May 27, 2026

By: Greater Des Moines Partnership

New in DSM: May Edition

Greater Des Moines 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 Greater Des Moines right now.

New Restaurants & Food Spots in DSM

Bonchon

West Des Moines | 6880 EP True Parkway, Suite 104
Korean fried chicken fans, this one’s for you. Bonchon officially opened its first Iowa location in DSM, bringing its famous double-fried chicken, bold sauces and crispy wings to the metro. The international chain has built a loyal following for its crunchy Korean fried chicken tossed in flavors like soy garlic and spicy, but the menu also includes favorites like fried rice, bulgogi, bao buns and Korean street food-inspired appetizers. If your group can never decide between wings, noodles or comfort food, this might become your new go-to spot.
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a hand holding an ice cream cone below a sign

Cups & Cones Ice Cream Shoppe in Cumming

Cups & Cones Ice Cream Shoppe

Cumming | 107 S 44th St, Suite 113
Summer road trip energy officially arrived in Cumming with the opening of Cups & Cones Ice Cream Shoppe. The new spot brings classic small-town ice cream shop vibes with scoops, cones and sweet treats perfect for warm-weather evenings. It also gives visitors one more reason to spend a little extra time exploring Cumming, whether you’re biking the trail, heading to dinner nearby or just looking for an excuse to grab dessert.
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two people posing in front of a Waukee, Iowa mural

Roni's Mac Bar in Waukee

Roni’s Mac Bar

Waukee | 1195 SE Alice's Rd
Mac and cheese just got a major upgrade in Waukee. Roni’s Mac Bar recently opened its newest location, serving up customizable mac bowls loaded with toppings, sauces and comfort-food combinations that go way beyond the boxed version most of us grew up on. The concept has gained attention for its fun, over-the-top menu and social media-worthy bowls, but there are plenty of classic options too if you’re more of a traditional mac-and-cheese purist.
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Wayback Burgers in Waukee

Wayback Burgers

Waukee | 1165 SE Alice's Rd
Another new addition to Waukee’s growing food scene? Wayback Burgers. The fast-casual burger chain recently opened, bringing classic burgers, cheesesteaks, chicken sandwiches and hand-dipped milkshakes to the western suburbs. The menu leans nostalgic in the best way, with diner-style favorites and plenty of comfort-food options for families, quick lunches or casual weekend dinners. And yes, you’ll probably want fries and a milkshake with your burger.
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Osaka Sushi & Hibachi

West Des Moines | 640 S. 50th St., Unit 1140
West Des Moines also recently welcomed Osaka Sushi & Hibachi, adding another option for sushi, hibachi and Japanese-inspired dining in DSM. The restaurant offers a mix of sushi rolls, hibachi favorites and classic Japanese dishes, making it an easy pick whether you’re planning a casual lunch, dinner with friends or a night out that involves way too many appetizers shared across the table.
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Credo OK!

Norwalk | 11 N Main St.
One of Norwalk’s newest additions is bringing bold flavor to Main Street. Credo OK! recently opened with a menu centered around Jamaican fusion cuisine, blending Caribbean-inspired flavors with creative twists and comfort-food favorites. The restaurant’s unique approach and vibrant menu add something a little different to the local dining scene, making it a fun new spot to check out whether you’re craving something flavorful, familiar or completely new.
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New Shops, Businesses & Experiences in DSM

DSM Flea in Des Moines

DSM Flea

Des Moines | 506 E. 6th St., Suite 200
Vintage finds, records, locally curated goods and a constantly rotating mix of treasures? DSM Flea recently opened in Downtown DSM’s Historic East Village and already feels like one of those places you could spend way longer browsing than originally planned. The shop blends vintage market energy with small-business charm and adds another fun stop to one of DSM’s most walkable neighborhoods.
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False 9 Social Club

The False 9 Social Club

West Des Moines | 206 5th St.
Part sports bar, part social club and part neighborhood hangout, The False 9 Social Club recently opened in West Des Moines with a concept that feels a little different from anything else in the metro right now. The space is built around live sports, community and gathering with friends, creating an atmosphere that works just as well for catching a big game as it does for casual nights out. Expect drinks, events, lively crowds and a space designed for fans of all kinds.
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Empeiria Saunahouse

Des Moines | Water Works Park
One of DSM’s newest wellness experiences is also one of its most unique. Empeiria Saunahouse recently launched a mobile pop-up sauna and cold plunge experience at Water Works Park near the Des Moines Biergarten. Guests can rotate between the sauna and cold plunge while enjoying views near the amphitheater and trails, creating a wellness-focused experience that feels equal parts relaxing and adventurous.
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Highland Park Fitness and Powerhouse Nutrition

Des Moines | 3614 6th Ave., Suites 101 & 102
The opening of Highland Park Fitness and Powerhouse Nutrition is bringing new energy to Highland Park. Located inside the renovated Klein Building along Sixth Avenue, the new businesses add fitness, wellness and community-focused amenities to the neighborhood.
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Doanes Park in Pleasant Hill

New Parks, Public Spaces & Community Amenities in DSM

Doanes Park

Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill recently unveiled updates at Doanes Park, including a colorful new playground and family-friendly features designed for all-day outdoor fun. The refreshed park adds another great option for families looking to explore beyond their own neighborhood parks over the summer.
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Jester Park Campground Playground

Granger
A new playground also opened at Jester Park Campground near Granger, adding even more family-friendly fun to one of the region’s favorite outdoor recreation areas. The nature-inspired playground fits perfectly with the park’s camping, hiking and outdoor adventure atmosphere.
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Gray’s Lake Park Playground and Sprayground

Des Moines
Just in time for summer, the new Gray’s Lake Park Playground and Sprayground is set to officially open Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The updated area includes an expanded playground, splash features and new gathering spaces designed for families and visitors spending time around one of DSM’s most popular outdoor destinations. Expect this to become a very popular summer stop.
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New Arts, Events & Exhibits in DSM

Des Moines Art Center Exhibition

Des Moines Art Center

Des Moines | 4700 Grand Ave.
The Des Moines Art Center recently opened two new exhibitions: “Christine Rebet: Sound of Time” and “Artists Around a Table,” both on display through August 2026. Together, the exhibitions explore storytelling, creativity and artistic connection through immersive visuals, contemporary works and collaborative themes.
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Polk County Heritage Gallery

Des Moines | 4700 Grand Ave.
Now open through mid-July 2026, the latest installment of “Iowa Exhibited” showcases works from a whopping 45 local artists hailing from around the state. Browse each of the various pieces, and plan to spend some extra time perusing Best in Show artist Anna Segner’s work titled “Miscarry.”
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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. Check back each month for more new openings, attractions and things to explore around the region.

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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.