5 Free Things to Do in Downtown Des Moines — July Edition

It’s the dog days of summer in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). As things are heating up this month, check out these super cool, 100% awesome, totally rad events you won’t want to miss. Oh, did we mention they’re free?

Free in July: Downtown DSM Festivals, Events + More

Free Patriotic Fireworks in Downtown DSM

Thursday, July 3 , 2025 | Visible Throughout Downtown DSM
The eve of Independence Day, July 3, is Iowa’s largest one-day concert and a beloved DSM tradition: the Des Moines Symphony’s Yankee Doodle Pops! Enjoy a free evening of patriotic music followed by fireworks over the Downtown skyline! You also don't want to miss the Iowa Cubs matchup against the Omaha Storm Chasers, followed by more Downtown DSM fireworks lighting up the sky, the largest fireworks show of the Iowa Cubs season. Fun Fact: Thirty minutes prior to the Iowa Cubs game, you can witness the annual Citizenship Ceremony, as candidates from multiple countries are sworn to become citizens of the U.S.!
YANKEE DOODLE POPS | IOWA CUBS BASEBALL

 

Free Summer Music in Downtown DSM

If summer doesn’t feel complete without a great soundtrack, Downtown DSM has you covered. This month, live music is taking over patios, gardens and green spaces — and the best part? It’s free! Whether you’re into chill acoustic sets, rocking local bands or jazz under the stars, ou’ll find plenty of tunes to match your vibe. So grab a drink, soak up the sunshine and let the good vibes roll.

• Confluence Thursday Summer Concert Series: Thursdays, 6-8 p.m., Confluence Brewing
• Confluence Friday Summer Concert Series: Fridays, 6-9 p.m., Confluence Brewing
• Exile Summer Music Series: Sundays, 5-7:30 p.m., Exile Brewing
• Gray’s Station Summer Music Series: Wednesday, July 23, 6-8 p.m., Gray’s Station
• Jazz in July: Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. start, Hoyt Sherman Place
• Live Music at Truman’s : Fridays, 5-8 p.m. and Sundays, 2-5 p.m., Truman’s Pizza Tavern
• Local Bands, Brews & Bikes: Sundays, 1-4 p.m., Des Moines Biergarten
• Music in the Garden: Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. start, Greater Des Moines Botanical Center
• Music Under the Stars: Sunday, July 6, 7-8:30 p.m., Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park

Free Farmers’ Markets Happening Around Downtown

You’ve just got to mark your calendar for these farmers’ markets taking place every week during July (and beyond!), at various neighborhoods located in and around Downtown DSM:

• *Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Market: Saturdays, 7 a.m. – Noon, Historic Court District
• Global Greens International Market: Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 1907 Carpenter Ave.

(*Pro Tip: Look for the ever-changing Spark DSM minority-owned business vendors on rotation at the Downtown Farmers’ Market to try something new each week!)

Free Storytime Under the Umbrella

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 | Cowles Commons 
Kick off your morning with a dose of imagination and sunshine at Storytime Under the Green Umbrella! Held at Cowles Commons, this free event invites little learners and their grownups to enjoy interactive storytelling, songs and playful movement led by educators from Des Moines Performing Arts. Perfect for toddlers and early elementary ages, it’s a fun and engaging way to get kids moving, listening and laughing—all in the heart of Downtown DSM. This family favorite continues in August as well, so don’t miss your chance to join in!  
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Free Patio Yoga

Sundays, July 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2025 | Big Grove Brewery 
Ease into your Sunday with a gentle, feel-good flow on the patio at Big Grove in Downtown DSM. Join local instructors Elaine and Darcy for a restorative yoga class that’s all about slowing down, breathing deep and starting your day with intention. This complimentary class is open to all ages and experience levels — whether you’re new to yoga or just need a moment of calm, you’ll feel right at home. Bring your own mat, invite a friend and stick around after class to enjoy lunch and a cold beverage. Your weekend reset starts here.
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Looking for even more Downtown DSM adventures? Each week we publish a list of five events you just can’t miss coming soon to Downtown. Explore the recent stories posted on our blog to learn more.

Plan your visit to Downtown Des Moines (DSM) with these tips for parking and navigation and follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.