Mead Photography

Don Pasquale has been spotted causing a comedic commotion on stage at Des Moines Metro Opera! Come see more comedic and fatal stories performed by the opera company at the Civic Center of Des Moines. You'll enjoy the highest caliber of grand opera entertainment with full-scale productions delivering heart-pounding excitement. Where's your ticket?

Set sail for the skies at The National Balloon Museum located minutes outside of Des Moines. Six thousand visitors come to the museum attraction annually to see high-flying exhibits like the Fantasia Balloon, Hot Air Airship, the Stone Family Balloons and learn about over 200 years of ballooning history.

See the buffalo roam at the Prairie Learning Center, gateway to the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Discover over 5,000 acres of scenic prairie tallgrass, home to herds of buffalo, pheasants as well as native wildflowers and plant life. Visit the world-class 13, 000-square-foot nature center and the Prairie Point Bookstore for memorable souvenirs of your outdoor adventure.

The "Age of Enlightenment" is about to dawn on the Des Moines Renaissance Faire for three weeks of royal jester fun and games and food! Festival goers make new friends with village knights, jousters, blacksmiths, glass blowers, potters, wood carvers and painters. Come hungry and feast on baked goods, smoked meats and roasted nuts and peanuts!