prepare for severe weather recovery as Severe Weather Awareness Week starts Monday. The Iowa Insurance Division has deployed a rapid response trailer (with first aid supplies, a command center, and insurance help) and provides a claims guide online and by text IASTORM to assist in recovery. Radio Iowa
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Farragut native Riley Dyche finished seventh in the Iditarod on Wednesday, completing the 1,000-mile trek from Anchorage to Nome in just over ten days. He runs Dark Horse Racing Kennel (with nearly 40 dogs) and has achieved one of his top-10 finishes in this grueling race. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Several thousand students will compete in the 19th annual state archery tournament next weekend at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. The bullseye event includes 2,700 archers from 146 schools and the 3-D event 1,300 from 116 schools + offers $30,000 in scholarships and $30,000 in equipment grants. Radio Iowa
-
New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
-
The Seagull
2-4 p.m. — Stoner Theater — $56.00 — Experience Chekhov’s classic as it explores the intersection of art, love, and ambition in a fresh adaptation.
-
Lake Drive Concert Featuring Flwers, Callback, and Rutabaga
6-10 p.m. — xBk Live — Check website for tickets — Enjoy an exciting lineup of live music with an eclectic mix of genres.
-
Puzzlepalooza Duel Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
Puzzlepalooza Duel — 6:30-9:30 p.m. — Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe — $15 registration — Compete head-to-head in a thrilling jigsaw puzzle showdown with prizes at stake.
-
Des Moines Career Fair
9:30 AM-12:30 PM — Hilton Des Moines Downtown — Free entry — Connect with recruiters from local and Fortune 500 companies for open career opportunities.
-
Kickoff Event for One Million Trees Campaign
4:30-6:00 p.m. — West End Architectural Salvage — RSVP required — Celebrate urban reforestation efforts and engage with local leaders on tree initiatives.
-
Planetary Prom
6-9 p.m. — Science Center of Iowa — 21+ event — Dance among the stars at the Science Center's cosmic-themed prom featuring music, cocktails, and space exhibits.
-
Courtside for a Cause
4:45 PM – 8:00 PM — Casey's Center — Donation encouraged — Support Hope Ministries while enjoying an Iowa Wolves game and inspiring testimonies.
-
The Floozies Live Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Ticket prices vary — Experience The Floozies live in an energetic night of music at Wooly's in Des Moines.
-
In-Person EMDR Basic Training by Kenya Rocha
March 30-April 3 — Des Moines, IA — Registration fee varies — Enhance your clinical skills with this intensive EMDR training designed for licensed professionals.
-
Magic Tuesdays TCG Night
4-10 p.m. — Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe — $5 entry fee — A weekly gathering for card game enthusiasts to enjoy Magic, Pokemon, and more in a casual setting.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Time magnifies the margin between success and failure. It will multiply whatever you feed it.
~ James Clear
About Daily Des Moines
Welcome to the Daily Des Moines, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Des Moines, Iowa community. If you like the Daily Des Moines, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Des Moines.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Des Moines and across Iowa. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Des Moines
A free Des Moines community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailydesmoines.com/sitemap