Downtown Neighborhood Association

08/21/2026

Join Des Moines Parks and Recration in celebrating the completion of this distinctive park experience that celebrates Des Moines’ riverfront, bridge history, civic identity and investment in creative public spaces. Parking is available in the north lot of Principal Park with a short walk to the park for the dedication. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/events/1592600649210917

08/18/2026

Read the board's letter to the mayor and council in full.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RxlX98k8v7RmgZqG8Gst1QetqqZMx1_NKGG0r6VUORI/edit?usp=drivesdk

A neighborhood group is fighting a proposed Dutch Bros drive-thru downtown, citing concerns over urban density. See link below ⬇️

📸 Susan Stapleton/The Register

08/14/2026

Check out the full lineup of food and music planned for the World Food and Music Festival taking place in downtown Des Moines August 28-30 in Western Gateway Park!

Enjoy culinary culture from around the world at the premier taste and entertainment event in Greater Des Moines (DSM)!

08/13/2026

Thank you to all who participated with us in last night's Iowa State Fair Parade to promote Bike 2 Fair Park 4 Free! Visit the website for Ride On Des Moines to learn more about how you can ride your bike to the fair and where to park securely for FREE! https://www.rideondesmoines.com/ Photos by Jon Cahill.

08/11/2026

Take note of upcoming street closures for the Iowa State Fair Parade on Wednesday, August 12th. One of our favorite events of the year!

08/10/2026

It's Des Moines Restaurant Week! A great time to try a new place in the neighborhood or support your favorite downtown establishments.

Visit the post for more.

08/10/2026

08/09/2026

See a surfer and kayaker test out a whitewater recreation feature at Principal Point, one of ICON's six downtown Des Moines locations.

08/09/2026

Principal Point in Des Moines will serve as an access point in ICON's network, which aims to connect 150 miles of creeks and rivers in central Iowa.

08/07/2026

We invite you to ride with Ride On Des Moines and the Downtown Neighborhood Association in the Iowa State Fair Parade this Wednesday, August 12th! 🚲

Help us promote sustainable transportation and celebrate expanded bike parking at the Iowa State Fairgrounds as we showcase the Bike 2 Fair Park 4 Free campaign.

Participants receive:
• 🎟️ A free Iowa State Fair admission ticket
• 👕 A fun upcycled event T-shirt
• 🚴 A chance to ride the 1.5-mile parade route and be featured on Iowa PBS!

We're primarily looking for cyclists (kids welcome!), with a few walker spots available for banner holders.

🕡 Parade lineup begins around 5:45 p.m. for the 6:15 p.m. start.

👉 Sign up to ride with us here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQNfaxfZRIlwROQGaVkz0yMvSz6BfNQZPRsvvp71u6CHwcDQ/viewform