The Des Moines Symphony is a full-service professional orchestra performing throughout the year.

Iowa Events Center arena and convention complex brings in major concerts, sporting events and conventions.

The Principal Riverwalk  is currently under construction, with several components finished or near completion. This project is transforming our downtown riverfront.

The Blank Park Zoo is home to many animals for your enjoyment.

The Botanical Center offers thousands of species of plants and eleven floral shows per year under its huge geodesic dome.

The nationally-known Des Moines Art Center celebrates ancient, contemporary, representational and abstract creativity. The Des Moines Art Center Downtown is a second gallery featuring changing exhibits culled from the permanent collection.

The Des Moines Civic Center hosts everything from Phantoms to Flutists.

The Des Moines Playhouse features well-known plays with outstanding local talent. The Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre at the Playhouse produces five shows per season for family members age five through adult.

The Iowa Hall of Pride features interactive, multi-media exhibits designed to showcase the achievements of all Iowans, from student athletes to sports legends, movie stars to scientists.

Explore history and find your Iowa ancestors at the Iowa State Historical Museum and Library.

Prairie Meadows is the nation's first combination horse racing track and casino. Games include slots, craps, Black Jack, poker and roulette.

Take a tour of Salisbury House, an authentic Tudor mansion constructed from historical materials imported from England and furnished with period antiques.

Explore the wonders of science at the all-new Science Center of Iowatarget="_blank", including the Blank IMAX Dome Theater.

Seasonal Attractions

Adventureland amusement park is open every day in the summer and weekends in the Spring and Fall.

The Des Moines Metro Opera stages contemporary and traditional operas every summer.

The Drake Relays track and field performances are held each spring.

The Des Moines Arts Festival is ranked fourth-best in the nation by Art Fair Sourcebook, and each year draws almost 200,000 people to downtown Des Moines to view, purchase, and interact with art from all over the region.

GuideOne ImaginEve, is an annual free family New Year’s Eve event.

The Iowa State Fair commences each August with over one million visitors celebrating the food, rides and exhibits.

The 600-acre Living History Farms has been called "the best historical farm in the world."

The Wells Fargo World Food Festival is held each October in conjunction with the World Food Prize symposium. The festival will give you a taste of what's for dinner around the world.