Downtown Des Moines Festivals & Events
You’ll find one-of-a-kind events and vibrant festivals in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), making it a true destination for food, music, art and culture year-round. Find something unique to experience and fun things to do at a Downtown Des Moines event or festival. Whether its one of the big names drawing national and international headlining acts, or a hidden gem festival with Indie roots, you won’t want to miss all the best Downtown Des Moines festivals or events!
Downtown DSM Events
Awarded “outstanding event” by Travel Iowa and the Travel Federation of Iowa, the World Food & Music Festival brings international flavor to the Downtown DSM atmosphere every summer. With authentic cuisine and electric performance art, the event is a must-stop for all visitors and residents. Additional cultural festivals like the Latino Heritage Festival and CelebrAsian highlight global food, music and dancing amid a celebration of heritage. And the annual Des Moines Pride Fest draws 40,000 festivalgoers each year and 2024 marked its 45th annual celebration, taking place in Downtown Des Moines’ Historic East Village.
Whether it's to celebrate arts, culture, food or music, you can find events of all kinds throughout the calendar year:
Local Markets in Downtown Des Moines
Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market & Winter Market
Every Saturday from May through October, the Downtown Farmers' Market hosts hundreds of vendors from around Iowa to sell their fresh produce, handmade goods, Iowa-raised meat and more! As one of the top farmers' markets in the U.S., you're sure to find what you need. If you aren't around during the summer, no problem. Visit the Downtown Farmers' Market website to learn more about the Winter Farmers' Market, held annually over one Friday and one Saturday each November!
Chriskindlmarket Des Moines
Chriskindlmarket is a Christmas market that brings a bit of a 700-year-old European holiday tradition to Downtown DSM.
For more information about music and entertainment or other attractions, visit Things to Do in Downtown DSM or visit the events calendar.