🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🍟 A college throwback, a Maui pizza, and fries so good I’m already planning my return trip.
🎸 Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms AND Spin Doctors. Your ’90s playlist is coming to life at Water Works Park.
📚 Big Little Lies fans, this is a big one: Liane Moriarty is coming to Des Moines.
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
The Other Place | 12401 University Ave., Clive |
Photo: Maui personal pizza | Emily Johnson
Photo: Vienna sub & fries | Emily Johnson
🎓 A Little College Nostalgia With Lunch – My college friend and I recently met for lunch at The Other Place — lovingly known as “The OP” — and it immediately took us back to our UNI days. The original OP opened on The Hill in 1970, so even though a few decades have somehow passed since our college years (how did THAT happen?), sitting down together felt familiar. These days, The OP has 11 locations across Iowa and Kansas. My, how times have changed!
🍕 The Maui Was a Win – I ordered the 9” Maui pizza with Smokehouse pizza sauce, Canadian bacon, applewood smoked bacon, pineapple, sun-dried tomato, red pepper, mushrooms, and a drizzle of honey. It was delightful. The crust runs on the thinner side but still has that nice chewy bite, and the sweet-savory combination worked really well.
🍟 But Can We Talk About Those Fries? – My friend ordered the Vienna sub with salami, ham, pepperoni, mozzarella, honey-balsamic dressing, and horseradish mayo, plus seasoned crinkle-cut fries. Naturally, I stole a few fries . . . and now I’m considering going back JUST for them. I immediately spotted “Hangover Fries” on the happy hour menu, and I don’t even know what’s on them yet but if they start with those fries, I’m in. Add The OP’s housemade ranch, which absolutely knocks it out of the park, and honestly, I may be perfectly happy ordering a side of fries next time. They are THAT good. 👉 View the menu here.
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🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
👕 Kid’s Closet Connection DSM Fall Kids Consignment Sale | Franklin Jr. High Event Center
Kids grow approximately five minutes after you buy them something new, so a giant consignment sale feels especially useful. Shop thousands of gently used clothes, shoes, toys, books, baby gear, outdoor toys, school items, seasonal finds, and more for babies through teens.
It’s a solid stop if you’re refreshing fall wardrobes, hunting for baby gear, or simply enjoy the thrill of finding a really good deal.
| Thursday, Sept. 10th–Saturday, Sept. 12th | Thurs.–Fri. 10 am–7 pm; Sat. 10 am–4 pm | 4801 Franklin Ave., Des Moines | Facebook Event |
🎸 Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms & Spin Doctors | Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park
If your ’90s playlist still includes “Run-Around” and “Hey Jealousy,” Thursday night has your name all over it. Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and Spin Doctors are sharing the stage for one big throwback night of alternative-rock favorites and probably a whole lot of singing along from the lawn.
Three bands, one night, maximum nostalgia.
| Thursday, Sept. 10th | 6 pm | Des Moines Water Works Park | waterworkspark.org |
🚴 The Great Iowa Fall Ride 2026 | RAGBRAI HQ
Give biking season one more good sendoff with this breezy 26-mile ride through Des Moines trails and parks. The route loops from RAGBRAI HQ to Cumming and back, with stops at favorite spots along the way and a fun, easygoing feel rather than an all-out race.
A great excuse to grab your bike, enjoy an early-fall morning, and squeeze in one more group ride before the season winds down.
| Saturday, Sept. 12th | 8 am | 501 Scott Ave., Des Moines | Registration Required | Register here |
📚 Special Author Event: Liane Moriarty | Franklin Jr. High Event Center
Big Little Lies fans, this is a big one. Beaverdale Books is bringing bestselling author Liane Moriarty to Des Moines for a special event celebrating her newest novel, Big Little Truths, which reunites readers with Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata, Bonnie, and their now-teenage kids.
Your $40 ticket includes admission, a copy of the new book, and a personalized signing with Moriarty. Doors open at 2:30 pm, and longtime fans may want to snag this one before seats disappear.
| Saturday, Sept. 12th | 3–5 pm | $40 | Franklin Center Theater | Tickets |
🚗 Des Moines Concours d’Elegance | Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Classic cars + downtown Des Moines + free admission = a pretty easy Sunday plan. The Des Moines Concours d’Elegance fills Pappajohn Sculpture Park with incredible vintage and classic vehicles, plus food trucks, interactive exhibits, LEGO displays, radio-controlled car racing, games, and more.
And this year’s especially fun for younger car fans: a featured class celebrates the iconic vehicles from Pixar’s Cars. It’s an easy outing for families, car lovers, or anyone who appreciates seeing some beautiful wheels up close.
| Sunday, Sept. 13th | 10 am–4 pm | FREE | desmoinesconcours.com |
🏈 Honorable Mention: Cy-Hawk Game
Well, we can’t exactly call this one a Des Moines event, but there’s a pretty good chance plenty of Des Moines households will be planning their Saturday night around it.
Iowa State vs. Iowa kicks off at 6:30 pm at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The game is officially SOLD OUT, but you can watch from home on NBC/Peacock. Iowa leads the all-time series 47–25, while Iowa State enters looking for its third straight win in the rivalry.
❤️💛 or 🖤💛 — who are you cheering for? Let’s see where AroundDSM readers land.
Who are you cheering for at the Cy-Hawk football game?
| Saturday, Sept. 12th | 6:30 pm | Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City | NBC/Peacock |
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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