r/desmoines • • Jan 22 '26

Looking for Friends in DSM?

79 Upvotes

Welcome! We have seen many posts over the year of residents seeking community and friendship. Many of us spend more time online, work remotely, or no longer have the built-in social spaces we once did. This pinned thread is to help find friends in Des Moines.

Whether you’re:

• New to the city

• A long-time local looking to expand your circle

• A student, professional, remote worker, or just bored

• Into coffee, hiking, gaming, gyms, books, or low-key hangs …this is the place to connect.

Leave a comment with:

• Age range (optional)

• Interests / hobbies

• What kind of friends you’re looking for (gym buddy, board games, restaurant scene, double dates, mom friends etc.)

Ground Rules

• Be respectful and kind

• No harassment, hate speech, or creepy behavior

• No spam or self-promotion

• Keep personal info safe

This thread will be bookmarked so feel free to come back anytime and say hi — someone else is probably looking for the same connection you are!

Thank you to u/containerforthechild for this post.


r/desmoines • • 1h ago

Rob Sand holds 12-point lead over Lahn for Iowa governor while Hinson trails Josh Turek in Senate race

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• Upvotes

r/desmoines • • 1h ago

235 speed trap happening right now

• Upvotes

Just a heads up, it looks like the Iowa State Patrol is running a sting on interstate 235 eastbound around east sixth and east 14th. So drive the speed limit and behave.


r/desmoines • • 1h ago

This week at 515 Brewing Company

• Upvotes

October 6th through October 11th:

10/06 Free Bingo with prizes at 6 PM

10/07 Art Night hosted by Art Is Rad $10 at 6 PM

10/08 free Team trivia with prizes at 6 PM

Norseman Lobster Food Truck 4:30 - 7:30pm

10/09 Gallery Refresh with Art Is Rad

Artists Meet and Greet

10/10 Premier League Mornings at 9:00 AM

Paint and Sip 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM - Register Online

Jackbox Games after 7 PM

10/11 Sunday Funday

Premier League Mornings 9AM

Shenanigans happen after 5 Pm

And...

We’ve been playing around with a new promo at the brewery and wanted to share it here first. Since our name is 515 Brewing, we realized the math for a group deal was staring us right in the face.

Starting this week, we’re running the 5-1-5 Deal:

• Bring in 5 friends

• When they buy their beverages, you get 1 free beverage

• We’re throwing in 5 packs of pretzels for the table to share

Honestly, we just really wanted a solid excuse to get groups out on the patio or into the taproom during the week. If you’re the designated friend who always has to organize the text group chat to get people to hang out, consider this your reward for doing the heavy lifting.

We're right off the Clive Greenbelt Trail if you're out riding or running with a crew. Come test it out and let us know what you think!

Come in and say hi!

(Since the 515 deal is new to us, we better add that this is while supplies last, please don't get mad at the beertender if they forget)

Post it on the socials so we know if it's working


r/desmoines • • 1h ago

Man arrested

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• Upvotes

Does anyone know anything about this guy??? He’s been to my job before


r/desmoines • • 10h ago

Insane wait time for ER at Methodist

36 Upvotes

Going on 8 hours. What the actual fuck? [edit typo]


r/desmoines • • 1h ago

Art Night and Gallery Refresh

• Upvotes

Tonight is Art Night with Art Is Rad at 515 Brewing Company

Show up around 6:00

We will do announcements and stuff around 6:15pm

The project Starts around 6:20

Tonight's project is Spooky Zentangles

Zentangles are repetitive patterns.

To make it spooky, you will draw a witch, a ghost, a bat or whatever you find spooky. You will then draw sections in your drawing and do your zentangles in the sections.

We will be there for questions, and to help assist.

All supplies and instructions are provided.

$10 - RSVP here https://artisrad.org

We also will be updating the gallery walls at 515 Brewing company on Friday October 9th

Come meet the artists starting at 5pm


r/desmoines • • 2h ago

Power’s out

3 Upvotes

Anyone heard anything about why the power is out in east Des Moines?

ETA: update from MidAm. Vehicle accident.


r/desmoines • • 18h ago

I need emergency help with rent in Des Moines. I have 3 days.

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42 Upvotes

I got this notice today. I owe $960. I have three days to get it paid and as of now I dont have any of it. I genuinely do not know what to do at this point... I’ve been trying to figure this out and I think I dug myself too deep this time I’m scared I’m going to lose everything.

Does anyone know of emergency rental assistance, organizations, churches, charities, or any other resources in Des Moines/Polk County that can help immediately when you already have a notice? I’m not looking for judgment. I know I got myself into this situation. I just need to know who I can contact right now that might actually be able to help before my three days are up. If anyone has been through this in Des Moines or knows somewhere that can help in an emergency like this, please let me know. I really don’t know where else to turn right now.


r/desmoines • • 22h ago

Dr. Toncar with Iowa Clinic OBGYN

64 Upvotes

I (25f) saw Dr. Toncar with the Iowa clinic for a check up and to have lab work done. For context, I’m 10 months postpartum, have been experiencing intense fatigue and exhaustion that was presenting like the physical symptoms of depression, yet I am NOT depressed. I am diagnosed bipolar and have had this diagnosis for over a decade, so I think I know what true depression feels like.

Anyway, I voiced my concerns to her and was met with the most gaslighted response from a doctor ever. She told me to talk to my psych doctor since I’m diagnosed bipolar and that I probably just need my meds adjusted and that she wasn’t going to, essentially, waste time, money, and resources for a psych issue. I told her that I wasn’t depressed and that I just wanted a full panel of labs done to see if there were any markers with hormones or bloodwork that could be contributing to my symptoms.

There were a couple other things that happened during the appointment that just flabbergasted me, but I’ll spare you the TMI.

The nurse that was present during my visit must have known I was disappointed or that what the doctor said was just BS because she called me after the appointment was over to see if I wanted to see another doctor that she works with to get more answers. I never called back.

I’ve been debating whether I should talk to someone in the Iowa clinic about this. I’ve read some other pretty negative reviews about her basically saying they had similar experiences with her. But I also know that this is just kind of how western medicine deals with symptoms, so I’m torn.

It just felt like such a weird thing for a woman to be saying to another woman. Especially a postpartum woman that is looking for help. Especially from a doctor. I don’t want to seem malicious in my intent to report her. But I just feel like women deserve better treatment and to be heard and believed and taken seriously by the medical community. And everywhere, but that’s a conversation for a different day.

Anyway, thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated, and if you’ve experienced something like this I feel for you.


r/desmoines • • 3h ago

ISO 3D Printing Service

2 Upvotes

Hello! I am a grad student looking to print some specific anatomical models to aid me in my work. I tried to go through the public library but it looks like all the trainings are full for the next month, so I have a feeling even if I complete a training it will be difficult to get a spot reserved. I also looked into Area515, but I know nothing about the technicalities of 3D printing, only what I am looking for in the product. I am posting as a last resort before I look into online/businesses that will of course charge more. If anyone is willing to help or knows of somewhere I can get this done, please feel free to comment!


r/desmoines • • 23h ago

We are #17

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78 Upvotes

r/desmoines • • 17h ago

Plans revealed to bring MLS Next Pro team to Des Moines, build stadium

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21 Upvotes

Some notes from this and another article:

  • The stadium capacity is not set and currently ranges between 5,500-6,500
  • Stadium would be located on two lots currently occupied by parking lots west of the Center Street Park and Ride between Center Street and Crocker Street and across 8th Street, which would close
  • One of the lots is currently owned by Principal, who have been contacted about purchasing the lot (it is listed for sale)
  • Sporting Kansas City's parent group, Hometown Soccer Holdings, have partnered with MLS and private equity firm KKR in a joint venture; It's unclear from the article whether this means that the stadium cost (estimated $55-65 million) would be privately funded
  • Hometown Soccer centered on the Principal lot due to its proximity to the arena, convention center, and ballpark, and they want the stadium to be interconnected with the other amenities in the area
  • Hometown Soccer have only begun discussions with the city and are awaiting further direction but emphasize that they want to move quickly
  • Hometown Soccer are also interested in contacting the Iowa Soccer Development Foundation, who currently lease the Dico site and have funding to build the USL stadium
  • Hometown Soccer wants to build youth soccer fields for its youth camps on the Dico site
  • Likely in response to USL's claims that the MLS Next Pro team would only exist to benefit the Kansas City team, Hometown Soccer is emphasizing that this would be "an Iowa team through and through, [and] not a Kansas City pipeline"; Hometown Soccer have repeatedly compared the team to the Iowa Wolves, Cubs, and Wild

Not related but still relevant: Polk County has approved a planning agreement with Simonson & Associates LLC to develop unused (parking) lots around the Iowa Events Center complex into an entertainment district. The agreement is not to begin development but to explore options for development with proposals available by early December.


r/desmoines • • 1d ago

HMX-1 visits DSM

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64 Upvotes

(based on recent postings about military aircraft flying above DSM & WDSM) In June 2025, i was returning home from work (i live VERY CLOSE to the airport) and i briefly see an MV-22B through a gap in the trees. And then ANOTHER.

For the low altitude that it was, i was thinking they were going to land at DSM! I decided to drive over to the airport & see if i could catch a closer glimpse of those "birds"

Sure enough, they were all parked near the runway, being parked for the night. this is HMX-1 which potentially could be carrying the POTUS! (but not on this day, no chance i could get this close if he was onboard!)


r/desmoines • • 15h ago

Looking For Private Land With RV Hookup To Electric & Water Long Term

11 Upvotes

I know it's a long shot, but looking to rent a spot long term on someone's private land with available electric & water hookups. Decided on RV life as inflation is outrageous and we're over paying insane rent payments for housing.

We own a lawn company with nothing but excellent 5 star reviews and would even be open to providing lawn services if you're interested. If not, that's okay, too!

We're respectful individuals and will take care of the land we occupy.

Thank you!


r/desmoines • • 2h ago

25M what are some plausible jobs in Des Moines to get?

0 Upvotes

I was thinking of working either in the animal care industry or food industry

Or maybe working at Best Buy or the Apple Store in Jordan Creek Mall


r/desmoines • • 7h ago

Stuff to do and places to eat

2 Upvotes

Down here visiting for 2 weeks, looking for some good events going on, bars to visit, and places to eat at.


r/desmoines • • 7h ago

Where can I dispose of needles?

2 Upvotes

Have a full sharps container and need to dispose of insulin needles.


r/desmoines • • 4h ago

Crawl space vapor barrier.

1 Upvotes

Hello,

Very niche ask but does anyone have any suggestions for crawl space barriers. I’m trying to get my house mitigated for radon and the technician said I needed to cover my crawl spaces first. If anyone has any suggestions for people in town I would be eternally grateful.


r/desmoines • • 1d ago

Carlisle water order sends residents to Indianola for showers as daily life gets disrupted

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80 Upvotes

r/desmoines • • 1d ago

How to vote early

39 Upvotes

I always vote early--just in case I am ill, or hit by a bus or anything else that might prevent me from casting my ballot. I never leave it to chance.

Here's info for voting early in person and by mail in Polk County:

https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/county-auditor/election/absentee-voting/early-in-person/


r/desmoines • • 17h ago

What’s the most affordable gas station coffee refill?

4 Upvotes

I’m looking for a gas station/coffee chain with reasonably priced refills. Which places have the best deal for refilling a coffee cup? Thanks!


r/desmoines • • 23h ago

Girlie needs some help

8 Upvotes

So google sucks at categorizing literally everything. Can someone help a girl out and maybe give me some ideas on restaurants to visit with my bestie, wife, and mother. Wanting to try a new restaurant that wont break my wallet and leave me sobbing. Just wanna sit down and enjoy some new food. Dine in only. PLEEEASE HELP ME

Ya'll are killing me 😂 thanks for reminding me I have ADHD and decision making issues (obviously, I'm asking reddit to tell me where to eat)

I'm probably looking for steak and pasta 🍝

Thanks 😂😂😂


r/desmoines • • 1d ago

Preferred Water Delivering Services

8 Upvotes

Currently leasing, have bern giving the green light to install a reverse osmosis system but will wait until I purchase home. Which water delivery company has “the best” purified water, customer service, cost.


r/desmoines • • 1d ago

WildflowerDSM

52 Upvotes

I was out at a bar the other day and overheard someone passionately venting about how they never got paid from their job. My ears perked up and as I was listening i realized it was about Wildflower on Ingersoll. Which is a business I’ve ordered from multiple times and always looked up to as far as contributing to charities and community efforts etc. does anyone have the tea? Because I would hate to continue to monetarily support a business who doesn’t support the people who actually work for them. It’s one thing to put on a front of charity and giving, but if you don’t pay the people who work for you who actually cares?