🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🍕 Quietly serving up some of the metro’s most delicious pies for decades. This Beaverdale staple is worth rediscovering.
🎸 A full night of ‘90s grunge hits—Alice in Chains, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam all in one place.
🎾 Glow in the dark pickleball!
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Michael’s Pizza | 2629 Beaver Avenue, Suite 13, Des Moines |
Photo: Slice of Pizza Blanco | Emily Johnson
Photo: Build-Your-Own Pizza | FB page
🍕 A true Beaverdale staple – This neighborhood favorite has been part of the community for decades, serving up handcrafted pizzas with locally sourced meats, house-made sauces, and that cozy, come-as-you-are feel that keeps people coming back.
🧄 What we ordered (and loved) – On a night we didn’t feel like cooking, we grabbed the Pizza Blanco to-go—and wow. Alfredo sauce, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, mushrooms, artichokes, and fresh basil all came together in the best way. Comforting, flavorful, and one we’ll absolutely order again.
🍝 More than just pizza – While the pizza is the star (you can build your own or try a specialty), they also offer pasta, salads, and apps like stuffed mini peppers. Bonus: gluten-free crusts, take-n-bake, and delivery options make it easy to enjoy Michael’s your way. 👉 View the menu here.
🤝 Partner Spotlight: Amazon Echo Spot
The new Echo Spot shows time, weather, song titles, controls your lights, and plays music with rich, clear sound. It also has built-in privacy controls that are as easy as pushing a button. #ad Learn more here.
Enjoy great sound with deep bass and clear vocals.
Check time, weather, and alarms at a glance.
The Palms Theatres & IMAX | 200 Northeast Westgate, Waukee |
Catch all the Iowa action on the big screen this weekend! The Palms is showing every Hawkeyes, Cyclones, and Panthers game (men’s and women’s) so you don’t miss a moment.
Game Schedule:
Friday, March 20th
• ISU men – 1:50 pm
• Iowa men – 5:50 pm
• UNI men – 6:10 pm
Saturday, March 21st
• Iowa women – 3:00 pm
• ISU women – 4:30 pm
Dine & Recline Option:
Reserve a seat in the auditorium for $10 and get that $10 back in concession + drink vouchers when you arrive. It’s a fun, easy way to lock in your spot and enjoy the full game day experience.
Prefer something more casual? Head to Rick’s Café for first-come seating and a special game day menu.
| March 20th–21st | Various Times | $10 Reserved Seating (with $10 back) | fridleytheatres.com |
👉 NEED A PRINTABLE BRACKET? Women’s Bracket & Men’s Bracket
Photo: NOLA Jazz Band @ Noce | NOLA Jazz Band FB page
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
🎷 NOLA Jazz Band | Noce, Des Moines
Bring a little New Orleans energy into your week with a night of live jazz at Noce. The NOLA Jazz Band is known for their rich, soulful sound and high-energy performances, blending traditional jazz and blues with a modern edge. Led by clarinetist Jeff Kane, this multi-generational group has played alongside some of the biggest names in jazz and performed in iconic venues across the country.
If you’re looking for a cozy night out with great music (and maybe a cocktail in hand), this is one to put on your list.
| Thursday, March 19th | 7:00 pm | Tickets Required | noce.turntabletickets.com |
🛍️ Statem!nt Pop-Up Consignment Event | Ellwell Family Center, Iowa State Fairgrounds
If you love a good deal and a good treasure hunt, this is your moment. The Statem!nt Pop-Up brings together 100+ closets in one space, offering gently used name brands and designer clothing, shoes, and accessories for men and women at 40–80% off retail.
Whether you pop in for a quick browse or plan a closet refresh, each day offers something a little different—including a charity presale event benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, half-price finale and a ticketed After Dark party for early access to the best deals.
| March 19th–22nd | Various Times | Free + Ticketed Options | statemintwestdesmoines.com |
🎸 Alice Unchained (Alice in Chains Tribute) | Wooly's, Des Moines
Throw it back to the ‘90s with a night of grunge hits at Wooly’s. Alice Unchained brings the sound of Alice in Chains to life, joined by tribute bands honoring Nirvana and Pearl Jam. It’s a full lineup of iconic music that defined a generation. Perfect for anyone ready to relive (or discover) the era.
All previously purchased tickets are valid for this rescheduled date, so grab your spot and get ready for a high-energy night of live music.
| Friday, March 20th | Doors 6:00 pm, Show 7:00 pm | All Ages | axs.com |
🧵 Garden Quilt Show | Reiman Gardens, Ames
Art and nature come together for a beautiful weekend at Reiman Gardens. The Iowa Quilters Guild brings some of the finest quilting in the state to Ames for this three-day show, featuring intricate, garden-inspired designs, prize-winning pieces, and talented Midwestern makers.
Stroll through the exhibits, browse vendors showcasing fabric art, and make a day of it by exploring the Conservatory, Butterfly Wing, and surrounding gardens. If you go on Saturday, you can also grab a bite from local food trucks like Outside Scoop Ames, Magoo’s Pizza, and Bellbottom Mobile Cafe.
| March 20th–22nd | 9:00 am–5:00 pm (Sun until 4:00 pm) | $12 General Admission | reimangardens.com |
🎾 AfterGlow Pickleball | Smash Park, West Des Moines
If you’re looking for something a little different for a night out, this is it. Smash Park is turning off the lights and lighting up the courts with blacklights for AfterGlow Pickleball—so grab your brightest neon and get ready to play.
It’s part sport, part party, and a fun way to switch up your usual Saturday night. Courts are limited, so you’ll want to reserve ahead if you plan to play.
| Saturday, March 21st | 9:00 pm–11:59 pm | Court Reservations Required | smashpark.com |
Stop wondering what to do and start doing. Pick one and make it happen!
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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