5 Free Things to Do in Downtown Des Moines — July Edition

It’s the dog days of summer in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). As things are heating up this month, check out these super cool, 100% awesome, totally rad events you won’t want to miss. Oh, did we mention they’re free?

Free in July: Downtown DSM Festivals, Events + More

Free Patriotic Fireworks in Downtown DSM

Tuesday, July 3 – Wednesday, July 4 | Visible Throughout Downtown DSM
The eve of Independence Day, July 3, is Iowa’s largest one-day concert and a beloved DSM tradition: the Des Moines Symphony’s Yankee Doodle Pops! Enjoy a free evening of patriotic music followed by fireworks over the Downtown skyline! Then Wednesday, July 4, following the Iowa Cubs matchup against the Memphis Redbirds, more Downtown DSM fireworks will light up the sky. Fun Fact: Thirty minutes prior to the Iowa Cubs game, you can witness 30 candidates from 14 countries as they are sworn to become citizens of the U.S.!
YANKEE DOODLE POPS | IOWA CUBS BASEBALL

 

Photo Credit: Iowa Cubs photos are courtesy of the Iowa Cubs, Dylan Heuer and Ginnie Coleman.

First Friday at Mainframe

Friday, July 5 | Mainframe Studios
You’re invited to a community-wide celebration of Latino art and culture at this First Friday installment: July 5 from 5-8pm at Mainframe Studios. Experience art, food trucks, piñatas, lowriders and art activities thanks to lead artists Seso Marentes and Siricasso. Explore five floors of open artist studios at Mainframe, and view art on exhibit by Miriam Alarcon Avila, Anthony Arroyo, Ashley Guzman, Linda Eclat and a powerful exhibition, “smile now, cry later,” by Siricasso, too! 
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Free Farmers’ Markets Happening Around Downtown

You’ve just got to mark your calendar for these farmers’ markets taking place every week during July (and beyond!), at various neighborhoods located in and around Downtown DSM:

•  *Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Market: Saturdays, 7 a.m. – Noon, Historic Court District
• Heart of Des Moines Farmers' Market: Second Saturdays, 4 – 7 p.m. at 6th Street and Washington Avenue
• Global Greens International Market: Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 1907 Carpenter Ave.

(*Pro Tip: Look for the ever-changing Spark DSM minority-owned business vendors on rotation at the Downtown Farmers’ Market to try something new each week!)

Free Jazz in July Events

Tuesdays, July 9, July 16, July 23 & July 30 | Hoyt Sherman Place
This Downtown DSM venue will be transformed, both indoors and outdoors, for several evenings of free jazz music as part of the annual Jazz in July series. Taking place from 5:15 to 9:30 p.m. during each event, attendees can bring a blanket or lawn chair and find food and beverages available for purchase on-site.
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Free Stages at 80/35 Music Festival

Friday, July 12 – Saturday, July 13 | Water Works Park
Get your groove on at 80/35 in Downtown DSM, with several free stages each featuring a full lineup ready for you! Just a few of the many free artists taking the stage include Trimaster Monkey, The Stone Foxes, Tropa Magica, Foxy Shazam, Durry Lady Revel, Hendy and many more. You can also visit the on-site vintage and craft market, kids’ zone, nonprofit village, amazing food and drinks, too! New this year: Kite flying, a hammock forest and camping options are available!
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Photo Credit: Michael Cummings @macmedia121.

Looking for even more Downtown DSM adventures? Each week we publish a list of five events you just can’t miss coming soon to Downtown. Explore the recent stories posted on our blog to learn more.

Plan your visit to Downtown Des Moines (DSM) with these tips for parking and navigation and follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.