New in DSM: June Edition

New Restaurants & Food Spots in DSM

Dave’s Hot Chicken

West Des Moines | 6630 Mills Civic Prky, Suite 6110
One of the country’s fastest-growing restaurant brands has arrived in DSM. Dave’s Hot Chicken recently opened in West Des Moines, bringing its Nashville-style hot chicken tenders and sliders with customizable spice levels ranging from mild to seriously hot.
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Eden Coffee

Waukee | 420 6th St. Ste 100
Eden Coffee has opened its doors in Waukee, adding another locally owned coffee destination to the community. The café offers handcrafted coffee drinks, specialty beverages and a welcoming atmosphere for meeting friends, working remotely or starting the day.
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Also new to the Waukee Village District, The Bake Shoppe recently opened its second location, offering its well-known cakes, sweet treats, pastries and bakery favorites.

Orlondo’s Pizza

Grimes | 1250 NE Gateway Dr.
A familiar DSM favorite is back. Orlondo’s Pizza recently celebrated its grand opening in Grimes, bringing back the beloved local name with artisan pizzas, pastas, signature dressings and stacked sandwiches. The family-owned restaurant’s rustic atmosphere and central bar create a welcoming gathering place for families, friends and pizza lovers alike. Try favorites like The Orlondo's Combo featuring homemade Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, onion and sweet roasted peppers.
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Also new in Grimes, The Outside Scoop is serving handcrafted ice cream and rotating flavors perfect for family outings, post-game treats and warm summer days.

Parkside Pizza Co.

Bondurant | 103 Main St. SE
Parkside Pizza Co. is now open in Bondurant, serving handcrafted pizzas, appetizers and family-friendly fare in a casual neighborhood setting. The restaurant adds another locally owned dining option to the growing community.
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The Soggy Frog Marina Bar

Polk City | 6170 NW Polk City Dr.
One of the newest additions near Saylorville Lake is Soggy Frog Marina Bar in Polk City. The waterfront destination offers food, drinks, lake views and a live music and events schedule through mid-September, creating a laid-back atmosphere for boaters and visitors looking to relax along the water this summer.
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New Shops, Businesses & Experiences in DSM

Mobile Memory & Wellness Clinic

Polk County
Broadlawns launched Iowa’s first Mobile Memory & Wellness Clinic, expanding access to memory screenings, wellness services, caregiver support and educational resources throughout Polk County. Building on the work of the Broadlawns Memory Center, the mobile clinic helps connect more residents and families with important healthcare resources closer to home.
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Rusty’s Retreat

Bondurant | 2514 Robinson Ave NE
Rusty’s Retreat recently opened in Bondurant, creating a new destination focused on relaxation, connection and community. The business adds another unique local experience to the city’s growing mix of amenities and small businesses.
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New Parks, Public Spaces & Community Amenities in DSM

Apgar Family Water Plaza

Marshalltown | Next to Mega 10 Park
Just in time for summer, Marshalltown’s new Apgar Family Water Plaza is providing residents with a fun way to cool off. The new splash pad and gathering space creates another family-friendly destination and community amenity in the city.
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DART Launches All New Routes & Schedules

Des Moines Metro Area
Beginning Sunday, June 14, 2026, the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) will implement new maps and schedules throughout its service area. The updates are designed to improve the rider experience and help connect residents, employees and visitors throughout the metro area.
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Jordan Park Playground & Sprayground

Des Moines | 600 E Wall Ave.
Jordan Park’s newly renovated playground and sprayground are now open, bringing new play features, water activities and gathering spaces to the neighborhood. The improvements are part of ongoing investments in DSM parks and provide another family-friendly destination for outdoor fun during the warmer months.
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Newton YMCA Youth Center

Newton | 1701 S 8th Ave E
The Newton YMCA recently opened its new Youth Center, creating additional space for after-school programs, youth development activities and community engagement opportunities. The facility provides expanded resources designed to support local children and families.
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Recreation Station

Urbandale | 4020 121st St.
Urbandale’s new Recreation Station is now open, bringing additional indoor recreation opportunities to the community. The facility offers flexible spaces for activities, programs and events designed to serve residents of all ages.
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New Arts, Events & Exhibits in DSM

Des Moines Art Center

Des Moines | 4700 Grand Ave.
The Des Moines Art Center recently opened “Topographies: Mapping Being and Belonging,” a new exhibition on display through Sunday, September 20, 2026. The exhibit explores themes of identity, place and connection through contemporary works that invite visitors to consider how people experience and shape the spaces around them.
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Public Art on Ingersoll

Des Moines | Ingersoll Ave.
New murals and public art installations are bringing fresh color and creativity to the Ingersoll corridor this summer. Recent additions include “History Has Eyes On You” by Mollie Wallace, “Nothing But Flowers” by Cat Rocketship and Dani Awesome, and newly designed DART art bus shelters by Karen Strohbeen. Together, these projects continue to transform the corridor into an outdoor gallery that celebrates local artists and creates new opportunities to experience art in everyday spaces.

Many of the new installations will be celebrated during Art on the Avenues, a weeklong community event taking place Sunday, June 21 – Friday, June 26, 2026 featuring mural unveilings, artist receptions, public art activities and live creative experiences throughout the district.
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Suspended: Systemic Oppression in Our Schools

Des Moines | Forest Avenue Library
A new traveling exhibition from the African American Museum of Iowa is now on display at the Forest Avenue Library through Tuesday, June 30, 2026. “Suspended: Systemic Oppression in Our Schools” explores the role schools can play in funneling students into the prison system, examining the impact of zero-tolerance policies, student policing and disciplinary practices that disproportionately affect children of color. Through research, personal stories and historical context, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the intersection of education, equity and justice.
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Through the Eyes of ADHD

Waukee | Waukee Public Library
A new art exhibition at the Waukee Public Library is offering visitors a glimpse into the lived experience of ADHD through the work of local artist Abigail Stevens. “Through the Eyes of ADHD” features a collection of mixed-media pieces that explore creativity, focus and neurodiversity through a personal lens. The exhibition is on display in the Coal Miner Meeting Room through Saturday, June 27, 2026, providing another opportunity to experience local art in a community setting.
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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.

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