5 Free Things to Do in Downtown DSM in March
Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a great place to be year-round — and it’s affordable, too! This month, take a look at these five totally free events and things to do in Downtown Des Moines.
Femme Fest 515
Saturday, March 1, 2025 | Plain Talk Books & Coffee
This free, all-ages music festival is turning up the volume in Downtown DSM. Femme Fest 515 is making its debut at Plain Talk Books & Coffee, celebrating femme-led bands from across the Midwest in honor of Women’s History Month. From rock and punk to indie and beyond, this lineup is stacked with talent, featuring More Cheese, Peach Vomit, Anchoress, The Scabby Ghouls, Caitlin Edwards, Claymore and LAMP.
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Celebrate International Women's Day
Saturday, March 8, 2025 | Big Grove Brewery
More than 10 women-owned businesses will descend on the Downtown Des Moines brewery, including: DSM Craftsmaker Collaborative, Jenni King with Simply Stella Rose, Jill Darzweena, Macramade By Kelc, Imperfect Inspiration, Tatiana Giacinit, DSM Craftmakers Collaborative, Art Terrarium plus Big Grove Brewery’s very own Brittani Coe showcasing her art and Dakota Civita sharing her baked goods. Girls On the Run and Annie's Foundation will both also be on-site to share how you can get involved.
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Come One, Come All to the St. Patrick's Day Parade
Monday, March 17, 2025 | Along Grand Avenue
March is the month for green! The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick will host the annual free parade throughout along Downtown DSM’s Grand Avenue on Monday, March 17, 2025. Don your best festive attire, bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on and snag a spot along the route, then settle in for festive Irish floats and lots of St. Patty’s Day fun! Read on for more St. Patrick's Day event info.
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Explore Indoors Throughout the Skywalk
Spanning the Historic Court District to Western Gateway Neighborhoods
With four-plus miles of indoor, climate-controlled skywalks to navigate, weather can’t stop this Downtown DSM adventure! Play I Spy, try a family-friendly scavenger hunt by finding all the letters of the alphabet on the various skywalk signs or make a game of searching for 20 unique restaurants. The opportunities to play and explore are endless. Use our helpful Downtown DSM map to find your way!
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Browse Art + History at Hoyt Sherman Place
Hoyt Sherman Place, 1620 Pleasant St., Des Moines
Did you know Hoyt Sherman Place was became the first public art gallery in Des Moines in 1907? Self-guided tours of the art collection and original Hoyt Sherman mansion, built in 1877, are available at no charge during weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as long as an event isn't currently taking place.
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Hey! We think you might also be interested in a few other free events taking place just outside of Downtown Des Moines this month, including opportunities to enjoy global food, culturally infused art and other unique, diverse experiences:
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.
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 6,700 Regional Business Members and DSM USA Ambassadors to help share the region's story with One Voice.