Downtown Des Moines Blog - Greater Des Moines Partnership

Mission Cancer + Blood: From the Heart of Downtown Des Moines to a Statewide Cancer Care Network

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Greater Des Moines (DSM) is known for many things — insurance, economic development, being a top 10 U.S. city for Gen Z workers and more recently, as a hub for cancer care and expertise. For nearly 45 years, patients and families across Des Moines and Central Iowa have trusted Mission Cancer + Blood for their cancer care, and more than 300 oncologists, advanced practice providers (APPs), nurses, care teams and administrative professionals have chosen to practice in the communities they call home.

10 Reasons to Experience Downtown DSM This Winter

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Discover new ways to explore Downtown Des Moines (DSM) with our list of 10 things to do with family, friends or on your own. Whether it’s outdoors or in the warmth of a historical building, there is so many ways to spend your time in the city.

3 Ways to Spend Your Thanksgiving: Downtown DSM Edition

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This Thanksgiving, whether you’re away from home for the holiday or just looking for things to do to beat cabin fever — we’ve got you covered. Here’s a look at a few ways to spend your Thanksgiving Day in Downtown Des Moines (DSM).

4th Annual Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game Raises $41,000 for Two Local Charities

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Iowa Republican legislators and Iowa Democratic legislators faced off in the 4th Annual Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game that took place following the conclusion of the Iowa Cubs game. Hosted by the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Dentons Davis Brown Law Firm, the event proceeds benefited the Iowa Food Bank Association and Blue Star Mothers of Iowa and raised $41,000.

50 Seasons. 4 Generations. Our Tradition. One Market.

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This year marks a golden milestone for my family—50 seasons as proud vendors at Des Moines' Downtown Farmer's Market. What began in 1976 as a small, heartfelt endeavor by my grandparents, Lillian and James Thill, alongside my mom Brenda of Pleasantville, Iowa, Thill's Produce has grown into a four-generation tradition rooted in family, community and Iowa values.

The Woman Who Changed My Life with a Campus Tour: A Tribute from Scott Gojkovich

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

If you asked me to pinpoint the single reason why I left sunny San Diego, CA and moved halfway across the country to Des Moines, Iowa to attend Drake University — without hesitation, I’d tell you: Mary Robertson.

DMARC, Downtown Farmers’ Market Partnership Leads to 500,000 Meals Donated

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Vendors of the Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health have worked with the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) to distribute unsold food and products for the past 15 years. In 2024, a major milestone was crossed when this ‘Meals from the Market’ partnership celebrated more than 500,000 meals donated to the DMARC Food Pantry Network’s food pantry sites across Greater Des Moines (DSM). This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of market vendors and hundreds of volunteers.

Be a Changemaker: How Healthy Birth Day’s Annual Luncheon Improves Birth Outcomes for Moms and Babies

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The Changemakers Luncheon has become one of the most sought-after spring events in Greater Des Moines (DSM). As the Communications Director for Healthy Birth Day, Inc., host of the annual event, this has become one of my favorite days of the year.

Investing in Women: The Heart of the Glow Gala

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

As a board member for Dress for Success Des Moines, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power of investing in women. Every day, we see women stepping into their potential, finding confidence in their skills and taking bold steps toward economic independence. But none of this happens by chance — it takes a community willing to show up, to invest and to believe in the power of women. That’s exactly why I am excited to chair the first annual Glow Gala.

Celebrate Black History Month with Local DSM Events

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Whether you’re interested in ensuring your workplace has diversity certification or want to nominate a local business for their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts, February is the perfect time to begin thinking about how to honor and support Black business owners in the region. Greater Des Moines (DSM) will hold a variety of events in honor of Black History Month, including the 27th year of Iowa's Premier African American Festival, I'll Make Me a World in Iowa.