Downtown DSM Will Be Hopping with These 5 Can’t-Miss Events

The coming week has the makings for one EPIC time in Downtown Des Moines (DSM)! A hopping book festival, shocking science experiments, Journey — yes, THE Journey! — and so much more. You won’t want to miss one second of the excitement happening soon in Downtown DSM with these five must-experience events.

DSM Book Festival

Saturday, March 25 | Capital Square
It’s finally here: The DSM Book Festival is bringing acclaimed authors, book club-style discussions led by featured commentators, hands-on activities, children’s programming, food, drink, live music and so much more. Check out these headlining authors:

• Chris Bohjalian, #1 New York Times bestselling author of 24 books including “The Flight Attendant,” the book which inspired the adaptation of an award-winning television series on HBO Max.
• NoViolet Bulawayo, author of “Glory” and “We Need New Names,” which was recognized with the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, the Pen/Hemingway Award and several more recognitions.
• Sequoia Nagamatsu is the author of the National Bestselling novel, “How High We Go in the Dark,” a New York Times Editors’ Choice, and the story collection, “Where We Go When All We Were is Gone.”
• Sarah Penner is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of “The Lost Apothecary” which has been translated into 40 languages worldwide and is being developed into a Fox television series.

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Mixology Night: Shocking Science

Friday, March 24 | Science Center of Iowa
TGIF! Grab a drink and join the fun at the Science Center’s adults-only event (must be age 21 or older). This month, learn how flowing electrons create power for many things around the globe. You’ll be able to safely experiment with electricity in muscles, music and magnets, too! It’s about to be a shockingly good time.
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What is Iowa’s Culture?

Saturday, March 25 | Gravitate Coworking Downtown
Presented by the Des Moines Lyceum, join Chris Kramer, Director of Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and Nu Hyunh of the Iowa Asian Alliance to delve into what makes Iowa's culture unique. Is it the food, music, art — even bicycling? Dig in further and discover why it matters.
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Journey Freedom Tour

Tuesday, March 28 | Wells Fargo Arena
The legendary rock band Journey and special guest Toto will take to the stage at the Iowa Events Center for a night you won’t want to miss and won’t soon forget! Jam to favorite songs like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Africa” and many more!
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Once Upon This Stage

Wednesday, March 29 | Hoyt Sherman Place
This tribute event recognizes some of the first artists to appear in the historic theater almost 100 years ago! Famed personalities of the day such as Grant Wood, Meredith Wilson, John Philip Sousa and Edna St. Vincent Millay will be lifted up through this variety-style show by local partners including Ballet Des Moines, B.Well, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Dance Vision, Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines Metro Concert Band, Des Moines Metro Opera, Des Moines Storytellers Project, Drake University MFA Students, Vox Infinitus and Alan Lampe. The show is co-produced by Des Moines Women’s Club and Hoyt Sherman Place.
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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.