10 Bigtime Events Coming to Downtown DSM This Week

A whopping number of bigtime events are coming to Downtown Des Moines (DSM) this week! From beer festivals to half-marathon races and Broadway shows — you won’t want to miss the excitement. Here’s 10 can’t-miss things to do happening in Downtown DSM during June 2-8:

Iowa Craft Brew Festival

Saturday, June 3 | Water Works Park
For the 13th year, come sample craft beer and cider from around the state of Iowa, enjoy live music, tasty food trucks and lots more!
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CarpFEST

Saturday, June 3 | Gray’s Lake
This free fishing contest is a great outing for the whole family in Downtown DSM! All ages are welcome, and no fishing license is required to participate. Bait, gear and instructions will be on-hand as well, and prizes will be awarded for the longest fish in several categories.
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EMC Dam to DSM

Saturday, June 3 | Downtown DSM
Come cheer on half-marathon runners (that’s 13.1 miles!) as they journey from Saylorville Lake to the finish line in Downtown DSM! Grab yourself a coffee from a nearby Downtown DSM coffee shop, or pop over to the Downtown Farmers’ Market following the race for a bite to eat.
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Des Moines Con

Saturday, June 3 – Sunday, June 4 | Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center
This event is a celebration of comics, toys, film, TV, art, cosplay, games and even more things that are totally nerdy! If you're a fan of Batman, Marvel, Star Wars, LEGO, Disney, Star Trek, My Hero Academia, Power Rangers and the like, you won’t want to miss this event with celebrity appearances, too!
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Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game

Sunday, June 4 | Principal Park
Take me out to the ballgame! Both Iowa Democratic and Republican legislators will face off in a slow-pitch softball game, with event proceeds benefiting the Puppy Jake Foundation and Iowa Food Bank Association. The softball game will follow a regular season Iowa Cubs game, and tickets provide access to both matchups.
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The Nice-Tri: A Triathlon for Everyone

Sunday, June 4 | Water Works Park
Anyone can participate! This ability-inclusive triathlon welcomes all participants to enjoy and success regardless of their fitness, motivation or mobility. Participants can complete the following (if they feel like it!): a 1/3-mile lap, a 50-yard pond float and a 1/4-mile ride on anything with wheels. Come for the fun time, stay for the live music and prizes!
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Dear Evan Hansen

Tuesday, June 6 – Sunday, June 11 | Des Moines Civic Center
This deeply personal musical tells a story about life and the way we live it. The show has won six Tony® awards including Best Musical and a Grammy® award for Best Musical Theater Album.
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dsm Inclusion

Thursday, June 8 | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Des Moines Business Publications will host this third-annual event to celebrate and foster an inclusive community in support of diverse cultural offerings. The event will feature an interactive talk-show-style panel and reception with food and drink.
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Zenith Chamber Music Festival

Thursday, June 8 | Water Works Park
The concert series produced by Drake University will make a stop at the Killinger Family Stage at Water Works Park, bringing together the smooth sounds of Damani Phillip’s Jazz Quartet. Additional concerts take place Tuesday through Saturday this weekend at various locations around Des Moines.
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Cages or Wings: Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Thursday, June 8 – Saturday, June 10 | Temple Theater
This exhilarating and empowering vocal performance by the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus will leave you feeling encouraged to spread your wings and celebrate the power of individuality and diversity.
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P.S. — Find a list of free things to do, events and happenings taking place around Downtown DSM throughout the month of May and during June, too!

For these upcoming events and more, find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For additional upcoming events, visit the Downtown DSM events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.