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This Week in Downtown DSM: 5 Events You Should Know About

Five Things to Do

This week in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) offers a wide range of experiences, and we’re about to share five things we think you should know about. From bold and excitement-packed experiences to heartfelt, meaningful remembrances surrounding Martin Luther King Jr. Day, here’s a look at what’s taking place over the next week.

Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo

Friday, Jan. 12 – Saturday, Jan. 13 | Wells Fargo Arena
Here’s your chance for an action-packed rodeo experience in Downtown DSM. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. each night but come early for the “Down on the Dirt” pre-show beginning at 6 p.m. including pony rides, a cowboy meet-and-greet and the chance to take a seat in the bucking chutes on a real, live bull.
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World's Toughest Rodeo

Photo Credit: Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo

STOMP

Friday, Jan. 12 – Sunday, Jan. 14 | Des Moines Civic Center
You’re missing out if you haven’t experienced this bold, unforgettable performance! The eight-member percussion troupe uses everything but conventional instruments to create high energy, high impact rhythms. “See what all the noise is about!”
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Chow's Winter Classic Invitational

Friday, Jan. 11 – Sunday, Jan. 14 | Iowa Events Center
The 21st Annual Chow's Winter Classic will take place at Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center. New this year is women's and men's gymnastics competition. This is one of the most prestigious competitions in the nation with more than 1,200 gymnasts competing.
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Chow's Winter Classic Logo

Donate & Skate on MLK Jr. Day

Monday, Jan. 15 | Brenton Skating Plaza
Donate non-perishable food items or adult-sized socks to benefit the Central Iowa Shelter & Services in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Downtown DSM’s outdoor ice-skating rink and receive free admission and skate rental. All ages welcome.
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Ice Skating in Downtown Des Moines

You might also be interested in additional observances of MLK Day taking place on Monday, Jan. 15 just outside of Downtown DSM, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration with Dr. Ian Roberts at the Forest Avenue Library and the YMCA's 11th Annual Prayer Breakfast at Drake University’s Knapp Center.

Winter Wonderland Dinner

Thursday, Jan. 18 | Big Grove Brewery
The Nordic-inspired dinner menu will include a trio of canapes, venison carpaccio, a beet and apple dish, seared duck and a spiced sponge cake dessert. The flavors will be perfectly paired with dreamy, dark and rich beers carefully selected by Big Grove’s brewers.
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Winter Wonderland Dinner

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.