Top 5 Things to Do in Downtown DSM This Week: May 29-June 4
Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is closing out May and kicking off June with plenty of reasons to get out and explore. This week brings everything from a convention packed with fandom favorites to patio gatherings, live music, local storytelling and one of the city’s most iconic race-day traditions.
Whether you’re cheering on runners, spending time with friends or looking for something new to experience, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your calendar. Here are five can’t-miss events happening in Downtown DSM, now through June 4.
Full Court Press Summer Patio Tour
Friday, May 29, 2026 | Fong’s Pizza
Patio season is officially here, and this week the Full Court Press Summer Patio Tour rolls into Fong’s Pizza. Expect happy hour specials, patio games, giveaways, live radio remotes and plenty of reasons to hang around after work. The first 30 attendees even score a free commemorative Patio Tour T-shirt. Grab a cocktail, mocktail or a slice of pizza and settle in for a fun Friday afternoon downtown. Bonus points if you bring your dog, since Fong’s is welcoming four-legged patio guests, too. And if you enjoy this stop, mark your calendar because the Patio Tour continues every Friday through July 10.
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Des Moines Con
Friday, May 29 – Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Iowa Events Center
Whether you’re into comics, anime, gaming, movies, collectibles or cosplay, Des Moines Con has a little bit of everything under one roof. Returning for its fifth year, Iowa’s comic con continues to grow with three days of programming, special guests and fandom fun. You can spend hours browsing vendor booths, checking out cosplay contests, discovering new artists and connecting with people who love the same things you do. There’s always something happening, which makes it easy to stay longer than planned. Whether you arrive in full costume or just want to see what it’s all about, it’s one of Downtown DSM’s most colorful weekends of the year.
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EMC DAM to DSM
Saturday, May 30, 2026 | Post-Race Party at Cowles Commons
Even if you’re not running the EMC DAM to DSM half marathon, race day is still a lot of fun downtown. As runners make their way into the heart of the city, spectators line portions of the course to cheer them on and help carry them to the finish line. The energy really picks up around the final stretch as participants cross the river and make their way toward Downtown DSM. Afterward, the celebration continues with a post-race party at Cowles Commons, making it a great excuse to spend a Saturday morning outside soaking up the atmosphere and supporting the runners.
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Iowa Storytellers Project
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Some of the best stories are the ones that actually happened. The Iowa Storytellers Project brings together a lineup of speakers sharing personal experiences that range from funny and unexpected to emotional and inspiring. This year’s stories include everything from travel adventures and family connections to urban legends, rescue missions and life-changing moments. The format is simple: real people telling real stories in their own words. Hosted at Hoyt Sherman Place, it’s the kind of event that feels part live performance, part conversation and leaves you thinking about the stories long after you leave.
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Out to Lunch
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 12th Street from Grand to Locust
Out to Lunch has become one of Downtown DSM’s favorite summer traditions, and it’s easy to see why. For a few hours in the middle of the day, 12th Street transforms into an outdoor gathering spot filled with food trucks, live music and people taking advantage of a break from the office. Grab lunch from one of several local vendors, find a spot to sit and enjoy live music from Jake Schrodt while soaking up some sunshine. Whether you have 20 minutes or a full lunch hour, it’s an easy way to break up the workweek and enjoy a little extra time outside.
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Kick off June in Downtown DSM with a few free ways to get out and enjoy the city.
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