Can’t-Miss Events in Downtown DSM the Week of Labor Day: Aug. 30 – Sept. 5

It’s the week of Labor Day in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) and there’s only a few weeks of summer left to enjoy! We’ve put together a list of can’t-miss events you need to add to your calendar, including a dance party for the Swifties, a watch party for the Iowa Hawkeyes season-opener, a brewery bike ride and more. Don’t let these last days of summer pass you by without enjoying some fun in Downtown DSM!

Taylor Fest

Friday, Aug. 30, 2024 | Wooly's
Calling all Des Moines Swifties! Taylor Fest is back in Downtown DSM at Wooly’s. Grab your Swiftie friends, bring your friendship bracelets and come dance the night away at a party for Swifties, by Swifties. Jam out to all of Taylor Swift’s top hits. Song requests are encouraged and welcomed. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. Must be 21 or older to attend.
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Hawkeye Football Watch Party

Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 | Big Grove
College football season is upon us and Big Grove is the Official Watch Party Headquarters of the Iowa Hawkeyes in Downtown DSM! The Hawks’ football season-opener against the Illinois State Redbirds kicks off at 11 a.m. and Big Grove is the place to catch the game. The Brewery is opening early at 10 a.m. for the pre-game and everything will be shown on their huge projector and all the TVs, with the sound on over the speakers. Sit outside on the patio or hand inside, your choice!
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Hey! We think you might also be interested in additional Downtown Des Moines sports bars and places to watch football – and, we’ve got you covered!

Des Moines Symphony Water Works Pops

Saturday, Aug. 31 – Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024 | Water Works Park
On Saturday, the Des Moines Symphony and Broadway star Michael Cavanaugh are bringing the music of Billy Joel to life at the Lauridsen Amphitheater, located within Water Works Park in Downtown DSM. Cavanaugh was handpicked by Billy Joel to star in Movin’ Out, the hit Broadway musical about the Piano Man and received both Tony and Grammy nominations for the role. Come back for more Symphony tunes on Sunday for the Dance Away With Me program featuring guest vocalists Scarlett Stratton and Ben Davis. Both events are free family-friendly performances you don’t want to miss! Bring your lawn chair or blanket to sit on, and enjoy!
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Capital City Pride Speaker Series: Jim Obergefell

Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 | Temple Theater
Capital City Pride is launching their 2024-2025 Speaker Series with a conversation with Jim Obergefell about his empowering journey and continued fight for equality for the LGBTQ+ community and civil rights for all. Obergefell will speak on his unique experience as the famous plaintiff in the Supreme Court Marriage Equality landmark case. The event is free, but you must have a ticket to get in – so be sure to reserve your spot.
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Pint Night Ride with Bike Iowa

Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 | SingleSpeed Brewing Co.
Grab your bike and your friends and meet at SingleSpeed for a relaxed ride through Downtown DSM to the Iowa Taproom (shown at top of page). Take a break and enjoy a beer, then jump back in the saddle to finish out the bike ride at your final destination back at SingleSpeed. You’ll want to stick around for live music by Luke Fox, a bite to eat and a cold beer. The ride is part of SingleSpeed’s Give Back Program and proceeds will be donated to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.
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And don’t miss starting your Labor Day weekend off right at the Downtown Farmers’ Market this Saturday from 7 a.m. - Noon in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines. Browse The Market for fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, handmade art, live music, vibrant entertainment and ready-to-eat prepared foods, 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.