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:

Join us for these upcoming events:

Wednesday, July 1st
Social & Learn – Tour Des Moines’ New Franklin Cownie City Hall

  • 5:30 – 6:00 tour with Connie Boesen (please arrive 15 minutes early)
  • Franklin Cownie City Administration Building
  • 1200 Locust Street, Des Moines
  • 6:15 – 7:00 social at The Walnut, 1417 Walnut St.

Please arrive 15 minutes early! Our tour of Franklin Cownie City Hall (1200 Locust St) will be from 5:30 to 6:00 pm on Wednesday, July 1st, with elected official Q&A to follow. After the tour we’ll gather for social time at The Walnut (1417 Walnut St) from 6:15 to 7:00. All DNA members welcome!

The event is free to all, but please help us plan by signing up here:

Tuesday, July 14th, 2026
Tuesday Together

  • 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
  • Ricochet, 400 Locust St, Des Moines

Join us for a relaxed gathering to connect with your neighbors and each other’s company. There’s no fee and no agenda—just a chance to meet new people and chat about what’s happening in our community. Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or a familiar face, everyone is welcome! Light appetizers will be provided with soft drinks and adult beverages available for purchase. 

Wednesday, May 6, 2026
DNA Board Meeting

  • 6:00 pm
  • Des Moines Public LibraryCentral, Large Study Room
  • 1000 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309

DNA Board Meetings are open for all members to attend, and will primarily be a time for the Board to conduct business. The agenda will be sent to members by email in advance of the meeting.

Saturday, October 3, 2026
Downtown End of Summer Block Party

  • 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
  • Hub Spot, 215 Water St, Des Moines, IA 50309

We’re running it back! Celebrate the end of summer with the Downtown Neighborhood Association at The Hub Spot! After the market wraps up, stick around for an afternoon of food trucks, drinks, live music, games, and community fun.

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 to come, along with vendor sign up.

Wednesday, January 21
DNA Annual Meeting

Join us for the DNA Annual Meeting! We will be voting for board members, reviewing the past year’s accomplishments and hearing from our guest speakers. Mayor Connie Boesen and Renae Mauk, Vice President of Downtown Development of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, will speak about current and upcoming economic development in downtown Des Moines.

Wednesday, August 5,2026
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.

Want to get involved in the downtown Des Moines community?