What’s Happening in Downtown DSM This Week: Sept. 11-17

There’s a lot to geek out about in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) this week, whether your thing is pop culture, football, local history or finding a little time to unwind. Spend the weekend surrounded by fellow fans, pick a side for one of Iowa’s biggest sports rivalries or dig into stories from Downtown DSM’s past. You can also celebrate a major milestone with music and family activities or slow things down with an evening surrounded by greenery. Whatever sounds like your kind of fun, there’s a reason to head downtown this week. Here are five can’t-miss things happening in Downtown DSM Friday, Sept. 11 – Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026.

GalaxyCon

Friday, Sept. 11 – Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 | Iowa Events Center
Calling all superheroes, gamers, cosplayers and pop culture fans: GalaxyCon is taking over the Iowa Events Center for three full days of fandom. This isn’t just a comic convention. It’s a weekend packed with celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors, creators, wrestlers, entertainers and fans who love this stuff just as much as you do. Whether your world revolves around sci-fi, fantasy, anime, gaming, comic books or cosplay, you’ll find lots to explore. Dress as your favorite character, meet fellow fans, check out panels and appearances and spend the weekend celebrating whatever corner of the fandom universe feels most like home.
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Iowa vs. Iowa State Football Game: Where to Watch in Downtown DSM

Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 | Various Downtown DSM Locations
Cardinal and gold or black and gold? Pick your side and head to Downtown DSM to watch the Iowa State Cyclones and Iowa Hawkeyes face off in one of the state’s biggest rivalries. For an outdoor game-day experience, head to Cowles Commons for the Touchdown Tailgate starting at 3 p.m., where you can watch the game and stick around through the final whistle. Or grab your game-day crew, order your favorite game-day bites and find a spot in front of the big screen at one of these Downtown DSM favorites:

Whether you’re celebrating every touchdown or questioning every call, wear your team colors and get ready for a Saturday filled with a little friendly in-state rivalry. And if you want even more options, check out this list of Downtown DSM sports bars that are ready for game day.

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of American Independence

Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with an afternoon of music and history on the grounds of Hoyt Sherman Place. Free festivities begin at 1 p.m. with interactive activities for kids and families, historic American flags on display, food trucks and even birthday cupcakes while supplies last. Then at 3 p.m., the 34th Army Band of the Iowa National Guard takes the EMC Insurance Plaza stage for a free concert featuring patriotic selections, classical works, popular American music and historically significant compositions. Bring the family, explore a little history and settle in for an afternoon marking the nation’s semiquincentennial through music and community celebration.
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Yoga in the Garden

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026 | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Give yourself an hour to slow down in one of Downtown DSM’s greenest spaces. Yoga in the Garden invites you to stretch, breathe and reset surrounded by the lush atmosphere of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden from 6-7 p.m. The class is designed for all levels, so you don’t need years of yoga experience to join in. Just bring a yoga mat, water bottle and a willingness to unwind. With plants and nature providing the backdrop, it’s a peaceful midweek break and a chance to step away from your usual routine, move your body and spend a little time focused on your well-being.
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Also happening just outside Downtown DSM, experience food, culture and community at the St. Peter Vietnamese Fall Festival on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.

History Happy Hour

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026 | Hessen Haus
Ever wonder about the history hiding inside the buildings you pass in Downtown DSM? History Happy Hour is digging into 150 years of stories at 101 SW Fourth St., now home to Hessen Haus. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the presentation beginning at 6 p.m. Hear how the building went from the Rock Island Depot freight house to its place in Iowa beer history and eventually the Hessen Haus you know today. Jeff Bruning of Full Court Press and architect and historian Ryan Ellsworth will share stories about its renovation, preservation and connection to the Court Avenue District. Grab a drink and get to know this familiar Downtown DSM landmark from a whole new angle.
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Just outside Downtown DSM, step inside some of the River Bend neighborhood’s historic homes during the Annual River Bend Historic Home Tour, happening Saturday, Sept. 12 – Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.

Make the most of September with free events giving you even more reasons to spend some time in Downtown DSM.

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Greater Des Moines Partnership

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.