Your Weekly Downtown DSM Vibe Check: 5 Events Worth Going To

Get ready for another unforgettable week in Downtown Des Moines (DSM)! This week is packed with live music, local flavor and just the right amount of chaos (in a fun way)—from symphony nights to beer-fueled footraces. Whether you’re solo, with friends or corralling the kids, there’s something happening that’ll pull you off the couch and into the action. Here are five standout events happening May 16-22 that are worth showing up for. You’ll want to hit them all!

Des Moines Symphony Season Finale: Pines of Rome

Saturday, May 17, 2025 | Des Moines Civic Center
Ready to be whisked away to Rome — without leaving your seat? The Des Moines Symphony’s season finale is pulling out all the stops. It kicks off with Mendelssohn-Hensel’s bright and bubbly Overture in C Major, followed by the sunny vibes of the Italian Symphony. Piano phenom George Li takes the stage with Saint-Saëns’ sweeping Second Piano Concerto, and then — bam! — Respighi’s Pines of Rome blasts through the Civic Center with some serious brass fireworks. It’s grand, it’s emotional, it’s the perfect send-off to a spectacular season. Get your classy night out on.
LEARN MORE

Beer Mile DSM

Saturday, May 17, 2025 | SingleSpeed Brewing Co.
Let’s get one thing straight: this is not your average 5K. The Beer Mile at SingleSpeed Brewing is equal parts athletic challenge and party with your beer-loving besties. Chug a beer, run a lap. Repeat. Four beers, four laps — simple in theory, yet in reality it is chaotic in the best way. You can run solo if you’re feeling bold or grab three friends for a relay (and maybe a little moral support). Whether you’re here to race or just spectate and sip, it’s the perfect kickoff to summer and a guaranteed good time. Hydration = beer. Let’s go!
LEARN MORE

DSM Flea Market

Sunday, May 18, 2025 | Big Grove Brewery
If treasure hunting, vintage vibes and craft beer are your love languages, the DSM Flea at Big Grove is calling your name. This isn’t your average flea market — think curated vendors from all over Iowa bringing unique finds like vintage clothes, handmade art, quirky decor and more. Stroll the Crescent Room and spill out onto the sunny patio for food, drinks and unbeatable people-watching. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or find the perfect gift, this laid-back Sunday shop-and-sip setup is a vibe. Bonus: Big Grove’s food and beer game is always on point.
LEARN MORE

Summer Music Series: Liv McNair

Sunday, May 18, 2025 | Exile Brewing Company
Sunday scaries? Not when you’ve got Exile Brewing’s Summer Music Series. From 5–7:30 p.m., chill out with country artist Liv McNair, whose soulful sound is perfect for a golden-hour hang. Add in $4.50 pints all day long (yep, happy hour hits all Sunday long!) and you’ve got the ultimate way to wind down your weekend. The patio’s open, the drinks are cold and the tunes are vibey. Bring a few friends or just your chillest self — you won’t want to miss this breezy end-of-weekend tradition.
LEARN MORE

Out to Lunch

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | Principal, High Street from Seventh – Ninth
Out to Lunch kicks off its summer series this week! Grab your friends or coworkers and head downtown for live music from local artist Joshua Sinclair, plus a great lineup of food trucks. You’ll find everything from BBQ and tacos to ice cream, smoothies and gluten-free treats. Vendors include: Bake Girl Bake, Best Spudz, Big Acai Waukee, Brick & Ember Pizza Company, Gluten Free Steils, Hatchett BBQ, Home Sweet Cone Ice Cream, Jambo African Cuisine, Karam’s Grill, Naughtea, Sabores de Mexico, The Big Red Food Truck, Tikka Talk USA, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee of Ankeny, Tullpa, 24K Juice and Psycho Sweets. Don’t miss it — and be sure to catch Out to Lunch every Wednesday through June 25.
LEARN MORE

And don’t miss this can’t-miss May lineup of free (and fun!) things to do in Downtown DSM — it’s the perfect way to soak up the season without spending a dime.

And if you’re up for a little adventure just outside Downtown, there’s even more to explore: check out the Light Within Ourselves Haitian art exhibition at the Des Moines Art Center or catch live tunes and laid-back vibes at Jasper Winery’s Summer Concert Series. May is doing the most, and we’re not mad about it.

For this week’s events and more, find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For additional events and seasonal festivities coming up in Downtown DSM, visit the events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for even more things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.