Good morning, Des Moines.

The Salvation Army of Des Moines is hosting its fifth annual Xtream Christmas in July fair today at Evelyn Davis Park from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.—offering free food and fun for all families.

Camper setup at the Iowa State Fairgrounds is paused due to wet weather making the ground too soft—officials said setup will resume at 8 a.m. Sunday, and the fair will run from Aug.

7-17.

Shelf Love DSM—the metro’s first romance bookstore—opened in the Drake neighborhood, with owner Sarah Gardner-Bergan saying her passion for romance literature led her to create this unique store.

She plans to host community events that will invite local readers to explore her curated selection of romance novels.

An Indianola man was sentenced Friday to up to 45 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 22.5 years after pleading guilty to kidnapping and attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend in December 2023—his accomplice received a maximum of 35 years with a minimum of 17.5 years.

On Sunday, the National Balloon Museum in Indianola will host the United States Ballooning Hall of Fame event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as three hot air balloon pilots will be inducted while visitors can enter for the first time since a fire destroyed its inventory in April 2024 (officials expect restored artifacts and a new cataloging system before full reopening).

Visitors at the Iowa State Fair will be allowed to bring outside food and drinks starting Aug 7 with the exception of alcohol and glass containers as CEO Jeremy Parsons explained that food must fit in a small soft sided cooler.

Officials added new gates near East 30th and Elwell Family Park to help reduce long lines and bottlenecks for fairgoers.

Des Moines Public Schools is asking voters to approve a $265 million bond that will modernize 72 school buildings and add new programs, and supporters plan to gather 9,000 signatures by Sept.

1 to get the proposal on the November ballot—taxpayers may see annual tax increases from $94 to $378 based on home value while critics call for clearer benefits.

Thirteen state-managed beaches and two Des Moines area beaches are not recommended for swimming this week because of high levels of E. coli or toxic algae (including the new additions Bobwhite State Park and Prairie Rose Beach).

Blue Lake Beach now meets safe standards (based on improved test results) and the Iowa DNR will continue monitoring water quality through Labor Day.

Yesterday the US Army Corps of Engineers closed the Cherry Glen Lower Boat Ramp and Oak Grove Beach Access at Saylorville Lake because high water levels made conditions unsafe—closures will remain until levels recede.

Visitors can still use Lakeview High Water, Sandpiper, or Cherry Glen High Water ramps but should watch for hidden debris.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

Summer Music Series: Paul Little at Exile Brewing

5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — All-day happy hour with $4.50 pints — Experience the perfect Sunday with live music and patio vibes.

I Spy: Mario

12 AM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Search for your favorite Mario characters and claim a prize upon completion.

Baby Rhyme Time

10:00 – 10:30 AM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — A delightful gathering for infants and toddlers featuring engaging rhymes and songs.

The SpongeBob Musical

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Dive into the vibrant underwater world where SpongeBob and friends unite to save Bikini Bottom from disaster.

Wiggles and Giggles Storytime

9:15-9:45 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy movement, music, and rhyming with fun watermelon games and crafts.

The Hors D’oeuvres Live at Annie’s Irish Pub

8-11 p.m. — Annie's Irish Pub — Cost TBD — Enjoy an evening filled with live music from The Hors D’oeuvres.

City Voices Summer Recital

1:30 – 3:00 PM — Noce — Free — Enjoy captivating performances from talented students in Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Classical music styles.

Summer Music Series with Casey Peasley

5:00-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with cold beer in the heart of summer.

Galactic Empire Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Wooly's — $47 to $157 — Experience a unique concert by Galactic Empire that combines Star Wars themes with live music.

Drop-In Tech Help

2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free — Get assistance with your electronic devices from knowledgeable library staff.