DES MOINES, Iowa — The Avenues' annual block party, Ingersoll Live, is bringing live music and family-friendly fun to one of Des Moines' most well-known neighborhoods this weekend.
Whether you're looking to catch a concert or volunteer alongside other music lovers, the event is a haven for all things art in the metro.
"It's a true celebration of our community, of our district, of our neighborhood," said Lauren Kollauf, the executive director of the Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand. "We've been doing this party for almost 20 years now."
Kollauf's a big fan of this year's opening act: The Isiserettes Drill & Drum Corp, who will perform in the street.
"I just have really great memories of hearing The Isiserettes kicking it off, and reminding me to walk down Ingersoll to check out the event," she said.
Here's what you need to know about Ingersoll Live 2023.
When and where is Ingersoll Live? Does it cost money for tickets?
Ingersoll Live is completely free to attend, though there are plenty of tasty treats and vendor items that you can purchase at the event.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 26 from 3 to 10 p.m.
- Where: 2800 block of Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines
Click here to view a map of the different stages and areas.
Who is performing this year?
There are four possible places to watch free live music at Ingersoll Live. The west stage, east stage, community stage and pop-up performance area all have multiple performances scheduled for throughout the day.
Community stage (located in the Wells Fargo parking lot):
- 3:30 p.m.: CityVoices
- 4:30 p.m.: B. Well Foundation
- 5:30 p.m.: Des Moines Playhouse presents “Once”
- 6:30 p.m.: Girls Rock!
Pop-up performances
- 4 p.m.: Devine Dancers
- 5 p.m.: Des Moines Breakerz
- 6:30 p.m.: Belly Dancers
- 7:30 p.m.: Heartland Swing
West stage:
- 5 p.m.: Ducharme Jones
- 7:30 p.m.: Heath Alan Band
East stage:
- 6 p.m.: Parranderos Latin Combo
- 8:30 p.m.: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Can kids attend?
Yes.
The event is completely family-friendly, and there's even a kids zone located just south of the east stage.
From face painting to mini golf, there are plenty of free things for children to do at the 2023 Ingersoll Live event.
Below is a full list of kids activities:
- Balloon twisting by Storm Entertainment
- Face painting by Ariel Paints
- Inflatables
- Mini golf by Pop-Up Games
- Kids Train
- Painting and pennants presented by the Des Moines Art Center
What other things are there to do at Ingersoll Live?
If you need a break from all that music, head on down to Ingersoll Live's artist village, where numerous art vendors are showing off their creations.
There's also plenty of business and community vendors on location, including Local 5.
What is there to eat?
With all that free fun comes a big appetite. Luckily, Ingersoll Live's got you covered.
There are multiple pop-up restaurants and food trucks to check out, including:
- Lachele’s Battle Bus
- Kona Ice
- Karam’s Grill
- Sabores de Mexico
- Crème
- DonutNV
- Gusto Pizza Bar
How can I be a part of the event?
If you want to do more than just attend, Ingersoll Live is still looking for volunteers to help run the inflatables or float between areas as needed.
Click here to sign up for a shift.