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DSM Book Festival Announces Hands-On Workshops, Writers' Workshops and Children's Activities

March 4, 2022

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (March 4, 2022) – The DSM Book Festival has announced more of the schedule for the upcoming 2022 event, set to take place on Saturday, March 26 in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) at Capital Square. In addition to the previously announced headlining authors series, The Festival lineup will include Writers' Workshops events, interactive hands-on workshops and kids’ programming.

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 range from the future of journalism to science fiction writing to the publishing process.

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 Greater Des Moines (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 over to the Just for Kids room sponsored by Principal ® for fun activities, crafts and storytimes 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. More children’s activities will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We are excited to announce programming that will enhance the experience of this community-wide festival,” said Jerrica Marshall, Downtown Placemaking Manager at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “The DSM Book Festival will provide activities for people who have various interests, whether they want to hear from renowned authors, learn to hone their creative craft, enjoy the energy of The Festival with friends and family or just looking for some new book recommendations. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy.”

The DSM Book Festival previously announce all headlining authors for the event, including:

  • 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

In addition to the acclaimed headlining author series, workshop events and kids’ activities, the DSM Book Festival will feature food, drink, live music performances and more. Additional programming highlights will be announced continuously in the days leading up to the event. VIP packages are also available for purchase. VIPs will receive a copy or copies of books from each author, premier seating for presentations, a DSM Book Festival commemorative item, complimentary beverage(s), a 10% off coupon for Beaverdale Books, and access to The Festival’s VIP Suite sponsored by Bankers Trust.

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, Principal, NCMIC, BH Companies, Bookpress Publishing and Des Moines Area Community College.

“We are excited to see the community come together for the 2022 DSM Book Festival,” said Erica Jensen, SVP, Chief Communications Officer at Dotdash Meredith. “The Festival will bring renowned authors to Downtown Des Moines and offer activities, food, drinks and more in a vibrant festival-like atmosphere that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and all backgrounds.”

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.