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Clear Your Calendar! These 5 Downtown DSM Events Are “Can’t-Miss!”

Five Things to Do

Summer is winding down, but the happenings in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) are heating up! Here’s a round-up of events you don’t want to miss this week in Downtown DSM. From live music at Wooly’s and Gray’s Station to Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Civic Center and more— clear your calendar this week for nothing but the fun stuff!

The Linda Lindas

Friday, Aug. 16, 2024 | Wooly’s
Don’t miss the Los Angeles all-girl pop punk band, The Linda Lindas, at Wooly’s in Downtown DSM this week! Half Asian and half Latinx, the teenage quartet is comprised of two sisters, a cousin and their close friend. Their music channels the vibe of original punk, power pop and new wave, with the catchy, cool songs sung by all four members — each lending her own energy and style to the music. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.
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The Linda Lindas

Downtown Farmers’ Market

Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024 | Historic Court District
Start your Saturday morning at the Downtown Farmers’ Market in the Historic Court District. The Market is held every Saturday, May through October, and supports farmers, growers and artisan food entrepreneurs from around the state of Iowa. Located in the heart of Downtown DSM, The Market provides fresh produce, meat, cheese, eggs, baked goods, plants, flowers and artisan packaged foods, handmade art, live music and entertainment and more, more, more! The Downtown Farmers’ Market is the perfect start to your Saturday morning.
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Downtown Farmers' Market

Damon Dotson at Local Bands, Brews and Bikes

Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024 | Water Works Park
Experience the upbeat and entertaining mix of originals and covers by Damon Dotson at Local Bands, Brews and Bikes! Ride your bike to this free event, grab a cold brew from the nearby Des Moines Biergarten (pictured above) and kick back while you listen to the music. Check out the list of upcoming featured bands including Jamey Johnson with Whitey Morgan, Mike Aceto Trio and more with this music series continuing through October.
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Damon Dotson

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024 – Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024 | Des Moines Civic Center
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is coming to the Des Moines Civic Center! Winner of 10 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, Baz Luhrmann’s iconic 2001 film is brought to life onstage with this new, extraordinary musical. Full of glitz, glam, romance and grandeur – you don’t want to miss your chance to see this show for yourself! Guests at the Wednesday, August 21 and the Thursday, August 29 performances are invited to stay for a post-show Q+A with members of the company after the show.
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Moulin Rouge

Summer Music Series: Brother Trucker

Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024 | Gray’s Station
Mark your calendar for this amazing, free outdoor music event featuring live music by Brother Truck from 5-7 p.m. Invite your friends and neighbors along and bring your chairs and blankets to get comfy for the live show. Big Red Food Truck will be serving up delicious food on-site, too!
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Gray's Station Concerts

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.

Greater Des Moines Partnership

DSM USA is the regional identifier for Greater Des Moines (DSM). DSM USA is a bold statement to the world: This is a welcoming, diverse and vibrant community with affordable and accessible amenities for residents and businesses. This regional identifier is the result of significant quantitative and qualitative research. The Partnership will champion the DSM USA message, and encourages its Investors, its more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and DSM USA Ambassadors to help share the region's story with One Voice.