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?
Join Us for These Upcoming Events:
Join us for these upcoming events:
Wednesday, July 1st
Social & Learn – Tour the New Des Moines City Hall with Mayor Connie Boesen
Please arrive 15 minutes early! Our tour of 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
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
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.
Wednesday, August 5,2026
Bike or Walk in the Iowa State Fair Parade
This year, we are partnering to promote sustainable transportation and celebrate the expanded bike parking at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. DNA participates in the Fair every year representing the downtown community.
The campaign — Bike2 Fair. Park4Free — promotes a healthy, no-cost way to travel to the Fair and safely lock up your bike right on the fairgrounds.
Our parade entry will feature a custom banner, free up cycled t-shirts from thrift shops featuring the campaign logo, and YOU on your bike demonstrating the joy of riding. Each parade participant will receive a free general admission ticket for use during the run of the fair, August 13-23. Cute kids on bikes are encouraged.
The 1.5 mile parade route rides downhill from the State Capitol to Grand Avenue west to 13th Street. We’ll be joined by marching bands, dance groups, tractors and lots of beauty queens. Thousands line the parade route every year. The parade is also broadcast on Iowa PBS — all your friends and family across the state will see you.
A limited number of walkers will be needed to hold the banners in the parade. We are primarily looking for cyclists.
Parade start time is 6:15pm, looking to get lined up 30 min prior.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Downtown End of Summer Block Party
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.
