Des Moines Entertainment

Not many people know that there are so many things going on in this small, not overly popular, city. In fact, the biggest and most famous festival in the Midwest takes place here as well as many other events. It is not difficult to entertain yourself and your family in Des Moines. There are many fairs and festivals for those looking for fun-packed activities. Music and sports lovers can also find plenty of things to entertain them.

Des Moines Arts Festival

A city full of art scenes, Des Moines is an ideal place for those who enjoy art. The Arts Festival is organised annually during the last week of June. Also known as Art in the Park, the festival takes place in downtowns Western Gateway park and spans three days. You will find many artists from all over the world gathering here to charm visitors with their art masterpieces, which can also be purchased. There are stages for entertainment and food vendors selling edible innovations. Des Moines Arts Festival is ranked as the number one most-visited festival in the Midwest.

Iowa State Fair

Whether you want to look for a book, an old movie, music or the biggest boar, bull, horse or kind of fruit, you can find everything at the Iowa State Fair, held every year on the east side of Des Moines at the Fairgrounds. There are also many interesting contests including the best-tasting pie contest, tractor pulling contest and a potato sack race. It is a 10-day fair, packed with fun activities and excitement. At night, the fair is transformed into a big beer tent. Famous artists such as The Beach Boys, Alan Jackson and Alicia Keys have been known to perform their hit numbers here.

Music scenes

Music lovers of all kinds will love Des Moines, as there are many musical events going on in this charming city. You shouldnt miss 515 Alive at the downtown Court Avenue, which is held on Saturday nights in July and August, when more than 50 DJs make guests move with their music. Another interesting event in the same area, but for a different group of music fans, is Des Moines Symphony Concerts which are usually held at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, in downtown.

Parks and lakes

A centre of recreational activities, Saylorville Lake welcomes water sports junkies to come and enjoy many kinds of activities such as boating, kayaking and swimming. You can also go fishing on the lake. Other activities include camping, hiking and golf. Those into jungles can wander in the wildlife areas, where animals can be spotted in their natural habitat. Another place that offers fun activities is the Big Creek State Park, which is about 20 minutes drive north of downtown. Here, you can also swim and fish. Camping facilities are provided as well as a shooting range.

Sleepy Hollow Sports Park

Sports buffs will find Sleepy Hollow Sports Park particularly interesting. The park provides various sports throughout the summer and winter seasons. During the summer, visitors can choose to play golf, beach volleyball, drive in a go-kart or work their way up a climbing wall. Snowboarding and skiing trails are very popular among both tourists and locals during the winter.

Shopping

If you wish to find unique souvenirs for your friends and family, head to Downtown Farmers Market in Court Avenue district, where you can find many fresh products including pastries, cheese and wine as well as art and jewellery pieces.