5 Can’t-Miss Downtown DSM Events to Add to Your Calendar: March 13-19

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is gearing up for a week that’s big on energy and even bigger on fun. From prehistoric adventures and powerful live music to symphony performances and basketball showdowns, there’s a little bit of everything happening across the city March 13-19.

And of course, it wouldn’t be March in Downtown DSM without a wave of St. Patrick’s celebrations bringing parades, parties and plenty of green to the streets. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a night out with friends or a full weekend of exploration, this week’s lineup has you covered. Keep reading for five can’t-miss things happening in Downtown DSM.

Jurassic Quest

Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March 15, 2026 | Iowa Events Center
Calling all dinosaur lovers (and parents of dinosaur lovers). Jurassic Quest is stomping into the Iowa Events Center for a full weekend of prehistoric adventure. This traveling experience is packed with towering life-size dinosaurs, interactive exhibits and plenty of hands-on fun. Kids can ride dinosaurs, dig for fossils, meet baby dinos like Tyson the T.rex and even take part in a scavenger-style quest throughout the exhibit. With bounce houses, crafts and a special soft play area for little explorers, it’s basically a dino-themed playground. If your family has a future paleontologist in the group, this is their moment.
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Reflection – Smetana & Beethoven

Saturday, March 14 - Sunday, March 15, 2026 | Des Moines Civic Center
Ready for something a little more refined? The Des Moines Symphony is bringing a beautiful lineup to the Civic Center with a program that travels from Prague to the countryside and beyond. The concert features Mozart’s bold “Prague” Symphony, Smetana’s sweeping The Moldau and Beethoven’s lyrical Violin Concerto. Violinist Stella Chen makes her Des Moines Symphony debut for the performance, adding an extra layer of excitement. Whether you’re a longtime symphony fan or just curious to experience live orchestral music, this concert promises a powerful and immersive night of sound.
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St. Patrick’s Celebrations in Downtown DSM

Get ready to paint the town green. St. Patrick’s week in Downtown DSM brings races, pub crawls, parties and the city’s beloved parade all into one festive stretch of celebrations.

Saturday, March 14, 2026

• Pre-Paddy Party at The Shop DSM
• Des Moines St. Paddy’s Day 5K, Half Marathon & Marathon in Downtown DSM
• The Official Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl at Various Downtown Venues
• Kegs N Eggs at Confluence Brewing Co.

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown DSM
• St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with Exile Brewing Co.

Looking for even more places to celebrate? Annie’s Irish Pub, Ricochet and Royal Mile are always lively spots around St. Patrick’s Day in Downtown DSM. For even more ideas, check out our guide to 20+ St. Patrick’s Day events happening across the DSM region. Sláinte!

 

Winter Jam ‘26

Sunday, March 15, 2026 | Casey's Center
If you’re looking for a night of powerful music and high-energy performances, Winter Jam is bringing some of the biggest names in Christian music to Downtown DSM. This year’s lineup features Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Katy Nichole, Hulvey, Disciple and more, plus a pre-jam party with additional artists to kick things off. The best part? No ticket required, just a $15 donation at the door. Expect arena-level production, thousands of fans singing along and an unforgettable atmosphere that feels part concert, part community gathering.
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Iowa Wolves Home Games

Monday, March 16 & Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | Casey’s Center
Basketball fans, this is your week. The Iowa Wolves are back at Casey’s Center for two home matchups against the Salt Lake City Stars. Catch the action on Monday or Wednesday and watch some of the NBA’s rising talent battle it out on the court. Wolves’ games are known for being high-energy and family-friendly, with music, entertainment and crowd moments that keep things fun from tip-off to the final buzzer. Whether you’re a diehard basketball fan or just want a lively night out in Downtown DSM, grabbing a seat at a Wolves game is always a good play.
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Football season may be over, but the madness of March is finally back again! Check out this blog featuring Downtown DSM sports bars perfect for watching basketball on the big screen.

Spring might still be warming up, but Downtown DSM is already buzzing with free events this March.

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