🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🍖 A BBQ stop worth the drive to Luther, especially if brisket, pickle fries, and Nutter Butter banana pudding sound like your love language.
🎨 One of Des Moines’ most beloved summer weekends is back! I still remember when it fit on the lawn at the Des Moines Arts Center.
🐶 There’s a dog pool party happening, which honestly feels like exactly the kind of news we all need right now.
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Whatcha Smokin BBQ & Brew | 403 Iowa Ave., Luther, IA |
Photo: Pickle Fries & Lean Brisket | Emily Johnson
🍖 If you’ve spent any time around the Des Moines food scene, you’ve probably heard people rave about Whatcha Smokin — and for good reason. This Luther spot has built a loyal following, plus they pop up at Des Moines breweries and events from time to time, but making the drive to the source feels worth it. We ordered the pickle fries with ranch and a half-pound of lean brisket, and both delivered.
🍺 The setup is part of the charm - there’s plenty of seating, a big covered patio, and on our visit we ordered from the secondary building instead of the main restaurant, which made everything feel easy and relaxed. They also have a great selection of local beers on tap, so it’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a bit, especially on a nice summer evening.
🍌 Save room for dessert — seriously. The Nutter Butter banana pudding and peach cobbler were such a good finish to the meal. It’s easy to see why this place stays popular. 👉 View the menu here.
🤝 Partner Spotlight: New Martha Stewart Kitchen Collection
Elevated Countertop Upgrades.
Martha Stewart’s new collection of kitchen appliances brings together simple design, everyday function, and a calm, elevated look for the countertop. From the toaster to the slow cooker and French door air fryer oven, these pieces are made for easier mornings, cozy meals, and a kitchen that feels less cluttered and more intentional. Check it out on Amazon! #ad
🧑🧑🧒 Family-Friendly Pick
🐐 The Three Billy Goats Gruff | Rose Garden, Norwalk
This is such a sweet summer morning option for little ones. Farm School educator Jeni Warwick brings The Three Billy Goats Gruff to life with puppets and storytelling, and then kids get to keep the goat theme going with hands-on learning from HER Acres, including the chance to meet and pet a real goat. Add in a bonus story time from the West Des Moines Library, and it’s the kind of outing that feels equal parts magical and manageable. Just note that reservations are required.
| Friday, June 26th | Sessions at 9, 10, and 11 am | Free | rosefarmstead.com |
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
🤠 NASH Nights in the District | The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny
Country fans, this one has your name on it. Josh Ross is taking the stage with special guests Loess Hills for a free summer concert in Ankeny, which means live music, cold drinks, dancing, and a very easy answer to “what should we do Thursday night?” Bring your crew and plan on making a night of it.
| Thursday, June 25th | 5:30–9 pm | Free General Admission | thedistrictpt.com |🎨 Des Moines Arts Festival 2026 | Western Gateway Park
This has always been one of my favorite festivals in Des Moines. I still remember going when it was held on the lawn at the Des Moines Arts Center, which feels almost impossible to imagine now considering how much this event has grown. These days it fills downtown with incredible art, live music, energy, and people-watching in the best way, and it still manages to feel both big-time and deeply local.
| June 26th–28th | Fri. 11 am–10 pm, Sat. 11 am–10 pm, Sun. 11 am–5 pm | Free | desmoinesartsfestival.org |
🐶 Porter’s Pool Party | Paws & Pints
If your dog’s ideal summer day includes splash zones, ice cream, and a DJ set, this is their moment. Porter’s Pool Party turns Paws & Pints into a pup-friendly summer bash with dog pools, music, treats for both dogs and humans, and a photo booth for documenting the chaos. A very solid pick for dog people, friend groups, and anyone who enjoys seeing extremely happy wet dogs.
| Saturday, June 27th | 12–4 pm | Regular admission | Facebook Event Page |
🛍️ Vintage at the Val Air | Val Air Ballroom
DSM Flea is bringing more than 50 vendors to the historic Val Air Ballroom with vintage clothing, physical media, local artists, makers, bakers, live DJs, and even a free photobooth. There’s also a food pop-up and vinyl market downstairs at Work in Progress, so there’s plenty to keep you poking around for a while.
| Sunday, June 28th | 11 am–5 pm | Free | Facebook Event Page |
🎶 St. Paul and the Broken Bones | Hoyt Sherman Place
If you’ve never seen St. Paul and the Broken Bones live, just know they have a reputation for putting on the kind of show people talk about afterward. Their sound blends soul, rock, and R&B with huge energy, and Hoyt Sherman feels like a pretty excellent setting for this kind of summer night concert. This is a good one for live music lovers who want something powerful, polished, and worth leaving the house for.
| Tuesday, June 30th | 7:30 pm | $39+ | hoytsherman.org |
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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