These 5 Sweet Summertime Events Are Taking Place in Downtown Des Moines This Week

It’s sweet summertime in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), where there’s a festival taking place nearly every weekend, and can’t-miss sports action will leave you feeling exhilarated plus unique arts and culture events are popping up throughout the city. Here’s a look at five can’t-miss summery events coming up this week in Downtown DSM:

PrideFest

Friday, June 9 – Sunday, June 11 | Historic East Village & Throughout Downtown
The 44th annual Capital City PrideFest is here! Join in several festivities taking place throughout the weekend: 5k Pride Stride and Little Rainbow .5k fun run, the Ms. Mr. and Mx. pageant, parade (pet parade, too!) and the PrideFest zone with programming for families and pets, too! This years’ entertainment features Trixie Mattel, Sheila E. and Shangela, with special guests Leslie and the Lys, Haiku Hands and many more. (Pro Tip: Read more about the festivities here!)
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WWE Friday Night SmackDown

Friday, June 9 | Wells Fargo Arena at the Iowa Events Center
WWE fans won’t want to miss the action at the Well! Watch as Santos Escobar takes on Mustafa Ali plus Michlin vs. Bayley, Butch vs. Baron Corbin and Shotzi vs. Iyo Sky — and many more big names and special guests, including Iowa’s own Seth “Freakin” Rollins!
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Des Moines Metro Opera Gala

Saturday, June 10 | American Enterprise Group Headquarters
The Des Moines Metro Opera calls Indianola its home, but for one night this weekend you can enjoy the DMMO’s incredible talent to kick off its 51st season with an elegant evening in Downtown DSM! This can’t-miss event begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by dinner and a program featuring the Metro Opera’s Principal Artists. The night of fun will continue with an Afterglow Party including hosted bar, coffee and desserts.
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Ironman 70.3 Des Moines

Sunday, June 11 | Gray’s Lake & Other Downtown DSM Areas
Come cheer on hundreds of incredible triathlon athletes as they race to the finish line! The race starts with a 1.2-mile swim in Gray’s Lake, followed by a 56-mile bike course to West Des Moines and back to Downtown DSM, then a half marathon (that’s 13.1 miles!) throughout Downtown including near Principal Park, along the Principal Riverwalk, near the John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and finishing on Court Avenue. Following the athletes to cheer at different checkpoints along the course makes for a fun day for the whole family!
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Des Moines Latino Film Festival: LGBTQ Night

Wednesday, June 14 | State Historical Building of Iowa
This collab between Des Moines’ Latino Film Festival and Capital City Pride presents several short and feature LGBTQ-themed films for viewing. A reception from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. with food and drink, followed by the first films beginning at 5:30 p.m. A brief intermission will occur at 7:30 p.m., with a second round of films shortly after. Additional film screenings will be taking place throughout the region Tuesday through Saturday.
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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 June!

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.