Des Moines

Each year, the Fair draws around 1 million visitors through its gates. Has a variety of things to see and do, much of it based around agriculture, the arts and food. At night, the beer tents and Grandstand come alive past performances by Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, The Jackson Five, and Reba McEntire. Park cheaper near the capitol building and take an MTA bus over to the fairgrounds, or park closer in front yards of residents more expensive.

Taste of Des Moines

The one and a half-day event is still in its infancy but is improving each year. The event typically takes place downtown but has been at the zoo in the past. More than 40 vendors--most of which are local--provide food for hungry patrons. It's a good way to try new creations from area restaurants and for not a whole lot of cash. Alcoholic drinks are also available.

Drake University

2507 university ave, (http://www.drake.edu/). founded in 1881 and today offers more than 70 degrees of study through three colleges and three schools. du is the home of the bulldogs and offers division 1-a athletic competition for nearly all varsity sports. home of the drake relays, arguably the nation's top track and field event.

Started in the late-90's after promoters decided to replace the 40-year running "Art in the Park." Attendance of around 250,000 people each year. Over 150 artists--from all over the country--bring their original creations to be seen and purchased. In addition to the various forms of art you'll see, there are also stages offering entertainment and food vendors selling their own edible creations.

World Food Prize

(http://www.worldfoodprize...). the prize has been awarded to individuals from all over the world who contribute their talents to help sustain vital crop land, food resources and technologies, and introduce new methods to help end poverty and maintain crop development--anything to further assist the world food supply. first awarded in 1986 and is the brainchild of former nobel peace prize recipient dr. norman e. borlaug. the symposium is held in october.

AIB College of Business

2500 fleur dr (http://www.aib.edu/). founded in 1921, aib is a non-profit, coeducational two-year college of business which offers associate degree and diploma courses of study.

DJ festival is a hit with 20-somethings and brings better acts as it matures. See more than 50 DJs boom their bass and showcase their freestyle turntable talent. You'll also get a chance to see artists do paintings or graffiti. Alcoholic drinks available.

First Friday and Saturday in July. A new music festival that brings over 40 nationally-known, regional, and local musicians in various genres to downtown Des Moines. As of 2009, two day passes are $80, one day passes $40-50.

Since 1937. Concerts are held at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines in downtown.

Semi-professional soccer team, family friendly games.

Arguably the nation's top outdoor track & field event. Past participants include Michael Johnson, Bruce Jenner, Gwen Torrence, Natasha Kaiser-Brown, and Jeremy Wariner.

Member of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League one level below the Major League's and the top farm team of the Chicago Cubs. The team is consistently near the top of attendance figures each year. Great view of downtown. Usually have fireworks every Friday night.

For those wanting a chance to see the area at their own pace, 300+ mi of trails available for use. The trails are expanding each year and they offer a great way for visitors to see the quieter parts of the area as well as getting a chance to enjoy the outdoors. Cross-country skiing in the winter.

Busy at all times of day, urbanites of all ages come to breath in the fresh air or get in their workout before heading heading home or to their cubicle. 167-acre park with a 1.9-mi paved track encircling the lake. Paddle boats, canoes, sailboats and bikes may be rented. A small beach area for swimming. Restrooms and grills provided, while some fishing and bird watching also takes place around the edges.

Various sports throughout the summer and winter seasons. Summer options include batting cages, go-Karts, sand volleyball, golf, mini golf, driving range, and climbing wall. Winter sports include skiing, snowboarding, and tubing--lifts available for all. Rental equipment available.