This Week’s Can’t-Miss Summer Events in Downtown DSM: July 24-30

Iowa Barnstormers Fan Appreciation Night

Friday, July 24, 2026 | Casey's Center
The Iowa Barnstormers are wrapping up the regular season by celebrating the people who make game day so much fun: the fans! Fan Appreciation Night features giveaways throughout the evening, special fan experiences and $2 beers during the first quarter as the Barnstormers take on the San Antonio Gunslingers. Whether you’ve been following the team all season or are looking for your first indoor football experience, enjoy an exciting night at Casey’s Center while helping send the team into the postseason.
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Dance Fitness

Sunday, July 26, 2026 | Cowles Commons
If your workout playlist usually turns into a dance party anyway, this class is for you. Dance Fitness with Tony Zika combines upbeat choreography with bodyweight movement in a welcoming, all-skill-level environment that’s more about having fun than getting every step perfect. Bring a water bottle, invite a few friends and get ready to sweat, laugh and enjoy an energetic Sunday morning at Cowles Commons. Hy-Vee will also be onsite with free energy drink samples. Can’t make it this weekend? The final Dance Fitness session of the summer takes place Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026.
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AAU Junior Olympic Games

Monday, July 27 – Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026 | Wellmark YMCA, Drake & Other DSM Venues
One of the country’s largest youth sporting events is coming to the DSM region as the AAU Junior Olympic Games welcome thousands of athletes, coaches and families from across the nation. Downtown DSM visitors can catch swimming competitions at the Wellmark YMCA and track and field events just outside downtown at Drake Stadium and Mediacom Stadium, while additional competitions take place at venues including the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex in West Des Moines and other locations throughout the region.
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Happening just outside Downtown DSM this week: Xtream Christmas in July at Evelyn K. Davis Park on Saturday, July 25, 2026, and the Izaak Walton League Annual Sweet Corn Feed on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 — two great ways to celebrate the summer season.

ARL Dog Days of Summer at Iowa Cubs

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | Principal Park
Baseball is even better when your four-legged best friend can come along! ARL Dog Days of Summer gives you and your pup the chance to cheer on the Iowa Cubs together from the park’s pet-friendly seating section. Before first pitch, dogs can join the on-field parade, sport their new bandanas and even enjoy a cup of dog-friendly ice cream. Best of all, proceeds from ARL ticket sales help support pets in need. If you can’t make this game, another Dog Days of Summer is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026.
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Trivia Night

Thursday, July 30, 2026 | Royal Mile
Head to the upper level of The Royal Mile for Geeks Who Drink, one of the country’s most popular live pub quizzes. Expect seven rounds of audio, visual and classic trivia covering everything from pop culture and history to music and random facts you never knew you’d remember. Participation is free, gift cards are up for grabs and bonus questions offer even more chances to win. Just remember to keep your team to six people or fewer and bring your smartest friends.
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Before summer starts to slip by, take advantage of the many free events happening throughout Downtown DSM this July, from live entertainment to family-friendly activities.

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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.