🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🛍️ Mall food court? Yes. Ordinary food? Not even close.
🎺 A joyful blast of brass is filling the city and is full of holiday cheer.
🔔 A few minutes of your time can help make the season brighter for someone else.
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Turkish Feast | Merle Hay Mall Food Court, Des Moines |
Baklava Pistachio & Tulumba | Photo: Emily Johnson
Baklava Pistachio | Photo: Emily Johnson
A Global Gem in a Growing Food Court
Merle Hay Mall’s food court has quietly become one of the most diverse, globally inspired dining spots in the metro and Turkish Feast is the newest addition. Whether you’re shopping, mall-walking, or meeting friends (I spotted a lively bunco group during my visit), this is the perfect place to grab something delicious without the fuss. It’s approachable, welcoming, and full of flavor.Fresh, Beautifully Made Treats + A Full Drink Menu
We stopped by after lunch and went straight for the sweets: the pistachio baklava and tulumba were absolutely heavenly. Just look at the layers in that baklava — delicately crisp, perfectly sticky, and packed with rich pistachio filling. Paired with a cup of coffee? Bliss. And the menu is wonderfully broad: baked goods, chicken and kebap skewers, wraps, and an impressive drink selection that includes Turkish coffee, fruit teas, espresso, cappuccino, Ayran, and fountain drinks.A Business Worth Welcoming Well
The team behind Turkish Feast is incredibly kind, and you can feel the heart they pour into their food. Starting out is hard — especially in a mall setting — and it would mean so much if we, as a community, showed up with a warm “we’re glad you’re here.” Whether you stop in for lunch or just a sweet treat and a coffee, your visit truly matters.
👉 See more on their Facebook page here.
🤝 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. 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 $60 off your first order #ad HERE.
Photo: Alison Krauss & Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas promo
🎟️ Reserve Tickets Now: Alison Krauss & Union Station (feat. Jerry Douglas)
One of the most beloved voices in American music is coming to Des Moines for a truly special summer night. Alison Krauss & Union Station, featuring the legendary Jerry Douglas, will take the stage at Water Works Park for an evening of breathtaking harmonies, masterful musicianship, and songs that feel timeless. If you love bluegrass, folk, or just beautifully crafted live music under the open sky, this is one to mark your calendar for now.
🎶 Sunday, June 14th, 2026 at 7:00 pm
📍 Lauridsen Amphitheater, Des Moines Water Works Park
⏰ Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10 am
These shows tend to sell quickly — especially in a setting like this — so plan ahead and grab tickets as soon as they drop.
👉 Get full details here: waterworkspark.org
💛 Giving Back
Photo: Salvation Army Bell Ringers https://www.registertoring.com/default.aspx
The familiar sound of the bell outside local stores is more than a holiday tradition. It helps fund critical programs that support neighbors right here in the metro. You can take part by signing up as an individual, gathering a group, or even ringing virtually if you can’t be there in person but want to raise funds.
Bell ringing is simple, meaningful, and surprisingly fun! Every shift makes a real difference during one of the most important giving seasons of the year.
Sign up to ring (or ring virtually) here:
👉 registertoring.com
Sometimes the smallest actions — standing, smiling, and ringing a bell — can have the biggest impact.
Photo: TUBACHRISTMAS Des Moines 2024 https://dmtubachristmas.com/past/tc-2024/
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
🎷 Preservation Hall Jazz Band: A Creole Christmas | Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines
Kick off the holiday season with one of the most iconic jazz groups in the world. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings their Creole Christmas to Hoyt Sherman for a soulful, joyful evening filled with New Orleans–inspired holiday music, jazz standards, and infectious energy. A perfect night out for music lovers or anyone craving something a little different this season. | Thursday, Dec. 18th, 7 pm | hoytsherman.org
🧶 Ugly Sweater Party at Rudolph’s Rooftop | The Republic on Grand, Des Moines
Pull out your tackiest knit and lean all the way in. Rudolph’s Rooftop is hosting an Ugly Sweater Party full of festive cocktails, holiday cheer, and rooftop vibes. It’s a playful, come-as-you-are kind of night where over-the-top sweaters are encouraged and the drinks and DJ add to the vibe. Perfect for a friend group hang or a spontaneous holiday night out. | Saturday, Dec. 20th, 7 pm | Details on Facebook
🏀 Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Bucknell Bison | Casey’s Center, Des Moines
Bring some black-and-gold energy to downtown with Hawkeye basketball at Casey’s Center. The Iowa Hawkeyes take on the Bucknell Bison in a game that’s perfect for sports fans, families, or anyone looking for a lively Saturday night out. College basketball in this setting brings great energy, crowd excitement, and an easy way to mix holiday weekend plans with a little hometown pride. | Saturday, Dec. 20th, 5 pm | iowaeventscenter.com
🎺 DSM Tuba Christmas | Harmon Fine Arts Center, Drake University
Get into the holiday spirit with a truly unique musical tradition — Tuba Christmas in Des Moines! Join community musicians and holiday music lovers for an afternoon of joyful, brassy sounds as tubas and euphoniums fill the air with seasonal favorites. It’s free, festive, and a fun way to gather with friends and family before the evening events kick off. Whether you love music or just want a cheerful way to start your Saturday, this is one you won’t want to miss. | Saturday, Dec. 20th, 3 pm | FREE | Facebook event page
🐾 Woofmas Wrapped | Paws & Pints, Des Moines
Wrap up the holidays with your pup at Woofmas Wrapped, a dog-friendly celebration packed with cheer for both humans and their four-legged friends. Enjoy FREE day passes all day, all 7 Woofmas Deals running, and the last chance to visit the Santa Paws Pop-Up Bar before the holidays are over.
From 5–7 pm, snap photos with Mrs. Claus, sip free hot chocolate, and take advantage of Santa’s open-bar drink specials. It’s tail wags, holiday photos, cozy drinks, and plenty of festive fun — all in one joyful evening.
New to Paws & Pints? Be sure to prep your pup ahead of time by downloading the app and uploading vaccination records. | Tuesday, Dec. 23rd, 5 pm - 7 pm | Facebook event page
Stop wondering what to do and start doing. Pick one and make it happen!
Rudolph’s Rooftop, Republic on Grand | Photo: Emily Johnson
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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