Aug. 15-21, 2025

North Polk Community School District held a ribbon cutting with members of the baseball program for the new baseball and softball complex on June 12.

North Polk Community School District held a ribbon cutting with members of the softball program for the new baseball and softball complex on June 12.

Upcoming in North Polk Living magazine

• Home Improvement: Our annual Home Improvement issue in which we share residents’ stories about their remodeling projects is coming up. Please share your stories about the work you have done on your home and how it has changed your use of the space and enjoyment of your home. Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com with your stories.
• Costume Creations: Halloween fun is quickly approaching! If you forgo the off-the-rack costumes for something more creative, we want to hear from you. Tell us about your costume creations and the fun you had making them. Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com with your stories.

August Chamber Luncheon

Join the Go Polk City chamber for a powerful and important August Chamber Luncheon featuring Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and Teresa Davidson from Chains Interrupted on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 11:30 a.m. at the Community Room at Polk City City Hall, 116 S. Third St. This month shines a spotlight on Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT) and the Safe at Home initiative — two vital programs helping protect and support survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence in Iowa. Guest speakers will share real stories, staggering statistics, and ways you and your business can be part of the solution. You’ll leave this luncheon informed, inspired and equipped to take action. Attendees will also participate in a meaningful Red Sand Project activity — a hands-on demonstration to raise awareness for victims who often fall through the cracks. Register at https://members.gopolkcity.com/ap/Events/Register/dxFJYzwuoC0Cv.

RVTV

Celebrate the big game a day early with live broadcasts, tailgating fun and a night full of community spirit as Channel 13 brings RVTV to the Polk City Town Square on Friday, Sept. 5, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Party with Channel 13 before they broadcast the North Polk football game live on NBC. There will be a beer garden and big screen for viewing of the game and live music from Gut Feeling. Register your tailgate at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRyn_S3VKhU1fbtvwfbwCyUdCkyNXZTrrxfpet58Gj7JIerA/viewform.

Ice Cream Smorgasbord

Enjoy homemade ice cream, toppings and goodies, followed by the annual auction at the Ice Cream Smorgasbord on Sunday, Sept. 7, at Sheldahl United Methodist Church, Sixth and Hubbell, Sheldahl. Ice cream will be served starting at 4:30 p.m. The auction starts at 5 p.m. Cost is $8 for adults or two for $15. The three-legged stool, baked goods, homemade pickles, garden produce, handmade articles, and much more will be featured. Bring your lawn chairs.

Brews in the Barn

Polk City Friends of the Parks is hosting Brews in the Barn, one of its annual fundraisers, Sept. 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Moeckly Barn, 4395 N.W. 118th Ave., Polk City. The public is invited for a fun-filled night of live music with Ben Puttman, delicious dinner by Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ, beer from Fenders Brewing, wine from the Cellar Winery and a silent auction. The group is raising money to replace the playground on the square. Cost is $50 per person. Tickets are available at www.polkcityfriendsoftheparks.com/brews-in-the-barn.

Polk City Farmers Market

Enjoy the Polk City Farmers Market on Thursdays, through Sept. 25, 4:30-8 p.m., at the Town Square. The weekly Farmers Market brings local produce, handmade goods, food trucks and live music to the heart of Polk City. Come stroll the square, meet vendors and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming vibe each Thursday evening.

Monday Book Club

Join the Polk City Community Library’s Monday Book Club on Monday, Aug. 18, 2 p.m., at the library, 1500 W. Broadway. Join us for a discussion of “Everyone in This Room Will Someday be Dead” by Emily Austin. Gilda, a 20-something, atheist, animal-loving lesbian, cannot stop ruminating about death. Desperate for relief from her panicky mind and alienated from her repressive family, she responds to a flyer for free therapy at a local Catholic church and finds herself being greeted by Father Jeff, who assumes she’s there for a job interview. Too embarrassed to correct him, Gilda is abruptly hired to replace the recently deceased receptionist, Grace. In between trying to memorize the lines to Catholic mass, hiding the fact that she has a new girlfriend, and erecting a dirty dish tower in her crumbling apartment, Gilda strikes up an email correspondence with Grace’s old friend. She can’t bear to ignore the kindly old woman who has been trying to reach her friend through the church inbox, but she also can’t bring herself to break the bad news. Desperate, she begins impersonating Grace via email. But when the police discover suspicious circumstances surrounding Grace’s death, Gilda may have to finally reveal the truth of her mortifying existence.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Martini Fest
Friday, Sept. 19, 5-9 p.m.
West Glen Town Center
CITYVIEW is bringing Martini Fest back to West Glen Town Center. For a ticket price of $25 (tickets will be $35 at the event), attendees will receive 10 tickets that can be redeemed at each participating martini stop for a sample-size martini. Locations include nightclubs and restaurants at West Glen Town Center. Reserve your tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/cityview-martini-fest-2025-tickets-1291852588869 now so you can avoid registration lines at the event.

Des Moines Art Center Events
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines

• Museum Highlights Tour: Every Saturday from 1-2 p.m., discover the vast variety in the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collections. This tour offers a unique journey through the galleries, featuring a selection of timeless paintings, sculptures and more. Join the knowledgeable guides to uncover the stories, techniques and inspirations behind the art on view and experience the highlights of the Art Center in a fresh and engaging way. This guided tour is perfect for art enthusiasts of all ages. Free. No registration required.
• “Firelei Báez” Exhibition Tour: Every Saturday from 1-2 p.m. through Sept. 21, step into the intricate and thought-provoking world of “Firelei Báez” with a guided tour of the exhibition. Organized by the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, this exhibition is the first North American survey dedicated to the richly layered work of artist Firelei Báez. Over the past 20 years, she has made work that explores the multilayered legacy of colonial histories and the African diaspora in the Caribbean and beyond. Free. No registration required.
• Community Access Teaching Artist Exhibition and Opening Reception: Friday, Aug. 22, 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Adrienne and Charles Herbert Galleries, Education Wing. Enjoy artwork, original poetry, music and complimentary refreshments. Gather in the Macomber Lobby as teaching artists will be in attendance to discuss their work. Free. No registration required.
• Gallery Talk with 2025 Iowa Artist Ben Millett and Des Moines Art Center Senior Curator Laura Burkhalter: Saturday, Aug. 23, 1 p.m. Join this gallery talk about Millett’s solo exhibition on view in the lower Richard Meier galleries. Learn more about the exhibition and hear from Millett about his process and practice. Free. No registration required.
• “Life Mask: A Celebration of Gifts from the Dale Jansen Estate” Exhibition Tour: Every Saturday from 1-2 p.m. until Aug. 31 in the John Brady Print Gallery. This exhibition pays tribute to the late philanthropist, collector and longtime Des Moines Art Center supporter Dale Jansen. Its title is borrowed from Bruce Nauman’s 1981 lithograph “Life Mask,” one of 65 artworks that were donated to the Art Center by Jansen through his estate.

Prairie Meadows Casino Free Shows
1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona

• The Sheet: Saturday, Aug. 23, 10 p.m. to midnight
• Jerry Beachamp Band: Tuesday, Aug. 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Scott Kirkhart: Friday, Aug. 29, 10 p.m. to midnight
• Mike Walsh Band: Saturday, Aug. 30, 10 p.m. to midnight
• Clarksville Station: Tuesday, Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Hideaway Honey: Friday, Sept. 5, 10 p.m. to midnight
• Andrew Hoyt: Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 p.m. to midnight
• Kowboy Kix: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The World Food & Music Festival
Friday, Aug. 22, to Sunday, Aug. 24
Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des Moines
The World Food & Music Festival has announced its 2025 programming. Festival attendees can look forward to more than 50 food vendors representing 25 countries and culinary regions. In addition, enjoy a wide range of live music, activities, cooking demonstrations, unique merchants, nonprofit organizations and more. The Main Stage, sponsored by Prairie Meadows, will feature headlining acts Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on Friday night and Son Peruchos on Saturday night. For more information, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/worldfoodandmusicfestival.

Ingersoll Live
Saturday, Aug. 23, 3-10 p.m.
2300 Ingersoll Ave.
Ingersoll’s block party is back with live entertainment, family-friendly fun, local vendors, food, drink and more. Two stages of live entertainment will feature music from Suede, The Other Brothers, Weary Ramblers, Run Dog, and The Swampland Jewels. Street performers will also be featured. For more information, visit www.theavenuesdsm.com/ingersoll-live-2025.

Wine and Cider Festival
Saturday, Aug. 23, 1-4 p.m.
Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Celebrate Iowa's grape and apple harvest with tastings from more than 20 Iowa wineries and cideries while enjoying samplings of a variety of food. Enjoy live music from Brian Herrin, lawn games, apple pressing, vineyard and orchard tours and much more. Tickets, $45, are available through a link at www.jasperwinery.com/wine-and-cider-festival.

Art on the Avenues - Franklin Area
Saturday, Aug. 23. to Friday, Aug. 29
Waveland Park and Beaverdale neighborhoods
This event is part of the Art on the Avenues series. The series has nine Des Moines neighborhoods hosting events led by local artists this summer. Each event is a co-creation of neighbors and artists, and all are free to attend. For more information, visit https://investdsm.org/2025/05/27/art-on-the-avenues-opens-neighborhood-event-series/.

(Family Features) Rescue your loved ones from a dinner rut with a simple solution that answers “what’s for dinner” with an exciting, flavorful meal. These lasagna rollups require just one pan, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze on busy weeknights.

To mix it up even further, try adding spinach or mushrooms, swapping out ricotta for cottage cheese or any number of personal preferences.

Find more weeknight meal ideas by visiting Culinary.net.

Lasagna rollups
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6 (1 rollup per serving)

Ingredients:

• 8 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound hamburger meat
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon rosemary (optional)
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided

Directions:

• In pot, boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain under cold water and set aside.
• In same pot, brown hamburger meat then add garlic powder and onion powder. Mix in ricotta cheese; rosemary, if desired; marinara sauce; and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
• Heat oven to 350 F.
• Line baking dish with layer of hamburger sauce. Line cooled noodles on cutting board or parchment paper. Add hamburger sauce to each noodle and roll. Place lasagna rollups, seam sides down, in dish. Cover with remaining hamburger sauce and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
• Bake 20 minutes.

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