Ready, Set, Topple: Giant, Glowing Dominoes Are Coming to Downtown DSM

Imagine stepping into Downtown Des Moines (DSM) and being surrounded by glowing, oversized dominoes — each one lighting up and chiming as it falls, creating a ripple of color, sound and movement.

That’s exactly what’s coming to Cowles Commons later this summer.

Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid

From Saturday, Aug. 29 through Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid will transform the outdoor space into a playful, interactive environment designed to spark curiosity, creativity and connection.

Spread across multiple stations, the installation invites visitors to engage at their own pace. Each area features a unique musical profile — from vocals to percussion, marimba, balafon and flute — creating a gentle, evolving soundscape.

Push one domino and watch the entire line come to life. It’s a cascade of light, color and sound that builds with each falling piece. Watching each colorful piece topple creates a shared sense of play as you work together to set them up, trigger new cascades or reverse the flow, creating a collaborative and ever-changing experience.

“With installations like Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid, we’re creating opportunities for people to engage with Downtown,” said Renae Mauk, Vice President of Downtown Development at The Partnership. “By activating public spaces with shared experiences, we’re encouraging residents and visitors to explore, stay and connect — because moments like these can spark a sense of community.”

The installation is co-presented by Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) and Operation Downtown in partnership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is part of DMPA’s 2026 Hy-Vee Summer Arts Series.

Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid, a production of Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, is distributed by QDSinternational.

Learn more about DMPA’s 2026 Hy-Vee Summer Arts Series here.

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