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A New Year Brings 5 Can’t-Miss Events to Downtown DSM This Week

Five Things to Do

It’s the New Year, and that means new events are taking shape this week in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Here’s a list of five can’t-miss things happening over the next week, right in the heart of the region:

International Fridays

Friday, Jan. 5 | Voodoo Lounge
This Friday, Voodoo Lounge and Eclipse Latin Entertainment are partnering together to bring you International Fridays featuring top tracks from around the world like salsa, bachata, hip hop, Reggaeton tropical, bhangra, Bollywood, Arabic and more. DJ Raj and friends will have you on your feet dancing all night long!
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 International Fridays

Harlem Globetrotters

Sunday, Jan. 7 | Wells Fargo Arena
The world’s winningest team will go head-to-head against the Washington Generals in a game like never before! Your fave Globetrotter players and their incredible stunts will be on display, showcasing amazing athleticism and non-stop laughter. Bring the whole family and settle in for a great time in Downtown DSM.
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Hands-On Classes

Sunday, Jan. 7 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Kick off the New Year right! Whether you’re a novice trying something new or looking to brush up on an old skill, both youth and adults can engage in several upcoming classes at Hoyt Sherman Place. This week’s offerings include “Paint with Coffee and Ink,” ideal for adults and youth aged 14 and older plus several multi-day classes like “Anime Drawing” for ages 8-12 and “Manga Drawing” for ages 12-16, as well as the adult class “Writing Your Memoir.”
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Paint with Coffee and Ink Class

Des Moines Wedding Show

Sunday, Jan. 7 | Scottish Rite Consistory
Planning your big day? Don't miss the Des Moines Wedding Show, where you’ll browse 100+ wedding pros, including caterers and cake/dessert vendors, decor, DJs/music and more. Plus, a runway presentation, prize drawings and a cash bar will make this experience extra fun! The show is free to attend, with VIP upgrade packages available. Find free parking available both on nearby streets and at the parking ramp at 7th & Center Streets.
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Des Moines Wedding Show

Interested in more information on planning a wedding in Downtown Des Moines? We have a guide for that!

Capital City Pride: Tiq Milan

Thursday, Jan. 11 | Temple Theater
As a journalist for more than a decade, Tiq Milan’s work has appeared on Buzzfeed, NBC and CNN. He shares stories about his life and how his transgender experience has informed his views on gender binary, masculinity and race. Tiq Milan’s presentation is part of the Capital City Pride Speaker Series, which provides educational-entertainment content for community members covering various elements of being LGBTQ+.
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Tiq Milan and Capital City Pride

Looking for more? Here’s a list of five free things to do in Downtown Des Moines during the month of January.

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.

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.