Explore Des Moines
Des Moines Local Guides
Find an outing that interests you, then use these guides to plan the details.
Local guide
Best Breweries in Des Moines: Craft Beer, Taprooms & Local Hangouts
Discover Des Moines craft breweries with taprooms, fresh beer, and local food. Your guide to Exile, Big Grove, Lua, and Confluence—hours, menus, and more.
Local guide
Capital City PrideFest Des Moines: Events, Entertainment & Festival Guide
Capital City PrideFest returns to Des Moines Historic East Village June 11–13, 2027. Free festival with music, arts and community celebrations.
Local guide
Des Moines Art Center: Current Exhibitions, Events & Visitor Guide
Plan your free visit to the Des Moines Art Center. Current exhibitions through January 2027, hours, sculpture park details, and what to expect.
Local guide
Des Moines Arts Festival: Your Guide to Western Gateway Park
Plan your visit to the Des Moines Arts Festival at Western Gateway Park, June 25–27, 2027. Free admission, art shopping, live music, and more.
Local guide
Des Moines Broadway Shows: Upcoming Musicals, Theater & Tickets
Explore Des Moines Broadway shows at the Civic Center, with confirmed 2026–27 musical dates, seating guidance, accessibility resources and ticket links.
Local guide
Des Moines Concert Calendar: Upcoming Shows, Artists & Tickets
Explore concerts in Des Moines, IA, with upcoming shows, venue guides and ticket links. Compare arena, theater and club settings before choosing a show.
Local guide
Des Moines Events Calendar: Concerts, Festivals & Things to Do
Explore Des Moines events, from concerts and Broadway shows to sports and festivals. Find upcoming dates, venue guides and tips for planning your visit.
Local guide
Des Moines Events Today: Family Activities, Entertainment & More
Find Des Moines events today and plan a family outing with current ticketed listings, museum hours, outdoor art and tips for checking age guidance.
Local guide
Des Moines Food Festivals: Where to Find Great Food & Live Entertainment
Your guide to Des Moines food festivals—from World Food & Music Festival to Iowa State Fair eats and downtown markets. Plan your culinary adventure.
Local guide
Des Moines Holiday Events: Christmas Lights, Shows & Festive Fun
Discover Des Moines holiday events, from the Botanical Garden's illuminated Dome for the Holidays to Broadway shows at the Civic Center and year-round museums.
Local guide
Des Moines Running Events: Upcoming 5Ks, 10Ks, Half Marathons & Races
Explore Des Moines running events in 2027, including Drake Road Races and the IMT Marathon weekend. Compare distances, registration and participant resources.
Local guide
Des Moines Summer Festivals: Music, Food & Outdoor Events
Your complete guide to Des Moines summer festivals in 2027, from the Arts Festival and PrideFest to the Iowa State Fair and Hinterland Music Festival.
Local guide
Winter Events in Des Moines: Holiday Fun, Concerts & Indoor Activities
Your guide to Des Moines winter events: indoor concerts, Broadway shows, hockey nights, free museums and festive holiday lights to warm the coldest months.
Local guide
Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market: Vendors, Food & What to Expect
Visit the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market in the Historic Court District. Review season hours, food and produce options, shopping tips and visitor links.
Local guide
Drake Relays 2027: Schedule, Events, Tickets & Spectator Guide
Everything you need to know about the 117th Drake Relays, April 21–24, 2027 at Drake Stadium. Track and field sessions, ticket info, and spectator tips.
Local guide
Fall Activities in Des Moines: Festivals, Events & Autumn Fun
Plan fall activities in Des Moines with museum exhibitions, indoor shows, the farmers’ market season and confirmed dates for the 2027 marathon weekend.
Local guide
Free Things to Do in Des Moines: Events, Attractions & Hidden Gems
Discover free things to do in Des Moines, including art, history, Capitol tours and outdoor sculpture. Compare admission, visiting hours and extra costs.
Local guide
Hinterland Music Festival 2027: Lineup, Tickets & Festival Guide
Your complete guide to Hinterland Music Festival 2027 in Saint Charles, Iowa, July 30–August 1. Lineup updates, ticket info, camping and travel tips.
Local guide
Iowa Cubs 2027 Schedule: Home Games, Tickets & Principal Park Guide
Plan your Iowa Cubs 2027 season with the official schedule, Principal Park tickets, parking and ballpark guide for Des Moines Triple-A baseball.
Local guide
Iowa State Fair 2027: Dates, Concerts, Attractions & Ticket Guide
The Iowa State Fair runs August 12–22, 2027. Plan your visit with essential dates, ticket information, Grandstand entertainment details, and fairground tips.
Local guide
Live Music in Des Moines: Best Venues, Bands & Upcoming Shows
Your guide to live music in Des Moines—from standing-room energy at Wooly's to seated theater at the Civic Center. Find the right venue for tonight's show.
Local guide
Things to Do in Des Moines for Adults: Nightlife, Live Music & Entertainment
Discover Des Moines nightlife, live music venues, comedy shows, theatre, and craft breweries—your complete guide to adult entertainment and date nights.
Local guide
Things to Do in Des Moines This Weekend: Concerts, Shows & Events
Plan what to do in Des Moines this weekend with current concerts, shows and sports, plus museum ideas, venue links and practical Friday–Sunday tips.
Local guide
Best Things to Do in Des Moines, Iowa: Events, Attractions & Local Favorites
Explore things to do in Des Moines, from free museums and Capitol tours to sculpture, concerts and shows. Find practical ideas for your next visit.
Local guide
World Food & Music Festival Des Moines: Food, Performances & Visitor Guide
Your guide to the World Food and Music Festival Des Moines at Western Gateway Park: free admission, global cuisine, live music, and cultural activities.