We're so excited to have you in our city to help us celebrate! If you’re in town Saturday morning, we highly recommend starting your day at the Downtown Farmers’ Market. Grab a coffee, wander through the full streets of vendors, and soak in the energy of the city. From there, you’re in the perfect spot to explore—many of our favorite restaurants, bars, and shops are just a short walk away in Downtown and the East Village. We’re so excited to have you here!
The East Village Shopping District is a fun way to spend a few hours strolling in and out of local shops. You'll find anything from bakeries, coffee shops, and kitchen/home stores, to clothing boutiques, to bars and restaurants.
Ingersoll Avenue is a favorite hangout area of ours, where streets are lined with several local restaurants and welcome patio breaks on a warm spring day. One of our favorites, Eatery A, has a fantastic patio, traditional and creative spins on brick-oven pizza and a hard-to-beat happy hour from 2-6 PM. Walk to Bartender's Handshake for a craft cocktail, or head to Creme afterwards for dessert.
The food, the beer, the patio. It's all good here!
Grays Lake is a hop skip and a jump from our hotel blocks and it's a favorite of ours for good reason. It's a 2 mile loop around the lake, has plenty of tables and open grass areas, and they also have a boathouse for rentals.
If you're in the mood for a throwback arcade competition, this is your spot.
Confluence is known to host live music, food trucks, and tours. A fun place to spend a few hours, rain or shine!
In Confidence offers a Gatsby-esque speakeasy escape with a curated wine list, timeless cocktails, and vintage charm. Access this fun hideaway through Hob Nob Coffee & Wine Bar, inside Hotel Fort Des Moines.
James and Erin celebrated a recent birthday dinner here, and loved every detail. It's set in a refurbished Victorian home and they make all their pasta from scratch in-house. Romantic Italian dinner vibes + amazing food; need we say more?
If you're looking for a fun activity before the festivities begin, head on over to Valley Junction for their annual arts festival. Over 50 artists from Iowa and beyond will take over 5th Street on Sunday, May 17 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Live entertainment will be part of the festivities as well. Art activities and artists’ demonstrations will take place throughout the day. Refreshments will be available from several food vendors on the street and many Valley Junction restaurants and retailers will be open as well. Historic Valley Junction is six square blocks of antique and specialty shops, art galleries, fashion boutiques, hair salons, service businesses, and restaurants. The Valley Junction Arts Festival will be held rain or shine. Admission is free.