Fresh Perspectives
When Chris Boeke takes a photo, it’s almost always in black and white as he views the composition, lighting, shapes and patterns as the most intriguing aspects of buildings and objects. Just because something is pretty and colorful, he says, doesn’t always mean it becomes a great image.
World Food & Music Festival Returns This Weekend
Although summer is quickly winding down, there’s still time to squeeze in a low-stress trip around the world without leaving downtown Des Moines.
Annual 80/35 Music Festival Returns This Weekend
Some 50 bands, and an expected 30,000-plus music lovers, will help mark the eagerly awaited return of 80/35. Headliners are singer-songwriter Father John Misty on Friday and international pop star Charli XCX on Saturday.
Dew Tour Returns to Lauridsen Skatepark
For the second consecutive year, the Dew Tour will take over Lauridsen Skatepark downtown this weekend as skateboarders from around the world show off their talents. The runs will be split into street and park disciplines, along with adaptive competitions. Last year, the Dew Tour served as the Olympic qualifying event. Because this is a non-Olympic year, the event features
Des Moines Arts Festival Begins
Cruising in on the wake of Art Week, the Des Moines Arts Festival will continue the p(art)y with events, activities and performances all weekend in Western Gateway Park. This juried exhibition includes art in a variety of mediums by around 190 artists from across the nation. The festival kicks off its 25th anniversary year with a concert from William Elliott
Art Week Hosts Events Throughout the City
Choose from some 136 events featuring 152 local artists during Art Week Des Moines, which kicks off Friday and runs through June 23, leading to the Des Moines Arts Festival (June 24-26). The events, all free to attend, cover a wide variety of art forms, including music, poetry, painting and more.
Support Artists at the Valley Junction Arts Festival
Stroll through Fifth Street in Historic Valley Junction to meet artists from around Iowa at the district’s annual juried arts festival this Sunday (May 15) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 50 Iowa artists will show and sell their works, including Marissa Kay Stephens of Marissa Kay Apothecary (featured in our May/June dsm magazine) and dsm contributing photographer
Easy French Dinner in 30 Minutes
Contrary to what you might believe, everyday French cuisine is easy. Casual, fuss-free, seasonal fare reigns supreme, says local food pro Wini Moranville.
A Growing Trend
Shelter-in-place orders spawned a variety of new hobbies and ways to pass the time, whether scrubbing floorboards with a toothbrush or adopting a furry friend. Some Des Moines residents developed a newfound or rediscovered interest in plants, due to the low level of commitment required, affordable cost, and the mental and physical benefits of being surrounded by nature—even while inside.
Celebrate Fall With Filet and Red Wine
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar has kicked off its fall specials, featuring four red wines from California and a three-course filet menu. The "Fall Uncorked Shades of Red" promotion includes a Boen pinot noir, two pinots from Belle Glos, and a Quilt cabaret sauvignon. You can pair it with the "Filets of Fall" menu, with a seasonal harvest salad, a filet mignon and a pudding for desert.