Brenton Skating Plaza Opening Weekend, Historic East Village Promenade Set for Nov. 16 - 17

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Nov. 5, 2018) – Brenton Skating Plaza, Downtown Des Moines’ (DSM’s) outdoor ice skating rink, opens for its 13th season on Friday, Nov. 16, in conjunction with the Historic East Village Holiday Promenade. The Holiday Promenade is the kickoff to the Holiday Season in Downtown DSM.

East Village Holiday Promenade Information

Friday night's activities begin at 5 p.m. and will feature free horse-drawn trolley rides, carolers strolling around the neighborhood, ice skating, plus live ice sculpting and tree lighting at Brenton Skating Plaza starting at 6 p.m. A fireworks display will cap the evening at 9 p.m. This year's Holiday Promenade event will go through Saturday, Nov. 17 with special activities at neighborhood shops and more time for family fun from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. East Village retailers’ hours may extend past 5 p.m. The Holiday Promenade is sponsored by MidAmerican Energy Company, Voya Financial, and Bankers Trust Company. Attendees are also encouraged to experience the Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, which takes place from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday in Capital Square.

Brenton Skating Plaza Information

Brenton Skating Plaza is located in the heart of Downtown DSM on the Principal Riverwalk at 520 Robert D. Ray Drive. It is open for the ice skating season from Nov. 16, 2018 – March of 2019. That evening, Brenton Skating Plaza will host its annual tree lighting at 6:05 pm and live ice sculpting at 6:30 p.m. Santa Claus will also be making an appearance. Opening night is sponsored by Kaldenberg Landscaping and Boesen the Florist.

“The kickoff to the holiday season in Downtown DSM isn’t complete without some ice skating with the skyline acting as a perfect backdrop,” said Brenton Skating Plaza Manager Robbin McClelland. “Help us break the ice on opening day on Nov. 16 and celebrate the beginning of the winter season at Brenton Skating Plaza.”

Brenton Skating Plaza Hours:

Monday through Thursday, Noon – 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, Noon – 11 p.m.
Sunday, Noon – 6 p.m.

Admission to Brenton Skating Plaza:

Adult: $8.50
Child/Senior  62+: $5.25
Skate Rental: $4.75
Admission is increased by $1 on holidays.

Parking is available in the lot behind the Armory Building, the Iowa Workforce Development lot, along the street on Robert D. Ray Drive and in the parking ramp at East Second Street and East Grand Avenue.

For more information about Brenton Skating Plaza, including information on holiday hours, expanded public skating during school break, daily events, birthday parties, programming and promotions, visit brentonplaza.com.

About Brenton Skating Plaza

Brenton Skating Plaza is open seven days a week including holidays from Nov. 16 – March 2019. Gifted by the Brenton Foundation, the facility is the first of its kind in the state of Iowa. Brenton Skating Plaza is located conveniently along The Principal Riverwalk. 2018 – 2019 season sponsors include UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, Mid-American Energy Company, Principal, Meredith Corporation and Kaldenberg’s PBS Landscaping and Lawncare. Brenton Skating Plaza is funded by Operation Downtown, the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department and the Riverfront Development Authority. The Greater Des Moines Partnership is a partner of Brenton Skating Plaza.