Daily
Des Moines
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
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
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New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.
~ Helen Keller
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