Good morning, Des Moines.

Dallas Center is hosting its annual Fall Festival today in Mound Park with a Wonderland theme that features a cake contest, a Mad Hatter Tea Party, a pedal tractor pull and free hot dogs provided by Raccoon Valley Bank.

The festival will continue tomorrow with road races, a parade, an ISU Tailgate Game and Watch, foam party, street dance and fireworks—giving families a full weekend of activities.

On August 21st, Waukee Community School District was honored—its 47% theater arts participation rate among grades 6-12 making it the first district in Iowa to earn this recognition from the Educational Theatre Association.

Pictures of an in-progress auditorium that will hold just under 1,000 people were also shared, and the space is set to open early 2026.

Property taxes in Iowa are due soon as residents face a first installment due on Sept.

1 with payment accepted until Sept. 30 and a second installment due by March 31, while a 1.5% monthly interest fee is charged if payment is made after Oct. 1. Tax bills can be paid online, in person or by mail through the county treasurer's office and funds help pay for schools, law enforcement, roads and more — essential support for local services.

Iowa’s measles vaccination rate for 2-year-olds remains below the 90% goal as only Adams and Henry counties reached the estimated 94% needed for herd immunity—while counties like Davis reported rates as low as 47.1%, and eight measles cases have been reported since May with 63% occurring in unvaccinated children.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

Downtown Farmers' Market

7 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Court District — Free entry — Explore local produce, artisan goods, and festive community atmosphere at this vibrant market.

World Food and Music Festival 2025

11 AM – 5 PM — Western Gateway Park — Free entry — Experience diverse cuisines from 23 countries alongside vibrant live music and local vendors.

2025 All 4 Youth Golf Classic

9 AM – 4 PM — A.H. Blank Golf Course — Donations may be tax deductible — Support underserved students through educational scholarships while enjoying a day of golf.

Central States Shrine Association Annual Convention 2025

8 AM – 5 PM — West Des Moines Marriott — Cost info TBA — Gather with fellow Shriners for a celebratory convention featuring a parade and activities.

Jackyl Concert

7:00-8:30 PM — Wooly's — $58-$925 per ticket — Enjoy a high-energy performance by the southern rock band Jackyl in the heart of Des Moines.

Downtown Farmers' Market

7 AM – 12 PM — Court District — Free entry — Celebrate local produce and artisanal goods at Des Moines' vibrant farmers' market.

Summer Music Series: David Watson at Exile Brewing

5:00-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes during this summer event.

Monthly Writing Night

7-9 p.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — Free entry — Engage in a relaxed evening of creativity with fellow writers and prompts to spark new ideas.

Des Moines Women's Club Opening Day

1-3 p.m. — Des Moines Women's Club — Free entry — Celebrate the kick-off of the club's 140th year with a musical cabaret performance featuring Jackie Schmillen.

Graphic Design Bootcamp

2-8 p.m. — Bank of America Building — Course fees apply — Gain hands-on experience with essential graphic design tools and techniques.