🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
There is so much happening around the metro this weekend, narrowing it down to just five picks was no small task. If this newsletter helps you find your next outing, I’d love it if you shared AroundDSM with a friend who’s always asking, “What should we do this weekend?”
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🍸 A warm, classy West Des Moines spot with a Pink Lady that is a lovely way to celebrate summer.
🐟 This weekend is surprisingly great for people who own fishing rods or just enjoy a good community event with bait involved.
🍻 Summer kickoff energy is officially here, and Water Works Park is leaning all the way in.
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Urban Cellar | 640 South 50th Street, West Des Moines |
Photo: Pink Lady (left), Cosmo (right) | Emily Johnson
Photo: Philly Cheesesteak with Chicken & sweet potato fries | Emily Johnson
🍹 Warm, classy, and very easy to settle into — Urban Cellar has that polished-but-not-stuffy feel that works whether you’re meeting friends for drinks or easing into a laid-back dinner. On a hot day, the Pink Lady was the standout: refreshing, a little unexpected, and the kind of cocktail that makes you immediately glad you ordered it. It’s made with Nolet’s Silver gin, raspberry puree, lemon juice, and topped with champagne and edible glitter. If that doesn’t sound refreshing, their solid drink lineup gives you loads of options.
🥗 Food worth asking about — and thankfully, Rachael had opinions. She’s worked there since they opened and was more than happy to point us toward favorites. The Philly cheesesteak with chicken (Rachael’s tweak) and sweet potato fries and the grilled chicken Caesar salad both came recommended and were delicious. The menu feels approachable while still giving you enough options to make a repeat visit easy.
⏰ Happy Hour is a very good reason to go sooner rather than later — Monday through Friday from 3–6 pm, you’ll find discounts on flatbreads, select apps, and drink specials including $5 glasses of wine, $6 daiquiris, and $7 Old Fashioneds. Helpful staff, a welcoming atmosphere, and a menu that makes “let’s just grab one drink” feel unlikely. 👉 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
Photo: Wedding dresses | Dan LeFebvre
💍 Local Deal of the Week
Getting married soon? Snag a free appointment, grab a friend, and make a Valley Junction stop. Celebrations Couture is hosting a Bridal Gown Sample Sale June 5th–7th with bridal gowns 50% off, including Iowa exclusive designs at a steep discount. If dress shopping is on your summer to-do list, this feels like a very good weekend to make it happen!
| June 5th–7th | Free appointment recommended | Celebrations Couture, 304 5th Street Suite 101, West Des Moines | www.celebrationscouturedsm.com |
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
Photo: Zoo Brew at Blank Park Zoo | Blank Park Zoo FB page
The best bets handpicked for your week:
🇬🇷 Greek Food Fair | St. George Greek Orthodox Church
One of Des Moines’ favorite cultural festivals is back, and it’s the kind of weekend event that makes it very easy to build your day around food. Expect Greek music, dancing, warm community energy, and plenty of delicious reasons to show up hungry. Bonus: There’s a free shuttle running every 15 minutes from the Drake University Harken parking lot which helps to prevent a parking headache.
| Friday, June 5th–Sunday, June 7th | Fri. 5–9 pm, Sat. 11 am–8 pm, Sun. 11 am–2 pm | Free admission; food and drinks available for purchase | https://www.stgeorge.ia.goarch.org/greek-food-fair/ |🎣 Fishing Derbys and Carp Fest | Various Locations
This Saturday is quietly stacked if you’ve got kids, a fishing rod, or simply enjoy wholesome summer fun. Between the Pleasant Hill Fishing Derby, the Ankeny Fishing Derby, and Carp Fest at Gray’s Lake, there are several chances to get outside, catch something, and maybe even win a prize.
A great pick for families, early risers, and anyone ready to lean into full Iowa-in-June energy.
| Saturday, June 6th | Free; some events require registration | Pleasant Hill: https://www.facebook.com/PleasantHillParksandRecreation • Ankeny: https://ankenyiowa.activityreg.com/selectActivity | Carp Fest: https://www.dsm.city/Carp_FEST504.php
🍻 2026 Iowa Craft Brew Festival | Water Works Park
If your ideal summer kickoff involves friends, lawn chairs, and sampling your way through Iowa-made drinks, this is your move. The Iowa Craft Brew Festival brings together beer, cider, wine, spirits, craft cocktails, kombucha, soda, food vendors, and plenty of reasons to linger at Lauridsen Amphitheater for the afternoon. It has that easy, festive Water Works Park vibe that always feels like summer officially showing up.
| Saturday, June 6th | 1–4 pm (VIP entry at noon) | General Admission from $50, VIP $65, Designated Driver $20 | iowacraftbrewfestival.com |
🎨 2026 Art Festival at Captain Roy’s | Captain Roy’s
Captain Roy’s is hosting its third annual Art Festival, and this sounds like one of those low-pressure Sunday outings that just works. Local artists, good food, great drinks, and a river-adjacent setting make this a solid option whether you’re in the mood to browse, buy, or just enjoy being out and about for a few hours.
| Sunday, June 7th | 10 am–4 pm | Free to attend | https://www.captainroys.com/events/art-festival |
🐾 Zoo Brew | Blank Park Zoo
The first Zoo Brew of the season is here, and honestly, “adults-only zoo night” continues to be a pretty strong concept. This weekly event brings live music, drinks, local brews, and the chance to wander the zoo after hours while supporting conservation and education at Blank Park Zoo. A fun midweek option for date night, friend groups, or anyone who likes their summer outings with a giraffe sighting.
| Wednesday, June 10th | 6–10 pm (last entry 8:30 pm) | 21+; tickets required |
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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