A Downtown Tradition You Won't Want to Miss
Every summer, downtown Des Moines transforms into one of the Midwest's premier destinations for art, music, food, and creativity. The Des Moines Arts Festival has become one of Iowa's signature events, attracting thousands of visitors from across the country while showcasing the incredible culture that makes Greater Des Moines such a wonderful place to live.
Whether you're a longtime local or visiting for the first time, the 2026 festival promises another unforgettable weekend in the heart of the city.
The History of the Des Moines Arts Festival
The Des Moines Arts Festival began in 1998 with a simple but ambitious vision: create a world-class arts festival that would celebrate creativity while bringing people together in downtown Des Moines.
Since then, the festival has grown into one of the most respected juried art festivals in the United States. Every year, artists from across the country compete for a coveted spot, with only a small percentage of applicants selected through a rigorous jury process. The result is an impressive collection of fine art representing nearly every medium imaginable—from paintings and photography to ceramics, jewelry, glass, sculpture, woodwork, mixed media, and fiber arts.
Held in beautiful Western Gateway Park, surrounded by landmarks like the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center, the festival has become a cornerstone of Des Moines' thriving arts and cultural scene.
Best of all, admission has always remained free, making world-class art accessible to everyone.
Highlights of the 2026 Des Moines Arts Festival
The 2026 Des Moines Arts Festival takes place June 26–28 at Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines.
Here are some of the biggest attractions visitors can enjoy this year:
Nearly 200 Award-Winning Artists
This year's festival features approximately 197 nationally recognized artists, offering everything from contemporary paintings and handcrafted jewelry to large-scale sculptures and one-of-a-kind home décor. Whether you're looking to purchase original artwork or simply browse incredible creations, there's something for every style and budget.
Free Live Music All Weekend
The festival is known for pairing exceptional visual art with outstanding live entertainment.
Some of this year's featured performers include:
Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors
Letters To Cleo
Fastball
Esther Rose
Along with regional musicians performing throughout the weekend on multiple stages, the festival offers a soundtrack that appeals to every generation.
Interactive Family Activities
Families will find plenty to keep children entertained with more than 30 hands-on art experiences and interactive exhibits. Kids can create their own artwork, participate in creative workshops, and experience the joy of making art rather than simply viewing it.
Culinary Experiences
The festival isn't just about art—it's also a celebration of food. Visitors can enjoy dozens of local food vendors serving everything from gourmet meals to sweet treats, craft beverages, and refreshing summer favorites.
Literary Arts, Film & Demonstrations
Beyond the artist booths, guests can enjoy:
Live artist demonstrations
Literary presentations
Student art exhibitions
Public mural projects
Independent film programming
Emerging artist showcases
These experiences help make the festival feel more like an immersive celebration of creativity than simply an outdoor art show.
More Than an Art Festival
One of the reasons the Des Moines Arts Festival continues to earn national recognition is its atmosphere.
You'll find families pushing strollers, couples on date nights, serious art collectors, tourists exploring downtown, and local residents simply enjoying one of Iowa's best summer weekends.
The event also highlights everything that makes downtown Des Moines special:
Walkable streets
Outstanding restaurants
Local breweries
Public art
Beautiful parks
Nearby attractions like the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Downtown Farmers' Market
It's an ideal opportunity to experience why so many people choose to call Des Moines home.
Planning Your Visit
Dates: June 26–28, 2026
Location: Western Gateway Park, Downtown Des Moines
Admission: Free
Festival hours include Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with Sunday festivities running until 5:00 p.m.
Why We Love Living in Des Moines
As local real estate professionals, we believe events like the Des Moines Arts Festival showcase the incredible quality of life available in Central Iowa. The combination of nationally recognized arts, vibrant downtown amenities, family-friendly activities, and welcoming community spirit is one of the many reasons people are proud to call Des Moines home.
Whether you're spending the weekend exploring original artwork, listening to live music, or simply enjoying a beautiful Iowa summer evening, the Des Moines Arts Festival is an event worth adding to your calendar.
Thinking about making the Des Moines area your home? We'd love to help you explore the neighborhoods, communities, and lifestyle that make Central Iowa one of the Midwest's best places to live.