Spring Into Action & Don’t Miss These 5 Downtown DSM Events

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is already blooming this season with exciting things to do! Spring into action and don’t miss these five events coming up this week in Downtown DSM, including Earth Day celebrations, sports, recreation, arts and culture (and lots more!).

Earth Day at the Botanical Garden

Saturday, April 22 | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
What better way to celebrate Earth Day than enjoying flowers, plants and water — both indoors and outdoors — at the Botanical Garden? Free admission allows visitors to participate in family-friendly activities and experience a brand-new mural to be unveiled onsite by local artist Marissa Hernandez in collaboration with several youth from Children’s Cancer Connection and the Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa.
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Hey, here’s another fun Earth Day event and egg scavenger hunt taking place at Water Works Park — plus four more FREE things to do as April comes to a close in Downtown DSM!

Iowa Barnstormers vs. Tulsa Oilers

Saturday, April 22 | Wells Fargo Arena
Iowa’s professional indoor football team is ready to play at The Well! This weekend, the Barnstormers take on Tulsa’s Indoor Football League team, the Oilers. So bring your local pride, wear your black, gold and red team colors, and get ready to cheer for some fast-paced football action!
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Mayor’s Annual Ride (MAR)

Saturday, April 22 | Starts at Principal Park
This 19-mile bike ride hosted by Des Moines Parks and Recreation will kick off just outside the I-Cubs stadium, navigating from Gray’s Lake to Easter Lake then returning to Principal Park. Event proceeds support the Fix-it Stations along the bike trails in Des Moines, and an after-party celebration will take place at Confluence Brewing Company including food trucks, live music and a free drink ticket for MAR participants.
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Grand Blue Mile

Tuesday, April 25 | Grand Avenue, Downtown DSM
All ages and abilities can join in on this one-mile race in Downtown DSM. Since 2010, more than 35,000 participants have competed — from Olympic medalists and American record holders looking for a competitive race to average Joes interested in a recreational or fun run. The Relays Wellness Challenge is an employer-based team competition where companies can offer participation to their employees as a teambuilding, health and wellness-centered activity. Not interested in running? No problem! The fun atmosphere and amazing athletes make for a great draw for spectators, as well.
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Ballet Des Moines presents SHE

Thursday, April 27 – Sunday, April 30 | Stoner Theater
This triple bill combines powerful beauty by emerging female voices including choreographers Shannon Alvis, Jennifer Archibald and Stephanie Martinez. The audience will be captivated by Ballet Des Moines dancers’ blend of artistry and athleticism through themes of belonging, identity and self-expression. Each of the performances will start with an onstage discussion facilitated by Oakridge Community’s Summer Youth Employment Program led by 10 notable female leaders from the DSM community in partnership with the Des Moines Business Record’s Fearless initiative. You won’t want to miss this!
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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.