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Tours

1. My-owa Tours

   • Arts + Entertainment

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     1. Downtown Des Moines

        Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines, IA, USA
        
        As the fastest growing metro area in the Midwest, Des Moines is an exciting hotspot of business, culture, and economic growth. Check out the Des Moines Art Center, a plethora of fantastic restaurants, and coming soon... a city-wide Adventure Park featuring downtown zip-lining and whitewater rafting!

        
        Des Moines Visitor Information

     2. Holi Spring Festival

        High Street, Grinnell, IA, USA
        
        Grinnell students celebrate Holi, a Hindu spring festival, at an off-campus residence.

     3. Hinterland Music Festival

        Hinterland Music Festival, St Charles Rd, Saint Charles, IA, USA
        
        Every August, Hinterland draws the biggest up-and-coming artists in indie rock, country, and Americana to a tranquil outdoor amphitheater outside Des Moines. 2018 artists included CHVRCHES, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Band of Horses, and Sturgill Simpson (to name a few).

     4. Des Moines Performing Arts Center

        Des Moines Civic Center, Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA, USA
        
        Des Moines Performing Arts Center hosts a fantastic array of homegrown and travelling shows and events — from Hamilton to Food Truck Tuesdays, Dear Evan Hansen and the Dance Theater of Harlem.

        
        Des Moines Performing Arts Center Events

     5. Iowa State Fair

        Iowa State Fairgrounds, East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, USA
        
        The Iowa State Fair is among the largest and most iconic state fairs in the country. In addition to concerts, agricultural contests, and the world famous Butter Cow, the State Fair is home to over 70 varieties of (mostly fried) food on a stick.

        
        Iowa State Fair Information

     6. Jazz Festival

        The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
        
        Grinnellians attend the University of Iowa Jazz Festival in summer 2018.

     7. Englert Theater

        Englert Civic Theatre, East Washington Street, Iowa City, IA, USA
        
        A perfect weekend adventure: traveling to Iowa City to see a live concert at the Englert Theater. 

     8. 80/35 Music Festival

        80/35 Music Festival, Pleasant Street, Des Moines, IA, USA
        
        Named after the interstate highways that cross through Des Moines, the annual 80/35 Music Festival is not to be missed. Photo: Courtney Barnett performs.

     9. Saint Motel Concert

        Wooly's, East Locust Street, Des Moines, IA, USA
        
        A picture with the lead singer of Saint Motel after their concert at Wooly's, a popular concert venue in Des Moines.

        
        Events at Wooly's Des Moines

     10. Grinnell Arts Council

         Grinnell Area Arts Council, Broad Street, Grinnell, IA, USA
         
         Grinnell students at “Stew Fest” (stew-tasting and community building), as well as performing in a 2017 production of Godspell at the downtown Grinnell Arts Council.

     11. Pappajohn Sculpture Park

         Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, USA
         
         The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a free, public, open-air sculpture museum that houses work by 22 of the world’s most acclaimed artists.

         
         John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park

     12. Old Capital Museum

         Old Capitol Museum, North Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA, USA
         
         Students visit the Old Capital Museum at the site of the former state capital in Iowa City.

     13. Strand 3 Theatres

         921 Main St, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
         
         Located in the heart of downtown Grinnell, the Strand is a popular spot for students to catch a movie. Keep an eye out for free movie nights sponsored by the College throughout the year!

         
         What's playing?

     14. Banda MS Concert

         Val Air Ballroom
         
         Grinnell students attend a Banda MS concert at the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines.

     15. American Gothic House Center

         9654, 300 American Gothic St, Eldon, IA 52554, USA
         
         Come see the site that inspired American Gothic, Grant Wood’s seminal work of regionalist art. Admission is free and costumes are available to recreate your own version of the iconic scene!

         
         American Gothic House Visitor Information

     16. Riverside Theatre

         213 N Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52245, USA
         
         Madison S. and Lily F., both ’20, and Ahon G. ’21 attend Rachel Edwards Harvith’s production of THE 39 STEPS at Iowa City’s only professional theater.

         
         Riverside Theatre

     17. Hancher Auditorium

         141 East Park Rd, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
         
         Performing arts space in Iowa City! Pictured: a live podcast taping of “Lovett or Leave It.”

     18. Pod Save America Live Show

         1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA
         
         At the historic Hoyt Sherman Place!