5 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Downtown DSM This Week: Oct. 2-8

October is here, and Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is starting the month off with a bang. Spend an evening where science and culture come together, explore five floors of local art or squeeze in one last celebration of summer before saying goodbye to the season for good. Halloween is already creeping into the city with spooky food, drinks and decor, while another weekend event pairs brunch with live entertainment and a few mimosas. Whether you’re looking for something to do with the whole family, planning a night out with friends or simply ready to see what a new month brings, there are all kinds of ways to spend your week in the heart of the city. Here are five can’t-miss things to do in Downtown DSM Friday, Oct. 2 - Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.

The Haunting at Exile

Tuesday, Sept. 29 – Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026 | Exile Brewing Co.
Something spooky has taken over Exile Brewing Co. just in time for October. The Haunting at Exile is back with more Halloween decor, themed cocktails, seasonal plates and a full month of reasons to eat, drink and get into the spirit of the season. Make a reservation for a meal surrounded by all the spooky details, or watch for special events throughout October, including kid-friendly activities, a Polaroid Costume Contest, a Lucky Gal Flash Tattoo Pop-Up and more. Whether you’re there for the boos or the brews, this Halloween pop-up gives you an entire month to experience Exile with a spooky-season twist.
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First Friday Featuring STEAM

Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 | Mainframe Studios
Art and science are sharing the spotlight at Mainframe Studios this Friday. Explore five floors of open artist studios from 5-8 p.m., along with new exhibitions, live music, interactive art activities and local food and drinks. This month’s featured exhibition, “STEAM”, is juried by Emmett Phillips Jr. and explores what happens when art intersects with science, technology, engineering and math. See how artists interpret and expand on those fields through their work, then keep wandering to discover hundreds of studios and a special exhibition featuring Iowa State University artists. With free interactive activities mixed in, there’s something new to discover around just about every corner.
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Hotcakes ‘n Sausage: A Boozy Cabaret Brunch

Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 | The Garden
Pancakes, mimosas and a cabaret show? That sounds like a Saturday morning worth getting out of bed for. The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus is serving up Hotcakes ‘n Sausage, a boozy brunch featuring all-you-can-eat fluffy pancakes, sausage and live performances from chorus members. Hosted by Juanita Voltaire, the event offers two shows at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., so pick your preferred brunch hour or make a day of it and attend both. Endless mimosa packages will also be available at the bar. Come hungry, enjoy the show and know your ticket helps support the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus and its music throughout the season.
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Start your Saturday at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, now open from 8 a.m.–Noon throughout October, and find pumpkins, apples and other fall favorites before the season wraps up at the end of the month.

Downtown End of Summer Block Party

Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 | Hub Spot
Summer may technically be over, but Downtown DSM is giving it one last sendoff. After the Downtown Farmers’ Market wraps up Saturday, head to the Hub Spot for the Downtown End of Summer Block Party. Stick around for an afternoon of food trucks, drinks, live music, games and a chance to hang out with the people who live, work and spend time downtown. There’s no complicated agenda here, just an easygoing community gathering and an excuse to spend a little more time outside. Whether you’re already downtown for the Market or making a special trip, stop by and help give summer one final farewell.
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¡Ciencia Para Todos!

Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 | Science Center of Iowa
Science meets culture and community during ¡Ciencia Para Todos! at the Science Center of Iowa. Starting at 5 p.m., bring the whole family for a free evening filled with hands-on activities, bilingual science programming, cultural performances and live music throughout SCI. Explore the building, try something new and see science come to life through experiences designed for both English- and Spanish-speaking visitors. Whether you know SCI inside and out or have never stepped through the doors, everyone is invited to join the fun, make discoveries and celebrate Latino Heritage Month together. Admission is free for the evening, with food available to purchase while you explore.
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The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy.