5 Can’t-Miss Events in Downtown DSM This Week: March 14-20

Spring break is here and Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is packed with exciting ways to make the most of it! Whether you’re staying local or visiting for the week, there’s no shortage of great events to keep you entertained. From a cocktail-fueled board game night to a legendary folk music performance, this week is all about good drinks, great music and even a little friendly board game competition. Celebrate Pi Day with a quirky mixology night, soak up the sounds of live jazz and, of course, get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with festive celebrations across Downtown DSM.

Looking for ways to make your spring break one to remember? Keep reading for five can’t-miss events happening in Downtown DSM this week!

St. Patrick’s Celebrations in Downtown DSM

Get ready to paint the town green! St. Patrick’s Day in Downtown Des Moines means festive celebrations, parades, live music and plenty of Irish cheer. Whether you’re looking to grab a pint at an Irish pub, catch some live entertainment or join in the city’s best St. Pat’s festivities, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate for days on end. Check out these event details below and get ready for a shamrockin’ good time!

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Des Moines St. Paddy’s Day Half Marathon, 5K & Marathon: 7:45 a.m. at Iowa State Capitol Building West Terrace
Pre-Paddy Party: 2 – 6 p.m. at The Shop DSM
The Official Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl: 4 – 11:59 p.m., Historic Court District with check-in at Hessen Haus

Sunday, March 16, 2025

St. Paddy’s Kegs N Eggs: 9 – 11 a.m. at Confluence Brewing Co.
St. Patrick’s Day Drag Brunch: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at The River Center

Monday, March 17, 2025 (St. Patrick’s Day)

St. Patrick’s Day at Exile: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Exile
Downtown Des Moines St. Patrick's Day Parade: Noon, traveling along Grand Ave.

If you’re looking for more places to celebrate with your green garb, Annie’s Irish Pub, Ricochet and Royal Mile are also great spots to soak up the St. Patrick’s Day energy in Downtown DSM!

 

Mixology Night: Celebrating Pi Day

Friday, March 14, 2025 | Science Center of Iowa
Math + Cocktails + Science = A can’t-miss Pi Day celebration! The Science Center of Iowa’s Mixology Night is turning 3.14 into a party filled with hands-on activities, puzzles and Pi-inspired snacks and drinks. Get creative with LEGO® engineering challenges, test your math skills in a Pi recitation contest and explore the wild and wonderful world of numbers in a fun, social setting. Whether you’re a math enthusiast, a science lover or just here for the quirky theme, math has never been so cool! This is a night at the Science Center you won’t want to miss! Note: You must be age 21+ to attend.
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Saxophonist Marvin Truoung, featuring NYC Drummer, Jerome Gillespie II

Saturday, March 15, 2025 | Noce
Jazz lovers, get ready! Marvin Truong is taking the stage at Noce for a one-night-only performance that’s bound to be unforgettable. A rising star in the jazz scene, Marvin blends the rich, soulful sounds of legends like Cannonball Adderley and Charlie Parker with a modern edge that’s all his own. This special show features NYC drummer Jerome Gillespie II and a talented lineup of musicians bringing high-energy, improvisational magic to Downtown DSM. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or just looking for a smooth, vibey night out, this is the perfect way to experience live music at its finest.
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Judy Collins

Sunday, March 16, 2025 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Folk music lovers, this one’s for you! Judy Collins, the iconic singer-songwriter with a voice as timeless as her music, is bringing her legendary sound to Hoyt Sherman Place this weekend. With a career spanning six decades, she’s known for curating incredible songs before they became hits — introducing the world to artists like Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Whether you’ve been a longtime fan or just love a night of beautifully crafted storytelling through music, this is a must-see show. Grab your tickets and experience the artistry of a true legend in an intimate, unforgettable setting!
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Cocktails & Cardboard

Thursday, March 20, 2025 | The New Northwestern Cocktail & Wine Bar
Looking for a fun way to mix up your Thursday night? Cocktails & Cardboard at The New Northwestern is the perfect blend of craft drinks and board game fun. Whether you’re planning date night or just catching up with friends after work, this event makes it easy to sit down and play something new. The Dealt Hand team will help you pick a game, set it up and walk you through the rules — meaning: there’s no need to spend half the night flipping through a rulebook! The game selection is always changing, so you’ll never run out of new challenges. Grab a cocktail, roll the dice and let the games begin!
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For even more events happening in Downtown DSM, check out this list of Free Things to Do in March, or to find St. Patrick's Day events around the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region, check out 20+ events celebrating the luckiest day of the year.

For this week’s events and more, find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For additional events and seasonal festivities coming up in Downtown DSM, visit the events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for even more things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.