🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🥪 Comfort food, a good drink, and that tucked-away neighborhood vibe we all love.
🎸 A night of Tom Petty hits you’ll know by heart.
🐐 Baby goats, piglets, and a peaceful morning on the farm. This one sounds idyllic.
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Coopers on 5th | 227 5th Street, WDM |
Photo: Chicken Salad Melt with zucchini fries | Emily Johnson
Photo: Barnyard sandwich with potato salad | Emily Johnson
🕯️ A cozy Valley Junction gem – Tucked on the corner in Valley Junction, Cooper’s on 5th has that intimate, neighborhood feel with a handful of booths, a few tables, and a small bar. It leans a little darker and cozy inside which is perfect for a relaxed lunch, a date night, or catching up with a close friend.
🥪 Comfort food done right – We both went with their lunch combos — my husband had the chicken salad melt with zucchini fries, and I tried the Barnyard weekly special with potato salad. Everything tasted delicious, was well-made, and exactly what you want when you’re craving something satisfying without overthinking it.
🍸 The kind of place you come back to – From the warm greeting when you walk in to the dependable service, fun drink options, and solid bar menu, Cooper’s is one of those spots that just quietly does everything well and keeps people coming back. 👉 Check out the menu here.
🤝 Partner Spotlight: Systeme.io | Build Your Business With One Tool For FREE!
First of all, the name isn’t spelled incorrectly - it really is Systeme.io. I’ve been using it for almost two years now and what stands out most is that it gives you everything you need to run a business in one place. What I used to pay for Kajabi in one month is how much I pay Systeme.io for an entire year! They even have a free plan to get started.
If you’ve ever thought about starting an online business, selling a product, growing an email list, or creating a course, but immediately felt overwhelmed by all the tech and monthly subscriptions, this might be worth a look.
With this platform, you can:
build landing pages and sales funnels
grow an email list and send emails
sell physical or digital products
host online courses or memberships
create an affiliate program
schedule meetings
organize your offers in a simple storefront
Basically, it can do the work of a bunch of separate tools without the giant learning curve or giant price tag.
If you’re in that “I know I want to build something, but I don’t want to make this harder than it needs to be” stage, this could be a solid starting point.
👉 Try systeme.io
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
Photo: Poetry Palooza | https://www.poetryamp.org/gallery
The best bets handpicked for your week:
📖 Poetry Palooza | Grandview University Viking Theater, 2811 E.14th, DSM
If you’re craving something a little different this week, Poetry Palooza brings together a series of events celebrating spoken word, storytelling, and creative expression across Des Moines. From readings and performances to workshops and community gatherings, it’s a chance to experience poetry in a way that feels alive and accessible.
Whether you’re a longtime poetry lover or just curious to try something new, there are multiple events over the weekend to explore, so you can drop in on what fits your vibe.
| April 16-18th | Various Times | More info: poetryamp.org |
🎸 Good to Be King: A Celebration of Tom Petty | Wooly's, 504 E. Locust, DSM
If you’re a Tom Petty fan (or just love a good sing-along night), this tribute show is a fun way to spend an evening. Good to Be King brings all the familiar hits and energy of Tom Petty’s music to the stage. It will be the kind of night where you don’t realize you know every word to each song until they start playing.
It’s an all-ages show, so you can bring friends, family, or anyone who appreciates a little classic rock nostalgia.
| Saturday, April 18th | Doors 6:30 pm, Show 8:00 pm | All Ages | Tickets Required | firstfleetconcerts.com |
☕🚗 Cars & Coffee Des Moines | 7300 Westown Parkway, WDM
The first meet of the 2026 season is here, and it’s one of those easy, low-key events that just works. Cars & Coffee brings together all kinds of vehicles — no clubs, no categories. It’s for people who enjoy what they drive and want to share it.
Grab a coffee from Starbucks next door, stroll through the lineup, and chat with fellow car enthusiasts. Whether you’re bringing your own ride or just coming to look around, it’s a relaxed, welcoming way to spend a Saturday morning.
| Saturday, April 18th | 8:00–11:00 am | Free |
🐐 Visit The Little Farm on 46th | 9035 NE 46th St., Bondurant
If you’re looking for something simple and sweet this weekend, this is such a charming little outing. The Little Farm on 46th is opening up for the morning, giving visitors a chance to meet their farm animals including baby goats and piglets (yes, really).
You can also browse their small farm shop stocked with handmade goat milk soaps, body butter, and spring-inspired items, plus a limited supply of pasture-raised eggs. It’s a relaxed, come-and-go kind of visit that feels especially perfect for families or anyone craving a little fresh air and cute animals.
| Saturday, April 18th | 9:00 am–12:00 pm | Free |
🛍️ Vintage at Val Air | Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Rd, WDM
Spend your Sunday treasure hunting at this DSM Flea monthly pop-up, bringing together vintage clothing, local artists, makers, and bakers all in one space. It’s the kind of event where you can browse a little, discover something unexpected, and leave with something you didn’t know you needed.
There will also be a photo booth from Sole Nest, music from Richie Daggers, and a fun twist from Work in Progress with a State Fair-inspired menu plus a vinyl record pop-up in the basement. There will be a little bit of everything!
| Sunday, April 19th | 11:00 am–5:00 pm | Free |
Stop wondering what to do and start doing. Pick one and make it happen!
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Dog and piglet
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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