Events
I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa
February 10, 2024
Free
The is the premier African American Festival in Iowa celebrating African American Culture showcasing art, culture, food, performances, and more.
Pho King Cook-Off
February 18, 2024
The Pho King Cook-Off features Pho stations, Eggroll stations, games, music, and more.
Des Moines Latino Film Festival
April 16 – 19, 2024 at Fleur Cinema
Free
This festival is a celebration of Latino culture through food, art, music, and films from Spain and Latin America.
Spring Festival
April 20, 2024, at Franklin Junior High
Free for Indo-American Association of Iowa members
Celebrate the Spring Festival with Indian-American cultural performances, Indian snacks and music.
Cinco de Mayo Festival
May 4, 2024, in Historic Valley Junction
Free
The annual festival celebrates and recognizes Mexican heritage of the railroad workers during the years Historic Valley Junction was established.
CelebrAsian
May 24 and 25, 2025 at Western Gateway Park
Free
CelebrAsian is Iowa’s largest Asian American event showcasing cultural exhibits, authentic food, entertainment, and family activities.
PrideFest
June 7 – 9, 2024
Free
PrideFest is a weekend-long celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and allies that brings awareness to the community and individuals through family-friendly activities.
World Food and Music Festival
August 23 – 25, 2024 at Western Gateway Park
Free admission, $1 food samples
Experience and celebrate diverse cuisine from around the world, as well as enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, and cultural entertainment at the World Food and Music Festival.
Latino Heritage Festival
September 21 and 22, 2024 at Western Gateway Park
$5 for adults, free children under 12
The Latino Heritage Festival is the largest Latino Festival in the state offering traditional foods, arts, crafts, cultural exhibits, and entertainment.
Day of the Dead
October 23,2023, at Des Moines Art Center
Free
The Des Moines Art Center hosts a Day of the Dead celebration that features hands-on art activities, traditional food, music, and demonstrations. The 2023 celebration centered around Unidos Por Deportes (United by Sports) and focused on the role organized sports play in Mexican communities in the state.
African Business Fair
February 15, 2025, at Drake University Olmsted Center
Free
Network with and gain knowledge from the African community of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and investors at the African Business Fair.
ATTRACTIONS
Jordan House
The Jordan House, located in West Des Moines, served as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the antebellum period. John Brown, a radical abolitionist, is known to have stayed at the house at least twice, including a time when he was leading a group of formerly enslaved to freedom. The Jordan House, a Victorian home, is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program.
Robert D. Ray Asian Garden
Situated along the Des Moines River in downtown Des Moines, the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden serves as a symbol of diversity and appreciation to the Asian Americans in Iowa. It also serves as a monument honoring former Governor Robert D. Ray and his leadership to welcome Asian American refugees to Iowa. You’ll notice throughout the more than two-acre garden, Asian sculptures and architecture, as wells as a garden that highlights the seasons and urban setting we live in.