Historic Court District Adds 'Entertainment Zone' to Offer Enhanced Nightlife Experience

This Summer, visitors to Downtown Des Moines’ (DSM’s) Historic Court District will have another unique experience to enjoy. The Court Avenue ‘Entertainment Zone’ will be in place both weekend nights all summer through Saturday, September 4. Polk County, the City of Des Moines and partners including the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Historic Court District are behind the joint effort to provide a free, safe and fun atmosphere within the popular district on weekend nights from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.

As part of the revised entertainment plans, a four-block area of Court Avenue surrounding Third Street will be fenced off. Inside the Entertainment Zone, visitors will find live music including bands and DJ’s on select nights as well as food trucks. There is no fee to enter the enclosed zone however all visitors must be 21+ with a valid ID. Security screening is also in place to assure guests they are entering a safe environment.

Bar and restaurant owners are expressing satisfaction with the new Entertainment Zone concept after the initial weeks of operation. The zone allows for customers to take their drinks outside to enjoy the outdoor environment and entertainment. Owners have also reported an initial uptick in sales as a result of the new entertainment concept. Business owners site the additional entertainment options and safer environment as a reason for the increase in traffic.

Summer Entertainment Schedule

June 18/19

XPEDITION — TRIBUTE TO JOURNEY/ STYX
FREE FALLIN — TOM PETTY TRIBUTE

June 25/26

HIGHBANK BOYS — COUNTRY
BRIAN CONGDON — SING-ALONG

July 2/3

DJ — EMO/ 90’S STREET PARTY
DJ — OLD SCHOOL/ HIP HOP DANCE PARTY

July 9/10

SOME FRIENDS — REGGAE/SKA
JAKE SIMON — COUNTRY

July 16/17

40 OZ TO FREEDOM — SUBLIME TRIBUTE
SILENT DISCO — 3 DJ’S/ 3 CHANNELS/ 3 GENRES

July 23/24

CASEY MUESSIGMANN — COUNTRY
BS & THE LIARS — 90’S COVER

July 30/31

MARIGOLD & HASHPIPE — FOO FIGHTERS/ WEEZER TRIBUTES
ROLLING THUNDER — AC/DC TRIBUTE

August 6/7

PARTY IN THE SKY — LIVE DANCE PARTY
FAHRENHEIT — CLASSIC ROCK

August 13/14

NOT QUITE BROTHERS — PARTY BAND
KICK — TOP 40 & CLASSICS

August 20/21

515 BLOCK PARTY — EDM DANCE PARTY
515 BLOCK PARTY — EDM DANCE PARTY

August 27/28

SUSHI ROLL — HIGH ENERGY DANCE MUSIC
MATERIAL GIRL-FAME MONSTER — MADDONA/LADY GAGA TRIBUTES

September 3/4

PIANOPALOOZA — SING-ALONG DUELING PIANOS
STRUTTER —  TRIBUTE TO KISS

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options.