MID SIX MINUTES. DOWNTOWN TO THE WEST. EIGHT AND HEADS UP FOR DRIVERS IN DOWNTOWN DES MOINES. 12TH STREET AT GRAND AVENUE IS CLOSED TO LOCUST STREET AHEAD OF THE ARTS FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND. STARTING TOMORROW, 13TH AND 15TH STREETS BETWEEN GRAND AND WALNUT WILL CLOSE, ARTS FESTIVAL ORGANIZERS SAY THERE ARE ABOUT 200 ARTISTS THIS YEAR. HALF ARE NEW TO THE FESTIVAL, BUT THEY COME WITH A WHOLE LOT TO SHOW. SOME OF THE ARTISTS REALLY EVOLVE OVER TIME. THAT’S BEEN FUN TO WATCH. WATCHING ARTISTS WORK, DEVELOP AND CHANGE, AND WHAT THEY PRESENT IS DIFFERENT EACH YEAR, AND WHAT THEY APPLY WITH IS DIFFERENT. SO YOU DO SEE AN EVOLUTION IN THEIR WORK AND A PROGRESSION. AND SO THAT’S REALLY A FUN THING TO WATCH AS WELL. THERE WILL BE FREE CONCERTS AND 30 FREE INTERACTI
What you need to know about the 2026 Des Moines Arts Festival
Updated: 4:19 PM CDT Jun 23, 2026
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The Des Moines Arts Festival returns this weekend for its 29th year of art, music, food and fun. Artists from around the country will have their work on display, with regular demonstrations, an interactive mural, and plenty of chances to take home some of your favorite pieces. Here’s what you need to know:When and whereWhere: Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des MoinesWhen: Friday, June 26, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Saturday, June 27, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. What is free to do?Attending the event and walking around to visit the individual boothsLive musicParking at the Nationwide garageUsing the bike valetViewing the film festivalWhat costs money?Purchasing artFood and drinksMerchandise Parking and road closuresParkingFree public parking will be available at the Nationwide Garage located at 1100 Walnut Street. Metered street parking is available on surrounding streets.A bike valet will be available at the intersection of Locust and 10th Street.Handicap parking will be available on the north side of Walnut Street between 12th and 13th Street.Road closuresThe 29th annual event shut down 12th, 13th and 15th streets between Grand Avenue and Locust Street, as well as Locust between 10th and 16th streets on Wednesday. Then, on Thursday, artists will begin setting up booths along Grand Avenue between 10th and 16th streets. All of the streets listed above will be closed to vehicle traffic through Sunday.Upcoming Street ClosuresArt demonstrationsThroughout the weekend, people can learn and create alongside different artists as they demonstrate their unique skills and craft. They also will have the opportunity to ask questions and try their hand at creating their own art. Megan Hammer, wet-felting: 11:30 a.m. June 26, Booth GS34 Bill Lepak, pottery: 11:30 a.m. June 26, Booth GS13Amanda McGee, acrylic painting: 1:00 p.m. June 26, Booth LS5 Sebastian Sanchez-Falero, photography: 2:00 p.m. June 26, Booth EIA 5Megan Johnson, painting: 2:00 p.m. June 26, Booth LN38C Heather Smith, mixed media: 3:15 p.m. June 26, Booth EIA 4 Wendy Franklin, painting: 4:00 p.m. June 26, Booth GN43C Teresa Merriman, mixed media: 11:30 a.m. June 27, Booth LN19CRachel Mentzer, mixed media: 11:30 a.m. June 27, Booth GS25Andy Rogers, pottery: noon June 27, Booth LS12C Laura Baring-Gould, mixed media: 12:15 p.m. June 27, Booth GS15C Alex Miller, painting: 2:00 p.m. June 27, Booth EIA 1Rebekah DeWild, painting: 2:45 p.m. June 27, Booth EIA 2Shawn Zhan, photography: 3:45 p.m. June 27, Booth EIA 3 Xavier Nuez, mixed mdia: 4:30 p.m. June 27, Booth HN41CAngie Spears, mixed media: 11:30 a.m. June 28, Booth LS3 Gavin Otteson, mixed media: noon June 28, Booth LS9 Kristin Gruenberger, pottery: noon June 28, Booth GS30 Glenn Woods, pottery: 1:00 p.m. June 28, Booth LS6C Josh Cote, mixed media: 2:00 p.m. June 28, Booth GS27CColleen Riley, pottery: 3:00 p.m. June 28, Booth LN8 Click here for a map of the festival.Concert schedule and other showsFriday, June 26 lineup: Main Stage: 28 Days Later, 5:00 p.m.; Dickie, 6:45 p.m.; Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, 8:30 p.m. Roots Stage: Emerging Artists: Teen Poets, noon; Todd Partridge, 5:00 p.m.; Jake Schrodt + Taylor King, 6:30 p.m.; Wells Ferrari, 8:15 p.m. Saturday, June 27 lineup: Main Stage: Des Monies Playhouse- Legally Blonde, 12:30 p.m.; The Carousel, 2:00 p.m.; Dandelion Stompers, 3:45 p.m.; Jack Curtis & The Travelers, 5:30 p.m.; Fastball, 7:00 p.m.; Letters To Cleo, 8:30 p.m. Roots Stage: Central Iowa Music Lab, noon; From Page to Stage: Adult Potery Out Loud, 1:30 p.m.; Oak Studio Community Showcase, 3:30 p.m.; Brain Herrin, 5:00 p.m.; Sara Routh, 6:30 p.m.; Esther Rose, 8:00 p.m. Central Library: Author Patrick Bringley, 11:00 a.m. Sunday, June 28 lineup: Main Stage: Tyona & Friends Drag Show, 1:00 p.m.; Malcolm Wells + The Two Timers, 2:45 p.m. Roots Stage: Childern;s Storytime: Yee-haw!, 11:15 a.m.; Derry & the Dirty Dishes, 11:45 a.m.; A Story & A Song, 1:00 p.m.; Phantasia, 2:15 p.m.; All-State Art Recongnition Ceremony, 2:45 p.m. Weekened forecast in Des MoinesFriday: Overcast with rain showers. High 77F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. 40% chance of rain Friday Night: Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 64F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.Saturday: Showers in the morning with isolated thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 83F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph. Saturday Night: Scattered thunderstorms during the evening becoming more widespread overnight. Low near 68F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Sunday: Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 88F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Sunday Night: A mostly clear sky. Low 72F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Featured artist: Lou Ann Townsend & Mary FilapekThis year’s featured artists are Lou Ann Townsend & Mary Filapek .From the Des Monies Arts Festival: Lou Ann and Mary’s current bodies of work are inspired by the things that bring them joy: travel, nature, cosmic interconnections, and exploring the relationship between the inner and the outer.They collaboratively build each piece as a journey that begins with a conversation. Their drawings start with the subject and basic outline for a piece. Lou Ann paints in the composition and structure of the piece, and then Mary goes in with graphite pencils, colored pencils, and pastels to flesh out the details.Commemorative poster”Mirror Lake,” the 2026 Des Monies Arts Festival commemorative poster by Lou Ann Townsend and Mary Filapek, will be available for purchase at the Arts Festival shop throughout the festival. It’s an original drawing that features a calm, picturesque river nestled alongside colorful bluffs on a beautiful fall day, according to festival organizers. Emerging artistsThe Emerging Iowa Artist Program is a juried showcase of promising visual artists that delivers a pathway into the competitive art industry. It aims to foster professional and artistic development while nurturing creative skills.The 2026 emerging artists:Alex Miller, Waterloo, Iowa Heather Smith, Des Moines, Iowa Rebekah DeWild, West Des Moines, Iowa Sebastian Sanchez, Ames, Iowa Shawn Zhan, Des Moines, Iowa Finn Hewes, New Orleans, Los Angeles Genevieve Lavalle, Des Moines, Iowa Laura Nelson, Westminster, Colorado Lucy Watters, West Des Moines, Iowa TipsWear sturdy shoes. The festival spans a five-block radius. You will be doing a lot of walkingThe festival has gone cashless. They accept only touchless pay or credit/debit cards. Plan accordinglyStay hydrated and wear sunscreen. Temps will cool down this weekend with highs in the 60s and 80s. However, extended periods outside and walking around can lead to dehydration and sunburns. Rain is expected on Friday and Saturday with mostly sunny conditions on Sunday.PoliciesPhotographs of the artwork are prohibited unless given explicit permission from the artistNo outside beverages are allowed. Bottled water will be available to purchase inside the festivalAlcoholic beverages will be available to purchase within the festival site. In accordance with Iowa law, all alcohol bought at the festival must remain on-siteNo smoking will be allowed on festival groundsBikes, skateboards and rollerblades are prohibited within the festivalAll bags and packages are subject to search by securityNo pets are allowed with the exception of registered service animalsNo firearms, weapons or fireworks are allowed within the festivalFor a complete list of festival policies, click here.Film festivalThe Interrobang Film Festival is a three-day, IMDB-verified festival featuring showings and talks with directors. This year’s festival is screening 26 films from 9 countries.The film fest will be held at the east end of the Des Moines Arts Festival inside the Des Moines Central Library, located at 1000 Grand Avenue.Film festival hours: Friday, June 26: 11:10 a.m.- 8:45 p.m.Saturday, June 27: 2- 7:10 p.m. Sunday, June 28: 11:15 a.m. – 5 p.m. Click here for a full schedule of screeningsPlanning aheadDates for future Des Moines Arts Festivals: June 25-27, 2027June 23-25, 2028June 22-24, 2029June 28-30, 2030
The Des Moines Arts Festival returns this weekend for its 29th year of art, music, food and fun.
Artists from around the country will have their work on display, with regular demonstrations, an interactive mural, and plenty of chances to take home some of your favorite pieces.
Here’s what you need to know:
When and where
- Where: Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des Moines
- When: Friday, June 26, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Saturday, June 27, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
What is free to do?
- Attending the event and walking around to visit the individual booths
- Live music
- Parking at the Nationwide garage
- Using the bike valet
- Viewing the film festival
What costs money?
- Purchasing art
- Food and drinks
- Merchandise
Parking and road closures
Parking
- Free public parking will be available at the Nationwide Garage located at 1100 Walnut Street. Metered street parking is available on surrounding streets.
- A bike valet will be available at the intersection of Locust and 10th Street.
- Handicap parking will be available on the north side of Walnut Street between 12th and 13th Street.
Road closures
The 29th annual event shut down 12th, 13th and 15th streets between Grand Avenue and Locust Street, as well as Locust between 10th and 16th streets on Wednesday. Then, on Thursday, artists will begin setting up booths along Grand Avenue between 10th and 16th streets. All of the streets listed above will be closed to vehicle traffic through Sunday.
Upcoming Street Closures
Art demonstrations
Throughout the weekend, people can learn and create alongside different artists as they demonstrate their unique skills and craft. They also will have the opportunity to ask questions and try their hand at creating their own art.
- Megan Hammer, wet-felting: 11:30 a.m. June 26, Booth GS34
- Bill Lepak, pottery: 11:30 a.m. June 26, Booth GS13
- Amanda McGee, acrylic painting: 1:00 p.m. June 26, Booth LS5
- Sebastian Sanchez-Falero, photography: 2:00 p.m. June 26, Booth EIA 5
- Megan Johnson, painting: 2:00 p.m. June 26, Booth LN38C
- Heather Smith, mixed media: 3:15 p.m. June 26, Booth EIA 4
- Wendy Franklin, painting: 4:00 p.m. June 26, Booth GN43C
- Teresa Merriman, mixed media: 11:30 a.m. June 27, Booth LN19C
- Rachel Mentzer, mixed media: 11:30 a.m. June 27, Booth GS25
- Andy Rogers, pottery: noon June 27, Booth LS12C
- Laura Baring-Gould, mixed media: 12:15 p.m. June 27, Booth GS15C
- Alex Miller, painting: 2:00 p.m. June 27, Booth EIA 1
- Rebekah DeWild, painting: 2:45 p.m. June 27, Booth EIA 2
- Shawn Zhan, photography: 3:45 p.m. June 27, Booth EIA 3
- Xavier Nuez, mixed mdia: 4:30 p.m. June 27, Booth HN41C
- Angie Spears, mixed media: 11:30 a.m. June 28, Booth LS3
- Gavin Otteson, mixed media: noon June 28, Booth LS9
- Kristin Gruenberger, pottery: noon June 28, Booth GS30
- Glenn Woods, pottery: 1:00 p.m. June 28, Booth LS6C
- Josh Cote, mixed media: 2:00 p.m. June 28, Booth GS27C
- Colleen Riley, pottery: 3:00 p.m. June 28, Booth LN8
Click here for a map of the festival.
Des Moines Arts Festival
Map of the 2026 Des Moines Arts Festival.
Concert schedule and other shows
Friday, June 26 lineup:
- Main Stage: 28 Days Later, 5:00 p.m.; Dickie, 6:45 p.m.; Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, 8:30 p.m.
- Roots Stage: Emerging Artists: Teen Poets, noon; Todd Partridge, 5:00 p.m.; Jake Schrodt + Taylor King, 6:30 p.m.; Wells Ferrari, 8:15 p.m.
Saturday, June 27 lineup:
- Main Stage: Des Monies Playhouse- Legally Blonde, 12:30 p.m.; The Carousel, 2:00 p.m.; Dandelion Stompers, 3:45 p.m.; Jack Curtis & The Travelers, 5:30 p.m.; Fastball, 7:00 p.m.; Letters To Cleo, 8:30 p.m.
- Roots Stage: Central Iowa Music Lab, noon; From Page to Stage: Adult Potery Out Loud, 1:30 p.m.; Oak Studio Community Showcase, 3:30 p.m.; Brain Herrin, 5:00 p.m.; Sara Routh, 6:30 p.m.; Esther Rose, 8:00 p.m.
- Central Library: Author Patrick Bringley, 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, June 28 lineup:
- Main Stage: Tyona & Friends Drag Show, 1:00 p.m.; Malcolm Wells + The Two Timers, 2:45 p.m.
- Roots Stage: Childern;s Storytime: Yee-haw!, 11:15 a.m.; Derry & the Dirty Dishes, 11:45 a.m.; A Story & A Song, 1:00 p.m.; Phantasia, 2:15 p.m.; All-State Art Recongnition Ceremony, 2:45 p.m.
Weekened forecast in Des Moines
- Friday: Overcast with rain showers. High 77F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. 40% chance of rain
- Friday Night: Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 64F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
- Saturday: Showers in the morning with isolated thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 83F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph.
- Saturday Night: Scattered thunderstorms during the evening becoming more widespread overnight. Low near 68F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph.
- Sunday: Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 88F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph.
- Sunday Night: A mostly clear sky. Low 72F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph.
Featured artist: Lou Ann Townsend & Mary Filapek
This year’s featured artists are Lou Ann Townsend & Mary Filapek .
From the Des Monies Arts Festival: Lou Ann and Mary’s current bodies of work are inspired by the things that bring them joy: travel, nature, cosmic interconnections, and exploring the relationship between the inner and the outer.
They collaboratively build each piece as a journey that begins with a conversation. Their drawings start with the subject and basic outline for a piece. Lou Ann paints in the composition and structure of the piece, and then Mary goes in with graphite pencils, colored pencils, and pastels to flesh out the details.
Commemorative poster
“Mirror Lake,” the 2026 Des Monies Arts Festival commemorative poster by Lou Ann Townsend and Mary Filapek, will be available for purchase at the Arts Festival shop throughout the festival. It’s an original drawing that features a calm, picturesque river nestled alongside colorful bluffs on a beautiful fall day, according to festival organizers.
Des Moines Arts Festival
“Mirror Lake,” the 2026 Des Moines Arts Festival commemorative poster by Lou Ann Townsend and Mary Filapek, will be available for purchase at the Arts Festival shop throughout the festival. It’s an original drawing that features a calm, picturesque river nestled alongside colorful bluffs on a beautiful fall day, according to festival organizers.
Emerging artists
The Emerging Iowa Artist Program is a juried showcase of promising visual artists that delivers a pathway into the competitive art industry. It aims to foster professional and artistic development while nurturing creative skills.
The 2026 emerging artists:
- Alex Miller, Waterloo, Iowa
- Heather Smith, Des Moines, Iowa
- Rebekah DeWild, West Des Moines, Iowa
- Sebastian Sanchez, Ames, Iowa
- Shawn Zhan, Des Moines, Iowa
- Finn Hewes, New Orleans, Los Angeles
- Genevieve Lavalle, Des Moines, Iowa
- Laura Nelson, Westminster, Colorado
- Lucy Watters, West Des Moines, Iowa
Tips
- Wear sturdy shoes. The festival spans a five-block radius. You will be doing a lot of walking
- The festival has gone cashless. They accept only touchless pay or credit/debit cards. Plan accordingly
- Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. Temps will cool down this weekend with highs in the 60s and 80s. However, extended periods outside and walking around can lead to dehydration and sunburns. Rain is expected on Friday and Saturday with mostly sunny conditions on Sunday.
Policies
- Photographs of the artwork are prohibited unless given explicit permission from the artist
- No outside beverages are allowed. Bottled water will be available to purchase inside the festival
- Alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase within the festival site. In accordance with Iowa law, all alcohol bought at the festival must remain on-site
- No smoking will be allowed on festival grounds
- Bikes, skateboards and rollerblades are prohibited within the festival
- All bags and packages are subject to search by security
- No pets are allowed with the exception of registered service animals
- No firearms, weapons or fireworks are allowed within the festival
For a complete list of festival policies, click here.
Film festival
The Interrobang Film Festival is a three-day, IMDB-verified festival featuring showings and talks with directors. This year’s festival is screening 26 films from 9 countries.
The film fest will be held at the east end of the Des Moines Arts Festival inside the Des Moines Central Library, located at 1000 Grand Avenue.
Film festival hours:
Planning ahead
Dates for future Des Moines Arts Festivals:
- June 25-27, 2027
- June 23-25, 2028
- June 22-24, 2029
- June 28-30, 2030
