Des Moines

Mountain Dew® and Accelerate360’s ASN: The Adventure Sports Network Group announce its annual summer Dew Tour skateboard competition and festival is moving to Des Moines itineraries include on-the-go downloadable versions, spotlight more than 100 local businesses, and include topics like Art Adventures, Foodie Feast, Family Fun, and even a Socially Distanced itinerary. With a grand opening scheduled for May 22, the competition and festival is to be held May 20-23. Lauridsen Skatepark’s Street and Park courses have been approved as Olympic-level competition venues. The park also includes two skate bowls, a skate promenade, a skate sculpture, stairs, ledges and more.

The Catch List

Catch Des Moines, the region’s convention and visitors bureau, has released a new series of travel itineraries called The Catch List. The 15 itineraries include on-the-go downloadable versions, spotlight more than 100 local businesses, and include topics like Art Adventures, Foodie Feast, Family Fun, and even a Socially Distanced itinerary. Of course, since we are believers in “extended” getaways, we suggest taking a peek at the Staycation section. Take a break from routine and enjoy the city like never before with beautiful hotels, culinary experiences, and fun activities to keep you entertained. It’s all right here. >MORE

Festivals

515Alive – Get your glow sticks ready for 515Alive! For fans of hip-hop, rap, and EDM, 515Alive is the perfect place to get your dance on and party with popular artists from across the country. Camp out on-site to immerse yourself in the experience, enjoy food from local food trucks, buy merchandise, and drink at on-site bars. Past artists have included Lil Nas X, Wiz Khalifa, Playboi Carti, and more.
Des Moines Art Festival  – An award-winning event featuring renowned artists from across the nation. This free event hosted annually in downtown Des Moines’ Western Gateway Park features national touring musical acts, local performers, and plenty of food and beverage options to keep you entertained all weekend. An eleven-time winner of the coveted Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA), this outdoor festival celebrating arts and culture attracts more than 200,000 people each year.
World Food & Music Festival – Savor the experience of premier international cuisine at the World Food & Music Festival with live music, cultural dance, cooking demonstrations, wine, craft beers, and of course, enough food to satisfy all your cravings. It’s no wonder this festival was named “Best Food and Beverage Program” by the International Festivals and Events Association.

Trails

Explore more than 800 miles of trail systems throughout Greater Des Moines. Great for walking, hiking, biking, running, and even cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Catch the picturesque High Trestle Trail over the Des Moines River near Ankeny. A beautiful sight at night! Stop for a beer at 515 Brewing Company while venturing the Clive Greenbelt Trail. Explore the scenic Water Works Park and Gray’s Lake area along the Meredith Trail and Bill Riley Trail. For long-distance cyclists, challenge yourself with a trek from north to south or east to west. Des Moines’ trail systems are connected for biking your way from Perry to Altoona or Ankeny to Indianola! Catch Central Iowa’s scenic trails for endless vacation adventures.