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:

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!

Wednesday, August 7
Iowa State Fair Parade

  • 6:15 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.

Wednesday, August 22
Downtown Social & Learn:
Trails, Parks & Waterways

5:00 pm Happy Hour, 6:00 pm Panel Discussion
Hub Spot, 215 Water St., Des Moines

Join us for an evening of socializing and learning from our esteemed guests as they share their wealth of experience about enhancing Des Moines parks, trails and waterways. Learn about plans for new parks, new county facilities such as Lauridsen Skate Park, and the future of ICON water trails. Our guests are Dr. Stephanie Oppel, Exec. Director of ICON Water Trails; Rich Leopold, Dir. Polk County Conservation; and Jenny Richmond, Des Moines Parks & Recreation.

Tuesday, November 19
DNA Tuesday Together

  • 5:30 – 7:00 pm
  • Buzzard Billy’s
  • 615 3rd St., Des Moines

We’re co-hosting Tuesday Together with the Downtown Chamber of Commerce again! As always, this event is open to members and prospective members alike. Come unwind with neighbors and friends – and local business leaders – together 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.

RSVP on Facebook so that we know how many to expect.

Wednesday, December 4
DNA Board Meeting

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

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.

Friday, December 6
DNA Outing: First Friday at Mainframe Studios

  • 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Mainframe Studios (meet in 2nd floor lobby by the elevators)
  • 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309

Just in time for the gift-giving season, join your neighbors and friends as we make our way through the nation’s largest creative nonprofit. Tour the dozens of studios and find that perfect gift from many artistic fields: fashion, game development, glassblowing, painting, ceramics, and more! DNA members will meet at 6:00 in the 2nd floor lobby near the elevators, and we’ll tour the building in small groups. If you arrive late, feel free to text Luke at 510-220-8883 and catch up with us.

Tuesday, December 10
DNA Holiday Party

  • 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
  • 665 Grand Ave., Ste. 100, Des Moines, IA 50309

Get ready to jingle and mingle! Join DNA at our holiday party — an evening of warm company, tasty libations and hearty snacks with friends and neighbors. Join us to celebrate community and our great neighborhood as we draw 2024 to a close. 

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

Wednesday, January 29
DNA Annual Meeting

  • Save the date!
  • Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • More details coming soon.

Come join us for our 2025 Annual Meeting! You will have the opportunity to socialize and meet your neighbors over appetizers and beverages. We will have a brief business meeting to ring in the new year, including:

  • A review the previous year of activity
  • An update on DNA’s plans for 2025
  • Vote in your 2025 Board of Directors

Want to get involved in the downtown Des Moines community?