A one-of-a-kind festival in the Midwest, putting you face to face with the most interesting thinkers, writers, scholars, and leaders here in Iowa and from across the nation.

The Tallgrass Festival of Ideas is an opportunity to confront the most interesting subjects of our time in a spirit of generosity, openness, and friendship.

Friday-Saturday, August 15-16 | | The Shop | 901 Cherry St.

We are thrilled to announce that Tallgrass: The Des Moines Festival of Ideas is back in its third year!

he only event of its kind in the entire Midwest, where you can learn from, meet, and mingle with some of the brightest, most interesting minds in Iowa and in the nation.

This year's theme: Who Can We Trust?

We're living in a time where trust is suffering in all kinds of ways. We don't trust our institutions, our government, our churches, even our neighbors. We'll explore these various facets of trust. Should we trust medical experts? The media? The government? What would it look like to rebuild and be worthy of trust? What happens when trust breaks down?

Big ideas and the life of the mind belong to everybody, not just elites in big cities, come lend your voice, and join in a celebration of great conversation, art, food, and more!


Attending and participating in the Lyceum’s Festival of Ideas last August was an inspiring and enriching experience. The event featured local artists and businesses, fostered open communication on topics like the Iowa caucus and self-care, and highlighted philosophy’s connection to nature and food, leaving me inspired and eager to get more involved. -Emmeline


Come Back for Updated Schedule and More!

Free yourself from your phone and let’s build a better culture of conversation together.

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