Downtown Des Moines Blog - Greater Des Moines Partnership

5 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Downtown DSM This Week: Oct. 2-8

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

October is here, and Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is starting the month off with a bang. Spend an evening where science and culture come together, explore five floors of local art or squeeze in one last celebration of summer before saying goodbye to the season for good. Halloween is already creeping into the city with spooky food, drinks and decor, while another weekend event pairs brunch with live entertainment and a few mimosas. Whether you’re looking for something to do with the whole family, planning a night out with friends or simply ready to see what a new month brings, there are all kinds of ways to spend your week in the heart of the city. Here are five can’t-miss things to do in Downtown DSM Friday, Oct. 2 - Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.

What to Do in Downtown DSM This Week: Sept. 25 – Oct. 1

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

September is wrapping up and October is moving in, bringing a new mix of things to see, hear, taste and experience in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Celebrate the weekend with food, music and cultural traditions, raise a stein to Oktoberfest or settle into your seat for the start of a new Symphony season. If you’re ready to get a jump on Halloween, one of Downtown DSM’s spookiest attractions is opening its doors, while the first day of October brings the return of a larger-than-life show after more than a decade away. Whether you’re making weekend plans or looking ahead to later in the week, there’s a lot happening in the heart of the city. Here are five can’t-miss things to do in Downtown DSM Friday, Sept. 25 – Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

5 Can't-Miss Things to Do in Downtown DSM This Week: Sept. 18-24

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Fall officially arrives this week and Downtown Des Moines (DSM) has a full lineup of ways to welcome the new season. Sip and stroll your way through an evening out, celebrate Oktoberfest traditions or slow down and take in some of the first signs of fall. If you’d rather keep moving, there’s an adults-only night on wheels, while one of comedy’s biggest touring acts is bringing the laughs to Hoyt Sherman Place. Whether you’re planning a date night, gathering a group of friends or simply looking for something different to add to your week, there’s a lot happening in the heart of the city. Here are five can’t-miss things to do in Downtown DSM Friday, Sept. 18 – Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026.

What’s Happening in Downtown DSM This Week: Sept. 11-17

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

There’s a lot to geek out about in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) this week, whether your thing is pop culture, football, local history or finding a little time to unwind. Spend the weekend surrounded by fellow fans, pick a side for one of Iowa’s biggest sports rivalries or dig into stories from Downtown DSM’s past. You can also celebrate a major milestone with music and family activities or slow things down with an evening surrounded by greenery. Whatever sounds like your kind of fun, there’s a reason to head downtown this week. Here are five can’t-miss things happening in Downtown DSM Friday, Sept. 11 – Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026.

Free Things to Do in Downtown Des Moines: September Edition

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

_{Photo Credit: ©Isenberger Photography}

What to Do in Downtown DSM This Week: Sept. 4-10

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

September is starting on a high note in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), with a long weekend and a new lineup of events to add to your plans this week. Catch a Broadway favorite on stage, spend an evening skating beneath the city skyline or settle in for live music ranging from local bands to full symphonic performances. There’s even a chance to put your card-playing skills to the test with a little friendly competition. Whether you’re making Labor Day weekend plans or looking for something to do later in the week, Downtown DSM has lots going on. Here are five can’t-miss things to do Friday, Sept. 4 – Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026.

5 Can’t-Miss Things Happening in Downtown DSM This Week: Aug. 21-27

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

There’s no slowing down in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) as August heads toward its final stretch. This week brings outdoor entertainment, live music, family-friendly fun and plenty of reasons to make plans in the heart of the city. Spend an evening watching a movie under the sky, catch live music along the riverfront or gather some friends for a night out. You can even make an entire Saturday of exploring Downtown DSM from morning into the afternoon. However you want to spend the week, here are five can’t-miss things happening in Downtown DSM Friday, Aug. 21 – Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026.

What’s New in Downtown DSM: August 2026

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

From new businesses and community amenities to development updates and neighborhood improvements, there’s always something happening in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Each month, we’ll round up some of the latest openings, announcements and projects shaping the heart of DSM. Here’s what’s new in Downtown DSM for August 2026.

Downtown DSM Events You Won’t Want to Miss: Aug. 14-20

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

There’s plenty happening in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) as August rolls along, with another week full of reasons to spend some time in the heart of the city. Catch a game, discover something new about downtown, bring the kids along for a morning outing or meet up with friends for an evening of music and friendly competition. This week’s lineup mixes longtime favorites with laid-back experiences that make it easy to fill your calendar without venturing far. Whether you have an entire afternoon to explore or just a couple of hours after work, here are five can’t-miss things to do in Downtown DSM Friday, Aug. 14 – Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026.

Downtown DSM Events You Won’t Want to Miss: Aug. 7-13

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

August keeps the momentum going in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) with another week full of opportunities to explore, connect and try something new. Whether you’re in the mood to browse local art, dive into thought-provoking conversations, get moving outdoors or simply unwind with friends, Downtown has plenty happening throughout the week. This week’s lineup includes creative experiences, family-friendly activities, unique ways to spend an evening and events that bring the community together in some of Downtown DSM’s favorite gathering places. Here are five can’t-miss things to do in Downtown DSM during Aug. 7-13.