Des Moines Arts Festival 2027

The Des Moines Arts Festival is one of the world's most respected juried art festivals, hosting approximately 195 artists in a beautiful urban street setting surrounding the 4.4 acres of John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Krause Gateway Center designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Located downtown on Locust Street and Grand Avenue between 16th and 10th Streets, the outdoor festival attracts more than 150,000 people each year. The festival is a 16-time winner of the Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals and Events Association.

Artists retain 100% of their sales. Booth space is 10'x10' with a $625 fee (additional $170 for corner booths; limited Double-DEEP booths at $1,120 available). Electric is included. The application fee is $45 (November 2 – January 17) or $55 (January 18-24). Applications require 4 images of work plus 1 booth image; images may not include identifiers. All exhibiting artists are required to use a professional-grade white tent and provide proof of general liability insurance with minimum $2,000,000 coverage naming the festival as additional insured.

The festival offers $10,500 in cash awards including $1,500 for Best of Show, three Juror Awards of $1,000, and up to five Awards of Excellence at $1,000 each. Artist benefits include comprehensive marketing campaigns across multiple states, a volunteer artist relations team, complimentary booth sitters and water, access to restroom facilities, exclusive concessions, 24-hour security, favorable downtown hotel rates, and leisurely setup. The Emerging Iowa Artist Program offers selected Iowa residents currently enrolled or recently graduated from an art school complimentary booth fees and waived application fees using coupon code EIA2027. Festival dates are Friday and Saturday 11a-10p, Sunday 11a-5p.