Literary Arts
The Des Moines Arts Festival is proudly expanding its offerings with new programs celebrating the literary arts. From poetry to fiction to songwriting, the Festival is applauding the art of writing. Literary programs will be held at The Roots Stage presented by Cedar Ridge Distillery unless otherwise noted.
Author Patrick Bringley
Saturday, June 27, 11 a.m.
Central Library
The Des Moines Arts Festival has teamed up with the Des Moines Public Library and the Des Moines Art Center to welcome author Patrick Bringley to the 2026 Des Moines Arts Festival.
Bringley is best known for his New York Times bestseller, All the Beauty in the World, a memoir about his time working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The presentation will be at the Central Library, located on the east end of the Festival, on Saturday, June 27 at 11 a.m.
Emerging Artists: Teen Poets
Friday, June 26, 12 – 1 p.m.
Roots Stage presented by Cedar Ridge Distillery
Wonder what youth today have to say? Daniel Umemezie, both the National and Iowa Youth Poet Laureate from Cedar Falls, will be joined by Iowa City’s ICSpeaks youth slam team and teen poets from Ankeny Centennial High School, Carlisle High School, Dowling Catholic High School and Waukee High School.
From Page to Stage: Adult Poetry Out Loud
Saturday, June 27, 1:30 p.m.
Roots Stage presented by Cedar Ridge Distillery
This hour features Iowa Poet Laureate Paul Brooke and Henry Morray, the Iowa Poetry Association State Slam Champion, as well as Des Moines theater actor Alex Schaeffer. A line-up of twelve poets will deliver either original poetry or dramatic readings of original prose poetry. Expect a fast-paced program with a mix of styles and sounds.
Children's Storytime: Yee-haw!
Sunday, June 28, 11:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Roots Stage presented by Cedar Ridge Distillery
Who is an Author? Who is a Storyteller? Bring your little ones (ages 3+) to meet children’s author Rebecca Janni and Des Moines stage performer Ashley Schaeffer. We’ll explore who writes a story and who brings it to life — and how both use imagination. Designed for young audiences, the program includes the performed reading of a children’s book.
Story and a Song
Sunday, June 28, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Roots Stage presented by Cedar Ridge Distillery
A Story & A Song features four local musicians. During this set, each of the musicians will share inspiration behind their songwriting and then play that song. Songwriters include: Chip Albright, Patresa Hartman, Kelsie James, and Madison Ray (of The Finesse). Hosted by Iowa Public Radio.
