More Can’t-Miss Events in Downtown DSM: Sept. 27 – Oct 3

Head to Downtown Des Moines (DSM) this week and dive into a lineup of can’t-miss events! We’ve put together a list of upcoming happenings to help you plan your week ahead. From a three-day celebration of anime, animation and cosplay at Animate! Des Moines to the 20th annual Oktoberfest complete with all the German food, beer and entertainment you could ask for. And don’t miss a hilarious night out with a comedy show, all about Moms Unhinged. Downtown DSM is the place you want to be this week for all the events you don’t want to miss!

Animate! & Nightmare Weekend Des Moines

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 27-29, 2024 | Iowa Events Center
Experience GalaxyCon’s three-day celebration of anime, animation, cosplay and so much more at Animate! Des Moines. Explore all things fandom, like cosplay wrestling, panels, Q&As, costume contests, video and tabletop gaming and entertainment. And don’t miss the hair-raising fright and fun with Nightmare Weekend Des Moines! Three days of terrifying celebrities, horrifying parties, spine-chilling vendors, eerie gaming and a cosplay contest straight out of your nightmares. A weekend full of fear and fun for everyone in Downtown DSM!
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20th Annual Des Moines Oktoberfest

Friday, Sept. 27 – Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 | Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park
Dust off your dirndl and lederhosen and raise your steins for Des Moines’ 20th edition of its famed Oktoberfest celebration! Indulge in authentic German cuisine, including bratwurst, schnitzel and sauerkraut, while sampling a variety of Bavarian beers. The vibrant fall festival brings together live music and polka, as well as exciting German games and competitions in the heart of Downtown DSM. Cheers! (Or, as the Germans say: Prost!)
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Des Moines Symphony Season Debut

Saturday, Sept. 28 – Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024 | Savery Hotel & Des Moines Civic Center
Celebrate the opening weekend of the Des Moines Symphony’s 87th season! Purchase tickets to enjoy a pre-concert celebration on Saturday evening, filled with live music, dinner and cocktails at the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by a gourmet dinner at 6 p.m. The unforgettable weekend continues with the Symphony’s Season Debut starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday or 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. The performance kicks off with Kevin Day’s Lightspeed, followed by renowned pianists Olga Kern playing Beethoven’s Emperor Piano Concerto. The night concludes with Bruckner’s magnificent Symphony No. 7. It is sure to be an extraordinary season!
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Moms Unhinged

Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Get ready for a night of laughter as Moms Unhinged takes on everything from motherhood and midlife crises to marriage, divorce, online dating and everything in between! This hilarious, clean(ish) comedy show has been selling out across the country and is coming to Downtown DSM this weekend. Invite your girlfriends, book club, neighborhood girls’ group, your mom, sister and even your aunt. Featuring comedians Andrea Marie, Jené Suplee, Lisa Lane and special headliner Nancy Norton, this standout comedy show is sure to provide the laughs you’re looking for and make it a truly fantastic girls’ night out!
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SOUTHBOUND: Allman Brothers Tribute

Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024 | Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park
Don’t miss the sounds and spirit of the Allman Brothers Band at Local Bands, Brews & Bikes as tribute group, Southbound, takes the stage. The six-member band performs with the sole purpose of recreating the dynamic guitar harmonies, jazz melodies and blues of the ABB we all know and love. Bike down to Water Works Park, grab a beer or two from the Des Moines Biergarten and settle in to enjoy the free live music. Check out the list of upcoming bands including The Heath Alan Band, Pullin’ Strings, Gladys Lite and more.
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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.