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5 Downtown Events Not to Miss This Week, From Entertaining to Inspiring

Five Things to Do

February 17, 2023

There’s something for everyone — including for YOU! — taking place this week in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Take a look at these five must-experience events coming up that range from entertaining to thought-provoking and inspiring, and tell us: Which downtown event are you most excited about?

Ancient Aliens Live

Friday, Feb. 17 | Hoyt Sherman Place
This 90-minute live experience is an extension of The History Channel’s Ancient Aliens, which explores the theory that aliens have visited earth for millions of years covering fan favorite ideas ranging from visits of Ancient Egypt to the moon. This is a fun opportunity for history buffs, Sci-Fi enthusiasts, astronaut wannabes and Indiana Jones movie fans.
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CultureAll Event: Can We Have Heroes?

Saturday, Feb. 18 | Gravitate Coworking – Downtown DSM
At this event co-presented by the Des Moines Lyceum and CultureAll, you’ll examine the question: Can we still have heroes despite knowing the foibles and faults of those we admire, including those in the public eye and historical figures? Leading the conversation is Lily Okech, Founder of Cleaning for Hope/Hope to Shine Refugee Services and JJ Kapur, Lead for America Fellow with CultureAll.
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In the Year of the Boar & Jackie Robinson

Saturday, Feb. 18 | Temple Theater
Celebrating the bravery and sacrifice of individuals who bring new perspectives to America, this play chronicles a young girl who leaves China with her parents for new beginnings in 1947. Based in Brooklyn, the story follows young Shirley’s growing love for Dodgers baseball (in particular, Jackie Robinson) while she navigates a strange new place as the only one in her class who doesn’t speak English.
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Kindred Soma Yoga

Sunday, Feb. 19 | AC Hotels by Marriott Des Moines East Village
Come to connect, move, meditate, restore and vibe to music. This session is welcoming for both new and experienced yogis and is led by Jazzmine, also known as Rural Black Doula. Can’t make it this week? Mark your calendar for yoga taking place monthly on each third Sunday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the hotel.
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Des Moines Home + Garden Show

Thursday, Feb. 23 – Sunday, Feb. 26 | Iowa Events Center
Browse beautiful home displays to inspire your renovation, new build or next project. Shop home products and services, connect with local experts and participate in educational presentations sure to inform and inspire!
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For these upcoming events and more, find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For additional upcoming events, visit the Downtown DSM events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.

Header image from Des Moines Performing Arts.

Greater Des Moines Partnership

DSM USA is the regional identifier for Greater Des Moines (DSM). DSM USA is a bold statement to the world: This is a welcoming, diverse and vibrant community with affordable and accessible amenities for residents and businesses. This regional identifier is the result of significant quantitative and qualitative research. The Partnership will champion the DSM USA message, and encourages its Investors, its more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and DSM USA Ambassadors to help share the region's story with One Voice.