Get Out & Explore Downtown DSM at These 5 Can’t-Miss Things

The summer temperatures are sizzling in Downtown Des Moines (DSM)! Get out and explore these five can’t-miss events going on this week in Downtown. From an art exhibition featuring an array of Iowa artists, to a showtune sing-along with the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus, this week is full of events and activities you don’t want to miss!

Iowa Exhibited

Now – Thursday, August 15, 2024 | Polk County Heritage Gallery
Don’t miss the last week of the annual Iowa Exhibited juried art show at the Polk County Heritage Gallery. The exhibit features more than 60 pieces of art on display from Iowa artists, including “How did we get here?” by Maggie Douglas, awarded Best of Show. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Take advantage of your last chance to see these amazing works of art!
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Hey! We think you should also check out the Iowa Artists 2024: b. Robert Moore: In Loving Memory exhibition at Des Moines Art Center, which is running now through October 20, 2024 — just outside of Downtown DSM.

Squonk Opera’s Brouhaha

Friday, August 9, 2024 – Sunday, August 11, 2024 | Cowles Commons
Head to Cowles Commons this weekend to experience a new outdoor, participatory musical spectacle ‘Brouhaha’ performed by Squonk Opera, the center of the show is the Squonkcordion, an enormous musical instrument comprised of six large musical bellows mounted on the front of the stage. Audience members are invited to participate in the immersive experience by playing the foghorn organ at the peak of the performance!
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Civil War History Tour by Jeff Kluever

Saturday, August 10, 2024 | Woodland Cemetery
Learn the history of Iowa in the Civil War on this two-hour Civil War History-themed walking tour of Woodland Cemetery. The tour features 12 stops and highlights first-hand accounts of a few men who served in the Civil War and are buried in Woodland Cemetery. Cemetery Historian and author Jeff Kluever will lead the tour. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about our local community’s important history.
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Showtune Sundays with the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus

Sunday, August 11, 2024 | The Blazing Saddle
Don’t miss Showtune Sundays at the legendary Blazing Saddle in the Historic East Village, hosted by the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus. Gather to sing along to your fave showtunes and raise money for the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus in support of the nonprofit’s mission of singing music that matters. (Pro Tip: Plan ahead! Mark your calendar for the first Sunday of every month so you don’t miss a single Showtune Sundays with the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus!)
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You might also be interested in the Community Drum and Fire Dancing Circle event led by the Sabba Drummers — Friday, August 16, 2024 at the John R. Grubb YMCA, located just outside of Downtown DSM.

Ben Folds: Paper Airplane Request Tour + Special Guest Lindsey Kraft

Sunday, August 11, 2024 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Emmy-nominated singer, songwriter and composer, Ben Folds, brings genre-bending music to Downtown Des Moines on August 11. Folds has toured as a pop artist for the past three decades, while also performing with some of the best symphony orchestras in the world. Lindsey Kraft will open the show, performing theatrical pop songs. One dollar from every ticket sold will be donated to Ben Folds’ Charity, Keys for Kids, which provides funds and keyboards to existing nonprofits that provide free or affordable music lessons to interested school-age children.
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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.