Attend The DSM Book Festival
Experience the DSM Book Festival in Downtown Des Moines (DSM)! Meet nationally-acclaimed authors, engage in exciting discussions, discover new flavors and activities, hear local singers/songwriters and celebrate your favorite stories in a vibrant community celebration.
Giveaways | Raffle | Merchandise | Nonprofits
Vendors | Book Drive
Festival admission is FREE thanks to the DSM Book Festival sponsors. Fees may apply to select hands-on activities and experiences. Upgrade to VIP access during the author presentations for premier seating, an autographed book and more. Additional enhanced workshops with limited seating, as well as admission to the Des Moines Storytellers Project, are also available for purchase with a VIP pass.
Event Details
Date & Time
Saturday, March 30, 2019 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Location
Capital Square, Downtown Des Moines (DSM)
Book Clubs rejoice! We want to make your DSM Book Festival an exciting experience. All registered Book Clubs have the chance to win one of three prize packages. Winners will be drawn at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. from the Hubbell Main Stage at Capital Square during the DSM Book Festival. At least one member of your book club must be present to win. Registration is open until Midnight on March 28, 2019. Register here and find complete rules and regulations.
Prize packages include:
1 p.m. | Coffee Talk
Ten gift certificates to Mars Cafe and Mars Sidebar, each valued at $5. Ten Mars coffee mugs. Total value: $150
3 p.m. | Book Clubs Are Sweet
Ten gift certificates for Beaverdale Books, each certificate valued at $10. One $22 gift certificate to Scratch Cupcakery. Total value: $122
5 p.m. | Books + Beers + Brownies
Ten copies of the book, "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry," a $200 gift certificate to Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Company and 12 brownies from Palmers Deli. Total value: $450
This promotion is sponsored by Beaverdale Books, Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Company, Mars Sidebar and Scratch Cupcakery.
Enter for a chance to win a little library painted by local artist, Chris Vance! Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at The Festival's information booth. Proceeds will support the DSM Book Festival. The winner will be contacted on Tuesday, April 2 and will have one week to make arrangements to claim the prize.
Looking for a souvenir? Festival merchandise will be available for purchase at The Festival. The Side Garage will be on site for an easy, quick and fun way to purchase a T-shirt or tote bag. You get to pick your design, pick your T-shirt and print!
A selection of nonprofit organizations will be at the DSM Book Festival to share information on how they support literacy and reading. Be sure to stop by their booths!
- Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD)
- Drake Community Press
- Everybody Wins! Iowa
- Iowa Association of School Librarians
- Iowa Center for the Book
- Iowa Jewish Historical Society
The Festival will also feature some great vendors on site with products inspired by books, such as book jewelry, keychains, ornaments, recycled book journals, bags, pillows, cards, prints and more!
- The Little Library
- Papercake Creations
- The Permanent Collection
Help Central Iowa kids read to succeed!
The Festival is partnering with United Way of Central Iowa to kick off its Stuff the Bus book drive. All books collected during The Festival will be donated to programs and centers supported by United Way that serve children ages birth to youth. All books purchased from our on-site seller Beaverdale Books will receive a 20% discount off books purchased for the book drive.
Learn more about Stuff the Bus book drive with the United Way Book Drive Toolkit.