Your Guide to This Week’s Downtown DSM Events: July 10-16

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) keeps the summer momentum going with another week of live music, outdoor activities and unique ways to experience the city. Whether you’re looking to spend an evening listening to jazz, explore downtown from a new perspective or start your weekend with movement outdoors, there’s plenty happening throughout the week. This week’s lineup includes opportunities to enjoy local performances, discover Downtown DSM’s architecture and take advantage of some of downtown’s favorite outdoor gathering spaces. Here are five can’t-miss events happening in Downtown DSM July 10-16.

Architecture on the Move

Friday, July 10, 2026 | Capital Square
Even if you’ve walked through Downtown DSM dozens of times, there’s a good chance you’ve overlooked some fascinating architectural details along the way. Architecture on the Move offers a guided walking tour led by local architects who share the stories behind some of downtown’s most notable buildings and public spaces. It’s a fun way to see familiar streets through a different lens while learning more about the city’s design, history and growth. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply curious about the city around you, this tour offers a fresh perspective.
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Friday Night Skate Date

Friday, July 10, 2026 | Brenton Skating Plaza
Swap your usual Friday night plans for an evening on wheels at Brenton Skating Plaza. Family Skate Night invites skaters of all experience levels to roll along the riverfront while enjoying music, city views and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Bring your own roller skates or roller blades, gather a few friends and spend a few hours making the most of a summer evening downtown. If you enjoy this month’s skate night, mark your calendar because the series returns on Friday, Aug. 7 and Friday, Sept. 4, 2026.
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Yoga in the Park

Saturday, July 11, 2026 | Gray's Lake Park
Start your Saturday with fresh air, beautiful lake views and a little movement at Yoga in the Park. These free weekly classes welcome everyone, from first-time participants to experienced yogis, making them an easy way to ease into the weekend. This week’s class will be led by instructor Olive O’Connell and takes place on the southeast lawn overlooking Gray’s Lake. Bring your own mat, invite a friend and enjoy an hour of stretching, breathing and relaxing outdoors. Yoga in the Park continues every Saturday through Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
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Music Under the Stars: Bourbon Street Parade

Sunday, July 12, 2026 | Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park
Few things feel more like summer than a free concert in the park. Head to Lauridsen Amphitheater for Music Under the Stars, where the Des Moines Metro Concert Band and Jazz Band will fill the evening with lively tunes inspired by the sounds of New Orleans. This week’s “Bourbon Street Parade” concert also features the NOLA Jazz Band with Abbie Sawyer, creating a fun, laid-back atmosphere along the river. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, gather a few friends and enjoy a relaxing summer evening under the open sky.
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Jazz in July

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Pack a blanket or lawn chair and spend your Tuesday evening surrounded by great music at Hoyt Sherman Place. Jazz in July continues this week with performances from the Community Jazz Center Youth Group followed by headliner The Mangione Collective, all set against the beautiful outdoor backdrop of the Hoyt lawn. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, making it easy to settle in for the evening. If you can’t make it to this week’s concert, don’t worry. Jazz in July continues every Tuesday through Tuesday, July 28, 2026, featuring a different lineup of local and regional musicians each week.
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Whether you’re planning a family outing or a night downtown with friends, July offers plenty of free ways to enjoy the city.

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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.