2026 welcomes our fifth annual PorchFest DSM, a rolling music festival held on the welcoming front porches of the residents of Union Park in Des Moines, Iowa, on the Sunday after Labor Day. This family friendly, free event will feature 21musical acts from a variety of genres performing throughout the century-old neighborhood surrounding beautiful Union Park. Festival attendees can migrate from one performance to the next and sit a spell on front lawns and sidewalks to enjoy 45 minute sets of live music.

Wear good walking shoes, feel free to bring a lawn chair or blanket, sunscreen and/or a rain poncho. 

If you're able, please bring cash to tip your favorite musicians! Your support of the Des Moines music community is what makes our Porchfest possible every year ♥️

In case of rain or other inclement weather, Porchfest DSM will attempt to let the show go on as long as our musicians and organizers feel it's safe to do so.

Electricity and water don't mix well at all, so we're crossing our fingers and toes to keep the heavy rain away this year!

Maps of porches and performers will be available at the event, here at porchfestdsm.org, and also on our Facebook page.

Street parking is available in Union Park streets and parking lots, Birdland Marina (subject to construction schedule), and on-street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.

Please do not plan to arrive or leave on any streets we will be closing from noon to 5pm, these streets will be open to residents only. See our maps for more information.

Travelling by bike? We're just a few blocks from the Neal Smith bike trail on Pennsylvania Avenue just blocks away from the music.

Need help getting to our neighborhood? You can find more information here

What is PorchFest?

PorchFest is a national grass-roots movement connecting local musicians with a porch where they can perform for an hour while attendees stop to listen, all the while connecting with neighbors and friends. Bikers, runners, skaters, scooters, strollers, packs of friends, or just come on your own, all are welcome to participate!

Local homeowners have an opportunity to host a solo artist or ensemble, needing only to be able to provide a porch and a connection to an electrical outlet for the event.

PorchFest DSM highlights the breadth of musical talent in Central Iowa and brings important attention to historic Union Park. It is our vision that this event become an annual experience that will highlight different historical districts throughout the Des Moines Metroplex. 

Thank you to our amazing 2026 sponsors!