Support & Experience Hispanic & Latino Heritage in Downtown DSM

National Hispanic Heritage Month, also known as Latinx Month, has kicked off and we’re highlighting ways to engage with and support the Hispanic and Latinx community in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Held annually from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate the month-long recognition of Hispanic culture and honor the many contributions to our community: history, advocacy, vibrant art and music, food and so much more. Here are ways you can support and experience Latino heritage in Downtown DSM:

Support

Uplift the Hispanic and Latinx community by supporting, patronizing and choosing Hispanic- or Latinx-owned and operated businesses. Experience the amazing sounds of local Latino musicians. Take yourself on a tour of murals created by Latino artists in Downtown Des Moines, snap a photo and tag the artist on Instagram.

 

Artists

• Siriaco “Siricasso” Garcia — Local artist named to the Business Record 40 Under 40 who has painted more than 30 murals around Greater Des Moines (DSM), including a mural at Crème just outside of Downtown DSM, “Des Moines” mural on 6th Avenue near Downtown (pictured below) and worked with several artists on a community mural in the nearby Evelyn K. Davis Park. Coming soon, he’s on deck to work with Al Exito students on the new altar for the Des Moines Art Center’s Día de Los Muertos celebration, plus he’s planning another mural near Drake University. Shop his artistic merch available online and keep your eyes peeled for one of his upcoming paint and sip experiences.
• Marissa Hernandez — Drake grad, artist, muralist from Des Moines who has created murals near Downtown DSM at McKinley Elementary and Moulton Elementary Schools, as well as a vibrant mural at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. She’s also collaborated with Exile Brewing Co. and the Polk County Heritage Gallery in Downtown DSM, to namedrop just a few.
• Seso Marentes — Des Moines artist with a studio at Mainframe Studios, his murals can be found near Downtown DSM at East High School and at the Friendship Center. He was also honored at the 2024 Des Moines Arts Festival® as the recipient of the G. David Hurt Innovator in the Arts Award.

Music

• Son Peruchos — Musicians playing Andean and South American fusion folk music using traditional instruments and more modern Latin and Caribbean rhythms. Find them playing live during Latin Night held monthly at Noce (shown below). Mark your calendar for the next show: Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at 9 p.m.
• Grupo515 — Band known for their captivating performances and unique blend of Latin music styles. Keep your eyes peeled for their shows at Downtown DSM venues like 300 Craft & Rooftop and Ta’Chido Cantina.

Shop

• Anthony Arroyo – Mexican-American photographer from Des Moines. Several of his notable local clients include Downtown Farmers’ Market vendor Musa’s Lemonade, Hy-Vee, National Pork Board and Raygun. Take a peep at his curated gallery photography book, “A Home I Never Knew,” available for purchase online.
• Lunita’s Planners – Latina and woman-owned design and print studio business, specializing in creating the cutest stationary, planners, journals, stickers and more. Located at Mainframe Studios.

Experience

Immerse yourself in Hispanic and Latino culture and cuisine in Downtown DSM with local events and festivals, cultural restaurants and more.

Celebrate

• Central Library’s Día de Los Muertos Events — Sign up for several opportunities for Day of the Dead Crafting Events taking place during September and October 2024. Mark your calendar for the Día de Los Muertos celebration on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, and the “I Spy” scavenger hunt from Oct. 28 – Nov. 10, 2024.
• Latino Heritage Festival – Downtown DSM festival showcasing Hispanic and Latino culture through music, art, dance, food and more. highlight a few of the food vendors, musicians, etc. Held annually in September.

• Iowa Latino Restaurant Week – Taking place now through Sept. 21, 2024, embark on a culinary adventure by visiting the best local restaurants serving up Latin dishes with bold, authentic flavors.

Eat

If you missed your chance to take part in Iowa Latino Restaurant Week, no sweat! Check out these cultural restaurants and food spots in or near Downtown DSM to explore the tastes of Hispanic and Latinx cuisine:

• Ceviche Bar - Lively, vibrant restaurant in Historic East Village serving authentic Cuban cuisine.
• Jose’s Taco Truck – Both locally and family owned, Jose’s Taco Truck is where you can find some of the best Tacos Al Pastor around! Located just near Downtown Des Moines, this place serves up great flavor.
• La Tapatia Grocery – Like a grocery store in the middle of Mexico, La Tapatia just outside of Downtown DSM is the perfect spot to snag everything you need to cook up your fave authentic eats!

• Malo – Pan-Latin cuisine with a menu full of dishes with bright, rich flavors (shown above).
• Mexican Restaurant Los Laureles – Stop here for yummy traditional Mexican and Latin American dishes, located near Downtown Des Moines for more than 25 years.
• Paleteria La Michoacana – You’ve got to try these paletas from the Mexican state of Michoacana! This spot just outside of Downtown DSM is a go-to sweet treats, cold drinks (pictured below) and salty snack foods.

• Panka Peruvian - This Peruvian restaurant located just outside Downtown DSM in the Ingersoll neighborhood boasts a menu full of the rich tastes of Peru.
• Tacos El Chorypollo — Known for their Choripollo dish, which includes marinated chicken smothered in melted cheese along with chorizo, served with salad and also rice. Don’t forget to ask for salsa, too!

If you’re looking for more options, check out this list of more than 30 cultural restaurants in Downtown DSM. Plus, we’ve got guides for great places for tacos and margaritas around Downtown.

Find tips and tricks for Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation and more suggestions for restaurants to visit. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more happenings around Downtown DSM.