Downtown DSM is Bursting with Diverse Arts & Culture Events This Week

This week, Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is bursting with tons of opportunities for diverse arts and culture! Grab a friend or bring the whole family and make your way to Downtown DSM to experience these upcoming events — and hurry, before they’re over!

Art Week Des Moines

Friday, June 16 – Thursday, June 22 | Various DSM Locations
Don’t sleep on all the excitement surrounding Art Week around the region! Several Downtown DSM venues are participating. Look for the Craft Art Market taking place at Big Grove Brewery, open studios at Mainframe, an opening reception for the newest exhibit at Polk County Heritage Gallery, a new billboard displaying local art on Keo Way and lots more. (Pro Tip: Save the date for even more art just around the corner at the Des Moines Arts Festival® coming soon to Downtown DSM, taking place June 23-25.)
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Neighbor’s Day Celebration: Iowa Juneteenth Observance

Saturday, June 17 | Western Gateway Park
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration that commemorates the abolition of slavery in the U.S. From Noon to 8 p.m., join in this community-wide and family-friendly event taking place in Downtown DSM. You’ll find live music and entertainment, a children’s play area and kids’ activities, a storybook walk, prize raffles and incredible headlining authors in partnership with the Des Moines Public Library. And don’t miss other Downtown DSM businesses providing additional programming including a Juneteenth Comedy Jam at TeeHee’s and a themed painting class at Bottle & Bottega.
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Cajun Fest Boil & Brew

Saturday, June 17 | Cowles Commons
Saturday is about to be a ragin’, Cajun good time! Check out this all-day immersion into Southern food and culture: fill your tummy with crawfish, jambalaya, traditional gumbo, fresh beignets, hurricanes and slushies; try the spicy food and costume contests; and keep the fun going with dancing, bead throws, mask making and face painting. Adding to the festivities, enjoy live music from the NOLA Jazz Band, The Swampland Jewels and the Matt Woods Band. LEARN MORE

PUZZLEPALOOZA + Multicultural Food Truck

Wednesday, June 21 | Peace Tree Brewing Co.
All summer long, Peace Tree will have food trucks servicing the taproom! This week, try one of DSM’s newest food trucks, NesEmil YumYum. This food truck specializes in multicultural food with a modern touch. You’ll find kebabs, salads, wraps, seafood, sandwiches and more on the menu! Additionally, the Rook Room will be on-site for the PUZZLEPALOOZA jigsaw puzzle tournament. Grab a beer, snag a bite to eat and settle in for a full night of puzzle fun!
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Farmers’ Markets Around Downtown DSM

Hey! Don’t miss these farmers’ markets taking place this week (and every week!) around Downtown as well:

• Capitol Complex Farmers’ Market: Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. east of the Iowa State Capitol Center Street
• Community Farmers’ Market: Wednesdays, 4 – 6 p.m. at the Kathedral Church
• Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Market: Saturdays, 7 a.m. – Noon in the Historic Court District
• LSI Global Greens Farmers' Market: Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 3200 University Ave.

P.S. — Find a list of even more free events, things to do and other happenings taking place around Downtown DSM throughout the month of June.

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.