DES MOINES, Iowa– The Des Moines Performing Arts kicked off another summer of providing free events for the community.

The first event is an art installation at Cowles Commons called Optik. There are 20 six-foot-tall gyroscopes, or spinning wheels, on display there. However, these gyroscopes are special because they reflect light and make music when audiences spin them.

Each of the gyroscopes makes its own unique sound, and when all 20 of them are going, Cowles Commons turns into a dance party.

“This was just a really cool way to bring people downtown, but to also get them out, get them moving. It’s a fun opportunity for adults and kids,” said Brooke Bridenstine, the program manager for the Des Moines Performing Arts.

Optik is the first free summer event that the Des Moines Performing Arts is bringing to the community. Their outdoor summer event series started during the pandemic, but they chose to continue to provide these activities because of how popular they are.

Optik wraps up on May 26th, but more activities are scheduled to start, including returning events at Cowles Commons, a circus performance, and a band concert.

Story time and dancing at Cowles Commons make a return this summer. Story time will take place on June 11th, July 9th, and August 13th at 10:30 a.m. Dancing at Cowles Commons takes place on June 21st, July 12th, and August 23rd at 10:30 a.m.

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus is coming to town from June 14th to June 17th at the following locations:

• Cowles Commons on June 14th at 10:30 a.m.
• Walker Johnston Park on June 15th at 10:30 a.m.
• Columbus Park in Des Moines on June 15th at 6:30 p.m.
• City Park in Norwalk on June 16th at 6:30 p.m.
• Polk City Town Square on June 17th at 6:30 p.m.

Finally, the Dupont Brass Band will be in Des Moines at the end of July at the following locations and times:

• Colby Park in Windsor Heights on July 21st at 6:30 p.m.
• Killinger Family Stage at Water Works Park on July 22nd at 6:30 p.m.

For more information on the Des Moines Performing Arts’ free outdoor summer events series, click here.