This Week’s 5 Can’t-Miss Events in Downtown DSM: August 2-8

The week ahead is full of can’t-miss events in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Mark your calendar for Margaritaville Night at Principal Park, the 5k Beer Run at Confluence Brewing Co., Joss Stone at Hoyt Sherman Place and more. There’s always something to see and do in Downtown DSM!

August First Friday: Live Music in the Village

Friday, Aug. 2, 2024 | Historic East Village
Start your weekend with free music in the streets of Historic East Village. Enjoy multiple live music acts and neighborhood-wide activities. Make the most of the night out with shopping, a delicious dinner, then cap it all off by enjoying the fun bars and nightlife in the area. First Fridays in the East Village is a monthly event, so make sure you have upcoming dates marked on your calendar Friday, Sept. 6, 2024 and Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 for more free live music and fun.
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Margaritaville Night

Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024 | Principal Park
Kick back and relax at the ball fields with Margaritaville Night at Principal Park! Grab your sunscreen, your ticket to the game and a drink (an umbrella for your drink is optional!) and cheer on the Iowa Cubs this Saturday at 6:05 p.m.! Tailgating will take place before the game and the first one thousand people through the gate will receive a free Hawaiian shirt. Enjoy Jimmy Buffett music throughout the game, giveaways, special concession offerings and more!
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Hey! If you like margarita drinks, be sure to read our Guide to the Best Margaritas in Downtown Des Moines!

5k Beer Fun Run

Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024 | Confluence Brewing Co.
Grab your running shoes and get ready for a 5k fun run around Gray’s Lake, followed by a locally made craft beer on the patio at Confluence Brewing Co. Runners, walkers and joggers of all levels are welcome — no time clock, no pressure. This beer fun run is part of the 2024 Iowa Brewery Running Series and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to local nonprofits. There’s nothing better than being active, drinking beer and supporting your Downtown DSM community.
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Joss Stone with Special Guest Nik West

Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Grammy and Brit award-winning artist, Joss Stone, takes the stage at Hoyt Sherman Place at 8 p.m. The soul, R&B and blues singer-songwriter is known for her vocal range and barefoot performances. Joss released her debut album The Soul Sessions in 2003 at the age of 16 and has released nine studio albums total, selling over 15 million copies nationwide. Joss’s performance at Hoyt Sherman is the next stop on her Ellipsis Tour and features special guest bassist, singer and songwriter, Nik West.
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Don’t miss the Iowa State Fair Parade on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2024 starting at 6:15 p.m. The perfect kick-off to Iowa’s largest summer celebration, the Iowa State Fair.

Music in the Garden: The Feel Right + Dance in the Garden: West Coast Swing

Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Experience an evening of dancing and great music at the Botanical Garden. Start the evening out at 5:30 p.m. following the instructions from Des Moines Ballroom and Mambo Soul Dance Company in a range of dance styles, including swing, salsa and more. Beginners and seasoned dancers are welcome for a night of unforgettable dance classes. Starting at 6 p.m., enjoy the blended sounds of neo-soul, pop, R&B and jazz, as The Feel Right take the stage. Led by The Voice Season 14 finalist, Sharane Calister, this is a performance you don’t want to miss! Delight in the experience of the lush gardens, live music, family and friends, food and drinks, and fun summer vibes.

And if you just can’t wait until Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 to hear the talented musicians of The Feel Right, find them at the Downtown Farmers’ Market on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024.
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We also think you’ll enjoy Summer City Hoops, taking place just outside of Downtown Des Moines every Thursday this month, including Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. Enjoy the summer weather on the new basketball courts at Evelyn K. Davis Park.

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.