Good morning, Des Moines.

Today, Carol Whitmore, the first Iowan and first woman to lead the VFW, is honored with homecoming events that begin with a downtown reception and finish with a Saturday banquet—celebrating her military service and commitment to veterans.

At the Iowa State Fair on August 9, 2025, judges reviewed scotcheroos in the Scotcheroo SnackDown and Darvin Graham’s entry won first place in Des Moines.

Vendors like Over the Top Ice Cream served scotcheroo shakes—one of the fair's top new foods that captured local interest.

Ames will retire its waste-to-energy system by 2027—ending a 50-year run that turned trash into electricity at the Arnold O.

Chantland Resource Recovery Plant—and will build a new $10 million facility on Freel Drive to handle waste and recycling. City officials said rising repair costs from corrosive plastics and changes in fuel sources led to the decision.

A new community land trust will help low-income families buy homes by taking the land off the market and lowering house prices, with HOME, Inc.—backed by investments from Polk County, Des Moines and West Des Moines—managing the project.

The trust will finish its first two houses early next year and plans to add 100 homes in five years.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

Panda Bear Concert

7:00–8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Tickets from $50 — Experience the soothing sounds of Panda Bear live in Des Moines.

Summer Music Series: Brian Herrin at Exile Brewing

5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes during the Summer Music Series.

Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad

6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity with hands-on art activities every Monday night.

K-pop Fan Gathering

5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Meet fellow K-pop enthusiasts and enjoy trading photocards while snacking and listening to music.

Impact-First Product Teams with Matt LeMay

4:30-6:00 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — Free entry — Explore how to foster honest communication in your product organization for better outcomes.

Agile + DevOpsDays Des Moines 2025

8 AM – 4 PM — Community Choice Convention Center — Registration required — Immerse yourself in the latest tech trends and network with industry leaders at this premier conference.

First Friday at Mainframe Studios

5-8 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — Free entry — Experience diverse pen and ink artworks and engage in hands-on zine creation at this community celebration of creativity.

Dog Day Guided Tour at Pappajohn Sculpture Park

11 a.m. — Pappajohn Sculpture Park — Free entry — Enjoy a scenic guided tour of the sculpture park with your leashed dog in celebration of National Walk Your Dog Week.

Surety Hotel Autumnal Artisan Market

1-5 p.m. — Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection — $100.00 — Celebrate local art and culture with a variety of artisan vendors.

Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Tickets starting at $49 — Experience a lively night of music with Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners.