5 Fun Things to Do in Downtown DSM This Week: July 11–17

Get ready for a full week of movement, music, mindfulness and memory-making in Downtown Des Moines (DSM)! From a guided forest bathing walk through the Botanical Garden to a family-friendly 5K that ends on home plate at Principal Park, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your calendar with fun. Dance in the streets (literally), vibe out at a can’t-miss concert and catch live tunes on one of Historic East Village’s best patios. Whatever your summer mood, Downtown DSM has something that fits — so read on and start planning your week!

Seasonal Shinrin-yoku

Saturday, July 12, 2025 | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Slow your scroll and take a deep breath—this one’s for your soul. The Botanical Garden invites you to experience shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” a Japanese practice of fully immersing yourself in nature. Led by a guide, you’ll awaken all five senses, sip tea outdoors and reconnect with the natural world in a serene, low-pressure setting. The best part? You get access to the Botanical Garden an hour before it opens to the public, so it’s basically a VIP nature moment. Register early and don’t forget: comfy shoes, an open mind and your inner zen.
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Dancing on Cowles Commons

Saturday, July 12, 2025 | Cowles Commons
Ready to sweat, smile and shake off some stress? Des Moines Performing Arts is turning Cowles Commons into a dance floor with MixxedFit® — a dance-inspired fitness class set to your favorite throwbacks and today’s hits. It’s high-energy, easy to follow and seriously fun. The best part? It’s totally free and happening right under the iconic Cowles Commons Green Umbrella. Bring your friends, your water bottle and a whole lot of good vibes. Class starts at 9 a.m. sharp, so don’t be late. (Psst: the next dance party is in August — mark your calendar!)
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Also this weekend is a DSM Breakerz dance competition event! Midwest Mayhem Dance Cypher will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Cowles Commons. The Midwest Mayhem fun will continue with an afternoon workshop and dance competition from 2-5:30 p.m. at Ballet Des Moines. 

Iowa Cubs Cubbie Bear 5K + Kids Run

Sunday, July 13, 2025 | Principal Park
Who’s ready to run the bases? The inaugural Cubbie Bear 5K and Kids Run isn’t just any race — it ends with a victory lap through Principal Park and a finish line behind home plate! Families can sign up together (and save a little cash doing it) for a Sunday morning full of fitness and fun. With a scenic Downtown DSM route, Instagram-worthy photo ops and plenty of ballpark energy, this race is a home run for all ages. Whether you’re racing, cheering or just in it for the ballpark vibes, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer Sunday.
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Live Music

Sunday, July 13, 2025 | Truman’s Pizza Tavern
Pizza, pints and patio tunes — what more could you need on a Sunday? Head to Truman’s KC Pizza Tavern for an afternoon of live music with Emmett Sheehan performing 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and the Saxman Trio from 2–5 p.m. They’ll be laying down summery sounds in the Wendy Hall Courtyard, one of Historic East Village’s best kept patio secrets. Come hungry, stay for the vibes and soak in that slow summer feeling one note (and bite) at a time.
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Indigo De Souza

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | Wooly's
If your idea of a perfect night is raw lyrics, dreamy vocals and big emotions in a small venue, this one’s for you. Indigo De Souza is taking the Wooly’s stage this Tuesday and it’s going to be a night. Her sound is equal parts catharsis and celebration, drawing from Appalachian roots, personal rebirth and indie-rock brilliance. Critics love her. Fans adore her. And you? You just need to be there. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. Don’t sleep on this show!
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Ready to take in summer in Downtown DSM without spending a dime? We’ve rounded up July’s top free events so you can fill your calendar with fun — no wallet required!

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.