Welcome to the Des Moines
Downtown Neighborhood Association
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We exist to involve neighbors in a collective effort to enhance and celebrate the quality of residential life in downtown Des Moines.

Why should you join the DNA?

  • Enjoy exclusive member benefits and discounts.
  • Be part of a community that’s trying to make downtown Des Moines a great place to live, work and play.
  • Stay informed about issues that affect local residents.
  • Get your voice heard in order to make a real difference.
  • Socialize and network during events at your favorite downtown hotspots, while also supporting those businesses and organizations.

Join Us for These Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, January 29
DNA Annual Meeting

  • Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • 5:30 pm

Join us for the DNA Annual Meeting at the Surety Hotel! We will be voting for board members, reviewing the past year’s accomplishments and hearing from guest speaker Jesse Bunney, General Manager of LawMark Capital about the development at the Financial Center. And members in attendance will be eligible to win a $50 gift certificate to Mulberry Street Tavern, including a free night’s stay at the Surety Hotel, compliments of the Surety Hotel!

Please RSVP on Facebook to let us know how many to expect.

Wednesday, April 23
Downtown Social & Learn:
Festivals & Events in Downtown DSM

5:00 pm Happy Hour, 6:00 pm Panel Discussion
The Shop, 901 Cherry St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Mark your calendars! The Downtown Neighborhood Association is hosting our next Social + Learn event at The Shop, and you won’t want to miss it!

This time, we’re diving into Festivals & Events in Downtown DSM 🎶🍽️🎨 – what goes into planning them, their impact on our city, and how you can get involved! Come for the insights, stay for the connections! Enjoy a casual, interactive discussion while networking with neighbors and community leaders.

This is a free event, and all are welcome! Grab a drink, bring your questions, and let’s talk about what makes downtown DSM the place to be.

Wednesday, June 4
DNA Board Meeting

  • 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Des Moines Public Library – Central Library – Meeting Room #1
  • 1000 Grand Ave., Des Moines

Our regularly scheduled meeting, open for all to attend. Members will receive the agenda by email in advance of the meeting. It will also be posted on our Facebook page.

Tuesday, June 10th
DNA Tuesday Together

  • Centro
  • 5:30 to 8:00 pm

As always, this event is open to members and prospective members alike. Come unwind with neighbors and friends for great conversation and good vibes. No agenda and no cost to attend – just an opportunity to mingle, meet new folks, and chat about our community. DNA will provide some snacks. Drinks available for purchase.

Wednesday, August 6
Iowa State Fair Parade

  • 5:00 pm
  • West on Grand Ave. from the Iowa State Capitol to 15th St.

Join us as we show our Des Moines pride by carrying our DNA banner in the Iowa State Fair parade. If you’re a member and would like to walk in the parade, contact us for lineup time and location information.

Saturday, September 20
Downtown End of Summer Block Party

  • 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • Hub Spot, 215 Water St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Celebrate the end of summer with the Downtown Neighborhood Association at The Hub Spot!

We’re kicking things off during the Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market—use The Hub as your home base to relax, regroup, and mingle while you browse the market. Then stick around after the market wraps up for an afternoon of food trucks, drinks, live music, games, and community fun.

We’ll also be joined by the DSM Party Pod, a city pop-up packed with games, music, and activities to bring neighbors together. Learn more:
🔗 DSM Party Pod Info

Whether you’re downtown every day or just stopping by, all are welcome to join this celebration of summer and city life. Come hang out, meet your neighbors, and enjoy the best of downtown Des Moines!

More details about specific food, games, drinks and volunteer options available soon.

Saturday, June 29
DNA at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market

  • 7:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Downtown Des Moines, Court Ave., Des Moines
  • Learn More

Stop by our booth and learn more about how to engage in the community and what we’re doing to improve the quality of life in downtown Des Moines.

Tuesday, August 6
National Night Out

  • 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • EMC Downtown Park
  • 7th and Walnut, Des Moines

Join your neighbors and the Downtown Neighborhood Association for an evening of camaraderie in the heart of downtown. We’ll have live music by The Sheet; free food and beverages; basketball, bags and pickleball; and an opportunity to meet those responsible for public safety in downtown. You’re invited!

Want to get involved in the downtown Des Moines community?