Music Fests, German Beer, Latin Food & Art: Just Another Week in Downtown DSM

This week in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), you’ll find a broad range of things to do. A massive, multi-stage music festival? Check. Street hockey? Check. A German-style beer hall? Check. A celebration of Latin food, drinks, art and music? You better believe it! If you’re thinking it’s about to be just another week in Downtown DSM, think again!

Here are five can’t-miss events taking place downtown over the next week:

First Friday: VIVE!

Friday, July 7 | Mainframe Studios
It’s another Friday of Open Studios at Mainframe, and this week is a celebration of all things Latin culture! Visitors will experience a variety of Latin-themed art, music and food with drinks available from the Tangerine Food Co. and Happy Home Coffee, food by Los Compadres Flaming Tacos and dessert from Pasteleria Raquel.
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80/35 Music Festival

Friday, July 7 – Saturday, July 8 | Western Gateway
Come on get groovin’ at 80/35 in Downtown DSM. This year’s headliners include The War on Drugs, Big Boi, Sudan Archives, Deerhoof, Ric Wilson, Gustaf, Cautious Clay, Blu DeTiger, Thumpasaurus, William Elliott Whitmore and tons more artists. Purchase single or two-day passes, or check out the free stages. Check out the on-site vintage and craft market, kids’ zone, nonprofit village, amazing local food trucks and several spin-off parties at off-site Downtown DSM businesses including TeeHee’s, Exile, VooDoo Lounge and more!
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Cemetery History Tours

Saturday, July 8 | Woodland Cemetery
Join cemetery historian, research and educator, Archie Cook, in a guided 1.5-mile walking tour of Woodland Cemetery. You’ll hear stories of people that formed the history of our city — through civil wars, world wars, epidemics, natural disasters and more. Many of the cemetery’s headstones bear the name of Downtown DSM streets named after historical influential leaders such as Fleur, Savery, Polk and Sherman. The tour costs $10 per person and spans 2.5 hours.
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Sharane Callister & The Feel Right Band

Sunday, July 9 | Lauridsen Amphitheater
Bike on over to Water Works Park for a free, family-friendly concert this Sunday! Music will be playing live from Sharane Callister & the Feel Right Band, with a mix of smooth Neo-Soul, pop and R&B tunes led by Callister, a finalist on Season 14 of “The Voice.” You’ll also have the chance to snag a craft or German-style beer from the Des Moines Biergarten, also located within the park.
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Iowa Wild Summer Block Party

Tuesday, July 11 | Outside the Science Center of Iowa
Hang out with the Iowa Wild: Summer-style! Play games, groove to some music, enjoy some tasty treats, try your hand at street hockey and snag a selfie with the Iowa Wild’s mascot, Crash! Admission to the block party is free.
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P.S. — Find a list of even more free events, things to do and other happenings taking place around Downtown DSM throughout the month of July.

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.