🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🍸 Where the neighborhood feel meets Mediterranean flavor — this week’s spotlight has heart, delicious dishes, and great cocktails. 👇
🎅 Gather your lists — Santa is starting his stops around the metro, and this one comes with a free keepsake photo!
🎟️ Ticket Giveaway (2 winners!)
We’re giving away a pair of tickets to comedian Hannah Berner at Hoyt Sherman Place on Friday, Dec. 5th to two lucky winners. One show already SOLD OUT!
To enter: Follow @AroundDSM on IG or FB, comment on the giveaway pinned post, and be subscribed to the newsletter (you already are if you got this in your inbox!).
Ends Tuesday, Nov.18th, 11:59pm. Winners contacted Wednesday, Nov. 19th.
Sponsored in partnership with Outback Presents; tickets provided by the promoter.
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Tito’s Lounge | 3916 NW Urbandale Drive, Urbandale |
Chicken skewers & Cevapi (beef & veal sausage links) with grilled flatbread, crispy fries, tzatziki sauce, and ajvar (sweet pepper sauce)
Where Neighbors Gather and Flavors Shine – Tito’s Lounge may look like your classic sports bar from the outside, but inside, it’s all heart. This is truly a people-centered spot where locals gather and every dish is made with care. Expect the comfort of a neighborhood hangout with the flavor of something special. 💛
Bar Food with a Balkan Twist – The menu delivers everything you love about pub fare but elevated with Balkan and Mediterranean touches. Don’t miss the Cevapi (pronounced cheh-vapi) — perfectly seasoned beef and veal paired with onions, tzatziki, and ajvar (sweet pepper sauce) on freshly grilled flatbread. It’s simple, flavorful, and proof that details matter here. I mean, check out the blue sugar rim on my Lemon Drop Martini - so fun!
It’s Worth Going Right Now Because – The energy here is as good as the food. With weekly specials like all-you-can-eat wings on Mondays ($14.99), Taco & Trivia Tuesdays, and Burger & Wine Wednesdays (burger + fries $10.95 and bottles of wine 50% off), there’s always a reason to stop in, sip something refreshing, and feel part of the Tito’s community. 👉 View the menu here.
Photo: Daniel Cid https://www.pexels.com/photo/telescope-photo-of-m33-galaxy-17505898/
🎟️ Reserve Tickets Now: You Thought the Northern Lights Were Cool . . .
Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon in the Planetarium | Science Center of Iowa | The first shows sold out fast and for good reason! I still remember going to the Science Center back when it was in Greenwood-Ashworth Park and sitting under the dome for a Pink Floyd show as a teen. Whether or not Pink Floyd is your jam, the experience itself is mesmerizing — full-dome visuals, surround sound, and that nostalgic planetarium magic that never gets old. Grab tickets now for December and January dates — they won’t last long. | sciowa.org
🤝 Partner Spotlight: Firstleaf Wine
Firstleaf Wine Profile
Photo: Emily Johnson
Need Wine for the Holidays? I’ve Got You!
I’ve been getting my wine from Firstleaf for over five years, and I’ve loved every bottle. Their quiz makes it easy to find wines you’ll actually enjoy, and each shipment comes with pairing suggestions so you know exactly what to serve it with. You choose what you want and when you want it. If a bottle ever misses the mark, they’ll credit you for it. It’s the easiest (and most fun) way I’ve found to explore new wines.
Try it now for the holidays with this special offer!
🍷 Get $15 off your first box #ad HERE.
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
Mixology Night at the Science Center | Science Center of Iowa | Game night, cocktails, and after-hours fun at the Science Center! The Dealt Hand brings their massive library of board and card games, and the bar will be open all evening. It’s part science, part social, and totally unique — a perfect excuse to play like a kid again (with adult beverages, of course). | Friday, Nov. 14, 6–9pm | sciowa.org
Star Wars Night at the Iowa Wild | Wells Fargo Arena (Casey’s Center) | The Force is strong in Des Moines this weekend! The Iowa Wild hit the ice for Star Wars Night with plenty of galactic fun. Proceeds from the night benefit Special Olympics Iowa. | Friday, Nov. 14, 7pm | iowawild.com/games
Champagne & Mistletoe | Uptown Ankeny | Get into the holiday spirit with Uptown Ankeny’s most magical night of the season. Shops stay open late with special surprises, sparkling drinks, and plenty of good cheer. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride at the Ankeny Historical Society Museum through the Uptown Wonderlights displays and enjoy the cozy magic that makes this event a local favorite. | Friday, Nov. 14, 5–8pm | uptownankeny.org
Holiday Arts & Crafts Show | Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds | One of Iowa’s biggest holiday shopping traditions is back! Browse creations from 300+ exhibitors from 8 states — from handmade décor and jewelry to tasty treats and unique gifts. It’s the perfect way to find something one-of-a-kind while supporting local and regional makers. | Nov. 14–16 | Hours vary by day | iowastatefairgrounds.org
48th Annual Beaverdale Holiday Boutique | Holy Trinity School, Beaverdale | A true neighborhood tradition and one of my personal favorites. This beloved boutique has been bringing holiday cheer to Beaverdale for nearly five decades! Browse handcrafted gifts, home décor, and festive treats while supporting local artisans and community spirit that make this event so special. Go early for the baked goods! | Friday–Saturday, Nov. 14-15 | holytrinitydm.org
Stop wondering what to do and start doing. Pick one and make it happen!
Photo: Beaverdale Holiday Boutique Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1402446298553102&set=a.615228620608211
🧸 Family-Friendly Pick
Santa Sighting at Either/Or | Either/Or Restaurant, Des Moines | Bring the whole family to Either/Or for an afternoon of festive fun, delicious food, and a little holiday magic. From 2–4pm on Sunday, Nov. 16, families can meet Santa as he mingles through the restaurant and dine-in guests will receive a free framed Polaroid photo to take home (one per family). It’s the perfect way to kick off the season with smiles, sparkle, and a chat with the Big Guy. | eitherordsm.com
Photo: Either/Or https://eitherordsm.com/tinsel/#gallery-69146c7cb9019-3
💛 Giving Back
Volunteer to Deliver Christmas Meals with Hope Ministries | While the Thanksgiving meal delivery spots are already full (how amazing is that?), there’s still a chance to make a difference this holiday season. Hope Ministries is now seeking volunteers to help deliver meals on Christmas Day, spreading warmth and kindness to neighbors who may otherwise spend the holiday alone.
Not available to deliver? There are plenty of other ways to support — from donating food and hygiene items to sponsoring meals or helping with preparations leading up to the big day. Every contribution helps ensure thousands of Iowans experience comfort, care, and community this season.
Learn more or sign up here: 👉 hopeiowa.org/get-involved/holiday-volunteer-opportunities
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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AroundDSM sometimes partners with local businesses or uses affiliate links. We may earn a small commission — at no cost to you — if you make a purchase through our links. We only share what we truly love!