Can’t-Miss Events in Downtown Des Moines: July 5-11

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is in full-on summer mode. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events taking place this week, including Jazz in July, Family Skate Night at Brenton Skating Plaza and lots more. Trust us: You don’t want to miss out!

July First Friday: Live Music in the Village

Friday, July 5 | Historic East Village
Kick off the weekend with free music in the streets of the Historic East Village. Enjoy multiple live music acts and neighborhood-wide activities. Make a night of it with some shopping, a delicious dinner and cap it all off by enjoying the fun East Village bars and nightlife. First Fridays in the East Village is a monthly event, so make sure you plan ahead for upcoming Friday dates: Aug. 2, Sept. 6 and Oct. 4 for more free live music and fun.
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Family Skate Nights

Friday, July 5 | Brenton Skating Plaza
Iowa’s largest outdoor skating plaza has transformed into the ultimate roller rink this summer! Lace up your skates or rollerblades for an evening of family fun at Brenton Skating Plaza. For only $5 per person, you can skate the night away from 5 – 9 p.m. And don’t forget to bring your own skates or blades. Make lasting summer memories with friends, surprise the kiddos or bring the whole family to experience this riverside venue in a whole new way. With upbeat music and incredible city views, this is one event you won’t want to miss!
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Photo Credit: Des Moines Parks & Recreation

 

First Friday – Latino Arts & Culture

Friday, July 5 | Mainframe Studios
Celebrate Latino arts and culture at Mainframe Studios. Immerse yourself in five floors of artist studios and view exhibits by Miriam Alarcon Avila, Anthony Arroyo, Ashley Guzman and Linda Eclat. And you won’t want to miss Siricasso’s “smile now, cry later,” exhibition. Enjoy art, food trucks, piñatas, lowriders and engaging activities, coordinated and designed by artists Seso Marentes and Siricasso himself!
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Jazz in July

Tuesday, July 9 | Hoyt Sherman Place
The free concert series, Jazz in July, is back and bigger than ever this summer with four individual performance dates. The series kicks off on July 9, with the following schedule of performances:

• 5:15 p.m.: Valley Jazz Combo - outside on John & Penny Krantz Stage
• 6:30 p.m.: Big Fun - outside on EMC Plaza
• 8 p.m.: Max Wellman with The Nate Sparks Big Band - inside on Theater Stage

The jazz tunes continue with three more Jazz in July performance dates on July 16, 23 and 30. Mark your calendar so you don’t forget!
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Brantley Gilbert – Field Daze Music Series

Thursday, July 11 | Water Works Park
Here’s your chance to see Brantley Gilbert at Lauridsen Amphitheater within Water Works Park! Boasting back-to-back PLATINUM albums, Gilbert is a country rock singer and songwriter that has built his brand through his captivating lyrics and powerful, high-energy live shows. It’s sure to be an unforgettable outdoor concert experience!
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And we think you might also be interested in El Circo de Marionetas de la Esquina – a free marionette puppet show, taking place just outside of Downtown DSM. Multiple performance dates and locations are available. Enjoy all the excitement of the circus July 10 - 13 with this marionette puppet theatre experience!

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.