Good morning, Des Moines.

At the Iowa State Fair, grocery employees will compete in a bagging contest where speed matters— the winner will earn a spot to compete in nationals.

Fans dressed as Pitbull at the Iowa State Fair on Aug.

10, 2025, wearing aviators, bald caps and suits as they waited outside the Grandstand for his performance.

Keokuk native Kirk Brandenberger, who first won the under-18 title in 1973, won the 100th Iowa State Fair fiddler contest on Sunday — marking a 52-year return — and now holds two prestigious titles.

His bluegrass career also includes induction into the Iowa Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2014.

Sunday, August 10, the Iowa State Fair held its 100th fiddle contest in Des Moines where parking lots filled early—drawing large crowds.

Contestants from Mitchellville, West Des Moines and Audubon played and celebrated a historic milestone at the fairgrounds.

Megan Moroney headlined an 18-song performance at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand on the fair's third night—drawing a full, standing-room only crowd—and thrilled fans with fresh hits and heartfelt thanks.

She marked her strong comeback since her free stage debut two years ago—launching her 'Am I Okay?' Tour—and showed growing star power throughout the show.

Fans at the Iowa State Fair dressed in bald caps, suits, and sunglasses on (Aug.

10) as they lined up early for Rapper Pitbull's concert at the (Grandstand); their creative costumes marked a growing trend among his fans.

David Prince rescued a goose entangled in netting at Living History Farms—he posted video footage showing him holding the bird between his legs and using scissors to free its beak.

The Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge visitor center will reopen in a smaller form in 2027 after emergency repairs were made following a heavy hailstorm in July 2024.

Classrooms and restrooms remain open while a design contract is set to be awarded soon (with a nine‐month design process planned) to speed up the project (located in Jasper County).

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.

Generation Rx Program

7-8 p.m. — 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA — Free entry — Learn safe medication practices to enhance your health and well-being through informed choices.

Cloakroom

7-8:30 p.m. — xBk Live — Live music event — Experience the haunting melodies of Glass Ox as they perform 'Rushes of Evil'.