July 31, 2026

The Botanical Garden hosts an opening reception for Wild & Wonderful, a group exhibition by Iowa artists on view in the Evergreen Gallery, held during tonight's Extended Summer Evenings. Visitors can enjoy light refreshments and meet the artists behind the all-botanical show in person.

Good to know: Included with general admission; members get in free. Tickets can be prepurchased online.

When: Friday, July 31, 2026, 5:00-7:00 PM CDT. Where: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Juniper/Agave Room in the Evergreen Gallery.

Source: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

The Des Moines Art Center's weekly Museum Highlights Tour offers a guided walk through standout paintings and sculptures from the permanent collection, led by a knowledgeable guide who unpacks the stories and techniques behind the work on view.

Good to know: Free; no registration required. Offered every Saturday from 1-2 PM.

When: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 1:00-2:00 PM CDT. Where: Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave.

Source: Des Moines Art Center.

Adults are invited to the Art Center's monthly Art for Brunch meetup, an informal discussion where a docent guides conversation around a single work of art. No art background is needed; the Art Center Cafe is open before or after for coffee and pastries.

Good to know: Free; registration required.

When: Sunday, August 2, 2026, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM CDT. Where: Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave.

Source: Des Moines Art Center.

The Art Center's Creative Aging program brings adults age 55 and older together for a docent-led discussion focused on a single work of art, followed by informal social time with coffee and tea. The monthly series is designed to build community connections while supporting cognitive health.

Good to know: Free; registration required, with sessions offered at both 12 PM and 2 PM. Gallery seating is limited.

When: Tuesday, August 4, 2026, sessions at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM CDT. Where: Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave.

Source: Des Moines Art Center.

The Art Center's August Social Saturday centers on a Silent Disco, alongside studio crafts, a scavenger hunt, storytime, a guided tour, and treats from the Art Center Cafe. The free family event spans the museum's galleries, lobby, and Art School studios.

Good to know: Free to attend; no registration required. The Silent Disco itself runs 12-2 PM within the broader 11 AM-2 PM event window.

When: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM CDT. Where: Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave.

Source: Des Moines Art Center.

Art Spectrums gives children and teens ages 5 to 18 on the autism spectrum, along with their families, a chance to explore the Art Center's galleries and then create their own artwork in the studio inspired by what they saw. The monthly program pairs a guided gallery visit with hands-on making.

Good to know: Free; registration required.

When: Sunday, August 9, 2026, 1:00-3:00 PM CDT. Where: Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave.

Source: Des Moines Art Center.

The Art Center offers a free guided tour of Topographies: Mapping Being and Belonging, on view in the Anna K. Meredith Gallery through September 20. The exhibition explores how visual mapping describes the natural and human-made features of a place.

Good to know: Free; no registration required.

When: Saturday, August 15, 2026, 1:00-2:00 PM CDT. Where: Des Moines Art Center, Anna K. Meredith Gallery.

Source: Des Moines Art Center.

The Des Moines Art Center's Museum Shop runs a week-long jewelry sale, discounting every piece in the case by 15%. Members can stack the sale with their standing 10% shop discount for 25% off.

Good to know: Members can combine discounts for 25% off jewelry; standard Museum Shop hours apply.

When: Tuesday, August 18 - Sunday, August 23, 2026, during Museum Shop hours. Where: Des Moines Art Center, Museum Shop.

Source: Des Moines Art Center.