The Greater Des Moines Story: Greater Des Moines Buzz

two women in an art gallery

New in DSM: July Edition

Greater Des Moines (DSM) is constantly growing and evolving, with new restaurants, shops, attractions, experiences and community spaces opening across the region each month. Here’s a look at some of the newest things to explore around DSM right now in July.

 

breakfast and a drinkThe Breakfast Club in Waukee

New Restaurants & Food Spots in DSM

The Breakfast Club

Waukee | 2285 Grand Prairie Pkwy., Suite 180
Brunch lovers have another reason to celebrate. The Breakfast Club recently opened its newest location in Waukee, bringing its colorful atmosphere, creative breakfast favorites and specialty cocktails to the western suburbs. The restaurant also recently relocated its popular East Village location to a brand-new space, giving guests even more room to enjoy one of DSM’s favorite brunch destinations.

LEARN MORE

bowl of acai on the counterBig Acai Bowls in Marshalltown

T12 Distillery @ The Foundry

West Des Moines | 111 S 11th St., Suite 100
T12 Distillery recently opened its first public home at The Foundry in Historic Valley Junction. Building on the legacy of Foundry Distilling Co., the reimagined space continues to offer handcrafted spirits, signature cocktails and a welcoming place to gather while introducing visitors to the next chapter of the T12 brand.
LEARN MORE

Big Acai Bowls

Marshalltown | 26 E. Main St.
After building a following with its mobile food truck, Big Acai Bowls has officially opened its first brick-and-mortar location in downtown Marshalltown. Stop in for fresh acai bowls, smoothies and fruit-filled creations that make a refreshing breakfast, lunch or afternoon pick-me-up.
LEARN MORE

a honey-inspired drink and mealThe Honey Lounge Drinkery in Winterset

Reyes Tamales

Pleasant Hill | 1225 Copper Creek Dr., Unit E2
What started as a favorite at the Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Market has grown into a permanent home in Pleasant Hill. Reyes Tamales recently opened its first brick-and-mortar location, serving authentic handmade tamales crafted from family recipes passed down through generations. From traditional pork and chicken verde to vegetarian options, every tamale is made with fresh ingredients and plenty of care. And yes, you can still find Reyes Tamales at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, too!
LEARN MORE

515 Brewing Company

Clive | 7700 University Ave., Suite C
One of DSM’s longtime neighborhood breweries is pouring pints once again. 515 Brewing Company recently reopened under new ownership, bringing back familiar favorites alongside fresh energy for the next chapter. Whether you’re stopping in for a local craft beer or reconnecting with a favorite neighborhood gathering spot, the welcoming atmosphere remains at the heart of the experience.
LEARN MORE

The Honey Lounge Drinkery

Winterset | 61 E. Jefferson St.
The Honey Lounge Drinkery has reopened in a beautiful new home inside Winterset’s historic Northside Building. Known for its handcrafted meads and honey-inspired beverages, the expanded space offers an even wider selection of drinks while maintaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere that has made it a local favorite. This is a unique stop for both locals and visitors exploring Madison County’s historic downtown Winterset.
LEARN MORE
three scoops of ice cream in a waffle coneScoops by Beth in Des Moines

Asian Buffet

Pella | 807 E. 1st St.
If you’re looking for your next lunch or dinner destination, here is one to add to your list! After building a loyal following at their original restaurant in Oskaloosa, they’re now serving up an all-you-can-eat buffet in Pella. The menu features chef favorites like Honey Chicken and Coconut Shrimp alongside classics like General Tso’s Chicken and Mongolian Beef.
LEARN MORE

Scoops by Beth

Des Moines | 523 Euclid Ave.
A recent addition to the Highland Park neighborhood, Scoops by Beth is serving up ice cream, shakes and other sweet treats just north of Downtown DSM. The locally owned shop has become a welcoming spot to cool off, satisfy a sweet tooth and enjoy a classic ice cream stop close to the heart of the city.
LEARN MORE
customizable luxury condo spaceGrand Lux Motor Condos in Urbandale

New Shops, Businesses & Experiences in DSM

Grand Lux Motor Condos

Urbandale | 3300 109th St.
Car enthusiasts have a unique new destination in Urbandale. Grand Lux Motor Condos recently opened its $15 million development featuring customizable luxury condo spaces designed for collectors to store, showcase and enjoy their vehicles. With room for offices, lounges and entertainment spaces overlooking personal collections, the development creates a one-of-a-kind community built around a shared passion for automobiles.
LEARN MORE

Blissfully Western Nail Co.

Des Moines | 125 Army Post Rd.
A new salon on Des Moines’ south side is combining western-inspired style with elevated self-care. Blissfully Western Nail Co. recently opened with a team of independent nail artists offering manicures, pedicures, permanent jewelry and personalized beauty services in a welcoming, boutique-style setting.
LEARN MORE

Blanc Dental Aesthetics

West Des Moines | 6420 Coachlight Dr., Suite 400
Blanc Dental Aesthetics recently opened in West Des Moines, offering cosmetic and general dentistry in a modern, welcoming environment. From routine cleanings to smile makeovers and sleep apnea solutions, the practice combines personalized care with a hospitality-inspired experience designed to help patients feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.
LEARN MORE

CC’s Flowers

Altoona | 515 8th St. SE
CC’s Flowers recently celebrated the opening of its new Altoona location, bringing fresh floral arrangements, custom bouquets and wedding flowers to the growing community. The family-owned business specializes in helping customers celebrate everyday moments and life’s biggest milestones with beautiful blooms.
LEARN MORE

Pink Dandelion

Guthrie Center | 302 State St.
Pink Dandelion recently opened in Guthrie Center, offering custom sewing, alterations and mending for everything from bridal gowns and prom dresses to everyday clothing. The shop also offers sewing and crochet lessons, creating a welcoming space for both experienced makers and those looking to learn a new skill.
LEARN MORE

ribbon cutting for Aurora Park Tennis CourtsAurora Park Tennis Courts in Newton

New Parks, Public Spaces & Community Amenities in DSM

Aurora Park Tennis Courts

Newton | 2111 1st Ave. E
The newly renovated tennis courts at Aurora Park are now open, giving Newton residents and visitors an updated place to play. Completed through a partnership between the City of Newton and the Newton Community School District, the improvements enhance one of the community’s longtime recreation spaces while creating new opportunities for tennis players of all ages.
LEARN MORE

Lions Park

Grimes | N. Park St. & 6th St.
Lions Park has officially reopened following a major transformation. The updated park features a massive new playground with towering slides and climbing structures, a separate play area for younger children, four pickleball courts, walking and biking trails, a connection to the Hy-Vee Multiplex and the new Leo the Lion statue. It’s quickly becoming one of the region’s newest destinations for outdoor family fun.
LEARN MORE

Mary Frances Rodish Softball Complex at Holiday Park

West Des Moines | 1701 Railroad Ave.
A new playground has opened at the Mary Frances Rodish Softball Complex in Holiday Park, giving families another place to play while visiting the fields. Located next to the softball complex and shaded by mature trees, the playground offers a fun stop during games and tournaments throughout the season.
LEARN MORE

Sayers Park

Des Moines | 1300 Linden Ln.
Sayers Park has reopened following a neighborhood-inspired makeover that added something for every age. New features include an adventurous climbing playground, sprayground, half basketball court, mini-pitch, updated play equipment for younger children and a multi-use court for soccer, basketball and hockey. The improvements create another vibrant community gathering space for residents to enjoy.
LEARN MORE
two people looking at artElle Pérez Exhibit in Des Moines

New Arts, Events & Exhibits in DSM

Des Moines Art Center

Des Moines | 4700 Grand Ave.
The Des Moines Art Center recently opened “Elle Pérez: La Despedida”, a new photography exhibition exploring themes of memory, family and farewell. Through intimate images captured in Puerto Rico and France, Pérez invites visitors to reflect on life’s endings and beginnings while considering how places, relationships and personal memories shape our understanding of loss and connection.
LEARN MORE

Waukee Public Library Art Gallery

Waukee | 950 S. Warrior Ln.
Local artist Marybeth Heikes is featured throughout July in the Waukee Public Library Art Gallery with “Still Lifes”, a collection of floral paintings celebrating the beauty of everyday moments. The exhibition offers visitors another opportunity to experience local art while exploring one of Waukee’s favorite community gathering spaces.
LEARN MORE

Iowa Quilt Museum

Winterset | 68 E. Court Ave.
The Iowa Quilt Museum is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a new exhibition, “Retrospective: Iowa Quilt Museum Celebrates 10 Years”, on display through Oct. 18, 2026. Featuring 34 quilts from artists and collectors who have exhibited at the museum over the past decade, the exhibit showcases a wide range of quilting styles while honoring the creativity, craftsmanship and stories that have shaped the museum since it opened in 2016.
LEARN MORE

Looking for More of What’s New in DSM? From restaurants and retail to parks, public spaces and local experiences, DSM continues to evolve in exciting ways. Peek at last month’s edition, and check back each month for more new openings, attractions and things to explore around the region.

Keep up with the momentum that's happening in and around Greater Des Moines (DSM) when you subscribe to one or all of the Greater Des Moines Partnership's newsletters — they're packed with the latest news, highlighting everything from upcoming events to development projects to policy updates. Join the mailing list to connect with The Partnership and help amplify stories from around the region.

Greater Des Moines Partnership Logo
Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy.