A Vibrant Arts Scene
Greater Des Moines boasts a vibrant arts scene and a collection of cultural events that invite you to explore their creative side. With so many ways to enjoy the arts, you might want to stay an extra day or two!
The Interrobang Film Festival made its debut at the Des Moines Arts Festival in 2008 as a way to celebrate creativity in the medium of film and video. The Festival combines a tradit onal film production competition with a public screening during the three-day event.
The music in Greater Des Moines celebrates local bands, while also bringing in headliners like The Flaming Lips, Bon Jovi and Keith Urban. A new music festival, 80/35, celebrates music, artists and fans. Making its debut in 2008, 80/35 is expected to continue to draw music fans for years to come. Blues on Grand is the city's best choice for blues acts and you can't go wrong with Blue Moon or Grand Piano Bistro, the city's newest dueling piano bars.
ArtStop, a celebration of local artwork, live music and dance, is a two-day open house of studios and shops in six Metro neighborhoods.
Several cultural festivals take place in Greater Des Moines throughout the year.
Festa Italiana, an annual Italian food festival, and CelebrAsian, an event that showcases history, food, performance artists, unites the Asian American communities in Iowa for this daylong event. The World Food Festival takes place in October and celebrates Iowa's unique and diverse culinary traditions.
Cultural expression and a commitment to the arts remains an important part of the city's vibrancy.
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Click here to enjoy the International Guide to Iowa!
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- Art Galleries
- Concerts / Theater
- Equestrian Centers
- Farmers' Markets
- Live Music / Night Life
- Museums
- Theater/Performing Arts
- Venues - Arenas
- Zoos/Gardens
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Art Galleries
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Elements, Ltd.
Elements, Ltd. is a designer jewelry and handmade gift gallery featuring the work of both local and national artists. The designer-goldsmiths on staff are glad to spend time with visitors explaining the various metals, stones and techniques used in the production of one-of-a-kind and limited-edition artwork.
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Isabel Bloom L.L.C
For more than 50 years the sculpture of Isabel Bloom has warmed the hearts and brightened the homes, gardens and offices of art loves and collectors. Please visit our studio showroom in Historic Valley Junction and experience our unique handcrafted sculpture.
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John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
In September 2009, the Des Moines Art Center and the City of Des Moines partnered to open a 4.4-acre sculpture park in the heart of Downtown Des Moines. It features 24 works of art donated to the museum by John and Mary Pappajohn from their renowned collection of contemporary sculpture, including a commission by artist Deborah Butterfield. For tour information, contact Jennifer Cooley at the Des Moines Art Center at (515) 277-4405. For event planning information, contact the City of Des Moines Information Center at (515) 237-1431.
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Equestrian Centers
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Jester Park Equestrian Center
Dedicated to providing horse enthusiasts the ideal area to pursue their passions. Guided trail riding (8 years and older), wagon and sleigh rides, year-round riding lessons, team building, camps, therapeutic riding, long- and short-term equestrian boarding, and indoor and outdoor arenas available for rent.
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Museums
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Bennett Schoolhouse
The Bennett School, circa 1926, is one of the last one-room schoolhouses standing in Polk County. Tours are available upon request. Contact the West Des Moines Historical Society at (515) 225-1286. Open the second Saturday, May-September from 1-4 p.m.
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Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center
The museum honors black soldiers of WWI and female soldiers of WWII. The 20,000 square foot building features artifacts, photographs and interactive exhibits, situated on a reverent five-acre park.
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Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
The Iowa Gold Star Museum displays artifacts and tells the story of Iowa veterans from the Mexican War of 1846 to the present day. It also has a reference library on military subjects and Iowa veterans. We are Iowa’s premier military veteran’s museum. Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. Closed holidays. Perfect two hour outing. No cost for admittance.
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Iowa Hall of Pride
Experience Iowa…like never before! Filled with dozens of hands-on interactive exhibits, the Iowa Hall of Pride tells the stories of Iowa’s communities and their heroes. It’s fun for kids, adults and families and a great venue for group meetings and events. All Iowa students, grades K-12, are admitted free.
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Iowa State Capitol
The 23-karat golden dome towering above the city is a favorite of sightseers. Four smaller domes flank the main dome. The Capitol houses the governor's offices, legislature and the old Supreme Court room. Guided tours are available. Call for tour times.
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Living History Farms
This 500-acre, open-air museum tells the story of Midwestern agriculture and rural life. Interpreters dressed in period costume recreate the daily routines of early Iowans. Visit the 1700 Ioway Indian Village, 1850 Pioneer Farm, 1875 Frontier Town, 1900 Horse-powered Farm and modern Exhibit Center.
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National Balloon Museum and U.S. National Ballooning Hall of Fame
Come experience the thrill and excitement about lighter than air flight. We have the new, the novel, the nostalgic and the historic information about all aspects of ballooning, including hot air, gas, smoke and airships.
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Salisbury House & Gardens
Salisbury House and Gardens, a 42-room mansion built in the 1920s, is filled with original art, rare books and antique furnishings from around the world. It is a beautiful, unique venue, well-equipped for meetings, receptions and other events.
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Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater
This dynamic 110,000 square-foot facility features six interactive learning areas, live programs and hands-on activities encouraging learning and fun for all ages. With three theaters, including the Blank IMAX Dome Theater, café and gift shop, there's always more to explore at SCI! Facility rental, group sales and catering are available.
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Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area
The story of American agriculture comes to life in this 37-county region in northeast Iowa. From dairy farms and museums to vineyards and tractor plants, join us for an agricultural experience you won't find anywhere else. An affiliated area of the National Park Service.
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State Historical Museum
Iowa's history lives on in this modern granite and glass structure at the foot of the State Capitol. Unique, permanent and temporary exhibits explore the people, places, events, and issues of Iowa's past. The museum features a genealogy and Iowa history library, museum store and an open atrium area under glass peaks. Café Baratta's serves homemade, seasonal, bistro fare.
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Terrace Hill
Terrace Hill, a National Historic Landmark and Iowa Governor's Residence, is among the best examples of American Victorian Second Empire architecture. Tours are available at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, March through December. Closed holidays.
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Theater/Performing Arts
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Ballet Des Moines
Ballet Des Moines, established in 2002, is re-establishing professional ballet in central Iowa. Our goals are to provide aspiring dancers with world-class training and opportunities once offered only in larger cities; and to bring world-class dance entertainment to audiences in Iowa and ultimately throughout the United States.
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Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines presents the best live professional theater direct from Broadway. Its President and CEO, Jeff Chelesvig, is a member of The Broadway League.
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Des Moines Playhouse
The Playhouse presents 12-14 musicals, comedies, dramas, and family shows each year. Recent productions include "Cats" and "Disney's High School Musical." Group prices available. Conveniently located on I-235. Also available: backstage tours and interactive workshops.
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Des Moines Symphony
The Des Moines Symphony is a not-for-profit, full-service professional orchestra formed in 1937 to enrich, educate and entertain the community. The Symphony Association includes the Symphony Academy of Music and its numerous education programs including four youth orchestras, the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra which performs seven pairs of Masterworks concerts, the traditional pops performance on New Year’s Eve, education and family concerts and other special events in its home at the Civic Center. The Des Moines Symphony also produces and performs the annual Yankee Doodle Pops concert in July on the grounds of the Iowa State Capitol, which last year attracted over 125,000, the largest single day attendance of any event in the state.
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StageWest @ Stoner Theatre
Eclectic. Urban. Theater. Des Moines' home for contemporary, Off-Broadway theater at the Civic Center's Stoner Theater. Join us on the edge! Tickets: In person at the Civic Center Ticket Office or Ticketmaster, 243-1888 or www.civiccenter.org.
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Temple for the Performing Arts, The
The Temple for Performing Arts is a Des Moines Embassy Club location and the perfect site for the 'Wedding of your Dreams,' business lunch or dinner for up to 350. On the fourth floor, the Grand Ballroom boasts 27-foot ceilings, lighting, staging and antique stained glass features. A bride's room and recital hall that can be used for ceremonies or presentations adjoins.
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Venues - Arenas
more info
Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines presents the best live professional theater direct from Broadway. Its President and CEO, Jeff Chelesvig, is a member of The Broadway League.
more info
Iowa Events Center
Hy-Vee Hall, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Wells Fargo Arena and Polk County Convention Complex (Plex) comprise the Iowa Events Center in Downtown Des Moines. These facilities are well suited for conventions, trade shows, sports and entertainment. The $217 million center provides more than 300,000 square feet of connected space. Designed for convenience and versatility, Hy-Vee Hall and Veterans Memorial Auditorium offer general session seating for 500 to 17,000, 17 break-out rooms and trade shows hosting up to 1,020.
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Polk County Convention Complex at Iowa Events Center
The Polk County Convention Complex (Plex) is located on the skywalk in the heart of downtown. The Plex is ideal for all types of conventions, meetings and trade shows, and is steps away from Hy-Vee Hall, hotels, restaurants, shopping, parking and entertainment. Offering flexibility, convenience and affordability, the upper level offers nearly 50,000 square feet of quality clear span exhibit space, 20,000 square feet of which can be divided into 10 separate meeting rooms. The lower level offers flexibility in creating up to 16 additional meeting rooms. Catering and convention services are available on site.
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Wells Fargo Arena at Iowa Events Center
Wells Fargo Arena is a world-class showcase for today’s top stars, big sports and your own unique events. It is home to the NBA D-League team, Iowa Energy and the Iowa Barnstormers Arena 1 Football team. Great for large motivational gatherings and concerts. Built to the highest standards of architectural excellence, the arena offers unobstructed sight lines, comfortable seating and outstanding amenities for up to 17,100 excited guests. With TV monitors throughout the concourses, no one will miss a minute of action on the arena floor.
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Zoos/Gardens
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Blank Park Zoo
The Blank Park Zoo is Iowa's Wildest Adventure! Experience the wonders of nature found in the tropical rainforests, Australian Outback and Africa. The zoo offers educational classes, tours and rental facilities.
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Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center
Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center is blooming with thousands of flowers. Private events and public meetings are held beneath the dome or in one of the Center's six meeting rooms or outdoor gardens. Catering service is available.
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Reiman Gardens
Reiman Gardens offers 14 acres of living beauty. It is open year-round with live exotic butterflies flying in their own wing, indoor tropical gardens and gift shop. Reiman Gardens strives to educate, enchant and inspire environmental stewardship through displays of living beauty. Return each season to see new gardens. Tours are welcome.
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