5 Can’t Miss Events This Week: Love, Blues and Dinosaurs

Whether you’re looking for love stories or jamming to the blues, there’s a lot more in store this week in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Take a look at these five can’t-miss, must-do events coming up this week Downtown:

Winter Blues Fest

Friday, Feb. 10 – Saturday, Feb. 11 | Des Moines Marriott Downtown
The Central Iowa Blues Society has a top-notch lineup of 20 acts planned for this music festival taking place in Downtown DSM. Featuring Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Joanna Connor, Ana Popovic, Dig 3, Alastair Greene, Gerry Hundt One-Man Band and many, many more! Both single day tickets and two-day weekend pass options are available.
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Mixology Night: Paleontology Party

Friday, Feb. 10 | Science Center of Iowa
Bring some friends, snag a drink and check out hands-on science programs at this adults-only event! This month’s theme will highlight the Jurassic and Cretaceous eras, when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Admission is $20 (or $18 for SCI members), and the event is open to ages 21 and older.
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Jurassic Quest

Friday, Feb. 10 – Sunday, Feb. 12 | Iowa Events Center
Something BIG is coming to Downtown DSM! Bring the whole family to step back in time and walk among a herd of life-sized animatronic dinosaurs — including a massive, 50-foot-long Megalodon! Meet baby dinosaurs, catch a dinosaur ride, dig for fossils, jump on inflatables, enjoy the “Triceratots” soft play area and lots more.
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Red Flannel Run

Sunday, Feb. 11 | Downtown DSM
What started as a couple of guys who didn’t have dates on Valentine’s Day has now grown into a community-wide event of flannel-wearing runners raising awareness of the mission of the Wellmark YMCA: building community through healthy living, youth development and social responsibility. Embrace winter and choose between 5k and 10k race options.
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Des Moines Storytellers Project: Love

Tuesday, Feb. 14 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Spend your Valentine’s Day hearing stories about love (and maybe some heartache, too). The Des Moines Storytellers Project is a must-experience, whether it's your first time or your fifth! Each event is unique, and this month’s theme is all about love. Des Moines Register journalists help to curate the stories and coach the storytellers to share first-person narratives with engaging dialogue. The audience is sure to connect with their neighbors and notable community members as they take to the stage to share their tale.
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P.S. – Looking for more things to do surrounding Valentine’s Day in Downtown DSM? We’ve got you covered with these ideas for adults and for kids, too! And don't miss the interactive Valentine's Day pop-up events happening within the Greater Des Moines Partnership building (700 Locust St.) and Principal building (801 Grand Ave.), where downtown residents and workers can find written affirmations Monday, Feb. 13 through Friday, Feb. 17.

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.

_{Header image from YMCA of Greater Des Moines Instagram.}