Get Out & Enjoy These Can’t-Miss Downtown DSM Events

Summer vibes are here in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Get out and enjoy these five can’t-miss events taking place this week Downtown — before you miss them!

Des Moines Con

Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2 | Iowa Events Center – Hy-Vee Hall
Meet the voices of the Hellaverse, the hosts of Blue’s Clues (including the ORIGINAL Steve!), the cast of the Power Rangers, and the voices of My Hero Academia and APEX Legends. Plus, you’ll have the chance to hear from a full line-up of actors and actresses, writers and authors, artists and illustrators, cosplayers and more.
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EMC Dam to DSM Half Marathon

Saturday, June 1 | Various Viewpoints in Downtown DSM
How loud can you cheer?! The excitement and energy are palpable as you root for the athletes competing in the EMC Dam to DSM half marathon. Runners will wind their way from the Saylorville Dam to Downtown DSM, with the finish line crossing the Des Moines River near the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. The post-party takes place at Cowles Commons, right near the Des Moines Civic Center.
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Iowa Craft Brew Festival

Saturday, June 1 | Water Works Park
More than 70 local craft breweries will share their latest and tried-and-true craft drinks with you including beer, cider, alternative beverages and N/A drinks, too! Live music and food trucks like Nina’s Tacos, Karam’s Grill, Hot off the Presses, Berkwood Farms and more will keep you fueled up and having fun.
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Photo Credit: Danny Carman for the Iowa Craft Brew Festival

Pre-PrideFest Activities

PrideFest officially takes place June 7-9, however there are several special events and activities taking place this week prior to the big event:

• Saturday, June 1: Pride Walk from the John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
• Saturday, June 1: Mr., Ms., Mx. & Teen Pride Pageant at The Garden
• Sunday, June 2: PrideFest Kickoff Drag Brunch at Tonic Court Ave.
• Monday, June 3 – Saturday, June 8: PrideFest Blood Drive at LifeServe

Free Yoga in Downtown DSM

Your body and your budget will love this! There are two opportunities for free yoga in Downtown DSM this week and (bonus!) these programs each continue for the next several months, too.

• Yoga in the Park at Gray’s Lake: Saturday, June 1, 9 – 10 a.m.; continues weekly, June – Sept.
• Yoga at Cowles Commons: Wednesday, June 5, 8 – 9 a.m.; continues monthly, June – Aug.

Hey! We think you might also be interested in a couple of other events taking place just outside of Downtown Des Moines this week! The Sizzle & Sip: Tequila in the Garden event is Friday, May 31 at Rollins Mansion, and the Greek Food Fair will be Saturday, June 1 at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George.

Also, here’s a list of five totally free things to do in Downtown Des Moines during June if you’re looking for even more to explore.

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.