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Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

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Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of April.

CULTURE NEWS

  • Country band Alabama, the final act announced for the fair, will perform with special guest Exile at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand on Friday, Aug. 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets for the concert, ranging from $31.40 to $81.40, go on sale Friday, April 24 at 10 a.m. (tickets at iowastatefair.org).  The Des Moines Register
  • Roosevelt High's synchronized swim club, the nation’s oldest, will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a pageant running Thursday through Sunday, April 26 at the school's natatorium (about 20 girls led by senior co-presidents prepared on Saturday and are fundraising for upgrades).  Iowa Public Radio

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Des Moines Public Schools approved a $782.4 million budget for 2026-27 that raises the property tax rate to $16.05 per $1,000 of value after a $265 million bond passed in November. The board also increased spending on safety and education.  The Des Moines Register

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Polk County will build an 8-acre solar field near the jail that is set to cut 25% of its energy use and save $100K a year; the $1.9M project, approved Tuesday, may finish this fall + help achieve the county’s climate goals.  The Des Moines Register

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

    This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!

    Fri, 1/10/25

    View event
  • Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour

    7 p.m. — Casey's Center — $95 — Enjoy a night of outrageous comedy with Nate Bargatze as he brings laughter to Downtown Des Moines this spring.

    Fri, 4/24/26

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  • NAMI Family Support Group

    10:30 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with others facing the challenges of supporting loved ones with mental health conditions.

    Sat, 4/25/26

    View event
  • Clue - High School Edition

    2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling high school rendition of the classic mystery game.

    Wed, 4/29/26

    View event
  • Clue - High School Edition

    2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a high school rendition of the classic mystery game.

    Thu, 4/30/26

    View event
  • City Voices Spring Recital

    6:30-8:30 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Free admission — Enjoy a showcase of talented students performing a variety of songs from Classical, Contemporary, and Music Theater repertoires.

    Fri, 5/1/26

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  • Jimmy Failla Live

    7-10 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Ticket prices starting at $73 — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Jimmy Failla at a premier venue.

    Sat, 5/2/26

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  • Wiggles and Giggles Storytime

    3:15-3:45 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a lively storytime filled with movement, music, and rhyming fun for little ones.

    Thu, 5/7/26

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  • Iowa Horse Fair

    3:30 PM - 5 PM (May 8-10) — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Varies — A celebration of equestrian culture featuring competitions, vendors, and entertainment for all ages.

    Fri, 5/8/26

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  • Iowa Hope Run (5K)

    8:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Des Moines Water Works Park — Registration required — Participate in a community race honoring local teens affected by brain tumors.

    Sat, 5/9/26

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  • Mother's Day Brunch at Big Grove

    9 AM - 2 PM — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Special brunch menu with prices ranging from $12 to $18.75 — Celebrate mom with delicious food and a free Mom-mosa.

    Sun, 5/10/26

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REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

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JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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