Des Moines Going Out: The Fair Wraps, Fall Ahead

The Iowa State Fair closed Sunday after its 11-day run, so the fairgrounds go quiet this week and the metro gets its evenings back. Here's what stood out, plus where to point yourself now that fall is close.

The fair wrapped Sunday

Eleven days, a record's worth of corn dogs, and it's a wrap until next August. A couple of stories worth a read on the way out: fairgoers voted on this year's best new food, and Gizmo, a stand that's been part of the fair for 80 years, changed hands to a new owner who plans to keep it running. If you never made it out or just want to plan better next year, our guides are still up: the complete fair guide and what was new to eat this year.

A Des Moines pizzeria got a national nod

A national best-of roundup name-checked a Des Moines pizza spot this week, which is nice validation for a scene that holds its own. If you want the local read on where to go, here's our best pizza in Des Moines guide, from Fong's crab rangoon pie to Detroit squares in Beaverdale and late-night slices on Ingersoll.

What's next now that the fair's over

Late August into fall is quietly the best stretch for going out here: patios still work, the festival calendar picks back up, and the crowds thin out. We keep a running list of what's worth leaving the house for in our fall things to do guide, and every event we're tracking is on the calendar.

That's the short version. Every week we round up where to eat, drink, and go out in Des Moines and send it in one email. Get it here, no noise.