DES MOINES, Iowa (August 14, 2025) – Greater Des Moines has been bustling with visitors this August, with hotels across the metro hitting peak occupancy thanks to a stacked lineup of major events. On Saturday, August 2, the metro reached an impressive 96% occupancy (CoStarGroup Companies/STR), based on 14,681 guestrooms metro-wide. The first nine days of the month averaged 85.76% occupancy, a jump from 78.5% during the same period in 2024. 

 

“This incredible stretch shows the strength and variety of events we’re hosting, and how they translate directly into hotel stays,” said Trina Flack, President and CEO of Catch Des Moines. “When our hotels are full, it creates a ripple effect. Visitors are dining in our restaurants, exploring our attractions, shopping with our local retailers, and experiencing the very best of Greater Des Moines. This not only drives immediate impact, but inspires return visits. It’s a win for our entire community.” 

 

Key August drivers included: 

  • National Senior Games (July 24 – August 4) – 15,000 athletes plus staff and spectators 

  • NASCAR Cup Series (August 1 – 3) – nearly 30,000 spectators a day, plus drivers, teams, and vendors, including a sellout crowd for Sunday’s Cup Series race.   

  • Iowa State Fair (August 7 – 17) - first week crowds tracked closely with last year’s record setting attendance.  

  • Hinterland Music Festival (August 1 – 3) – record weekend with nearly 25,000 fans per day 

  • Tech Hub LIVE – 750 attendees 

  • National AMBUCS Conference – 300 attendees 

  • Perennial Plant Association – National Symposium – 450 attendees 

  • Youth and traveling sports – baseball, soccer, swimming, and track & field events at venues like Grimesplex and the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex  
     

The momentum continues with the Iowa State Fair (averaging more than 100,000 attendees per day) and the Central States Shriners later this month, helping to round out what’s shaping up to be one of the busiest Augusts on record. 

About Catch Des Moines 
Catch Des Moines is the official destination marketing organization promoting and representing Greater Des Moines to leisure travelers and meeting/sports planners. Our focus is to increase visitors to the metro and elevate the visitor experience to drive economic success and enhance the quality of life in the 15 local Greater Des Moines communities we represent. For more information, visit catchdesmoines.com.