Out to Lunch Returns to Downtown Des Moines This May
Seven weekly events feature local food vendors, live music and community spaces
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (April 14, 2026) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Out to Lunch series, presented by Principal Financial Group®, returns Wednesday, May 13, offering a midweek opportunity to step outside and enjoy local food, live entertainment and outdoor gathering spaces. The lunchtime series will take place on seven consecutive Wednesdays from May 13 through June 24 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Out to Lunch highlights local small businesses and entrepreneurs, including vendors participating in the Spark DSM Business Incubator program presented by Principal® Foundation. The series provides an opportunity to connect with customers in a high-visibility, Downtown setting while contributing to the vibrancy of the community.
“Out to Lunch brings energy to Downtown during the workweek, giving people a reason to connect and experience what our local businesses and artists have to offer,” said Molly Atkins, Community Engagement Specialist at The Partnership. “It’s an opportunity to support local food vendors, enjoy live music and be part of the Downtown community.”
The 2026 season will kick off May 13 at the Principal® campus on High Street from 7th to 9th Streets featuring Spark DSM vendors. Attendees who purchase from a Spark DSM vendor can show their receipt at the Principal booth to receive a limited-edition tote bag while supplies last.
Each event will feature a rotating lineup of local food vendors and live entertainment.
2026 Out to Lunch Schedule:
- May 13 | Principal, High Street from 7th to 9th Streets
- May 20 | EMC Insurance & Iowa State University Ivy College of Business, Cowles Commons (313 Walnut Street)
- May 27 | American Equity & City of Des Moines, 12th Street from Grand to Locust
- June 3 | Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, 12th Street from Grand to Locust
- June 10 | University of Iowa | Tippie College of Business, 12th Street from Grand to Locust
- June 17 | American Equity, 12th Street from Locust to Walnut
- June 24 | The Ruan Center, 7th Street from Grand to Locust
“Principal is proud to support moments that bring people together and strengthen our Downtown community,” said Jo Christine Miles, Director at Principal® Foundation and Community Relations. “Kicking off Out to Lunch at our campus is a great way to celebrate local businesses, enjoy time outdoors and open an annual series that brings people together week after week.”
View the full vendor lineup and event details at DSMpartnership.com.
Out to Lunch is presented by Principal®. Site sponsors include American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, the City of Des Moines, EMC Insurance Companies, Iowa State University Ivy College of Business, The Ruan Center, the University of Iowa | Tippie College of Business and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa.
About Downtown DSM, Inc.
Downtown DSM, Inc. is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking. The Downtown Events Group enhances the vibrancy of Downtown DSM through the creation, elevation and activation of arts, culture and humanities events and community placemaking. Learn more at downtowndsmusa.com.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.
Insurance products and plan administrative services provided through Principal Life Insurance Company®, a member of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.