You hit your favorite Avenue every Saturday night—but downtown Des Moines has so much to offer beyond a happening night scene. The Downtown Community Alliance (DCA) knows the city is thriving—they're the hot spot when it comes to information regarding shopping, events, food and more.
"Great states have great capital cities, and great capital cities have great downtowns," says Tim Leach, DCA vice president of economic development. Founded 27 years ago, the DCA hired architect Mario Gandelsonas to create a 20-year plan for enhancing the downtown area. Projects that have emerged from the plan include Brenton Skating Plaza, the East Village, Court Avenue, Principal Riverwalk, and Principal Park.
"I can't imagine living anywhere without having a safe, clean downtown. It's important that people can work, play, and even live down here," Leach says. Seventy-seven thousand people work in downtown Des Moines each day, but it's the play that draws even bigger crowds on nights and weekends.
"It's extremely important to have a group focusing just on downtown. The core of your city is the most important part," Leach says. Check out
DCA's website to find out all your city's core has to offer—including the next 20-year plan for a continuously thriving cultural, residential and recreational downtown. This plan focuses strongly on linking together all the different areas downtown for pedestrians, and continuing development of the "gateway" to downtown. Check out
their planning site to follow the progress.
Food
downtowndesmoines.com/im_hungry/im_hungry.php
At downtowndesmoines.com, Des Moines residents can plan a night out with ease. Hungry for Italian, American, or just a coffee-shop scone? Find those tasty treats and more. If you're in the mood for one-stop food and entertainment, they point you to new spots on the east side, like Grand Piano Bistro and The Underground.
Live Entertainment
downtowndesmoines.com/im_looking_for_something_to_do/performing_arts.php
The Alliance boasts 17 live performing arts options in the downtown area. Chill out with blues-y beats at Blues on Grand, grab coffee at Java Joe's before checking out off-Broadway shows at the Civic Center, or get sophisticated with the Des Moines Symphony.
Sports and Recreation
downtowndesmoines.com/im_looking_for_something_to_do/sports_and_recreation.php
Bring your Des Moines pride and watch Iowa's own athletic teams battle it out. Link to tickets for the Barnstormers (arena football), the Chops (major league hockey affiliate) or the Energy (NBA Development league).
For outdoor fun after the weather turns cold, Brenton Skating Plaza is the place to be. The Downtown Farmers' Market doesn't go away when the air gets chilly. For one weekend in November and another in December, vendors with all types of homemade and homegrown holiday goodies can be found inside Capital Square and outside at Nollen Plaza.
