Tag: community

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Des Moines Music Venues

Are you a fan of live music? Whether you’re #1 in line for your favorite artist’s new tour or a friend gave you tickets to a show you’ve never heard of, there’s plenty of opportunity for amazing concerts in Des Moines!

Dozens of music and performance venues in Des Moines offer a wide variety of experiences for people looking for a night out. Let’s explore a few now!

Casey’s Center

The newly renamed Casey’s Center is Des Moines’ premiere music venue, arena, and events center. The stadium seats 17,000 people, and has hosted the likes of Taylor Swift, Elton John, and this October- Paul McCartney!

The Casey’s Center is also the hub for many sports teams, such as the Iowa Wild, Iowa Barnstormers, and Iowa Wolves in hockey, football, and basketball, respectively.

Check out their website here.

Val Air Balroom

A charming and historic ballroom venue named in homage to the nearby Valley Junction, this venue creates an intimate yet spectacular concert experience. Founded in 1939, the ballroom had a major renovation in 2023, which upgraded many of its features and amenities for guests.

Check out their website here.

Des Moines Civic Center

If your favorite musical experience is- well, a musical, then the Des Moines Civic Center and other Des Moines Performing Arts venues have what you’re looking for! Located in the heart of Downtown, the Civic Center hosts musicals, plays, award shows, and more year-round.

Temple and Stoner Theaters are also a part of the Des Moines Performing Arts complex, but the Civic Center is by far the largest, seating around 2,700 people.

Check out their website here.

Wooly’s

Located in the East Village of Des Moines, Wooly’s is a 680 capacity venue known for it’s high energy and intimate shows. Founded with the goal of hosting genre-diverse acts, Wooly’s is a great place to get on your feet and dance at.

Hosting the likes of The Struts and Ice Nine Kills, Wooly’s has a show to offer everyone!

Check out their website here.

Noce

If you like jazz, drinks, or a cozy atmosphere, Noce jazz club has something to offer you. Tucked away near the Papajohn Sculpture Park, Noce is a small venue that hosts both local and world-renowned jazz musicians.

Book a table and enjoy a romantic night out, or just stop by to hear some amazing grooves.

Check out their website here.

Didn’t find a pick that suited you? Check out The 32 Best Live Music Venues in Des Moines

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Everything You Need to Know About the Des Moines Art Festival 2025

The Des Moines Art Festival is one of the Midwest’s premier arts and culture events, and The Des Moines Art Festival is one of the Midwest’s premier arts and culture events, and it’s returning to downtown Des Moines from June 27–29, 2025. This award-winning festival celebrates creativity with world-class visual arts, live music, interactive experiences, and more. Whether you’re a lifelong art lover or just looking for a vibrant summer event, the Des Moines Art Festival is a must-visit!

What Is the Des Moines Art Festival?

Held annually in Western Gateway Park, the Des Moines Art Festival showcases work from 195 nationally recognized artists. The festival is a juried event, meaning only the best of the best are selected to display their paintings, sculptures, photography, mixed media, and jewelry. Set against the backdrop of landmarks like the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Krause Gateway Center, the festival offers a truly inspiring setting for art enthusiasts.

Activities at the Des Moines Art Festival

There’s more to the Des Moines Art Festival than just incredible art! The festival features:

  • Live music on the Main Stage
  • Interactive art activities for kids and families
  • The Interrobang Film Festival, showcasing short films and documentaries
  • A wide variety of local food trucks and beverage gardens

With something for every age and interest, it’s easy to see why the Des Moines Art Festival attracts over 200,000 visitors every year.

Sustainability and Community Focus

The Des Moines Art Festival is committed to being a sustainable event. Through its Green Arts Program and partnerships with local organizations, the festival actively reduces its environmental impact. It’s a true community event that brings together local businesses, volunteers, and artists to create a positive, lasting impact on Des Moines.

Plan Your Visit

Admission to the Des Moines Art Festival is completely free! To make the most of your visit, check out the full schedule, parking information, and artist lineup at the official website: Des Moines Art Festival.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to experience the best of art, music, and community spirit, don’t miss the Des Moines Art Festival 2025. Bring your family, your friends, and your love for creativity to this iconic Des Moines event!

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Discover the Des Moines Botanical Garden: A Year-Round Urban Oasis

Written by Drake Student

Nestled along the east bank of the Des Moines River, the Des Moines Botanical Garden offers a lush, immersive experience for plant lovers, families, and curious explorers alike. This 12-acre urban garden is more than just a scenic retreat—it’s a vibrant hub of horticulture, education, and community connection in the heart of downtown Des Moines.

Explore the Conservatory and Rare Plant Collections

At the heart of the garden is its iconic geodesic dome conservatory, which houses more than 1,200 plant species from all over the world. Visitors can wander through towering tropical palms, colorful orchids, and striking succulents, all thriving in a climate-controlled space that provides a warm escape from Iowa’s chilly winters.

The garden’s impressive plant collections include one of North America’s largest Plectranthus (coleus) collections, as well as a historic bonsai display, featuring a Ginkgo biloba tree that dates back to 1865. Outdoor gardens surrounding the dome feature native Iowa plants, water gardens, rose gardens, and seasonal blooms that provide something new to admire throughout the year.

Events and Programs for Every Season

The Des Moines Botanical Garden is alive with activity all year long. Popular seasonal events include “Dome After Dark”, where the conservatory transforms into a glowing tropical escape with music and drinks on Friday nights during the winter months. In spring, the annual Spring Garden Market brings together plant lovers, local vendors, and expert gardeners for a weekend of shopping, learning, and community fun.

Other events include yoga in the garden, live music series, family-friendly festivals, and even botanical-themed art exhibits. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening or an educational experience, there’s always something going on.

Learn and Grow with Educational Opportunities

The garden offers a wide range of classes and workshops for all ages. The “Learn on Saturdays” lecture series invites horticulturists, environmentalists, and gardening experts to share tips and insights on sustainable gardening practices, native planting, and more.

They also offer programs for kids and schools, making it a perfect place for hands-on learning outside the classroom.

Plan Your Visit

The Des Moines Botanical Garden is located at 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, just minutes from downtown. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for youth, with memberships available for frequent visitors.

Whether you’re a lifelong gardener or simply seeking a peaceful place to unwind, the Des Moines Botanical Garden is a must-see destination in Iowa’s capital city.

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Sustainability Efforts in Des Moines

Our earth is the only one we are going to get, and there are countless environment sustainability organizations in Des Moines who are determined to make it last. Searching for grassroots non-profits to volunteer for or financially support? Here is a list of the top local sustainability organizations in the area.

Jackson Street Bridge

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

From establishing Iowa’s multi-use trails to protecting untouched prairie, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation works to protect and restore Iowa’s land, water and wildlife. Their mission is bound by the idea that together, we can do more.

Click here to volunteer!

INHF Team Members

Volunteers can share their enthusiasm for the natural world by connecting with guests, nurturing plants, educating, or supporting events and activities.

The Brenton Arboretum

The Brenton Arboretum

The mission of The Brenton Arboretum is to inspire joy through the beauty and knowledge of the natural world of trees. It is home to more than 2,500 trees and miles of hiking trails just minutes west of the Des Moines metro. 

Click here to donate or sign up to volunteer today!

Trees Forever

Trees Forever Volunteers

Trees Forever was established in Marion, IA in 1989. Year round, the non-profit works with landowners and communities to improve water quality, aid in wildlife conservation, manage stormwater, reduce soil erosion and decrease pollutants runoff…

Simply by planting trees on road and riversides.

Sign up to volunteer today!

Greater DSM Botanical Gardens

Join a dynamic team helping the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden become one of the most beautiful attractions in Iowa!

Share your enthusiasm for the natural world by connecting with guests, nurturing plants, educating, or supporting events and activities.

Waterfall inside DSM Botanical Gardens

Volunteers are essential to the success. Join the team today!

Friends of Des Moines Parks

DSM Park

This non-profit works closely with the community and the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department to enhance parks and expand recreation opportunities for all residents and visitors of Des Moines.

Their current fundraising efforts are focused on the projects listed on their website which aim to create vibrant, accessible spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Click here to donate!

Volunteer Today

As you can see, Des Moines offers more than the vibrant city life and diverse cultural experiences. Especially for sustainability projects, local non-profits consistently need all the hands they can get! Many organizations invite the public to donate or volunteer for their activities and events.

Find a local non-profit that interests you, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Share in the fun and the stewarding of our beloved environment!

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