Daily
Des Moines
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 23rd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Clive and Des Moines open their aquatic centers today as local families gear up for summer fun with water slides, a lazy river and multiple pools. Officials note that around 150 trained staff are ready to ensure safety (parent supervision is encouraged). KDSM 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Blue Zoo Des Moines (at Jordan Creek Town Center) will close permanently on Monday, May 25 due to lease termination. Staff will use the following two weeks to relocate animals to other Blue Zoo sites and trusted care facilities. The Des Moines Register
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Western Gateway Park is buzzing with vendors and performers as CelebrAsian returns to showcase food, music and traditional clothing. The free festival opens today at 11 a.m. and runs until 10 p.m. KDSM 17
- ➤ Japan Night at the Iowa Cubs game in Des Moines featured a first pitch by director Yuriko Gamo-Romer and post-game fireworks. The event was presented by the Japan America Society of Iowa — Iowa Sister States and the Greater Des Moines Sister Cities Commission. KCCI
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines Water Works will replace about 120 lead service lines in the Drake neighborhood next month—using $46M in EPA funds to boost water safety. The project aims to lower health risks from lead exposure—especially for families. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials hosted an event today to highlight the new fire station site’s historic significance — Milford Fonza, the first Black firefighter in nearly 50 years, spoke to mark the milestone. The Des Moines Register
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Four Iowa beaches have tested unsafe for Memorial Day due to high E. coli levels (Backbone Beach, Beeds Lake, Bobwhite State Park and Pine Lake South). The Iowa Department of Natural Resources advises swimmers to check current water quality reports before planning any beach visit. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Iowa will receive over $46 million from the EPA to replace lead pipes in homes and reduce drinking water contamination that could harm children (a key concern). KCCI
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Iowa Central’s cross country team, which won the 2025 national championship in snowy conditions last November, received custom snowflake championship rings this week to honor its victory. KCCI
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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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Spring Music Series: Forrest McCurren
5-7 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy great live music while sipping on discounted beers during the Spring Music Series.
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Alpha Wolf Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Ticketed event — Experience the electrifying performance of Alpha Wolf at Wooly's in Des Moines, IA.
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Meet Me @ The Altar Concert
7-9 p.m. — Wooly's — Concert tickets available — Enjoy an evening with Meet Me @ The Altar in Des Moines, IA.
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Cultivating Careers Program
9:30-11:30 a.m. — Project IOWA — Free participation — Empowering community members through holistic workforce training and one-on-one coaching.
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World Pork Expo
June 2-3 — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Admission varies — Explore the pork industry's latest innovations and meet thousands of fellow enthusiasts.
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Blue Light Jazz with NOLA Jazz
5-7 p.m. — Surety Hotel Lobby Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy Stiff Drinks, Smooth Grooves, and Chill Vibes with live Jazz music.
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Sherman Hill Neighborhood Meeting
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Mickle Center Business & Neighborhood Resources — Free entry — Help shape the future of Sherman Hill and connect with neighbors over updates and guest speakers.
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Satsang Acoustic Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Ticket required — Experience an intimate soundcheck and Q&A session with Satsang along with a signed tour poster.
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Date Me DSM at Iowa Cubs
5-7 p.m. — Iowa Cubs Stadium — Ticket required — Mix with singles aged 28-40 while enjoying a baseball game and a post-game drone show.
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Iowa Cubs Sensory-Friendly Game
1:08 – 2:08 p.m. — Principal Park — Discounted tickets available — Experience a game designed for individuals with autism or sensory processing disorders with a calming atmosphere and activities.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.
~ Unknown
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