5 Epic, Can’t-Miss Downtown DSM Events Coming Up This Week

It’s about to be another epic week in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) and these five can’t-miss events are bringing the excitement. A masquerade? Check. A birthday bash with 10-cent beer? Check. The kickoff to ice hockey season? Check. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this!

Birthday Celebrations at Up-Down

Thursday, Oct. 12; Friday, Oct. 13 and Wednesday, Oct. 18 | Up-Down
Can you believe a whole decade has passed since Up-Down first opened its doors? Get your party hats ready: Up-Down is having not just one birthday party, but THREE! On Thursday, the celebration begins with free birthday cake, followed by 10-cent beer on Friday. Rounding out the festivities on Wednesday, Oct. 18 is the big bash: Jam to a playlist of the best songs from the past 10 years, bartenders will be bringing back your fave cocktails from the past, plus make some new memories in the fun photo booth.
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Ballet Des Moines: A Masked Soiree

Friday, Oct. 13 | Location Provided Upon Ticket Purchase
Join Ballet Des Moines’ dancers for a cocktail evening to kick off a season of artful storytelling. Upon purchasing your ticket, you’ll learn where this special evening will take place in Downtown DSM! Additionally, your ticket grants you two complimentary signature cocktails — The Jekyll & The Hyde — hors d’oeuvres, music by DJ Richie Daggers and an aura portrait provided by KIN. Don’t forget: In theme with the masquerade, masks are strongly encouraged!
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Iowa Wild Home Opener

Friday, Oct. 13 – Saturday, Oct. 14 | Wells Fargo Arena
They’re baa-aack! The Iowa Wild hockey team is ready to take on the Henderson Silver Knights for the first two games of the official season. You’ll find drink specials and giveaways, plus live music on Saturday means from Jager and the Polkameisters as part of the Coca Cola Local Concert Series.
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Des Moines Symphony: The Music of ABBA

Saturday, Oct. 14 | Des Moines Civic Center
Back for an encore by popular demand! Along with a full rock band for one night only, the Des Moines Symphony will perform beloved ABBA favorites like Mamma Mia!, Dancing Queen, Take a Chance on Me and more. Tickets start at $40.
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P.S.: Craving more symphony performances? Next Sunday Oct. 22, the Black Jack Symphony presents Eagles’ “Hotel California” at Hoyt Sherman Place. LEARN MORE

IMT Des Moines Marathon

Sunday, Oct. 15 | Various Downtown DSM Locations
Get your cheering voice ready and dust off your sign-making skills! Thousands of runners will flock to Downtown DSM this Sunday, and we promise you’ll have a fun time rooting for all the athletes (even if you don’t know anyone running!). You won’t want to miss the celebratory atmosphere as the runners cross the finish line, stationed right along Court Avenue!
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Looking for even more Downtown events and happenings? Here’s a look at 5 free things to do in Downtown Des Moines during October!

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.