Make Plans to Attend the DSM Book Festival This Saturday

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (March 22, 2022) – The DSM Book Festival returns this Saturday, March 26 in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) at Capital Square. The Festival will include nationally renowned headlining authors, hands-on workshops, Writers’ Workshops, children’s activities, food and drinks, and more.

“We encourage people from across the Greater Des Moines region to attend this vibrant festival in the heart of Downtown Des Moines,” said Jerrica Marshall, Downtown Placemaking Manager at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “The DSM Book Festival will feature a variety of activities for people of all ages to enjoy, whether they bring their family, attend with friends or explore it on their own.”

The Festival’s headlining authors include:

• Imbolo Mbue, author of “Behold the Dreamers” and “How Beautiful We Were.”
• Dawnie Walton, author of “The Final Revival of Opal & Nev,” sponsored by Kum & Go.
• Angeline Boulley, author of “Firekeepers Daughter,” presented as part of the Des Moines Public Library’s Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD) speaker series.
• Stephanie Land, author of “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Way to Survive,” sponsored by United Way’s Women United. Land's story also serves as the inspiration for Netflix's Critic's Choice nominated original series "Maid."

Learn more about headlining authors here. Local authors will also be staged at tables throughout the day; see a full lineup of local authors here.

“The first full chapter of the DSM Book Festival was internationally recognized as the best new event in the world by the International Festivals and Events Association, and we are excited to have a full, in-person festival again this year,” said Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly. “Attendees will quickly discover why this is a must-attend event in our region.”

VIP packages are available for purchase. VIPs will receive a copy or copies of books from each headlining author they sign up for, premier seating for presentations, a DSM Book Festival commemorative item, complimentary beverage(s), a 20% off coupon for Beaverdale Books and access to The Festival’s VIP Suite sponsored by Bankers Trust.

The DSM Book Festival Writers’ Workshops series will consist of fiction, nonfiction and journalistic writing panels and discussions that give attendees a chance to learn more about the writing journey from successful, published writers in their areas of expertise. Topics include becoming a novelist, the future of journalism, the publishing process and nonfiction writing.

Festival attendees will get a chance to stretch their artistic skills and creativity and grow their knowledge through a series of fun and interactive activities and workshops built for book lovers and creatives of all ages led by fellow DSM artists and creatives. Hands-on workshop topics include activities like watercoloring, pie-making and more.

All Writers' Workshops and hands-on workshops are free for participants. Registration is not required to attend unless otherwise noted.

Parents attending The Festival also have a chance to bring their children to the Just for Kids room sponsored by Principal ® for fun activities, crafts and storytime throughout the day.

Programming includes an interactive braille introduction course led by the Iowa Department for the Blind and a storytime event with Ruby the Reading Red Panda from the Blank Park Zoo.

“We are excited to sponsor the Just for Kids room and open up opportunities for children to discover the joy of reading as well as other engaging activities,” said Jo Christine Miles, Director, Principal® Foundation and Community Relations. “We encourage families to attend The Festival and take advantage of all the programming elements while enjoying a spring day in Downtown Des Moines.”

The Festival will feature food from local vendors, drinks including craft beer, wine, water, soft drinks and a specially crafted cocktail menu at the bar by Ricochet, and live music. Learn more about food options here. Local merchants, nonprofits and publishers will also have tables on-site.

“The DSM Book Festival’s lineup of renowned authors and engaging programming make it the best book festival in the Midwest,” said Julie Stewart, Vice President of Community Relations at Prairie Meadows. “The community has embraced this Festival and we are excited to experience it with thousands of people in Downtown Des Moines.”

The DSM Book Festival is also supported by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Humanities, Dotdash Meredith, John Ruan Foundation, Prairie Meadows, Polk County, Bankers Trust, NCMIC, BH Companies, Bookpress Publishing, Des Moines Area Community College and Ethan Allen.

The DSM Book Festival will take place on Saturday, March 26 at Capital Square, 400 Locust Street in Downtown DSM. Learn more about the 2022 DSM Book Festival on The Festival’s website.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.

About Downtown, DSM, Inc.

Downtown DSM, Inc. is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes a strong Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking.