Celebrate Love and Fun: 5 Can’t-Miss Events in Downtown DSM This Week

Love is in the air this week in Downtown Des Moines (DSM)! Whether you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at a Downtown Des Moines restaurant or looking to keep the celebration going, this week’s events promise plenty of fun and variety. From the soulful beats of live Latin music to discovering unique treasures at a local makers’ market and enjoying the vibrant energy of the Winter Blues Fest, there’s so much going on this week. Add in a weekend filled with home inspiration at the Home + Garden Show and you’ve got a lineup that’s as diverse as it is exciting. Get ready to celebrate love, community and creativity with a week of can’t-miss events in Downtown DSM!

Des Moines Home & Garden Show

Thursday, Feb. 13 – Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 | Iowa Events Center
The Des Moines Home + Garden Show is back at the Iowa Events Center this Thursday through Sunday, offering four days of home improvement inspiration! Explore more than 400 booths filled with products, services and ideas to elevate your space. From stunning displays to informative presentations by renowned local and international professionals, this vibrant marketplace has everything you need to spark your next project. Check out this Go-To Guide to prepare for the event! Whether you have a vision or just want to explore, this event is a must-visit for homeowners in Greater Des Moines!
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Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas

Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 | Various Locations Downtown Des Moines
Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable dining experience in Downtown DSM. From elegant multi-course dinners to cozy and romantic settings, these local Downtown restaurants are offering a variety of special menus and deals to help you make the day truly magical. Whether you’re planning an intimate date night or a fun outing with friends, choose Downtown Des Moines for Valentine’s Day as the perfect spot to indulge and celebrate love in all its forms.

• Aposto at The Scala House Valentine’s Day Dinner
• Ceviche Bar: Authentic Cuban Valentine’s Romantic Dinner
• Court Avenue Brewing Co.’s Romantic 4 Course Valentine’s Dinner
• Flora’s Valentine’s Day Dinner
• Harbinger Romantic Valentine’s Day Evening
• Mulberry Street Tavern St. Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe Dinner
• The Republic on Grand Valentine’s Dinner
• The Stuffed Olive’s Valentine’s 4 Course Dinner
• And just outside of Downtown DSM: Rollins Mansion’s Sway Into Love Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dance

Photo is courtesy of Mulberry Street Tavern, Surety Hotel.

Winter Blues Fest

Friday & Saturday, Feb. 14-15, 2025 | Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Warm up with two unforgettable nights of live music at the 30th Annual Winter Blues Fest in Downtown DSM! Taking place at the Downtown Marriott Hotel, this festival features 20 incredible acts under one roof, keeping you cozy inside while the music heats things up. The lineup includes blues legends like Duke Robillard, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Eden Brent, The Bel Airs and many more fan favorites. Don’t miss this celebration of soul-stirring tunes and electric performances!
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Attention music lovers! Don’t miss Valentine’s Day with Max Wellman this Friday at NOCE for an unforgettable evening of jazz.

Parranderos Latin Combo & Son Peruchos LIVE

Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 | Wooly’s
Get ready for an unforgettable night of rhythm and energy as Parranderos Latin Combo and Son Peruchos hit the stage at Wooly’s! Doors open at 9 p.m. and the show starts at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday for a celebration of Latin and soul music. Dance the night away to vibrant Salsa beats and feel the electric energy of these live performances. This 21+ event promises to bring the party, so grab your friends and join the fiesta at one of Downtown DSM’s favorite music venues!
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Des Moines Makers’ Market & Bar Hop

Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 | Big Grove Brewery
Get ready for a perfect mix of creativity, community and craft brews at the Des Moines Makers’ Market & Bar Hop! Explore 35 talented makers offering an array of handmade goods — from jewelry and woodworking to candles and original art. This event takes place at three fantastic Downtown DSM venues: Big Grove Brewery, Lua Brewery and Exile Brewing Co. Stroll around, savor the vibrant atmosphere and discover one-of-a-kind finds. This free-to-attend event is family-friendly. Grab your crew, support local artisans and enjoy a day of shopping, sipping and good vibes!
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For even more events happening this February in Downtown DSM, check out this list of Free Things to Do.

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.