Good morning, West Des Moines.

VFW Post 9127 will host a flag retirement ceremony at 10 a.m. tomorrow on Urbandale Avenue.

The event is part of the 2026 VFW Day of Service featuring over 2,000 veteran led projects & local Boy Scouts retiring worn American flags.

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Animal Rescue League of Iowa will care for beagles rescued from Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin, which lost its license in Oct; Big Ranch Dog Rescue and the Center for Humane Economy removed 1,500 dogs yesterday, with 300 staying locally while ARL accepts donations.

The Des Moines Area Religious Council celebrated its 50th anniversary yesterday with a special dinner and highlighted its free network of 13 pantries—including a mobile pantry and home delivery service—that has aided over 5.5 million people and aims to provide 500,000 meals this year.

Dozens of Iowa authors and national best-sellers gather at today's Des Moines Book Festival at the Franklin Event Center, offering book signings, panels, and workshops.

The event also includes a free screening of the documentary Pieowa (at 4:30 p.m.) and activities for all ages.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts joins U.S. Senate candidate Zach Wahls on Sunday, May 10 in Des Moines for a campaign event aimed at lowering costs for families — part of Wahls’ 'Iowans Over Insiders' tour.

VEG ER for Pets, a new 24-hour emergency vet clinic, held its ribbon-cutting ceremony last Thursday in West Des Moines—located at the corner of EP True Parkway and 68th Street near Jordan Creek Town Center.

The center offers surgeries, ultrasounds and X-rays and operates every day.

On Thursday, May 1, a Des Moines blood drive replenished supplies for Iowa’s first pilot program offering prehospital blood transfusions to trauma patients.

EMS crews in Des Moines and West Des Moines provided care before hospital arrival, while the local fire department donated eight units over the weekend.

LeadingAge Iowa Spring Conference & Solutions Expo

May 6-7 — Iowa Events Center — Attendance: 250 — Network with industry leaders and explore innovative solutions in aging services.

Iowa Horse Fair

3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Check website for costs — Experience equestrian events, competitions, and vendor shopping all weekend.

Race for Hope DSM

8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Des Moines Water Works Park — Fundraising entry — Join the community in honoring a local hero battling brain cancer through this inspiring race event.

Mother's Day Brunch Celebration

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Special brunch offerings — Celebrate Mom with a delightful brunch and a complimentary Mom-mosa.

Des Moines Big Band Evening

7-10 p.m. — Noce — Cost not listed — Enjoy an evening of big band music in a vibrant venue.

Des Moines Dinner Club: Giving Back Edition

7-10 p.m. — Fresko — Individual meal cost — Enjoy cozy dinners while making new friends and supporting local businesses.

2026 Power Breakfast #2: Community Health Discussion

9-11 a.m. — Krause Gateway Center — Free entry — Engage in insightful discussions on health challenges and solutions for Central Iowa's community vitality.

Candlelight Concert: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

1:30 p.m. — Scottish Rite Consistory — $42.27 — Experience Vivaldi’s masterpieces illuminated by candlelight in an enchanting setting.

Ballet Des Moines - Cinderella

7-10 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — Tickets start at $35 — Experience the enchanting world premiere of Cinderella set to Prokofiev's iconic score.

Dog Days of Summer at Principal Park

5:30-9 p.m. — Principal Park — $16 — Enjoy a night at the ballpark with your pup featuring a dog parade and dog-friendly activities.