🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🍔 A tried-and-true downtown spot that works just as well for a quick lunch as it does for an easy picnic dinner.
🎸 Classic rock is taking over Water Works Park with the kind of songs you already know by heart.
🌸 One of the prettiest hands-on events of the week involves flowers, fabric, and getting a little creative.
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Gateway Market Cafe | 2002 Woodland Ave. Des Moines |
Photo: Gateway Burger with fries | Emily Johnson
Photo: Mediterranean Wrap with cheese tortellini | Emily Johnson
🍔 Reliable in the best possible way – Gateway is one of those places that just hits the mark every time. It’s been a go-to for well over a decade, and honestly, that kind of staying power says a lot. I grabbed a meal there before heading to the hospital to give birth to my daughter and it gave me the energy I needed for a long labor so it holds a special place in my heart. So whether you are needing energy for a bike ride or labor, hit it up!
🥪 A menu that makes group ordering easy – On this visit, we were in picnic mode and very much not in cooking mode, so we did carryout and took it outside. We ordered the Gateway Burger with fries, the Hot Italian sub with fries, and the Mediterranean wrap with cheese tortellini, and it was exactly what we wanted: satisfying, flavorful, and easy. Gateway really shines when everyone wants something different, because the menu is so beautifully diverse without sacrificing quality.
🧺 Perfect for casual meals, plus a side of groceries – This is a tried-and-true spot. Eat there, take it home, or bring it to a park and call it a picnic. It works for all of it and you can grab some groceries at the connected market next door. When you aren’t sure where to go for a meal, this is always a satisfying spot. 👉 View the menu here.
🤝 Partner Spotlight: Cuisinart Portable Gas Grill
Grill. Go. Enjoy.
This Cuisinart portable gas grill makes outdoor cooking feel easy instead of chaotic. The stack-and-go design is simple to carry, the wooden lid doubles as a cutting board, and the whole thing is thoughtfully built to keep setup neat and stress-free. Great for camping, tailgates, or small-space grilling when you want something compact that still grills like the real deal. Check it out on Amazon! #ad
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
Photo: CelebrASIAN
The best bets handpicked for your week:
🎸 Styx with Special Guest Cheap Trick | Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park
If you’re in the mood for a big, nostalgic, sing-every-word kind of night, this is it. Styx and Cheap Trick together is basically a full evening of classic rock anthems and Water Works Park is a pretty great place to hear them loud.
This one feels especially fun for longtime fans, concert-loving couples, or anyone who thinks “Come Sail Away” still absolutely holds up.
| Thursday, May 21st | 7:30 pm | Tickets Required | https://www.waterworkspark.org/event/styx-with-special-guest-cheap-trick/ |🍜 CelebrASIAN 2026: The Story of Us | Western Gateway Park
CelebrASIAN is one of those weekends that makes Des Moines feel especially vibrant. With 12 cultural villages, live entertainment, market vendors, fashion, demos, and more than 70 food vendors, there is a lot to explore.
Go hungry and give yourself time to wander. This is a great pick for families, friend groups, or anyone who loves culture-forward events with plenty to taste, see, and experience.
| May 22nd–23rd | See event page for hours | Free to attend | https://www.iowaasianalliance.com/celebrasian |🎶 Springfest 2026 | The Cellar Winery, Madrid
This one has Memorial Day weekend written all over it: live blues, lawn chairs, blankets, food trucks, and a winery setting that pretty much does the relaxing for you. It feels low-key, easy, and like a very solid way to spend a Sunday afternoon outside. It’s also family-friendly and free, which is always a nice combo.
| Sunday, May 24th | 2:00 pm | Free | https://thecellarwinery.com/event-calendar/2026/5/24/central-iowa-blues-society-springfest |🌸 Flower Pounding | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
This is one of the prettiest creative workshops on the calendar this week. You’ll use fresh blooms to transfer color and patterns onto paper and fabric, with options like bandanas, tea towels, cards, and more.
It sounds equal parts crafty and calming, which honestly feels like a lovely way to spend an evening in May. Bonus: all supplies are provided.
| Thursday, May 21st | 5:30–7:00 pm | Registration/Admission details on website | https://dmbotanicalgarden.com/event/flower-pounding/ |🎠 Opening Day at the Heritage Carousel | 1801 Pennsylvania Ave. in Union Park
Opening Day at the Heritage Carousel is one of those sweet, old-school family outings that still just works. There’ll be rides, music from the DSM Community Band, face painting, popcorn, giveaways, and activities from local community groups.
The ride prices are refreshingly affordable, and it’s an easy pick for families with younger kids.
| Saturday, May 23rd | 11:00 am–7:00 pm | Kids 50¢, Adults $1.00 | https://heritagecarousel.org/donate |
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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