Good morning, West Des Moines.

Beaverdale Books in Des Moines hosts a free Local Author Fair today from 1 to 3 p.m. that spotlights five Iowa writers known for their books for both adults and children — including Winter Austin, Elizabeth Donne, John Donovan, Emma Fust and Jackie Reinig — to let local readers meet new voices.

Valley High School senior Jayden McGregory signed Iowa’s first high school athlete name, image and likeness deal with Back to School Iowa—making his deal a historic bridge between sports and education—and he recently made a verbal commitment to Louisville after weighing other options. The free Back2School Bash will be held at Evelyn K. Davis Park on Sunday, August 17th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.—providing school supplies, perishable food, and haircuts to help students start the new school year.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has pushed Iowa's air quality above safe standards with about half the state in the unhealthy range today.

The Des Moines area is in the red category & forecasts predict southern air may improve later today.

Today, Iowa native Sammy Smith races at Iowa Speedway in Newton in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at 3:30 p.m. He returns for a home race with TMC Trucking on his car and aims for a win after an ARCA victory in 2021 and a fourth-place finish in last year's Hy-Vee Perks 250.

Summer Music Series: Casey Peasley

5:00–7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — All-day happy hour with $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes in a vibrant brewery setting.

Bites & State Fair Traditions

5 p.m. — The Wallace Centers of Iowa — $35-40 per person — Experience Iowa State Fair nostalgia with classic flavors and trivia.

Iowa Cubs Summer Blood Drive

7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Principal Park — Free t-shirt and game ticket — Donate blood and help save lives while enjoying the excitement of baseball.

2025 Downtown Farmers' Market

7 AM – 12 PM — Historic Court District — Free entry — Explore local produce, flowers, and artisan foods from Iowa's finest vendors.

Studio Sunday at Terre Vici

12-8 p.m. — Elevator, a Co-Warehousing Community — Free entry — Create your own eye-catching jewelry in a vibrant studio atmosphere.

Charm Tuesday — Terre Vici

12 PM — Elevator, a Co-Warehousing Community — Eco-friendly event — Create stunning chakra jewelry to enhance your wellness and style.

VolunTEENS Work Time

4-5 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Engage in a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity at your local library.

Kindermusik Class

5:30-6:15 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — $ — Explore music-making through instruments, movement, singing, and play for children ages 3-6.

Inside Out 2 Screening

6:30 PM — Evelyn K Davis Park — Free entry — Experience Riley's teenage transition and the introduction of new emotions in this entertaining sequel.

Summer Sizzler 5K/10K/15K

7-11 a.m. — Gray's Lake Park — $15 — A fun family event with chip-timing, great swag, and a virtual race option in Downtown Des Moines.