Good morning, Des Moines.

Visitors entering the Iowa State Fair must have their bags, purses and soft-sided coolers inspected upon entry — all items will be searched at every gate and the Grandstand entrance.

Outside food and drink are allowed if stored in a small soft-sided cooler, but outside alcohol and glass containers are banned — refusal to submit to bag searches will result in denied entry.

Midnight Coffee, a Johnson County coffee brand, expanded into Clive by buying the St. Kilda’s Collective location – its fifth store – and began its transition in March.

The shop kept most menu items and table service, which is different from the counter service used in its other eastern Iowa locations.

The Iowa State Fair, which opened on Thursday and runs until Aug.

17, has completed several upgrades that include a new PA system and enhanced sound system at the Livestock Pavilion costing $500,000 and $250,000. Other changes — such as a covered Ron and Bev Shivers Family Plaza, a $500,000 accessible playground at Fun Forest, and extra paved parking and sidewalks — were made to boost visitor comfort and safety.

The Iowa State Fair opened August 7 and runs until August 18, showcasing 67 new foods and 36 new drinks from over 200 vendors.

Fairgoers can join food contests and watch daily 1 p.m. cooking demos that highlight unique Iowa-made dishes—such as Flamin’ Hot Pickle Pizza and a s’mores ice cream sandwich.

On August 7, DMACC reported that a new federal rule requiring citizenship verification for students enrolling in career and technical education may lower enrollment and hurt Iowa's workforce; administrators said the policy forces extra checks on legal status while clear state guidance is still pending—raising concerns about filling job vacancies in key fields.

Central Iowa Water Works announced on Thursday that restrictions on lawn watering have ended while asking residents to voluntarily reduce outdoor water usage by 25%—local governments and school districts can now resume irrigation.

CIWW said it expects to maintain safe drinking water standards with nitrate levels below 10 milligrams per liter despite increased demand.

Central Iowa Water Works lifted all lawn-watering restrictions on Thursday and urged customers to reduce watering by 25% while following a staggered schedule to help maintain safe nitrate levels—this follows a June ban imposed after heavy rains caused fertilizer runoff to spike nitrate levels. The water authority continues to run its nitrate removal facility at a minimum level as nitrate concentrations still vary.

AARP Iowa is hosting events to mark Social Security's 90th anniversary, including an event at the Iowa State Fair and ice cream socials that invite locals to share how the program helps them—687,000 Iowans receive Social Security each month, with 42% of seniors depending on it for at least half their income. Some younger adults lack confidence in Social Security's future, raising concerns about its long-term benefits.

A news article outlines a one-day itinerary for the Iowa State Fair that begins at 9 a.m. at Gate 15 and guides visitors through highlights including baby animal shows, the butter cow, and 4-H exhibits.

The plan recommends food stops and a shuttle ride at day's end + offers a complete experience for all budgets.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

2025 Downtown Farmers' Market

7 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Historic Court District — Free entry — Explore local produce, artisan foods, and more at this vibrant community market.

Double Date Speed Dating at Secret Admirer

2-5 p.m. — Secret Admirer — Ticket for 2 people — Enjoy a fun and interactive double date speed dating experience for singles aged 25-38.

Iowa State Fair

7 PM – 1 AM — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Waitlist available — Experience the excitement of Iowa's largest outdoor event with food, rides, and entertainment.

VolunTEENS Library Opportunity

4-5 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Volunteer opportunity — Help out at the library while gaining community service experience.

Sara Sato's 'Notes from the Sea' Exhibit Opening

6:30-8 p.m. — Heritage Art Gallery — Free entry — Explore a unique meditation on our relationship with nature through the diverse stories of water and its enigmatic inhabitants.

Jane Monheit Performance

7 PM — Noce — Cost not listed — Experience the enchanting jazz interpretations of vocalist Jane Monheit.

RnB Brunch DSM

4-8 p.m. — 319 SW 5th St, Des Moines, IA — Ticket required — Savor a delicious brunch with bottomless mimosas while enjoying soulful R&B tunes and karaoke fun.

Summer Music Series: Jonas Magram at Exile Brewing

5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints all-day — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with cold beer at this community gathering.

Franklin Cinema Club - Once Upon a Time in the West

6:30-7:45 p.m. — Franklin Avenue Library — Free entry — Explore the classic western epic Once Upon a Time in the West and engage in film discussions.

The Pigeon Visits the Library

4:00 – 4:45 p.m. — Franklin Avenue Library — Free entry — Participate in a whimsical storytime with The Pigeon and capture fun memories with photos.