Des Moines, IA

The "Age of Enlightenment" is about to dawn on the Des Moines Renaissance Faire for three weeks of royal jester fun and games and food! Festival goers make new friends with village knights, jousters, blacksmiths, glass blowers, potters, wood carvers and painters. Come hungry and feast on baked goods, smoked meats and roasted nuts and peanuts!

Address: 4051 Dean Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317 - MAP
Phone: (515) 262-4100
Web: www.dmrenfaire.com

Raise a glass at Oktoberfest, the popular festival turns downtown Des Moines into the largest bar in the world. Festival goers drink lots and lots of ice cold German beer, eat German food and check out bier maidens and dance a lot of polka! Come celebrate a beery good time!

Address: 4th Street South of Court Downtown, Des Moines, IA - MAP
Web: www.oktoberfestdsm.com

Celebrate a cultural heritage at the Latino Heritage Festival, held in downtown Des Monies. Eat Empanadas de Chorizo y Pollo con Ensaldita de Repollo and other authentic Latin cuisines. Watch beautiful dancers from the Caribbean, Brazil and Mexico perform in colorful traditional costumes. Come enjoy the heart of soul of the Latin culture.

Address: Walnut & Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA - MAP
Web: www.latinoheritagefestival.org

Where's the beef? It's at the Iowa State Fair, also home to the famous annual Butter Cow Sculptures tradition. You'll be attending the official state fair where the state shows off its agriculture might. For 11 days, there is a corral full of indoor and outdoor exhibits, rides, craft shows, musical acts and wild attractions.

Address: 30th Street & East University Avenue, Des Moines, IA - MAP
Phone: (515) 262-3111
Web: www.iowastatefair.org

"Taste your way around the world" at the World Food Festival at Des Moines. Last year's count says 32,000 foodie festival goers tasted foods from around the world at Cultural Cafe's, enjoyed live entertainment and watched fabulous cooking demonstrations. Special to the event is its highlight of flavors from local mom and pop restaurants!

Address: Downtown, Des Moines, East Village - MAP
Web: www.worldfoodfestival.org

Don't miss out on the chance to celebrate everything art fantastic at the Des Moines Art Festival, winner of the Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals & Events Association. Artsy festival goers take in the works of the best visual artists in the nation, listen to live music and watch performing arts at the annual two day event.

Address: 13th Street & Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309 - MAP
Phone: (515) 286-4950
Web: www.desmoinesartsfestival.org